The Annapurna base camp is a grand and notable trek that takes you from the vibrant paddy fields in the lowland valleys to the highland alpine meadows and then on to the jagged windswept deserts of the Tibetan plateau. But before you’ve even laced up your boots, also consider how you’re getting to the trailhead, where the trail is, and, perhaps most important of all, how you’re getting home. Nepal local transportation can seem a bit daunting from the start, but with a little bit of direction, it can be — dare I say it? — fun!
Here’s the complete breakdown of how to get to, around, and back home from your ABC Trekking!
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Your adventure starts from the time you land in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. The global airport is Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport, from which you’ll fly. From here, you’re off to Pokhara metropolis, the place to begin the Annapurna Base Camp ascent.
Kathmandu- Pokhara – The Beginning of Your Trek
Pokhara, a few 2 hundred kilometers (124 miles) west of Kathmandu, is the start line for trekkers who need to discover the Annapurna mountain range.
You may fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara: this is the very best, fastest manner. It’s a 25-minute journey and, on a clear day, you will see the Himalayas. Local airlines operate day by day, and be sure to book in advance for the duration of peak season. Note that flights are weather-dependent and may be delayed (specifically at some stage in the wet season)
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Buses are going to Kathmandu from Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu (every morning bus departs) if you are freakin’ out over flying. The journey takes around 6 to 9 hours to reach there by road, depending on the flow and condition of the road. The description of a tourist bus is generally a lot more comfortable and safer than what you would experience with a standard local bus, with air conditioning (and sometimes Wi-Fi) mostly controlling the environment. Local buses are less expensive, if more crowded and less dependable. Or you can hire one – getting a car or a jeep with the driver may be a better and more comfortable choice, especially if you’re coming in a group of people.
Trailhead – Nayapul by kilometer a bit further up the valley.
Pokhara city and the power to the trekking start point. The town is set 40 km away, and Nayapul is where most people begin their trek.
We suggest taking a taxi or a private jeep to Nayapul. So you are free to leave at any time, and to stop when you want. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour ride, and the road is all paved, but in some places it could be in very bad condition.
Trek on a budget, hire a local bus or a shared jeep from Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara. These options are less luxe and slower (because they stop), but often more local.
Some Other Entry Points – Ghandruk, Kimche, and Al. If you don’t wish to start trek from Pothana, then you have the options to begin from Kimche, Ghandruk, or Al.
Although Nayapul is the old favourite jump-off spot, these days many a trekker starts a bit further up the road to try and wash a bit of the dust out of a few days of road walking down their esophagus.
Or if you wanted to have a bit of culture and some nice mountain views, Ghandruk is also a nice option. The drive to Ghandruk is a bouncier, more spirited affair, generally three to four hours by jeep. The road is much steeper and rougher after Kimche; a high-clearance vehicle is preferred.
Logistically, most hikers begin in Kimche with day one a pleasant and easy stroll into Ghandruk, a good way to warm into the trail. There are other starting points as well, where you can hop directly into the more scenic and cultural sections of the trudge.
Returning from the Trek
You might pop up a long way from where you landed, and you’ll walk out on a multi-day trek, depending on your schedule. Some of the famous exits are Jhinu Danda, Siwai, or back to Nayapul.
From here, you can easily hitch a jeep to Pokhara from either of the two drop-off points. Most trekkers arrange transport the day before through a guide or lodge owner. The roads are bad, and you have to get a driver quickly to come get somebody who can take you.
It is local buses and the shared jeeps in some places, which might be in the afternoon. They are less expensive, but less predictable. And remember that if you plan to use public transportation, there may be delays and shorter hours.
Helpful Tips for Trek Transportation
If you are traveling during the cold seasons, then we recommend you book the flights, jeep, or bus. October through November and March through April are known to fill up, and last-minute inquiries are a no-go.
Make sure you have a ride back to the trail, but do get a ride location and time! They’ve really only had cell reception in a few areas, so this will be on and off, so get your prep up while you’re still near the phone range.
Bring money, and bring a pile of it, especially some small bills. There are few ATMs beyond Pokhara and Kathmandu, and hardly any local transport will accept cards or digital payments.
Add a bit more cushion to your schedule. In the mountains, waits take… any shapes and forms: traffic, weather (or not, since we are in a terrible drought), the revolving restaurant at the summit, and the unexpected. It’s extraordinary how a whole lot of difference it can make in how pressured out your experience is in case you’re bendy and patient.
Final Thoughts
The ABC-to-Pokhara trail is well to its destination, but you’ll need to plan how to get to and from. But that’s not bad news, thank god, because overland transportation in Nepal is various and variable. And whatever you opt for, flow is your friend out there, because you are informed of what your options are before you walk in the door.
And just a tad of forethought is so satisfying. With the right planning, however, the hassle is taken off your hands, so what you’re left with is the real sap: the hike, the mountain, and the memories you’re going to bottle while taking on the Annapurna Base Camp.