Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk
Trip Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk village is an incredible route to Annapurna Base Camp. This route is relatively short than via Poon Hill. Annapurna Base Camp trek is to explore the incredible beauty of the amazing Mt. Annapurna and other beautiful mountains nearby it. It features surprisingly various landscapes includes beautiful forests, farmland, river basin, and the magnificent alpine zone.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk provides an opportunity to explore some of the lovely mountain villages. These villages are the habitat of the Gurung and Magar community. Gurung and Magargs are the backbones of Gurkha soldiers. Their bravery is famous, nevertheless, in their villages, they’re a number of the foremost friendly individuals you’ll ever meet. In Ghandruk village, you may dress up in cultural Gurung cloths, study their culture and customs.
ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) is also famous in the name of Annapurna Sanctuary is like a piece of heaven rounded by beautiful snowy mountains. The tallest mountain here is, Mount Annapurna I rising to an elevation of 8,091 meters/ 26545 feet. It is the 10th highest mountain in the world. The other striking mountain here is Mount Fishtail locally named by Machhapuchare. The others mountains are Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang and Tent Peak.
Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk starts from Nayapul, a short distance from Pokhara, the city of lakes. You will start hiking from a lowland area with rice terraces and eventually goes uphill to reach Ghandruk village. The trail from Ghandruk to Chomrong is a long walk along the mountain before it dips into the forest and continues up the other side of the valley. During the trek you can see woodpeckers, babblers, and minivets, and also hear the calls of a plenitude of birds.
The walk from Chomrong, first of all down the wonderful stone stairs, then pass the suspension bridge across the Chomrong Khola with a view of Annapurna South to the left and the river roaring down to the right. Then you climb up to the crest of the mountain before plunging into a forest of about-to-flower rhododendron trees, oak, and bamboo.
Further, you continue walking along the Modi River near Machhapuchre Base Camp. From Machhapuchare Base Camp it is a short walk to reach Annapurna Base Camp. After the visit to Annapurna Base Camp, you retrace your journey all the way down to Nayapul via Jhinu Danda. From Nayapul you catch a drive to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Best time of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
ABC trek can be done year-round. The most favored seasons are autumn (From September to November) and spring (From March to May). During this period the daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with a temperature between 5 C to 2 C. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but the temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, and Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.
Price of Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk
Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is a leading operator of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking run by local experts and Sherpas of Nepal. We are pleased to offer the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package at the price of USD 625 Per Person for a group size of two persons in a private tour basis. For the solo trekker, we have a separate special price.
The given 11 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost includes accommodation in every place, food during trekking, trekking guide, trekking permit, all ground transportation, local taxes etc.
Apart from the package, we also provide individual services like only mountain guide hire, porter hire, hotel booking, trekking permit issue etc. We offer the best rate for individual services. Please contact us for the rate.
Itinerary
Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. He/She will be displaying play card with your name written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced your guide and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and handover a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at a hotel.
