Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk- 10 Days, Low Cost

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk- 10 Days, Low Cost
At a Glance
  • Duration10 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 4,130 m/13,550 ft
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Trip Style Trek
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights
  • A short trek to Annapurna Base Camp, the lap of the tenth-highest mountain in the world
  • Explore the popular Ghandruk village and get to see the lifestyle of the Gurung community up close
  • Trek via lush rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests, crossing hanging bridges on the way
  • Come across a wide species of flora and fauna along the way
  • Enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas and unwind 
  • Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary and pass by the Machhapuchhre Base Camp
  • Witness diverse landscapes and stunning mountain vistas throughout the trek
  • Have a great time in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Do you wish to see the world's most majestic mountains up close? Then join us on the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk village. On this 10 days trek, you will travel in the Annapurna Conservation Area, meet with great people, and spend time rejuvenating in nature. The Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk is one of the best short treks in Nepal for all ages of trekkers.

Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp is like an adventurous hike via traditional mountain villages and lush forests of rhododendron and pine. This 67 kilometer long trek is not too demanding, so beginners can also do it. The daily walking hours is 6, so you have to be in good health and fitness. The trail follows a serene and scenic route, so you will 100% enjoy the walk, even if it is a bit tiring.

What to expect during the Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk?

Our 10 days Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary combines a visit to the popular Ghandruk village. From here, you get to see a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. The village is surrounded by terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and traditional stone houses.

Gurungs are one of the main communities residing here. Your time in this village will be quite lovely and heart touching. The trail then goes past numerous mountain settlements and small waterfalls, crossing suspension bridges to the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Annapurna Base Camp.

On the way, you will get to see many beautiful mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), etc. The landscapes also change with the change in altitude.

Not only that, you will also have a great time in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Explore historical monuments and natural sites. Visit local markets and get to see the city lifestyle of the Nepalese. Buy handmade crafts and souvenirs in both cities and try different Nepali delicacies.

Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk itinerary 

This adventurous Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft) to Nayapul (1,070 m/3,510 ft). From here, you will follow the forested route via small settlements to Ghandruk village (1,940 m/6,364 ft). The trail then ascends to Upper Sinuwa (2,350 m/7,710 ft) via Chhomrong village (2,170 m/7,119 ft), crossing a suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola on the way.

Further, follow dense forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendrons, trek to Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft), and hike to the Himalaya Hotel (2,870 m/9,416 ft). The trail from here onwards enters the Annapurna Sanctuary and passes by the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. As you get close to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft), the route gets narrower and steeper.

Spend the night at the base camp and trek down to Bamboo, following the same path the next day. From here, take a different route to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/6,393 ft), and drive back to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. This sums up your Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk 10 days.

Perks of doing the Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk with us

We, Bespoke Excursion, have different Annapurna Base Camp trek packages that allow you to pick the one that most suits your requirements and budget. This is a 10 days itinerary perfect for anyone looking to do a quick trek in the Himalayas and witness stunning mountain vistas.

You can do the Ghandruk Annapurna Base Camp trek at a very minimal cost with us. Likewise, our team will be three to support you throughout the trek and help you with everything. Likewise, we also have flexible ABC trek itineraries, so you can customize them as per your wish.

Below, we have mentioned some perks you will get by doing the Ghandruk Annapurna Base Camp trekking with us:

  • Top-notch service
  • 24/7 support system 
  • Trek with friendly and professional individuals
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Complimentary welcome and farewell dinners and airport transfers as per the itinerary
  • No hidden cost or policy

Itinerary

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Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Welcome dinner

You will be picked up by our team on your arrival day in Kathmandu. The team will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to the hotel. You will have a couple of hours free to relax and freshen up. Later, we will meet in our office for a trek briefing and end the day with a delicious welcome dinner.

    Drive distance: 205 km/127 miles

    Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft

    Duration: 6-7 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    The Kathmandu Pokhara ride is comfortable and quite scenic. We will leave Kathmandu early in the morning and follow a well-made highway that goes along a river. The views of lush hills, waterfalls, and terraces are lovely during the ride. In the evening, we will take our time to enjoy a beautiful sunset at Phewa lake and explore the bustling Lakeside Market.

