Trek from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp

The trek from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp is full of spectacular scenery, adventurous trails, and cultural exploration. It combines two popular trekking destinations, i.e., Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp. 

The trail goes through the luscious sub-tropical forests to the highland pastures. Also, the route is within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, you witness the region’s unique and diverse flora and fauna during the trek. 

Similarly, you will trek from the lowland region to 4130 meters, where the Annapurna Base Camp sits. You will pass by charming villages like Tirkhedhungs, Banthanti, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Bamboo, and many more. Likewise, the majestic mountain views of Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, etc, will keep you company during the trek. 

In addition to the serene nature and gorgeous mountain views, the trek from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp provides unique cultural exploration. You will be able to immerse in the fascinating culture and traditions of indigenous ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people. 

The trek from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp is suitable for seasoned, intermediate, and beginner trekkers. Its scenic trail, moderate level of difficulty, and stunning views appeal to trekkers around the world.  

Temperature and Weather Along The Ghorepani To Annapurna Base Camp

The temperature and weather along the Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp varies depending on the season. There are four seasons in Nepal, i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Take a quick look at them below: 

Spring Season

One of the most popular times for trekking Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp is during spring. The season begins in March and goes up until May. The season boasts of favorable weather and clear skies. The temperature during early springtime can remain cold. It gradually gets warmer as the season progresses. 

The daytime temperature ranges between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius at lower elevations. Meanwhile, the temperature at higher elevations can drop to -5 degrees Celsius at nighttime. The flora and fauna of the reason are most active at this time. You can see the whole rhododendron forest in full bloom during spring.  

Summer Season

The monsoon season begins in Nepal during Nepal. The monsoon brings heavy rainfall all across the country. The Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp route also receives heavy rainfall. Hence, the trail is muddy and slippery. Rain clouds also obstruct the views.

Similarly, there is a risk of landslides due to the rain. The temperature ranges between 15 to 25 degrees Celcius. The temperature at higher elevations is also warmer. However, the weather conditions are unfavorable for trekking. 

Autumn Season

The autumn season offers excellent weather conditions with warm temperatures for trekking from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp. The days are bright and sunny with the best visibility of all the seasons. The mountain views are magnificent. Likewise, the trail is dry, with a low chance of rainfall. 

The daytime temperature of the lower region ranges between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is mild at higher elevations. However, the temperature begins to get colder as the season progresses. It can drop up to -5 degrees Celsius at higher elevations. Overall, the stable weather makes autumn the peak trekking season. 

Winter Season

The temperature drops significantly at higher elevations during the winter season. There is also snowfall. The temperature at lower regions during daytime can range between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. It can drop to freezing temperature at higher elevations from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius or lower. 

Winter season is the best time to view the snow-capped mountains. However, the harsh weather conditions make the trek more difficult. But with proper preparation, the Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable in winter. 

Itinerary 

Here is a breakdown of Nepal Alternative Trek’s 10 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 

Day 01

We will begin our journey with a 2-hour drive from Pokhara to Sudame. From Sudame, we will start our trek towards Bnthanti (2100 meters). The trail goes alongside the terrace fields and passes by Hile and Tirkhedhunga village. It is a short hike of 4 hours. 

Day 02

The trail goes through the rhododendron forests from Banthanti. and towards Nangethanti. Then, it begins to ascend to Ghorepani (2874 meters). Ghorepani is a beautiful Magar village. We can witness Annapurna massif, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri from the village. It takes 4 hour’s trek to reach Ghorepani from Banthanti. 

Day 03

We will take an early morning hike to Poonhill View Towr (3193 meters). It is an hour’s hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill. We can witness a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise with panoramic mountain views in the backdrop. You can witness mountains like Machhapuchhre, Himalchuli, Nilgiri, and more. 

After the Poonhill hike, we will return to Ghorepani. Then, we will head towards Tadapani (2650 meters). We will once again hike through rhododendron forests. After passing Gurung Hill and Duerali village, we will reach Tadapani. The day’s trekking takes 5 hours. 

Day 04

We will leave Tadapani and climb northeast. The trail drops towards Chuile village and climbs uphill towards Chhomrong (2130 meters). We will have to pass through an exposed ridge before reaching Chhomrong village. It is a beautiful Gurung village that offers gorgeous mountain views. Trekking from Tadapani to Chhomrong takes 5 hours. 

Day 05

Today, we will climb downhill towards Chhomrong Khola. From here onwards, the trail starts to ascend. Then, we will pass by Sinuwa village and enter the bamboo forest. After crossing the dense bamboo forest, we will reach the Bamboo village (2300 meters). The village is located at a lower altitude and in a colder environment. It is a 6-hour trek. 

Day 06

Our destination today is Dovan. The trail becomes rocky from here onwards. It ascends towards an exposed ridge. En route, we will pass by the glacial Modi River and Hinku Cave. After 5 hours of trekking, we will reach Deurali (3200 meters).

Day 07

This is the day when we will climb up to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters). As we leave Deurali, the trail goes alongside the Modi River. The green vegetation turns into alpine shrubs. After a strenuous climb, we will pass by an icy cave to reach Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 meters). 

Then, we will continue trekking for another hour through vast rocky fields. Finally, we will reach Annapurna Base Camp. The arduous climb will reward you with a 360-degree mountain view of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri ranges, and more.   

Day 08

Our morning will begin early. We will explore around the base camp and relish the mountain views. Then, we will start our descent along the Modi River trail. The trail will again pass by Deurali and Dovan villages until we reach Bamboo Village. The entire trek duration takes 7 hours.  

Day 09

We will leave Bamboo Village one last time and head towards Jhinu Danda (1600 meters). The trail goes through the luscious forests and ascends along the narrow ridge. We will pass the Sinuwa and Chhomrong villages. From Chhomrong, we will walk along an exposed ridge towards Jhinu Danda.

It takes 6 hours of trek from Bamboo to reach Jhinu Danda. The village is famous for its natural hot spring. You can relax your body after the long trek by taking a dip in the hot spring. 

Day 10

It is a short trek from Jhinu Danda to Samrung. The trail rises through a forest path for the final 20 minutes of the trek. From Samrung, we will hop on a jeep and head back to Pokhara. 

Major Attractions of Route

Let’s take a look at some of the major attractions of the Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp route: 

Scenic Route

The Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp is a scenic route that goes from sub-tropical forests to alpine meadows. En route, you will come across charming villages, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, and icy caves. The majestic mountains will keep you company during the whole trek duration. 

Breathtaking sunrise view

You can observe some of the most stunning sunrises from Poonhill View Tower and Annapurna Base Camp. It truly is a breathtaking sight to see the golden sun rising with the mountains on the backdrop. You can also witness beautiful sunsets during the trek. 

Stunning Mountain Views

The Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountains. You can witness the entire Annapurna massif, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, and more. You can get an up-close view of Mt. Machhapuchre from the Machhapuchre Base Camp. Likewise, you can get panoramic and up-close views of the mountains from Annapurna Base Camp. 

Cultural Exploration

The locals residing in the Annapurna region belong mainly to the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali ethnic communities. These indigenous groups have unique cultures, traditions, and local customs. This trek offers an opportunity to immerse in their culture. It provides a unique cultural experience. Also, you can experience their warm hospitality during the trek.