Annapurna base camp trekking alternative route

Annapurna Base Camp alternative route is also can be called as optional route literally. It is a unique trek on the foothill of the Annapurna south specially intended for those who love to enjoy the flora and fauna, panoramic view of the Himalayan range in a alternative and short way including Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Gangapurna, Himchuli and other Himalayan ranges. These wonderful views are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola cuts its way south in a narrow gorge fully 12,000 ft. deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs.

This is a typical walk right into the heart of the mountains and our gentle walk start from lowland to the outstanding high mountains with breathtaking view of the Annapurna range. The walk ends at a point where you are virtually surrounded by soaring Himalayan peaks.
The trek involves several ascents and descents but not so tough to attempt as there are several alternative routes to the sanctuary, all meeting at Chomrong Village.

It is designed for those travelers who would like to visit ABC in short period with beautiful scenery trhough optional route avoiding road. 

FACT OF THIS TREK

Trip Duration     

7 days Trekking

Max. Altitude:

4120 m./13596 ft.

Minimum Altitude:

1030 m./3399 ft.

Grade:

Moderate

Activities:

Trekking 

Accommodation:

Lodge

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Transportation:

Overland

Trek Departure:

Every day throughout the week

Group Size:

1 person  to 20 persons (maximum)

Best season:

March, April, May, Sept, Oct & Nov.

Available Time:

All months

Per day hiking:

5 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Suggested Itinerary  
Day 1:  Pokhara- Siwei by drive- Trek to Jhinu -Chhomrong ( 2170m./7161ft.) 5 hours walk 
Drive to Siwei by bus/jeep and trek to Chhomrong  then stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Lunch, Dinner 

Day 2: Chhomrong village-Bamboo ( 2335m./7705ft.) 6 hours walk
We descend via 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. From here it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bamboo-Himalaya-Deurali ( 3100m./10230ft.) 4 hours walk 
We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock-face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Deurali-Machhapuchhre base camp- Annapura Base Camp ( 4130m./13629ft.) 4 hours walk
Climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South , Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 5: ABC- Bamboo ( 2335m./7705ft.) 6 hours walk
We retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bamboo- Chhommrong - Ghandruk ( 2012m./ 6639ft.) 7 hours walk
It is an uphill trek to Kullighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. We have a lunch there then the trail lead us to beautiful gurung village - Ghandruk is a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. we also visit the Gurung museum today. 
Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Ghandruk - Pokhara by overland
After breakfast, have a wonderful view of Fishtail and Annapurna range in the morning then walk as short downhill then we take bus/jeep to pokhara.  Transfer to your hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast

Trek ends

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)
The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)  permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Mardi himal Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. We have included in our package.

Trekker's information Management System ( TIMS)
The main aim of TIMS has come into implementation from Jan.2008.  Trekking agency's association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal tour tourism board (NTB) has jointly recording the trekker's detail and issuing TIMS for trekkers. It is inlcuded in price. 

TIMS can be applied through Government registered trekking agency as Nepal alternative treks. TIMS fees are NPR 2000 for individual trekkers and NPR 1000 for organized trekker. Individual TIMS has to be obtained at NTB in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You are required passport copy, one passport size photograph and the amount NPR 2000 for individual TIMS. You have to applied by Trekking agency if you are joined trekking agency and the amount is NPR 1000 for company joined in cash.

Trekking Clothing equipment for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants 
-  T-shirts. 
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap 
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 
- Small daypack - 25 liters. 
- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 
- Small towels 
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 
- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is ABC which is elevated at 4130 meter, you have very little chance of AMS. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Annapurna Base Camp alternative route is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 4130 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Mr. John Rucynski
USA

It is my 5th. time to Nepal for trekking. This time, I did 10 day trek. Everything was very good and the guide Hari was very good too. Some guides we met on the trek gave gad advice about base camp but my guide was able to know the information and get me there. It was great trek as previous time. I strongly recommend this company’s services.

Mr. Chen, Isarel                     
Ms. Tania and Ms. Sofia, Belgium

I want highly recommend about the service of this office Nepal alternative trek. I took the package to Annapurna Base Camp for 10 days that everything include along with a great guide who called Dillip and strong and nice porter called homey. It was 10 days which they take care of everything and it was amazing experience and with very good price highly recommend.  
This company boss Mr. Tej also helped me to get Indian visa. I appreciate him.

Winter Lain Tan
Philippine

Our porter Jayendra and Lal are excellent. Hari the guide was fun and helpful as well. I liked the lodge in Chhomrong and Bamboo ( Buddha ) best. Thanks Alternative trek for best arrangement.

Lee woollor 
UK

Overall, our experience was truly amazing. Swimming on the way to Birethanti in the waterfall was so beautiful. Our guide and porter continually checked of us to see up. Everything was ok- all the time. They were wonderful. Thank you!!!

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TESTIMONIAL

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Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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