- Destination:Nepal
- Trip Grade:Moderate
- Max Elevation:4130 m
- Total Duration:13
- Geography:Mountain/Village
- Religions:Hinduism/Buddhism
- Ethnic People:Gurung/Magar
- Transportation:Tourist Bus/Private Car/Flight
Trekking alongside world’s tenth highest peak Annapurna and range of mountains like Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Himchuli can be just as surreal for anyone. With more striking views during sunrise and sunset, every single day of Annapurna Base Camp Trek makes it worth the try.
Moreover, this trek is the splendid opportunity to get close to the giant Annapurna I peak. This particular base camp trek lets you understand and observe the local culture of ethnic groups like Gurung and Magar. Most villages in this trail arrange unique cultural performances targeted to trekkers. Not to mention, the exotic flora and fauna surrounding the Annapurna Region give you one more reason to sign up for this trek. Trails of the Annapurna Region are trekked by about 70,000 adventurous trekkers annually.
Reaching an elevated altitude 4,130 meters surely gives you a sense of accomplishment and thrill. Moreover, Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be the ideal trek for anyone in good shape including beginners without previous trekking experiences. Our eight-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with the short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara followed by everyday trek with an average walking of 4-6 hours a day. Along with Annapurna being the salient feature of this trek, the short trek to Poon Hill is an amazing stop to experience the most incredible sunrise. Rich diversified geography and local culture including the homely stay at local teahouses makes it an impressive trek. Best trekking season for this region is Mid-September-Mid December and Mid February-May.
Independent Trekking Guides Adventure has an extensive experience with trekkers guided by our sincere and responsible guides who are familiar with most of the Himalayan trails of Nepal. Nepal’s varied landscape and provincial culture make it unique destination for adventure lovers. With your safety being our priority, Independent Trekking Guides Adventure promises to make your every trip just as enjoyable and fascinating as it can be.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
- Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu and trek preparation
- Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m), trek to Ghandruk (1940m): 30 minutes flight, 5 - 6 hours trek
- Day 04: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m): 5 - 6 hours
- Day 05: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m): 4 - 5 hours
- Day 06: Bamboo to Deurali (3230m): 3 - 4 hours
- Day 07: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m): 5- 6 hours
- Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
- Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m): 5 - 6 hours
- Day 10: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1-hour drive
- Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 12: Free day in Kathmandu
- Day 13: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Upon landing in Nepal’s international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, our company’s employee will pick you up escorting you to your reserved hotel. You can take a rest and enjoy nice Nepali cuisine for dinner.
- Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Kathmandu, the country’s capital, has local streets like Thamel (downtown tourist spot) to explore which is a perfect way to spend your day whilst shopping and preparing for the trek guided by licensed fluent English speaking guide.
- Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m), trek to Ghandruk (1940m): 30 minutes flight, 5 - 6 hours trek
With our first stop being the Lake City of Pokhara, we take short 30 minutes flight. 5-6 hours trek starts from there and ends up in Ghandruk. This (Ghandruk) local village offers homestay for interested as an amazing opportunity to see a typical culture of indigenous people (Magar and Gurung) including their customs and food.
- Day 04: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m): 5 - 6 hours
Taking along the memories of magnificent landscapes of Ghandruk, we leave for a 5-6 hours long trek to Chhomrong. It is a popular stop after the long day of the trek which has the breathtaking view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Himalayan (snow-capped peak) ranges.
- Day 05: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m): 4 - 5 hours
Enjoying the beautiful early morning view of sunrise among the high mountain ranges (Annapurna and Machhapuchhre), this day includes the 4-5 hours long trek to Bamboo.
- Day 06: Bamboo to Deurali (3230m): 3 - 4 hours
By trekking for 3-4 hours we reach from Bamboo village to Deurali. The steep rocky trails are accompanied by the view of snow-capped peaks and rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) and bamboo forests.
- Day 07: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m): 5- 6 hours
This day consists of the trek to the highest altitude of this particular trek which is 4130 meters. Trek is 5-6 hours walk from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. The ultimate goal of this trek is to reach the base camp to see the stunning view of the tenth highest mountain peak of the world.
- Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
The return journey of the trek begins from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo walking through the diversified mountainous terrain of the region enjoying the spectacular view and the Annapurna Glacier.
- Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m): 5 - 6 hours
Beginning our journey from Bamboo, we move towards Jhinu Danda (hill) by trekking for 5-6 hours. Be prepared to walk through luscious jungles and waterfalls including temporary small bridges along the way. About 20 minutes downhill walk from Jhinu leads to natural hot springs.
- Day 10: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1-hour drive
Trek starts from Jhinu Danda ends at Naya Pool after about 6 hours of walking. We drive for 1 hour reaching beautiful Pokhara city once again. Night view of Lakeside (along Phewa Lake) seems surreal and quite fitting to erase the tiredness of long trek strolling through busy Evening Street of Pokhara.
- Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
This day marks our return trip to Kathmandu. Our highway is alongside rocky hills and gorgeous Trishuli River. This trip takes an average of 6-7 hours but may take longer because of all the maintenance work going on on the highway.
- Day 12: Free day in Kathmandu
The free day like this perfect chance to observe and intake diversified local culture and customs throughout the valley. Tour of the city includes the visit to some famous world heritages like Pashupatinath Temple (sacred Hindu Temple), Boudhanath Stupa and The Monkey Temple.
- Day 13: Final Departure
It is the very last day of the trip when you say goodbye to Nepal for now. Your interest in scenic beauty and more cultural side of Nepal leaves you with an option to plan next trip back to Nepal quite soon.
Cost Includes
1. Service in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Airport picks up and drop.
- Welcome Dinner with your trekking crews and final brief about your program.
- Sightseeing in Different ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley
- 2 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu @ Tibet Guest House www.tibetguesthouse.com
2. During the Trip
- Kathmandu to all destinations Bus services provided.
- 3 times, delicious/standard foods except for Alcoholic beverages, bottled, can soft drinks during the treks.
- Standard hotel/Guest house/Lodge accommodation as per possibilities will be provided during the trek.
- Permit and conservation Fees in Annapurna region.
- 2 Nights Hotel accommodation in Pokhara @ Hotel White Castle Lake Side
- All Local Taxes.
- Our Sincere Guides service for Trekking.
- Kind and honest porters for Trekking.
- The salary for the guides & porters in Trekking.
- Food for guides & porters in Trekking.
- Accommodation for Guides & porters in Trekking.
- Insurance for guides & porters for trekking.
- Overland Transportation for Guides & porters in trekking.
Cost Excludes
- Foods in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Alcoholic beverages and Bottled, canned, soft drinks and some essential things during the trek.
- Needful clothes.
- Sudden rescue Charge, If in case
- (Maximum 6000 U.S Dollar Travel Insurance will be enough)
- Clinical treatment and drugs.
- Buying personal wanted materials, souvenir, gift etc.
- Tipping for Guide and Porters after your trek.
What to Bring for the trip? (Trekking Gears)
- Pair trekking boots and waterproofing solution
- Pair lightweight trekking sandals
- Pairs thin walking socks
- Pairs lightweight trekking trousers must be windproof as well.
- Pair shorts
- Trekking shirts
- Fleece jumper
- Wind stopper
- Set lightweight thermals
- Down body warmer
- North Face Waterproof Jacket (Preferably)
- North Face Waterproof trousers (Preferably)
- Four seasons down jacket ( Can be rented in Kathmandu )
- Hat with ear covers
- Neck warmer
- Pairs ‘thinners’ gloves
- Rucksack with hydration kit and belt bag
- Personal wash kit (include fabric washing solution)
- Leki Pole (Preferably)
- Pack tissues and wet wipes and liquid detergent
- Pair sunglasses
- Camera and films
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (rated -10(above) deg C during your trip)
- Towels for your daily use
But, if you can’t bring from your own, you can buy or hire in Nepal cheaper then there.
