Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp Trek: 21 Days
The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. You'll first do the Annapurna circuit and later proceed toward the Annapurna base camp (4,130 m).
It is the lap of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). From here, we'll walk to Chame village. Spend nights in beautiful villages like Chame (2,675 m), Pisang (3,100 m), Manang (3,440 m), and Yak Kharka (4,050 m) before reaching Thorong Phedi (4,450 m). The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary has an acclimatization day in Manang village.
We then gradually ascend to Thorong Phedi and continue the trek to Thorong La (5,416 m), Nepal's highest mountain pass. It's a long descent from the past to Muktinath (3,710 m). Further, we drive alongside the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tatopani. A scenic drive will take us to Tatopani (1,190 m), and we'll begin the journey to Annapurna base camp.
In this part of the Trail, you will be exploring popular places like Ghorepani (2,860 m) and Poon Hill (3,210 m). The Trail drops to Tadapani (2,630 m) and goes to Kimrong Khola before ascending to Chomrong. Trek through dense forests that lead to the Himalayas and continue the walk to ABC via Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
You will then descend to Dovan (2,900 m) and Jhinu Danda (1,760 m). The trek ends at Nayapul, from where we drive to Pokhara. The next day, return to Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek is a challenging venture. This trek demands good fitness and previous trekking experience.
You will spend almost 20 days in the mountain walking about 6 – 8 hours daily. Therefore, mental fitness and endurance to cope with limited services are crucial.
The terrain is mountainous, and you will walk through subtropical forests to alpine forests. The upper part of the Trail includes vast meadows and steep, rocky paths. There will also be gorges and moraines on the way. While approaching the Annapurna base camp, you will also walk past several avalanche areas.
The Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek is undoubtedly demanding but doable with proper preparation and support. To book this once-in-a-lifetime venture, feel free to contact us anytime.
Altitude sickness
To avoid altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, drink a lot of water—at least 3-4 liters a day. Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
Our itinerary is perfect, so you should not worry about that. Apart from keeping yourself hydrated, eat nutritious food and sleep well. Dal bhat is the best menu.
If you feel any discomfort or symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide and follow his instructions. These are the early signs of altitude sickness- insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, headache, etc.
Spend nights in beautiful villages and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
During the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will spend nights in villages along the Trail. It is a teahouse trek, which the villagers operate.
The trek lets you interact with the locals closely and see their lifestyles. You will meet people from different communities, and each will surprise you with their culture and welcoming nature.
Adventurous Trail within the Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Circuit, including the Annapurna Base Camp trail, runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Spread over 7629 sq. km, it is the largest conservation area in Nepal.
The rich biodiversity includes 105 mammals, 518 birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants. You can expect encounters with birds and animals on the way. Likewise, you will come across a variety of vegetation and flowers.
Amazing acclimatization hikes
We have an acclimatization day in Manang village. The acclimatization hike takes you to an impressive icefall from the Annapurna mountain range.
You can also climb high above the village for a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. To make our rest day more memorable, we may visit the Gangapurna Glacier Lake.
Cross Thorong La pass and explore the sacred Muktinath Temple.
One of the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek is Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Nepal. Crossing this pass is challenging and requires professional support. As tough as climbing the top of the pass is, the landscape from the top is equally spectacular.
At 3,710 meters, Muktinath is a pilgrim site and sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is at the foot of Thorong La Pass. For Buddhists, the Muktinath temple is for Dakinis, the goddesses of Sky Dances. Many fascinating legends and myths circulate on this historical site, and you will learn about them during your visit.
Travel alongside the world's deepest gorge and pass by apple orchards.
From Muktinath onwards, you will enter the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It is the deepest gorge in the world and used to be the trade route between Tibet and India. Now, the Trail is shared by trekkers and locals to traverse Lower Mustang.
Likewise, on the way to Jomsom, where the Annapurna circuit trek will end, you'll walk through lovely apple and orange orchards. There are white-washed houses, narrow alleys, and stone paths. The landscapes comprise arid scenery with unique huge rocks.
Spend a night in Ghorepani village and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint.
Ghorepani is a beautiful village of 2,860 m inhabited by Gurung and Magar. Rhododendron forests surround the town and offer a striking mountain panorama. Ghorepani is a famous village that all travelers love.
Likewise, Poon Hill is a known viewpoint in the lower Annapurna region. Usually, Ghorepani and Poon Hill offer a short trek to travelers bound by time and looking for a brief venture. The sunrise from Poon Hill is just out of this world. On the far horizon, you see the orange and reddish sky with snow-capped mountains.
Reach the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna.
Annapurna base camp is at 4,130 meters, on the lap of Mount Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Unlike Everest base camp, you can spend the night at ABC.
A handful of lodges let travelers spend nights and have meals. Reaching this point is a huge achievement that will last a lifetime. The view from the base camp is fantastic, surrounded by snowy cliffs and glaciers.
Witness stunning views of the western Himalayan Mountains and diverse landscapes.
Because you will be covering two incredible trekking routes on this journey known for sensational mountain panoramas, you can only imagine how gorgeous the scenery will be.
You will witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Hiunchuli, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Tharpu Chuli, and numerous others. Similarly, the diverse landscapes and many sunrises & sunsets will bless your eyes.
