The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of the Annapurna region, offering trekkers a diverse tapestry of landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Suitable for beginner trekkers, this short 10-day ABC trek plan is carefully crafted to provide safety, comfort, and a sustainable trekking experience.
Short ABC Trek Highlights:
- Short and suitable for all kinds of trekkers to experience the Annapurna Region.
- Explore the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara, surrounded by serene lakes.
- Immerse yourself in the rich Gurung culture as you trek through the traditional villages in the ABC route.
- Soothe your muscles in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, a perfect relaxation spot on your descent.
- Reach Machapuchare Base Camp, a scenic viewpoint offering close-up views of the iconic Fishtail Mountain.
- Attain the climax of your trek at Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of towering peaks, including Annapurna I.
Located at an elevation of 4,130m (13,550 feet) above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp is rich in culture and landscapes.
This trek also offers spectacular views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks.
Following the short route to reach both Machhapuchre Base Camp & Annapurna Base Camp, it only takes 6 days to complete the trek. Here is an outline itinerary of 10 Days ABC trek:
- Day 1: Arrival Day at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport
- Day 2: Drive to Pokhara & Explore City
- Day 3: Drive to Siwai by private vehicle & trek to Chhomrong
- Day 4: Trek to Dovan
- Day 5: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Day 6: Hike to ABC 4,130m early morning and trek down to Dovan
- Day 7: Trek to Jhinu Danda 1,760m (Hot Spring) from Dovan
- Day 8: Trek back to Siwai & Drive to Pokhara
- Day 9: Drive Back to Kathmandu
- Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu
Cost inclusions
- Private vehicle for airport arrival and departure
- Two-night hotel (star hotel) in Kathmandu on the basis of twin sharing with breakfast
- Two-night hotel (star hotel) in Pokhara
- Tourist bus ticket (Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- Taxi to/from bus park
- Private vehicle from Pokhara to Siwai
- Private vehicle from Siwai to Pokhara (after trekking)
- Lodge accommodation on mountain during trekking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during trekking
- Fresh fruits with dinner
- ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION AREA PROJECT (ACAP) permit
- TREKKERS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TIMS) cards for trekking
- Authentic licensed, English speaking experienced trekking guide
- One porter for two trekkers
- Guide and Porter's salary, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance
- Government and local taxes
- Water purification
- Farewell dinner at one of the reputed restaurant
Cost exclusions
- Travel insurance
- All kinds of soft and hard drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery charge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, hot shower on the lodge, heater, phone calls, etc
- Tips for guide and porter
- Any additional night stay in hotels in case an early return from the trek or an extended stay in Nepal
Itinerary
Pristine Nepal Treks & Expedition representative will receive you at the airport upon your arrival.
You will then transfer to the deluxe hotel located in Thamel.
In the evening you will meet with your guide & will be briefly described the trekking. Afterward, you are free to explore the Thamel.
Today you will drive to Pokhara by tourist bus with scenic beauty on the way. The journey passes through farm villages and towns with views of beautiful mountains.
After you reach Pokhara you will then transfer to your hotel near the pristine and beautiful Phewa Lake where most of the nice hotels are located.
Early morning after breakfast you will drive to Siwai by private vehicle. After three hours of drive, you will reach to Siwai & finally from there your first day of trek starts.
The first 42 km to Nayapul from Pokhara has a good road and another 16 km to Siwai is a rough road. You will trek through the Modi River Valley. Modi River comes from the Annapurna base camp. The first four hours of trekking is easy, it’s just a gradual trail.
After a high suspension bridge nearby Jhinu Danda, it will be stepping uphill to Chhomrong for two hours. Then overnight at Chhomrong.
Today we will walk downhill to a river, then crossing a short bridge we will head up to reach at Sinuwa at 2,360m. It is a lonely spot with few shops and nice lodges.
The trek from here leads into the beautiful forested area of oaks-rhododendron and pines trees. Then after a short steep descent to Bamboo, a small settlement with 5-6 lodges can be seen. Then after an hour, it is a slow climb that brings at Dovan.
After a nice overnight stop at Dovan with the sound of raging Modi River, morning walk leads higher through a thickly forested area.
We will have a delicious lunch after reaching Deurali. After lunch, we will trek higher leaving the tree lines behind following the raging glacial Modi River all the way to Machhapuchare base camp. It is at 3,700 m high where we will have an overnight stop.
Finally, we will head into the famous and picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary where Annapurna Base Camp is located.
After a few hours of pleasant walk brings you to the highest spot of this adventure at Annapurna base camp. Similarly, in the afternoon, we will relax with the views of Annapurna I 8,091m, Annapurna South 7,219m, Gangapurna 7,455m, and Annapurna III 7,555m, including Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish-tail) 6,993m stretch up towards Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli and Fluted Peaks or Singu Chuli.
Today you will climb uphill to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. At Chhomorong you will have lunch.