Flexible local company
Great locally based company. Flexible and able to cater for couples through to larger groups. Have used them for Annapurna and for Everest/Gokyo lakes treks as well as around Kathmandu. Will even sort out Kathmandu hotels and airport pick up etc as well as cultural tours
Great organisation and network in Nepal
Jagat and his team were top notch with organising our trek, transfers and accommodation both in Kathmandu and on the Everest trek. Our guide Gopi and porters were excellent especially when I had to come down early due to altitude sickness. My other two friends are still up there doing the Island Peak climb. Jagat has a strong network in both Kathmandu and on the Everest trail so things can be organised easily.
I strongly recommend you use Independent Trekking Guide Cooperative
Family trek with small children in Langtang valley
We spent a week in the Langtang valley with Chet and his team. We did a 7-day trek with our 3 children aged 6, 4 and 1 years old. Everything went very smoothly thanks to the professionalism of the team. Chet and Jagat welcomed us at the airport and took care of us up until the very last day. The tea houses along the trek were carefully selected with good food and no food poisoning. Chet has been a very kind, attentive guide. The 2 porters were also incredibly kind and helpful. The children loved it! We will certainly use this organisation when we go back next time.
BADASS !! Manaslu Circuit 2023
My friend and I’s first time in this wildly beautiful country was made into the most incredible experience by the people at Independent Trekking Guides Co-op. From the first few emails to arriving in Kathmandu, all along the journey until our parting we were taken care of in all ways and beyond. The organization, communication, attentiveness, and flexibility were top notch. Seamless from the very beginning, even when plans change, inevitably. Perhaps most importantly they possess a kindness and presence that is uniquely Nepali and brought a depth and sweetness to our experience that is hard to put into words. Thank you Gopi, our guide, for bringing us through the mountains and for your immense knowledge, humour, heart and focus over the 2 weeks we spent together, suffering and triumphing moment to moment. Chandra, our porter, thank you for your warmth, your spirit, and absolute beast mode strength that I will revere and talk about as long as I live. Gopi and Chandra enriched our experience and perspective of Nepal and it’s people, landscapes and ways that are entirely unique and both astounding and inspiring. We very much became a unit together in our own way and worked together till the very end. I will never forget coming down off the Larkya La pass and sledding down the snow together (trying not to fly off the side) after a gruelling journey and the bliss that brought us to laugh and be silly. Jagat, thank you for your commitment to excellence in providing people from around the world with such an immensely wonderful experience of your country and to your own people through the same love and care you pour into your community. I absolutely cannot recommend Independent Trekking Guides Co-op of Nepal more… they are it and they are doing it right. The value, depth, connection to the culture and land, and commitment to safety and experience is unlike any other tour company out there. Time in Nepal changes your life in many subtle and huge ways, some that I have yet to know or understand myself and I look forward to coming back for more, and I will be journeying with none other than these guys. Much love to Jagat, Gopi and Chandra, and everyone else we encountered along the way. Till next time. - Laura & Abbie
Blast!
We had a blast! Guides were so caring and hospitable! They worked very hard to ensure we have a great experience in Kathmandu and on the trek. Would love to go on another adventure with them!
Best team I have seen
This is my fourth expedition with Independent Trekking Guides, and each one gets better! Our team of 20 travelled the Tamang Heritage Trek as well as the Langtang trek, climbing Yala Peak as the high point. Chet was our lead guide, and was exceptional. No food/water-born illnesses on the trek, which is a credit to the attention to detail that the ITG cooks paid to each meal. At base camp, incredible energy was put into chopping ice and melting it for drinking and cooking. The cooks created amazing meals at our high camp as well. The ITG staff is the most friendly, considerate, and knowledgeable team I have seen in Nepal. Highly recommend
Excellent guide service!