      Altitude: 1,940 m/6,364 ft

      Duration: 1.5 hours drive & 3 hours trek

      Accommodation: Teahouse

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

      Today, we will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and start trekking from here. Our first destination is the famous Ghandruk village. The trail goes through lush forests. It is an easy walk. Ghandruk is a famous Gurung village and offers a superb landscape.

        Trek distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

        Duration: 6-7 hours 

        Altitude: 2,350 m/7,710 ft

        Accommodation: Lodge

        Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

        From Ghandruk, we will continue trekking, following a serene route to Chomrong. On the way, we can see stunning views of mountains like Machhapcuhhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trail from Chomrong descends and crosses a suspension bridge over Chomrong Khola. We will trek past a waterfall and gradually ascend to Upper Sinuwa for the night stay.

          Trek distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

          Duration: 5 hours

          Altitude: 3,200 m/6,393 ft

          Accommodation: Lodge

          Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

          The trail continues from Sinuwa to Deurali via dense forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendron. We will cross many suspension bridges on the way and pass by small settlements. The trail is serene and isolated. We get to see wonderful views of Annapurna South today.

            Trek distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

            Duration: 3-4 hours 

            Altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft

            Accommodation: Lodge

            Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

            From Deurali, we will ascend following a densely forested route to the Himalaya Hotel. The trail from here onwards enters the Annapurna Sanctuary and continues via rugged, steep tracks to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here, we will trek on a narrow, steep route and ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp.

              Trek distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

              Duration: 6 hours 

              Altitude: 2,310 m/7,578 ft

              Accommodation: Lodge

              Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

              This morning, we will get to have a delicious breakfast with a breathtaking mountain panorama. After breakfast, we will trek back to Bamboo. We will be retracing the path. Trekking past Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we will get out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Further, we will descend through small settlements and lush forests.

                Trek distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

                Duration: 3/4 hours trek - 2 hours drive

                Altitude: 1,780 m/6,393 ft

                Accommodation: Hotel

                Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

                The trail from Bamboo continues to Jhinu Danda. First, we will descend to Kimrong Khola and keep trekking through rhododendron and bamboo forest to Jhinu Danda. In Jhinu Danda, there are natural hot springs that we can use to relax our muscles. After that, drive back to Pokhara and enjoy the evening, admiring the beauty of the Phewa Lake.

                  Drive distance: 205 km/127 miles

                  Duration: 6/7 hours 

                  Accommodation: Hotel

                  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner

                  Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu. We will leave Pokhara in the morning and follow a scenic route. The highway winds along lush hills and a river. We get to see beautiful views of terraces, waterfalls, and hills on the way. In Kathmandu, this is your last day, so rest and explore. Visit the local market and window shop in Thamel. We will meet you in the late evening over a farewell dinner.

                    Meals: Breakfast only

                    Today, you will be flying back to your home. Pack your stuff in time and be ready to leave the hotel at the designated time. Our team will pick you up from the hotel lobby and drop you at the international airport.

                      Cost Details
                      Includes
                      • All airport pick-up and drop-off services are complimentary.
                      • A complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant.
                      • The two nights stay in Kathmandu, with breakfast (twin sharing).
                      • The two nights stay in Pokhara, with breakfast (twin sharing).
                      • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to Kathmandu, Pokhara to Nayapool, and Jhinu Dada to Pokhara.
                      • All necessary trekking permits, like the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
                      • During the mountain season, three meals per day are consumed: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
                      • All accommodations during the mountain.
                      • Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, when and if available.
                      • Complimentary duffel bag or agency T-shirt (for your trekking stuff, if needed).
                      • Government-approved, first-aid trained (with a medical kit), an English-speaking professional local guide, and of the 2 guests, 1 porter
                      • First-aid kit.
                      • Staff insurance, a well-paid salary, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
                      • If necessary, rescue arrangements will be made.
                      • Certificate of achievement, if needed.
                      • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT.
                      Excludes
                      • International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
                      • Lunch and dinner in the city, or Kathmandu and Pokhara.
                      • Personal insurance, trekking gear, personal expenses, items lost or stolen, and so on.
                      • Temple and monastery entrance fees.
                      • Personal guide and porter.
                      • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
                      • All drinks, chocolate bars, desserts, laundry, hot showers, battery charges, wifi, etc.
                      • Tipping to staff.
                      • Extra nights on the mountain and city, which are not maintained.

