Daring to approach the base of the 10th highest mountain in the world… doesn’t it sound appealing? Yes, we are talking about the massive and mesmerizing Annapurna (8091 m), boisterously poised in the northern fraction of central Nepal. Think of splendid waterfalls, pinky rhododendron bushes, neat farmlands, soothing vista of the tallest mountains; you are certain to behold them all during this trek. Not a surprise why it is one of the most favored treks in Nepal!
So, resurrect yourself from workaholism, hang up your working boots and get ready for this electrifying adventure amidst one of the most fascinating landscapes on earth. Marron Treks is here, to make this a never-before experience for you !
OUTLINE ITINERARY.jpg "Click to enlarge the map")
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing & trek preparation
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 mins /820 m)/Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070m/2hrs) and trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk (6 hrs / 1940m)
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m / 5 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m / 5 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200m / 5 hrs)
Day 07: Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/3 - 4 hours)
Day 08: Trek from Machhapuchchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base camp (4130m / 2 -3 hrs)
Day 09: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m / 6hrs)
Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda ( 1780m / 6 hrs)
Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Pothana (1890m / 6 - 7 hrs)
Day 12: Trek from Pothana to Phedi (1130m/3 hrs) and drive from Phedi to Pokhara (820m/1 hr)
Day 13: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/25min)
Day 14: Departure to your homeland
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, you will be greeted with welcome drinks. We then have a quick pre-trip meeting where you will be briefed on the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. To avoid the jetlag, you can spend the remaining half of the day, resting. Or if lying flat is too unbecoming for you, stroll around the nearby places just to get the feel of what this city is like. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing & trek preparation
This is the day that gives you the opportunity to get well versed to the city. After a succulent breakfast at your hotel, we will introduce you to our amiable and experienced city guide. Hop in to our transport vehicle and head for a drive piercing the heart of the Kathmandu valley. You will be visiting the most renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu- like Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and Boudhanath (the greatest Stupa). All these sites are included in the UNESCO world heritage list. After this informative and enticing, tour, we drive back through the noisy and usually cluttered streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of the hotel. Hope the tour lived up to your expectations. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min /820 m)/Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070m/2hrs) and trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk (6 hrs / 1940m)
We take a morning flight to Pokhara. On board enjoy the mountainous vista; Mt Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchchre) in their snowy attire, almost glaring at you as you glance out of the plane’s window! After meager 25 minutes, you will set your feet in one of the most appealing cities of Nepal. Pokhara happens to be the most longed tourist destination for vacationing. But today, we are not exploring the city as we have something else on cards. Our transport vehicle will drive us away from the airport and take us to Nayapul (meaning new bridge). Here we gear up a bit and commence our trek to the Ghandruk village. We embark on the downhill route through the forests for about 6 hours and arrive at Ghandruk by mid noon. It is a beautiful valley dwelt mostly by the people of ‘Gurung’ community and located to the north-west of Pokhara. Spend the later half of the afternoon exploring the village as well as paying a visit to the headquarter of Annapurna Conservation Project and Traditional Gurung Museum. While at Ghandruk, you can relish the view of Annarpurna, Machhapuchchre and Himchuli. Overnight at teahouse in Ghandruk; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m / 5 hrs)
Resuming our trek from Ghandruk, we embark on the uphill route to Ghandrukot for about an hour and then take an immediate descent to the Kimran Khola (river). Surrendering to the frequent ups and downs along the route, we make yet another ascent from Kimran Khola, after which we are gifted with a comfy walk for about an hour. Pleasure is short-lived; hence we again have to take a steep ascent to eventually reach Chhomrong, which is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and lies tucked at the very base of Himal Chuli. Gurungs are the main inhabitants of Chhomrong and it is the last permanent settlement in the valley. Overnight at teahouse in Chhomrong; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m / 5 hrs)
Trailing along the Modi Khola (river), we kiss good-bye to the inhabited foothills of Chhomrong. We the cross a suspension bridge and head to Sinuwa Danda. From here, we embark on a seemingly flatter trail picketed with rhododendron bushes alongside and make an ascent to Khuldighar. What a bumpy trek it is!! The route again slides very steeply down a rocky bank, then to our relief, flattens out, running through bamboo bunches and rhododendron forests, finally getting us to Dovan. Overnight in teahouse in Dovan; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200m / 5 hrs)
