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Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek offers the most comprehensive budget trek of the region. The walk to Poon Hill assists with acclimatization before tackling the steep valley to Base Camp: built on the glacial moraine beneath the circle of very tall peaks seen from Pokhara. You will witness an astounding panorama of Annapurna (8091m), Gangapurna (7454m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Lamjung (6983m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Fang (7647m) among other peaks. Apart from the scenery, the numerous Gurung and Magar villages that you'll pass through will also be an interesting experience thanks to their unique culture, traditions and lifestyle.
Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek is customized package that allows you enjoy the trek in budget but without compromising the safety, adventure and discovery. The discovery and adventure is much more similar to normal trekking package. So why spend extra days and bucks!
Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with a drive to Nayapul for a two day walk through forest and farmland to the large village of Ghorepani. A pre-dawn climb to grassy Poon Hill offers unobstructed sunrise views that include Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, the fish-tailed peak of sacred Machhapuchhare and Manaslu.
Then walk east to enter the Modi Khola Valley for the ascent to the Sanctuary. Climb through green forests of Oak Pine, rhododendron, between villages perched on ridge tops surrounded by very old terraced fields. This opens up the opportunity to experience the biodiversity of the Annapurna region, including Himalayan wildlife such as Musk Deer, Rhesus and Langur Monkeys, Leopard, Bear and much more. Steeper sections are well stepped. Above Chhomrong the pace slows as paths steepen towards the entrance to the Sanctuary. Forest of the trekking trails gives way to alpine scrub as the peaks come into full view.
First is the Machhapuchhare BC, some two hours before the Annapurna Base Camp (4 130m/13 550ft). But the absolute drama of the entrance to this huge basin eases the walk as the snow peaks begin to enclose you. Cloud often obscures views from 9am onwards, but evening and sunrise offer magnificent photo opportunities.
The return journey requires three days and follows a different lower route to complete your survey of the region. The trail will take you through Jhinu, whose natural hot springs will be a welcome revitalizing experience. You can also opt for the Annapurna Sunrise Trek for the glimpse of both sunset and sunrise at similar time.
The best times of the year to perform the Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December) seasons. During these periods, the weather remains stable and the mountain views are good leading to the best experience. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and perilous. Winter trekking might not be suitable for everyone due to cold temperatures. However, the trek does provide some amazing views and extra snow and enjoyment to anyone capable of performing it in winter.
This 9 Days Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that takes you up to altitudes of 4130m (ABC). You will be trekking over steep hills and semi rocky terrain for most of the trek. While previous trekking experience is not a necessity, it will certainly make the trek easier. We recommended this trek for people with at least decent physical fitness and stamina. Altitude sickness is generally not an issue due to most of the trail lying at fairly low altitudes.
NRS. 3000 ($30) per person
NRS. 1000 ($10) for organized trekkers
NRS. 2000 ($20) for independent trekkers
From your hotel, we drive to Kathmandu’s Domestic Terminal for the flight to Pokhara. A short drive leads to the trailhead at Nayapul. Trek to the prosperous riverside village of Birethanti (1 000m) at the meeting of the Modi and Bhurungdi Kholas. Then follow the Bhurungdi Khola to Ramgai(1 340m) before climbing regularly up the side of the valley, to Hile (1 510m) . Overnight in Hile
The day begins with a long and steep step ascent on stone staircases to the village of Ulleri (2 080m) – and an amazing landscape with marvellous views of Annapurna South (7 219m) and Hiunchuli (6 441m). The ascent continues through ancient, lush,Oak and rhododendron forests for several hours, with rest breaks, to the large village of Ghorepani. From here there are incredible views of Dhaulagiri I (8 172m) and the Annapurna Himal. Overnight in Ghorepani.
An early, ¾ hr, steep trek leads to Poon Hill’s grassy knoll. This landmark viewpoint offers unobstructed vistas of the high Himalaya from Dhaulagiri I (8 172m) and Upper Dolpo in the west, across the Annapurnas (Annapurna I, 8 019m), to Machhapuchhare (6 997m, Fish Tail) and east to Manaslu (8 156m). Behind: an ocean of Sal forests stretch to lowland India.
After breakfast, the eastward trail to Tadapani and Chiule up and down hill crosses many ridges all the way through dense rhododendron and Pine forest with infrequent flat sections and wonderful views of the snow peaks to the north from high ground. Overnight in Chiule.
Trek northeast from the village through forest and farmland to reach the Kimrong Khola Valley. This deeply incised gorge carries melt water from the Annapurna South to the Ganges. The trail climbs out of the valley reach in Gurjung , after the lunch zigzag trails through stands of rhododendron and oak forest, hillsides to the wealthy agricultural village of Chhomrong: and closer views of the giant peaks above.
Descend the broad staircase to the Chhomrong Khola (1 900m), then ascend to charming village Sinuwa (2 340m). The trail then enters the upper Modi Khola Valley through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. It rises then drops to the village of Bamboo (2 310m) on the river bank. Continue up through uninhabited forest to Dobhan (2 500m), Overnight in Dobhan.
With increasing altitude, forest gives way to alpine scrub and grasses. First climb to the hamlet of Himalaya Hotel. Later, discover the cave at Hinku (3 100m) before crossing a narrow valley and avalanche tracks towards Deorali (3 240m).
The geology of the canyon’s side walls is fascinating. Views into the sacred Sanctuary gradually appear as the trail approaches a ridge and rises to MBC, for lunch.
A further two hours, slow, walk up grassy slopes leads to the ABC hotels built on Annapurna South’s glacial moraine: some 4 000m/13 100ft beneath the peaks that crown the surrounding ice walls. Overnight in Base Camp.
Before dawn walk to the rim of the glacier for unforgettable views and photo opportunities. The circle of peaks, clockwise from Hiunchuli, include Annapurna South, the huge ice wall topped by Annapurna I (8 097m/26 566ft) and Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak) Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) towering above you round, to Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare.Fish tall) Listen to the glacier grinding below you, in its U-shaped valley.
After breakfast, retrace your steps to Himalaya Hotel for lunch and then continue the descent for a more comfortable night. Overnight in Bamboo.
Climb back to Kuldi and on to flower bedecked Sinuwa before descending to the Chhomrong Khola and the stairs up to Chhomrong. Close by is Taglung: plunge left, down the narrow side trail to the attractive village of Jhinu Danda below. After lunch, descend to the river for a plunge in the hot springs on its banks. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Today’s walk is almost all downhill. Trek down the west bank trail to Ghandruk Phedi and continue to the hamlet of Sumi from where an hour’s jeep ride returns you to Nayapul for the car journey back to your hotel in Pokhara. Consider visiting the Mountain Museum after lunch.
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Raimarg which offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery and along major rivers such as the Trishuli Nadi, which rises in Tibet, north east of Kathmandu. The route passes through the lower Gorkha region (beneath Manaslu). Transfer to your hotel.