Our trekking guide will pick you up at the hotel at 6:15 am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. This is 7 hrs scenic drives through mountain terrain. On the way, the bus stops for half an hour for lunch. Then drive continues till you reach Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful valley and gateway to Annapurna Trekking. Evening you enjoy strolling around Lakeside street market. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast, you will take a 1-hour drive to Nayapul. Nayapul is the trekking starting point of Annapurna Base Camp. You begin your trekking with following the trail drops down to Birethanti village by crossing the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi River. Then, the trail winds along the Modi River and the trail is flat up till Syauli Bazaar. Leaving the river bank, you then hike on a winding path till Kimche. From Kimche, the trail further ascends towards Ghandruk, after crossing Chane. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you start trekking with a following of the bank of the Modi River. You ascend for a while then leaving the river behind, you climb towards the huge boulders. After the pass of the boulder, you cross the bridge over the Kimrong River and climb a steep trail that will take you to Chhomrong. Before Chhomrong you visit the place called Jhinu Danda. From Chhomrong you step down to cross the Chhomrong River. After that, you hike up Sinuwa enjoying the view of bamboo, rhododendron and oak forest. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Sinuwa, you continue to walk by ascending to Kuldi (2470m). From here you enter the upper Modi valley. Then you descend a long steep on a stone staircase to Bamboo (2310m). From Bamboo, you again climb continuously through stands of bamboo and rhododendron forests to arrive at Dobhan. Leaving Dobhan you cross a stream and across a landslide. In the forest, you find a small temple dedicated to Baraha, a local deity, where local people leave offerings of flowers and clothes. You climb past a cascade over a rock platform, then passing another temple of Shiva you arrive at two lodges in a deep gorge named both by Himalaya Hotel. Continue walking on a rocky trail through forests then up a steep ravine to Hinku Cave (3100m). From Hinku the trail crosses the remnants of a glacier then climbs through large boulders to Deurali. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Above Deurali the valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates of the sanctuary as the mountains really start to kick in. You follow the path that diverts to the east side of the valley and climbs through an unusual mix of bamboo and birch then arrive at Bagar. From Bagar you climb across more avalanche paths through a sparse birch forest. Cross a moraine and descend to a stream. Then following a stone staircase you arrive at Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m). From Machhapuchhare Base Camp the trail follows a stream then climbs to a few huts where shepherds graze their sheep during summer. Before long you can see the hotels of base camp and soon after you reach Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). Annapurna Base Camp is surrounded by mountains so it is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary. From here you will have superb views of Annapurna Himalayan range at 360-degree level. For viewpoint, you will walk to the west which is marked by prayer flag from here you get a spectacular view over the glacier. For a fine valley overview, you can also climb the southern slopes behind the mountain lodges. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
Today you wake up early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise over Annapurna and surrounding mountains. After breakfast retrace your steps to Bamboo passing through Machhapuchare Base Camp, Hinko, Himalaya Hotel and Dobhan. Although it takes almost 7 hours of walking it is not difficult since it is downhill trekking. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then you climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda. Today you will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which are just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe your aching body. Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Jhinu Danda you walk at the right side of Modi Khola and come to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek. Then move to Nayapul. From Nayapul after 1 hour of drive, you arrive at Pokhara. Relax at the hotel. Evening enjoys strolling around the lakeside street market. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast, you walk to the tourist bus station with a trekking guide. The bus leaves Pokhara at 7 A.M. You will reach Kathmandu around 2 pm. The rest of the day at leisure/ you can do some last minute souvenirs shopping for your family and friends. Evening you will be offered farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances at typical Nepali Restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Travel Tips
The best season and most favored time of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking) is autumn (From Mid September till November end) and spring (From the beginning of March until mid-May). During this period daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with a temperature between 5 C to -20 C. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the Summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.
All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months validity, recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
| Multiple entries | 15 days | US$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
| Multiple entries | 90 days | US$ 125 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with a playcard with your name written on it. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in a local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).
In the case of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we offer you a tourist standard hotel unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.
In the trail of Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking, it’s commonly available of Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake, and another continental as well as Indian foods.
Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water, and even beer are common along the route but the price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.
The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Annapurna Base Camp trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you with skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you in the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or crossbreeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.
Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in a local restaurant. Then continue walking for your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time, you may explore the surrounding village, doing a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have a dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for a well-earned sleep.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.
At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness is don’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.
We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen in the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.
The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you pack only what is necessary.
Important Items : Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; Cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of the trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.
Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
Naturally Annapurna Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines for responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.
In addition to your Trekking trip, you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park, White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Ultralight Flight, Hot Air Ballooning, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.
Ask our experts (Inquiry)
Why travel with us?
- Run by local experts, guide & Sherpa.
- Focus on your needs.
- Good value for money.
- Real cared services.
- Government recognized company.
- Best reasonable rate.