Making a trivial ascent through the bamboo bunches and thick rhododendron forests up the side of gorge, we start our fifth day. We continue our way forward as we pass by the Himalaya Hotel and cross the small bridges over two different streams. As we traverse through some solitary places through the forest, we might get a chance to spot some wild lives like pigs, deer and rarely, snow leopards. Climbing further to the Hinko cave (3100 m), we approach Deurali. Overnight at teahouse in Deurali; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 07: Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/3- 4 hours)
A bit tough day for us compared to the hikes we have had so far! But we needn’t worry so much as the toil definitely pays off when we get to behold the mesmerizing site of the Fishtail Mountain. Commencing our trek to the Machhapuchchre Base Camp, we make our way up a river bed and then follow the steep route alongside the mountain. It is important that we be on our toes as we move ahead because this happens to be an avalanche zone and a slight wind and rain could leave us stranded and secluded within the mountains! As said earlier, although the hike is comparatively scratchy, we will be compensated by the soothing vistas of Mt. Himchuli, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gangapurna and the very classic, Mt. Fishtail. Overnight at teahouse in Machhapuchchre Base Camp; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 08: Trek from Machhapuchchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base
camp (4130m / 2 -3 hrs)
This 2 -3 hrs of trek takes us through the trail that sans vegetation and we can see the snow streams here and there. We follow the wide route into the Annapurna Sanctuary and then ascend few huts alongside a moraine which gets us to the base camp of Annapurna. From here, we can relish the unobstructed mountainous panorama of Annapurna, Himchuli and Machhapuchchre. This region gets the nomenclature of “Annapurna Sanctuary” as it is fortified from all sides by the mountainous hoop of Annapurna range. Besides, it is regarded to be sacred as there is a belief that it happened to be the dwelling place of many deities. This region receives seven hours of sunlight a day and hence has a diverse eco -system. Overnight at teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 09: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m / 6hrs)
Thank god, the ascents are all over and now we will get set to make our way back following the downhill routes through the Machhapuchchre Base Camp, Deurali and Dovan till we arrive at Bamboo. On the way, we get to relish the views of waterfalls, Mt.Fishtail and Himchuli. Overnight at teahouse in Bamboo; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda ( 1780m / 6 hrs).
From Bamboo, we continue our descent to Jhinu Danda via Sinuwa and Chhomrong. The Annapurna Base Camp trek continues back through beautiful rhododendron forests down to Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, the trail leads us slightly upward to the lower Chhomrong. We then trudge up a thousand stone steps to upper Chhomrong and then wrap up the day’s trek making a final relieved descent to Jhinu Danda. Overnight at teahouse in Jhinu Danda; breakfast lunch and dinner included.
Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Pothana (1890m / 6 - 7 hrs)
Though most of our return path is an easy descend, we are circumvented by trivial ascends at times. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola (river) gets us to the village of Landrung. We advance further, passing through Tokla and then making a slight ascent to Bichkok Deurali, which offers a splendid view of Mt Dhaulagiri. From here, we trail down to Pothana, a charming cluster of good hotels. From Pothana, you can relish a special view of Mt. Fishtail; it is special in the sense that, from this trajectory, the mountain appears more like a Matterhorn than a Fish Tail. Overnight at teahouse in Pothana; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12: Trek from Pothana to Phedi (1130m/3hrs) and drive from Phedi 
to Pokhara (820m/1hr)
Today’s trek is easy in the sense that all we need to do is walk down, may be its even easier as we are too ecstatic to conclude our trek. We follow the downhill route to Dhampus and then further descend down until we reach Phedi. It is just a three hours’ walk, so shouldn’t be too exhausting! Once at Phedi, we can find our transport vehicle waiting. We hop in and after about an hour, we get to Pokhara. You can check in to the hotel and freshen up you self. If you aren’t too jaded with the long walks, you can still stroll around this happening city. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara; breakfast included.
Day 13: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/25min)
We will catch a flight to Kathmandu from here and after another 25 minutes on air, we touch down at the domestic wing of the Kathmandu airport. A representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your designated hotel. You have the entire day at hand and can spend it as you please. You would probably want to get groomed a bit and do some souvenir shopping at Thamel. In the evening Marron Treks will host a peppy farewell dinner party. Enjoy the succulent traditional Nepali cuisines and a cultural extravaganza! Cut loose but sleep tight. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
Day 14: Departure to your homeland
Unless you intend to expand your trip and try out our other adventurous packages like - Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc., this will be your last day in Nepal. Our representative will escort you to the airport, three hours prior to the flight schedule. We wish you a safe flight back home and look forward to having the pleasure of serving you again! Should you intend to extend your trip, please let us know, so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.
