Only 540€ per week!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna - Nepal
You will get an insight into the best Nepal has to offer through a week of immersing and learning, two weeks of trekking and a week of community service!
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from trailhead Nayapul, crosses river beds and terraced hillsides, on trails disappearing into blazing rhododendron clusters and oak forests, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs!
Program
Living
Nepal
Program Description
First Week: Introduction Week
Our introduction week will get you kickstarted into this amazing country located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Now only will you get to learn about the language and lifestyle, but you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!
Second and Third Week: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from trailhead Nayapul, cross river beds and terraced hillsides, on trails disappearing into blazing rhododendron clusters and oak forest, to picturesque villages of the Gurungs. We will go on to the deep narrow corridor of Modi River Gorge, entrance to the sanctuary, a spectacular mountain amphitheatre formed by the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna I and III, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Machhapuchhre. Annapurna Sanctuary Trek allows trekkers to pitch camp at approximately 14,000 ft, in the middle of breathtaking surroundings.
Annapurna Sanctuary is also popular as natural amphitheatre because of the its dramatic views from where trekkers can enjoy real natural wonders. On return, we descend through the gorge and cross the Deorali Pass from which can be had a bird's eye view of the Kali Gandaki valley. On a rest day normally planned for Ghorepani, a short climb up to Poon Hill is worthwhile to get a sweeping view of the entire western Himalaya, including the giant Dhaulagiri.
Fourth Week: Community Service
You will get the chance to give back to Nepal by helping out in some of our projects. Your choices will be teaching at a local school, helping out at a kindergarten or aiding injured dogs in our shelter.
What is included in the program
- Airport transfers as per the policy – Airport Pickup in Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport
- Presence of a dedicated program coordinator throughout your travel, at the projects and facilities- Logistical management support in case of emergencies
- Authentic Nepali meals and European (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the duration of the entire program as per the meal plan
- Accommodation at hotels, tea houses, and at our accommodation facility – Shared accommodation
- Local transportation to all venues
- Entry fees to all places
- Extensive pre departure information
- Overland public local transportation
What is excluded in the program
- Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls, tips, portage at hotels or airport, bottles of water during your road travel etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in the program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
- Our program does not cover any liability and does not insure participants. Participants must have appropriate insurance before joining the program.
- Any camera fee where applicable.
- Any service not specified above.
Few things to consider when you are with us!
- Returning to the accommodation after your personal trips before 22.00 everyday
- You will not be allowed to hire any vehicle on your own
- Consumption of alcohol inside the accommodation is strictly prohibited
- Respect and adhere to our code of conduct
- Our staff is there to support you, guide you and make your trip memorable. We kindly request you to follow their instructions at all times
- You will not be allowed to bring outsiders inside our centers/ tea houses or hotels
Aims & Objectives
To bring you closer to the authentic Nepal and the majestic Himalayas. It is aimed to immerse you fully into the Nepali lifestyle, culture and customs.
Schedule
Week 1: Introduction in Kathmandu
Day 1: Monday
- Puja to the gods & goddess and name-giving ceremony
- Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
- Introduction game to get to know fellow participants
- Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Cross cultural orientation on eating and drinking habits, bathing, clothing and toileting custom in Nepalese culture.
- Explore your surroundings around the program house
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 2: Tuesday
- Nepali language training
- Talk on general health precautions and safety during the program
- Cultural and historical tour of Swoyambhunath
- Go out shopping at the local market
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 3: Wednesday
- Yoga and meditation session
- Nepali language training
- Lecture on religion and culture
- A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Kirtipur (an ancient settlement of indigenous group of Kathmandu) temple
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 4: Thursday
- Nepali language training
- Nepali cooking session
- An amazing race for a Scavenger Hunt at the local market
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 5: Friday
- It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
- Feedback sharing (evaluation)
- Nepali cooking class
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 6-7: Saturday to Sunday
- Free days
Overnight stay at the Center
Week 2: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 8: Monday
- Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km)
Overnight stay at the Center in Pokhara
Day 9: Tuesday
- Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,577 m)
- Two-hour drive to Nayapul (1070 m)
- Trek following Bhurung Khola to reach Tikhedhunga
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 10: Wednesday
- Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,855 m)
- Ascend to Ulleri Village through a pleasant Rhododendron forest and arrive at the top of Ghorepani pass
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 11: Thursday
- Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,680 m)
- Early wake up and walk up to Poon Hill for one hour to observe the sunrise and a magnificent mountain view
- Walk back to Ghorepani for breakfast
- Trek to Tadapani
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 12: Friday
- Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170 m)
- An easy way down to Kimron Khola for lunch
- Ascend again to Chhomrong village which lies at the base of Himchuli at the elevation of 6,441m, which also offers a close view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 13: Saturday
- Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2,873 m)
- Forward to Kuldi Ghar for about 3 hrs and down to the bank of the Modi river viewing thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge
- Passing by the pasture of Tomo and Panchen Barah, climb up to the hotel
Overnight stay at Himalayan Hotel
Day 14: Sunday
- Himalayan Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)
- Keeping up on the west bank of Modi, follow a more open valley at the side of Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Overnight stay at a lodge
Week 3
Day 15: Monday
- Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
- Descend and follow the same way to a pleasant camp spot at Bamboo
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 16: Tuesday
- Bamboo to Jhinu
- Walk up to Chhomrong and further way down to Jhinu
Overnight stay at a lodge
Day 17: Wednesday
- Jhinu to Pothana (1980 m)
- Walk downwards to Modi river
- Ascend to Landrung, a beautiful Gurung village and lunch at Tolka
- An easy ascent up to Deurali
Overnight stay at Pothana
Day 18: Thursday
- Pothana to Pokhara (820 m)
- About 3-4 hours easy way down via Dhampus village to Phedi
- Then one hour drive to Pokhara
Overnight stay at the Center in Pokhara
Day 19: Friday
- Drive back to Kathmandu by Bus
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 20-21: Saturday to Sunday
- Free days
Overnight stay at the Center
Week 4
Day 22-26: Monday to Friday
You can choose from the following options:
- Teaching at local schools
- Helping out at a Kindergarten
- Working with rescued dogs at our Canine Rehabilitation project
Overnight stay at the Center
Day 27: Saturday
Departure
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no specific requirements.