                      Useful Information

                      Difficulty

                      • Trek distance: The difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk spans around 70 kilometers. You will trek around 9 kilometers a day on average. It requires 5 to 6 hours of walking on a daily basis.
                      • Difficulty level: The Ghandruk Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered relatively accessible in the Himalayas. Requiring minimal pre-preparation, this trek goes via rice fields, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacier moraines. The trekking route has moderate difficulty but can be a bit challenging for trekkers who have never trekked below or are not physically fit enough.
                      • Terrain: The Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail is not as strenuous as some other mountainous routes. With numerous twists, turns, ups and downs, rocky boulders, and steep stone steps, the trail can be a bit physically demanding. While the ABC trek doesn't mandate an exceptionally high level of fitness, being in good shape and possessing stable stamina will help you.
                      • Altitude sickness: Trekking in high-altitude regions, such as the Annapurna Base Camp trail, comes with the inherent risk of altitude sickness. The itinerary typically commences from Kathmandu, situated at 1,400 meters (4,593 ft), and ascends rapidly to 4,130 meters (13,549 ft) within a few days. As the altitude increases, the level of oxygen decreases, making it challenging for the body to acclimatize, and as a result, increases the risk of altitude sickness. Read below to learn how to avoid it.
                      • Preventive measures: Do not ascend more than 500 meters a day, and our Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary follows it. Drink plenty of water and maintain your pace. Do not tire yourself unnecessarily, and have nutritious food. Get ample rest.
                      • Previous trekking experience: You do not need previous trekking experience to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk.
                      • Trek preparation: Prioritize your physical health by exercising regularly and going on long walks. Build your stamina and core strength along with walking habits.

                      The best time to do the Everest base camp trek in Nepal

                      • Spring: The Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk is excellent during the spring seasons. The trail begins to thrive with diverse flora and vegetation as March starts, and by April, the entire route is bloomed with thousands of flowers, making it stunning. Likewise, the stable weather, lovely climate, and clear sky make trekking to Annapurna base camp trek in spring phenomenal.
                      • Autumn: Autumn goes from September to November, and during this time, the lower part of the Annapurna base camp trail is enchanted by hues of brown, orange, and yellow. The crisp and fresh air with clear mountain views makes trekking fantastic. The weather is stable, and the climate is moderate. We also love the autumn season for trekking in Nepal because of all the festivities throughout the country.
                      • Summer/monsoon: Summer and monsoon (June to August) seasons come together. The increased humidity and heat make trekking more challenging. Likewise, the trail condition is also bad in these months because of rainfall. There are leeches on the trail, and the risk of landslides is also high in the mountain region.
                      • Winter: You can do the Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk in the winter season (December to February), but only if you prepare well. The climate is harsh with extreme cold, dry air, and short daylight. The views may get obstructed because of fog, and the temperature goes below freezing point. The challenges are high in the winter season, but the ABC trek is still possible to do safely with our team.