Accommodation
During Annapurna Base Camp Trek we will accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City. In Pokhara City, we accomodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Base Camp Resort (3 Star), Mt. Kailash (3 star) , Fishtail Lodge (5 star) , Shangrila Village (5 star) or similar.
Along the trekking route, there are many Tea House/ Lodges to stay. They provide good services. We will ensure you get the best of the services available so that you enjoy every bit of your trek.
Meals
We arrange the best quality food during the trek as we are concerned about the health of the trekkers as well as the staff members. Basically, we opt for locally available food in the Annapurna Region so that you could a real sense of the culture, living patterns, simultaneously promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.
Porter and Staff Care
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going to high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. They are the backbones of a trek.
Best Months
The months of January-June & September-December is considered as the best for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Any Experience Required ?
For Annapurna Base Trek no such earlier experience is required. Person of any age group, with a generic physical aptitude can pursue the trek
Difficulties
The route is somewhat flat and of less altitude, a person who is physically fit, can opt of it.
Our Guides
Guides play a very active role during the trek. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as productive. Our guides are literate, multilingual speakers, environment conscious and well acquainted to culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to the Annapurna Region . This would help our trekkers make the most of their trip.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.
For more queries, visit our FAQ section or contact us directly at marketing@marrontreks.com
Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.
For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENTS
Needless to say that kitting and stuffing yourself out for a trek is almost a herculean task which keeps you mulling and often gets you overwhelmed. But at the mercy of the renting outlets sprouting in every visible corner in Kathmandu, preparing for trekking in Nepal these days is almost tantamount to equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. Most of the heavy and expensive items are easily available on rent, so you don’t actually have to travel Nepal with a cartload of gears. We have endeavored to formulate a categorical checklist that gives you a tentative idea regarding the gears and accessories mandatory for you during the trek. The list could vary depending upon the kind of trek you pursue, the terrain, weather conditions and time of the year. For instance, you don’t need the camp-trek equipments when you are on a tea-house trek. This listing below simply serves as a guideline and you can always have your own checklist. It is always preferable to pack light and the key to this is to carry the gears and accessories that have multidimensional uses.
CLOTHING (Core & Lower body)
Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella
Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes
Fleece jacket or Pullover
Fleece windcheater jacket
Down jacket or a Down vest
T-shirts (2 – 3) and Long-sleeved shirts with collars ( 2- 3 pairs)
Nylon (cotton ought to be strictly avoided) hiking shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Hiking trousers- one that is detachable from the knees so that the it can be folded up as shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
Thermal underwear as well as synthetic underwear (3 -4 each – avoid cotton)
Synthetic sport brassieres for women (2 pairs- avoid cotton)
Head/Eyes & Hand Gears
Sun hat/cap
Woolen hat or Balaclava
Sunglasses/Goggles (preferably the one with 100% UV protection)
Liner, Synthetic or Thin wool gloves (1 -2 pair)
Warm gloves (designed to the shield the sub-zero temperatures)- 1 pair
Footwear
Trekking boots (1 pair) and spare laces
Running shoes, Sandals or Thongs (flip-flops)- 1 pair each
Hiking gaiters (1 pair) to do away the rocks, dusts and moist feet
Liner socks- preferably synthetic (3 – 4 pairs)
Heavy or wool blend socks (3 – 4 pairs)
Equipments
Backpack/Rucksack
Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it )
Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)
Day sack/Nylon stuff sack
Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but
should be returned after the trip)
Water bottle
Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs
Maps, compass and a guide book
Trekking poles
Miscellaneous Bits
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just
find
yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
Quick-drying camp towel
Detergent powder/bar
Toilet paper
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
Pocket knife
Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
Stuff sacks
Earplugs
Candlesticks
Medicaments
It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines
Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
Assorted band-aids
Small gauge pad
Roll of adhesive tape
Iodine tablets
Optional Carry
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek
Camera, memory card and battery charger
GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars
Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women
Books and magazines
Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.