Jagat and his team were amazing to work with. This was the second trek that I've been on with them, and I can't say enough good about the experience. If you are planning a trek in Nepal, I would definitely recommend this outfit. Very professional and friendly. Previously we used them as a guide service for the Poon Hill trek. This year we did the Helambu trek. We booked the Helambu trek several months in advance, but the week of the trek the area received significant snowfall. The guides safely led our party through the trek with no injuries. We also had a wonderful Jeep tour on the way back to Kathmandu. It was a great experience working with them!
Highly Recommend
People heading to trek in Nepal typically do so to see and experience the magnificent mountains. Many. However, end up discovering Nepal’s greater gem – her people. Their warmth, hospitality and cheerful smiles are unmatched anywhere in the world, in my opinion. And Jagat Lama and his team at Nepal Independent Trekking Guides exemplifies this like no other. Of the 13 trips I have made to Nepal so far, I’ve spent time on 11 of them with Jagat, Chet, Chandra and many others within the cooperative. I consider them among my most cherished friends. As far as leading treks, I wholeheartedly endorse them. They are masters of organization and maintain an unparalleled network of porters and guides. Your safety is their prime concern. They offer flexibility and freedom you won’t find in many, if any, other Nepali outfitters. You’ll never be herded like cattle on tight schedules, forced to push ahead at a pace you’re not comfortable with. They know exactly how to make your trek as outstanding as it can possible be – perfect for you and your companions. They will open a window for you into the most wonderful people, sights, tastes and experiences authentic Nepal has to offer. I highly recommend them.
A very different trekking company
Even though I never had the great pleasure of trekking with Jagat Lama or any other of his team, I know some friends who have and were utterly pleased.
I met Jagat Lama 9 years ago or so and try to see him every time I come to Nepal which is almost every year. He's always been of great service for anything I needed his help or advice for, took time off his over busy schedule with a smile, and is just a delightful person to be with, speaking excellent English, being always polite, kind and cheerful.
2 years ago he helped organise a trek to Mustang for my son and myself.
By the way, Jagat Lama has started out as a porter at a very young age and this is probably the toughest job in the world, having to carry weights sometimes up to 80 kgs, having to deal with high altitude, bitter cold and fatigue, eating poorly in order to save money for their families, getting very low salaries ; such is the tough life of a porter. But Jagat Lama had great vision and talent.
So after many years of extremely hard work and thanks to his capacity of having learned English so quickly , Jagat Lama then became a guide taking groups or individual clients all over Nepal. His kindness and proficiency earned him a lot of sympathy and faithful clients coming back year after year.
But having experienced himself the hardships as a porter, who very often are ruthlessly exploited demanding them to carry maximum weight, Jagat one day decided that this was enough. He thus created his own Trekking Guide Cooperative working only with locals and making sure that they were treated correctly concerning weights and salaries as well as ensuring them decent conditions during the trek!
This makes his company stand apart from many other mostly profit oriented companies, a lot of which are foreign.
And in his spare time, which means Jagat Lama has hardly ever a moment for himself, he goes to his native mountain village Kumari, but the many extraordinary achievements Jagat Lama achieved there, are too long to explain here. But you might want to check it out: "healthanded4nepal.org"
There you will find out how Jagat Lama struggled all his life to help his remote mountain village Kumari, creating the first school and hospital which were sadly destroyed during the devastating earthquakes in 2015. But instead of moaning and giving up, Jagat just rebuilt everything!!! Yes!! It's truly impressive when you learn about his his story and I'm deeply honoured to have such a compassionate and humble human being as my friend.
By the way, you must check out his Kumari coffeee shop not far from Swayambhunath temple, the best coffee (organic of course) of the whole valley!!!
Totally tailored to my needs and so well looked after
This is the real deal. It is the best collection of independent, authentic and experienced Nepalese trekking guides. Jagat met me at my hotel and organised for me to be accompanied by Gopi Lama for a 6 day trek in the Annapurna region. We could stop or go slow whenever I liked and he always got me the best rooms in the guest houses. He was knowledgeable, spoke great english and was great company. And the route we took matched all my requirements to see the best views but not too much climbing at my age of 65. Highly recommended. And not expensive.