After Chomrong, it is a short climb to the top ridge where we will change our direction to reach Pokhara. We will trek to Jhinu village for an overnight stop, located on a ridge with a view of surrounding landscapes.
Likewise, after a short descent of 25 minutes reaches you at hot-spring by the Modi River. Overnight stay in Jhinu Dada.
Today you will trek for four hours to Siwai and drive back to Pokhara by private vehicle & stay overnight.
Depart from lovely Pokhara for the interesting and exciting overland journey to Kathmandu after a fantastic time at Annapurna Base Camp trek.
After six to seven hours of nice pleasant ride reaches you at Kathmandu. We will then transfer to your hotels after your arrival.
(Option by air takes 30 minutes of scenic flight to Pokhara with alluring views of mountains and landscapes)
If it’s departure day for you then we will drop you to the airport as per your flight time. It will be our pleasure to make your trip memorable and wonderful. You can always contact us because we are there for you.
If it’s not a departure day then we can have a discussion about your future trip or anything else.
Gears & Equipment List
Planning and Preparation are very important to have a safe and sustainable experience while trekking. Focusing only on fitness is not what you should be doing to prepare for the trek, instead, there are so many key factors that you should consider before leaving for the trek.
Things like gear & equipment, mental preparation, budgeting, planning itinerary, acclimatization, safety & other important factors are necessary to avoid trekking errors. Here are some important factors to plan & prepare for a safe & sustainable trek in Nepal:
Gears & Equipment: Packing list for EBC
Packing the right gear & equipment can save you from any unnecessary expenses. To make it easy for you, here is the checklist of the packing list for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Clothing gear for the trek
Down jackets
Trekking boots
Long sleeve t-shirts
Gortex-waterproof
windproof jackets
Hiking socks
Beanie
UV rays protected sunglasses
Nylon windproof pants Nylon
windproof pants
Water bottles
Gloves
Neck gaiter
Essential gears for the trek
Duffle bag (It is provided by us without extra charges if you trek with us)
Minimum 40L daypack for carrying essential items during the trek
Water bottles or Camelbak (Hydration bladder)
Sleeping bags
Trekking poles
Quick dry trekking towels
Toiletries Items
Toilet paper
Soap
Shampoo Diaper
Rash cream
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Lip balm
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Hairbrush
Foods and Snacks
Snacks (which include chocolate bars and Protein & carb-containing foods)
Thermos (For storing hot water for a longer time)
Re-hydration powder (To stay hydrated)
Important Documents
Passport (It is needed for entry gate registration)
Visa
Travel Insurance
Additional Supplies
Portable solar charger/power bank
Playing cards or any other games
DSLR cameras
Book
What can you rent in Thamel, Kathmandu for your trek?
In Thamel, Kathmandu, we can recommend several rental shops where you can rent a Down Jacket, sleeping bag, and Trekking Pole, and buy the remaining gear too. We also offer quality sleeping bag rental service.
I am Vegan, what extra things should I pack for the trek?
If you are a vegan, it is strongly recommended to bring additional protein bars or snacks for the trek. The cost of snacks in the trekking trail will be expensive, so prepare accordingly.
More Details
Accommodations and Foods on the Trekking Trail:
When trekking along a trail, especially in remote or mountainous regions, you can expect various types of accommodations depending on the area and the level of development. The most common word for accommodation that is used in the high-altitude trekking trail is “Tea House”.
What is a Tea House?
A tea house, particularly in the context of trekking in Nepal, refers to a type of lodging establishment commonly found along popular trekking routes. These tea houses are usually family-run guesthouses or lodges that cater to trekkers and provide basic accommodation and meals.
Tea houses are typically built using local materials such as stone, wood, and tin roofs. They offer a range of facilities including bedrooms with twin beds or dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, communal dining areas, and basic sanitation facilities such as shared toilets and sometimes hot showers.
In addition to accommodation, tea houses also serve meals, snacks, and beverages to trekkers, often including a variety of local and international dishes. They may also offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, charging facilities for electronic devices, and small shops selling basic supplies and souvenirs at a small cost.
Tea houses play a crucial role in supporting trekking tourism in Nepal by providing comfortable and affordable lodging options for trekkers, allowing them to rest and refuel during their journeys through the mountains.
Foods & Drinks in Trekking Trail:
Food costs are usually included in the cost inclusion which is why you will get Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner during the trek at tea houses. Usually, your trip package covers three-course meals, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & seasonal fruits with 3 times Tea or Coffees per day. However, any kind of beverage drinks or desserts, snacks, or alcoholic beverages is not included.
It is also important to note that the food options are limited at higher elevations and some foods may not be available. Food options like vegan or veg can also be found in tea houses which is good news for vegans/vegetarians However, you may lack protein which is why we recommend you bring extra protein bars with you.