Additional Equipment
We recommend following equipment and items to pack for your trekking trip.
For head
- Sun Hat / baseball cap
- Fleece/Wool hat (to cover ears) for winter
- Sunglasses & reading glasses
- Scarf to cover face (dust/wind)
For lower Body
- Under garments
- Hiking shorts – 1
- Lightweight walking pants – 1
- Light weight thermal leggings – winter
- Fleece or tracksuit pants
For Feet
- Thin cotton inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Walking poles
For Upper Body
- T-shirts
- Lightweight thermal tops – winter
- Fleece long shelve tops
- Down vest/jacket – winter
- Poncho rain cover
For Hands
- Lightweight fleece gloves – winter
- Playing card
- Trail map & guide book
For Sleeping
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow slip/case
Medical Kit
- See your Doctor for complete medical kit Including Dimox – for high elevation
Accessories
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Dry packs
- Open neck water bottles
- Watch with light & alarm
- Pack cover
- Day pack
- Money belt
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
- 1x quick dry towel & face cloth
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Toothbrush & paste (biodegradable)
- Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
- Deodorant
- Face & Body moisturizer
- Nail clippers/file
- Small comb/brush
- Clothes washing soap (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper (you can buy more on trek)
- Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs)
- Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
- Sun block face/body high UV protection
- Lip block with UV protection
- Feminine hygiene products
Extra Items
- Camera & extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Reading books
- Journal & pen
- Energy/protein bars
- Walkman & Steripen
***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***
Location
This route takes you through Pokhara, to Ghodepani, Ghandruk and Pothana.
About the Accommodation
Along the route you will have overnight stays in hotels/tea houses. More information can be found inside the schedule.
Food Arrangements
Mostly Nepalese style dishes (vegetarian and chicken) will be served during the trip.
Facilities
Along the route – but not at all times – there are ATMs and small local stores. Please make sure you have enough money with you before starting the trip.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
You’ll be on a busy schedule.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Population: 28.98 million
Capital: Kathmandu
Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Time zone: UTC +5:45
Country Information
Namaste and welcome to Nepal, a country of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. Located between 80 12' east longitude and between 26 22' and 30 27' north latitude, Nepal extends along the south slopes of the Himalayas in central Asia.
Although Nepal is small, it has the greatest latitudinal variation of any country. The land rises from the southern plains of the Terai, barely above sea level at 70 meters, to the top of the Mt. Everest, the highest peak on Earth at 8848 meters above sea level, in a distance of less than 200 km.
Climate
Weather conditions in Nepal vary from region to region. Summer and late spring temperatures range from about 28C in the hill region of the country to more than 40C in the Terai. In the winter, the average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7C to mild 23C. The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling below the freezing point and a chilly 12C maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate, ranging from 19 to 27C in the summer and 2 to 20C in the winter. In the winter, it only snows in the high elevations, around 9,000 feet. In the highest elevations, it snows year-round. The monsoon can last from mid-June to mid-August although the majority of the rain arrives in July.
Winter: From December to February, the mornings and evenings will be cold; in the daytime, you will be fine with a sweater or thin jacket.
Spring: From March to May is the best time to be in Nepal as it is neither hot nor cold. However, it does get quite windy.
Summer: June to August. Hot, humid and monsoon season.
Fall: Very pleasant and mild weather. It gets a bit windy but you will be fine with a sweater or a jacket.
Culture
Nepal's many ethnic groups are as varied as its land with their own languages and cultures. A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid-hills. In the Kathmandu Valley the major population that we find is Newars, whose culture and artistry have earned them an international reputation. The Sherpas are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetris are scattered over the hills and valleys, and Tamangs are found in the districts around the Kathmandu Valley. The Rais, Limbu, Gurung, Magars of the mid-hills have earned fame as Gurkha soldiers. Lowland ethnic groups such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic. The population of Nepal is about 28.98 million.
Transportation
Local Bus
One of the cheapest ways to get around Nepal. However, you get what you pay for! They are often crowded (and not just with people, sometimes even goats!). Most buses don’t depart until they get filled up, so it is not a good idea for those who have a tight schedule.
Tourist Bus
These are slightly more expensive than local buses but also more comfortable. Greenline buses offer routers between Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara. It is recommended to book in advance to make sure you get a seat.
Taxis
Taxis are either private taxis as in any other cities or “10 Rupee” taxis, which are public. This means they don’t leave a place until they are full. The name, “10 Rupee taxis” does not mean they cost 10 Rupee! Do feel free to bargain
