Ghandruk Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a shorter version of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The short ABC trek is designed to complete the famous Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in just 11 days. The trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area- the largest conservation area in Nepal allows exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Annapurna. The highest point to get during the ABC trek 11 days is at 4130 meters above the sea level.
The trekking through the dense forest of rhododendron, pine and bamboo and the exploration of vibrant Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomorong is interesting. The fascinating waterfalls, the occasional encounters of wildlife are wonderful. The best views of mountains including Himchuli, Annapurna South, Barahi Shikhar, Annapurna I, Glacier Dom, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre aka fishtail is excellent.
The next natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda is the best addition of the trekking. We have included the natural hot spring bath of the Jhinu at the end of the Annapurna trek to have a more relaxing end. Like other trekking in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp Trek 11 days is also seasonal trekking. The best time for this trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Trekking in Annapurna in monsoon (June to August) is possible. Whereas, trekking around Annapurna is not recommended in winter (Mid-January to February) due to the avalanches risk areas.
Finally, the permit needed for the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking are ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS Cards. These permits can be issued either in Kathmandu or in Pokhara at Nepal tourism board offices.
Take a scenic drive to Pokhara through the green hills and the small to big settlements. You can some breaks for the food and toilets. In Pokhara, you can go around Phewa Lake and collect the best sunrise views in Annapurna ranges.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel. Then the journey to Ghandruk begins. The drive to Ghandruk from Pokhara is about four hours on the pure offroad. The drive first goes to Nayapul where your guide will do the permit check-in. Then it continues to Ghandruk via some small local villages. Occasional views of Mount Fishtail and Annapurna south are expected along the way. Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful villages in Annapurna where you can explore the local living and witness the typical Gurung lifestyle. It also offers the best views of mountains as well.
The trek resumes after the delicious breakfast. The route from Ghandruk to Tadapani is mostly uphill through the rhododendron forest. From Tadapani, the route converts into the downhill to Chuile. From Chuile, you will then cross a river and a suspension bridge before entering the wonderful local settlement. After crossing the river, you will then take the uphill route to Chhomorong. Chhomorong offers the wonderful views of Mount Fishtail. From there you will be trekking one more hour to get to Lower Sinuwa for the night.
Grab the good breakfast, then the trek to Deurali starts. The place you will visit this day is Upper Sinuwa. From there the route gets slightly flat. The landscapes along the way are just fantastic. Just before the Bamboo, you will get a chance to witness the wonderful waterfall. From Bamboo, you are entering to the holy mountain areas and the meats are not available onwards. Deurali is a small settlement in the river bank. A couple of teahouses are available for the night at Deurali.
The route from Deurali to MBC is easy and gradual hike. The mountains look closer and better with your every step. You can take a short break at Machhpuchre Base Camp before the final hike up to Annapurna Base Camp. From MBC onwards, the route becomes harder and the air gets thinner. Though the excellent views keep inspiring you. At Annapurna Base Camp, you can collect the 360 views of mountains. In the evening, you can collect the superb sunset view in the Himalayas.
Collect the best sunrise views on the Annapurna range. Then grab the hot breakfast before starting the trek back. You will be following the same route back to Bamboo via MBC-Deurali-Dovan and finally to Bamboo.
From Bamboo, you will follow the same route back to Chhomorong. From Chhomorong, you will then take the route to Jhinu Danda. The route from Chhomorong to Jhinu Danda is mostly downhill. Jhinu Danda is the natural hot spring place, where you can take a relaxing hot spring bath.
The final day of the trekking. Take two hours trekking from Jhinu Danda to Motkyu. From there you will be taking the drive back to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can take a good rest in your hotel.
Accommodation: at a 3-star on twin/double sharing basis.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.
Take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening, you can do some last-minute shopping around Thamel.
Accommodation: at a 3-star on twin/double sharing basis.
Meals: Breakfast Included.
You will be transferred to Kathmandu International airport to catch your returning flight back home with the hope to welcoming you again in Nepal.