During Lunch, you can have your own choice of meal from Continental, Chinese, Indian, & Nepali Cuisine in Everest. Guide & Porters are served with Dal Vat Tarkari, a typical Nepali food that includes rice, lentil soup & vegetable curry.
Similarly, since you will be trekking after eating lunch, we highly suggest you eat food with high amounts of carbohydrates which gives you energy as there will be no shop in the way so that you can buy snacks.
The menu price will be different in each tea house which is why don’t let it bother you.
Best Time to Trek
Trekking in Nepal offers the best experience to any adventurer visually as well as mentally with breathtaking landscapes, majestic Himalayas, histories, local traditions, & others. However, experiencing those meaningful & memorable events falls under different months and seasons.
Even though the months of Spring & Autumn season are considered the best time to trek in Nepal, there are other months of Monsoon & Winter seasons that you may want to consider. Aside from the trekking experience, there are events, festivals, and local traditions that you can experience.
Let’s explore the best times to trek in Nepal, along with the highlights and considerations for each season that may meet your expectations:
Spring Trekking in Nepal (March-May)
Spring is arguably one of the most popular seasons for trekking in Nepal. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with warmer temperatures and blooming flora painting the hillsides in vibrant hues.
During this period, several festivals and events take place, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nepalese culture and traditions. Here are some notable events that occur in Nepal during the spring season, organized by month:
March:
Holi: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, usually falling in March, Holi is a colorful festival known as the “Festival of Colors.”
Ghode Jatra: Ghode Jatra, or the “Festival of Horses,” is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, particularly at the Tundikhel grounds in Kathmandu. This event features horse parades, races, and various cultural performances.
April:
Bisket Jatra: Bisket Jatra is a traditional New Year festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley. The highlight of the festival is the pulling of chariots carrying the images of various deities, accompanied by music, dance, and cultural rituals.
Buddha Jayanti: Also known as Buddha Purnima, this festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. Devotees visit Buddhist shrines and monasteries to offer prayers, light butter lamps, and participate in religious ceremonies.
May:
Rato Machhendranath Jatra: Held annually in Lalitpur, the Rato Machhendranath Jatra is one of Nepal’s longest and most vibrant chariot festivals. A towering chariot carrying the idol of the deity Rato Machhendranath is pulled through the streets by devotees, accompanied by music and dance performances.
Seto Machhendranath Jatra: Similar to the Rato Machhendranath Jatra, the Seto Machhendranath Jatra is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, particularly in Kathmandu and Patan. The festival honors the deity Seto Machhendranath, and devotees gather to pull the chariot housing his idol, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Nepal during the spring season. After completing your trekking in Nepal, you can take part in these events if you like.
Monsoon Trekking in Nepal (June to September)
During the monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September, Nepal experiences heavy rainfall and humid conditions, especially in the southern regions. This period, also known as the summer season, brings both challenges and opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Ropain: Ropain, also known as the rice planting festival, is celebrated by farmers across Nepal in June. It marks the beginning of the rice planting season and is observed with traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Teej: Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women in Nepal, usually in August or September. It is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and involves fasting, singing, dancing, and offering prayers for the well-being of spouses and families
Gai Jatra: Gai Jatra, meaning the “Cow Festival,” is celebrated in August in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a festival of dancing, singing, and processions, where families who have lost loved ones during the year parade cows through the streets to honor the deceased and bring them peace in the afterlife.
Indra Jatra: Indra Jatra is one of the most important festivals in Kathmandu, celebrated in September. It honors the Hindu god Indra, the god of rain, and is marked by colorful processions, masked dances, and cultural performances.
These are just a few of the festivals and events that take place in Nepal during the monsoon season.
Trekking in Autumn season
Nepal’s autumn season, spanning from September to November, is widely regarded as the best time to visit the country for trekking and outdoor adventures.
With clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning mountain views, autumn offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here’s what you can expect during Nepal’s autumn season:
Chhath Puja: Chhath Puja, a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Surya, is observed by people of the Terai region in November. Devotees offer prayers and offerings to the rising and setting sun, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Mani Rimdu: In November, the Sherpa community in the Everest region celebrates Mani Rimdu, a colorful Buddhist festival that includes masked dances, religious ceremonies, and the imparting of blessings by lamas. Visitors to the region can witness this unique cultural
Winter Trekking in Nepal
Nepal’s winter season, spanning from December to February, offers a unique and enchanting experience for travelers seeking a different perspective on the Himalayan nation.
Christmas and New Year: December marks the festive season worldwide, and Nepal is no exception. Kathmandu and other major cities come alive with colorful decorations, Christmas markets, and special events to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year.
Makar Sankranti: In mid-January, Nepalis celebrate Makar Sankranti, a festival marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
While the higher Himalayan regions experience cold temperatures and snowfall, Nepal’s lower valleys and plains enjoy milder weather, making it a comfortable time to explore cultural sites, wildlife reserves, and vibrant cities.