                      Accommodation and Meals

                      • Rooms: The Annapurna base camp trek via the Ghandruk village route has lodge accommodation for the trekkers. They are comfortable and cozy. Lodges have basic wooden beds furnished with simple mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Our package includes shared rooms along the trail. Let us know if you want single rooms. For extra comfort, you can carry a nice sleeping bag.
                      • Washroom: Washrooms in the lodges can be private or common. The upper part of the trail mostly has common washrooms. Western toilets are available in many places, but you may come across squat toilets as well. Pack toilet paper, toothpaste, and other small essentials as well.
                      • Hot shower: To take a hot shower during the Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk, you have to pay a few extra bucks. The locals heavily rely on solar power and wood, so it costs you money. Once you are above the Himalaya Hotel, taking a hot shower may be not viable, so pack wet wipes to keep yourself fresh.
                      • Charging: Again, as solar power is the main source of electricity in the lodges, you also have to pay a few extra bucks to charge your devices. You can see charging stations built separately around reception or dining. Get yourself power banks and spare batteries for the journey.
                      • WiFi: Many lodges are now trying to provide WiFi service in exchange for some cash, however, the speed of the internet will not be anything like in the city. Moreover, as per the weather conditions, you may not even get a stable connection. So, we highly recommend getting a tourist sim for an additional connectivity option.
                      • Meals: On the Annapurna base camp trek, you can expect a diverse culinary experience. Indulge in delicious typical Nepali dishes and other local items. Dal bhat will be your main meal option, and you will be having it at least once a day. Likewise, other food options include momo, chow mein, thukpa, thenduk, Tibetan bread, french fries, pasta, burgers, etc.
                      • Drinking water and beverages: For beverages, there are different types of coffee and tea. You can also get local wines, alcohol, energy drinks, soft drinks, juice, etc. Boiled drinking water is available in all lodges. You can refill your water bottle and use a water purification table for extra safety.

                      Additional Information

                      • Travel insurance: To do the Annapurna base camp trek via Ghandruk, travel insurance is necessary. It should cover medical bills and emergency helicopter evacuation. Of course, we only use it to provide you with quick support if needed. You have to give us the travel insurance documents before the trek starts.
                      • Passport and visa: Check your passport and make sure it is valid for at least six months from the day you enter Nepal. Likewise, apply for a Nepali travel visa at the related government department in your country. Note that Nepal offers on-arrival visas to travelers from many countries, so you can also think about this option.
                      • Money exchange: The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the main currency of Nepal. You will need it during trekking and while shopping from small vendors. Credit cards are acceptable in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and malls, but you can't use them everywhere. Banks and money exchange centers in Thamel will help you exchange your money. You can also withdraw Nepali cash using your cards from ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
                      • Tips: Tipping is a customary practice in Nepal, and trekkers should be mindful of local norms. Tips for guides and porters are appreciated. It is the best way to say thank you for their service. While there are no strict rules for tips, you can ask your guide to help you.
                      • Luggage: Pack wisely for the Ghandruk Annapurna Base Camp trek. Follow our packing checklist. Choose between buying or renting the gear and trekking clothes. You can get everything in Thamel, Kathmandu. Keep the backpack weight limit under 5 kg and the duffel bag weight limit under 10 kg.
                      • Personal expense: Make a daily expense budget for trekking. You can keep USD 15 to 20 for that. You will spend this money buying any additional services not covered by our package cost. Likewise, budget money for souvenir shopping, extra drinks and food, international flight fares, tips, travel insurance, and other activities. Most importantly, do not forget to set aside some emergency funds.

                      FAQs

                      • If you are already in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you can do the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 5 to 6 days. Likewise, if you make the itinerary with arrival and departure, you can do the ABC trek in 7-8 days as well. For travelers with no time to trek, we also have a special package called the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour with landing.

                      • The best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp are spring (pre-monsoon), which includes March, April, and May, and autumn (post-monsoon), which includes months from September to November. The weather and climate are best in these two seasons.

                      • Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp solo (without a guide) is not possible anymore. Nepal government has made trekking with a guide in the Annapurna region compulsory from April 1st, 2023. It is done to lower the injuries and accident rate among solo trekkers. If you wish to experience solo trekking in the Himalayas, we have a private trek option.

                      • Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghandruk is for beginner trekkers. This trek suits all ages of trekkers and also does not demand strong fitness or training before you join the trek.

                      • Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village at 1,940 meters (6,364 ft). This village is famous because of its beauty, friendly locals, and mountain views. Likewise, Ghandruk is also known for Gurkhas, as most families have someone in the Gurkha regiment.

                      • The crowd on the trail depends on the season you are trekking in. During the peak trekking seasons, the crowd is relatively more as hundreds of travelers explore the Himalayas. Still, you will get ample time to enjoy nature and unwind.

                      Cultural village Ghandruk
                      Price Per PersonUS$454US$545(All-Inclusive Price)
                      • Travel with local travel experts
                      • Private and group-join packages
                      • Guaranteed fixed departures
                      • Online booking with instant confirmation
                      • Discounts for group travelers
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