This six day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more. During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.
Overview
While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April-June and September –October.
Itinerary
Paro DzongThe flight into Paro valley offers amazing views of the mighty Himalayas. Our representative from ALAYA @Traveling will receive you at the airport and drive you to hotel.Evening, you are free to relax or stroll through the small township of Paro.
Overnight 3 Star Standard hotel, Paro.
Tigers Nest ParoToday our day begins with a trip up to the Paro Valley to take on a stunning hike on foot to the legendary Taktshang, widely known as the Tiger’s Nest, built remarkably on a steep cliff. In afternoon, visit DrukgyelDzong, the imposing fortress which was defeated successfully of invading Tibetan armies. On the clear day, you can see the Mount Jomolhari, which remains covered with snow through the years, visit KyichuLhakhang, a holy monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress, visit to the National Museum. You will then stroll down to the Dzong itself and take in the amazing architecture of this 16th century monument. And in evening visit local farm house to experience the Bhutanese way of living, you will be served typical Bhutanese dinner at farm house with Ara (local brewed).
Overnight 3 Star Standard Hotels, Paro.
Tashichhodzong, ThimphuToday you will drive 52kms to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It is home to Bhutanese Royal Family, the central government and several foreign missions and agencies.
Exploration of Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity and built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan.
You will also visit the National Institute of ZorigChusum where students undergo training in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine where Bhutan’s famous traditional medicines are compounded and dispensed.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to see a range of lovely Bhutanese textiles, the ChangangkhaLhakhang, the fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu, and the Takin Preserve.
You will also visit a small family-run enterprise which manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods followed by a visit to TashichhoDzong or the “fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Overnight 3 Star Standard hotel, Paro.
Genakha: You will drive for 45 minutes to reach starting point of the trek. The first day walk, over mule path will end after four hours at the signboard of Genekha School. All through the trail, terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant. Which is a true communion with the nature, starts with alpine fauna and flora (birds are common). Two hours of steady uphill walk and then rest at a huge rock platform, which offers pleasing views of the valley below. Then walk another two hours to camp. In spring, abundant flowers bloom in Gur. Approximately 15 km, 4 hours walk. Overnight in tented camp..
Flowers in MountainToday: the trail will lead across the ridges amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The first pass symbolised by huge cairn gives an outstanding view of the whole Dagala range, meadows and yak herder camps.
Picnic lunch will be served at a nearby yak herder camp. After lunch, you will walk across hills and meadows near Yutsho Lake, which is abundant with golden trout. Approximately 12 km, 5 hours walk.
Overnight stay in tented camp.
Rest day Today: your excursion to any of three lakes: Hentsho, Relitsho, and Jamatsho. The day and place is ideal for trout fishing. Overnight stay at tented camp.
Gangla Karchung
Excursion to Setsho and nearby lakes: Hike to Setsho Lake is easy and interesting. Your will hike toward the small ridge and then descent to Jagetsho Lake. Whole day trout fishing with packed lunch at lakeside. You can also attempt to climb the Jomo 5,050 meters peak. Your picnic lunch at summit with spectacular view around can be memorable experience. Retrace to camp by dusk.
Overnight stay at tented camp.
Mount Jumolhari: Your trail ascends for 20 minutes to a pass (4,460metres) from where you will have majestic views of Himalayan peaks during the descent. The mountains you can view at the far eastern edge are Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, Tshering Gang, Jichu Drake, Khangbum, TsendegangMasang Gang and Gangche Ta. Here the Himalayan monal peasants are a common sight, apart from yaks and horses. Approximately 8 km, 4 hours walk.
Overnight stay at tented camp.
Blue Poppy: Today you will be crossing several passes, each one more impressive than the other. You can look for different varieties of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. Your packed lunch will be served at a pass, where one trail leads to Talekha and the other to Wangduephodrang. After lunch, you will make a steady climb to the tip of the last Dagala range from where you can view Thimphu. An hour’s walk and you will reach the last camp of the trek, which is above Talekha monastery. Approximately 8 km, 4 hours walk. Overnight stay in tented camp.
ThimphuValley: Your trail today passes through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and mixed wild flowers), until Talekha monastery. After passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, you will reach the main road to Thimphu where your transport and driver will be waiting.
Evening drive back to Paro. Overnight in hotel, Paro.
Bid farewell to the beautiful country and your guide. Head towards to the airport to catch your flight.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Includes one day hike to Tiger’s Nest, local sightseeing in Paro to acclimatize and one day local tour in Thimphu after the trek.
- USD 100.00 Daily per person is the SDF (Sustainable development fee) that goes for free education and health care for the citizens of Bhutan and tourist alike.
- All three meals.
- Tea/coffee/snacks while in trekking.
- One experienced Cultural/Trekking English speaking guide.
- First Aid Box and other medical kit.
- 3 star hotel accommodation twin sharing room.
- Tour Vehicle with Experienced driver.
- Good Quality accommodation throughout. The use of a world expedition trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, and insulated mat.
- All Park entrance Fees and Trekking Permits.
- Entry fee to cultural monuments, museums and fortresses.
- USD 40 as VISA Fee.
- Domestic travel insurance.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Any airfare or airport tax.
- Any cost of excess baggage/weight.
- Tips to the guide and driver.
- Beverage, laundry and any personal nature expenses.
Frequently asked Questions
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
