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Annapurna Base Camp trek
This 17 day trekking trip begins in Kathmandu, takes you on a 12 day lodged trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (which sits inside the Annapurna Sanctuary) and transits back through the relaxed lake side town of Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp itself is right at the heart of the Annapurna Himal and if you trekked around the Annapurna Circuit, you would completely circumnavigate the Annapurna Base Camp without actually seeing it; it is surrounded on 3 sides by glacial terrain.
Download this useful map of the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary and information
Having flown into Kathmandu, this journey really begins with a drive through the Nepalese countryside to Phedi, the start point of your trek. It's a gentle introduction up through Damphus and on through Landruk, Chomrung and onto Sinuwa. By now you will have seen and appreciated that this region exists naturally; the local people would live here regardless if trekkers came through or not. The Modi Khola river flows down from the glacier that runs along side the Annapurna Base Camp and you will pick up this very deep valley early on and see just how vast the hillside terracing extends.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a small area that begins at Chomrung and runs up to the Annapurna Base Camp. It is a protected area that allows no plastic bottles; all water that is sold is purified using filters.
This trekking region represents the real Nepal; self sufficient and very rural. An absolute joy to experience.
Chomrung is a deceptively large village that is perched on the hillside facing the entrance to the large steep gully that leads up to the Base Camp as if to guard it! The ascent is a good 3 days and if the condition of the group is good, you can ascend to ABC and stay there. If not, you can stay at a lower altitude and walk up to Annapurna Base Camp pre-dawn to watch the sun rise over the surrounding peaks (the former is recommended).
Once you have descended out of the Modi Khola, it is time to contour around and trek through the dense and beautiful rhododendron forests that engulfs Tadapani. It is then onto Ghorepani, gateway to Poon Hill, which is a photographers dream at sunrise. This prominent point overlooks two major mountain ranges: the Annapurna Massif and the Dhaulagiri range.
From here it is just 2 more trekking days and you will have reached Naya Pul; a 90 min drive back to Pokhara and a well earned rest. Pokhara is the perfect place to recharge your batteries; it is tranquil and yet full of life. There is plenty to do whether it be microliting, paragliding or just lazing about in the excellent resort. Finally, it's back to Kathmandu, a final shopping opportunity or browsing around before your flight home.
Mannapurna Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, The Annapurna Trekking Experience
