Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April from Kathmandu

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April: From Kathmandu

We started our Annapurna Base Camp Trek on 11 April, 2025 from Kathmandu. We headed towards Pokhara by tourist bus at 7 am. The tourist bus station is located at Kaladhara Road near Sorhakhutte and near Thamel. The tourist bus s tation is only 15 minutes. We used Global Vacation Tourist Bus to go Pokhara from Kathmandu.

There are a few stops on the way: sanck and Toilets Breaks-Twice- 10 minutes each, breakfast break-20 minutes and luch break-30 minutes.

I had a client with me for Annapurna Base Camp Trek beginning from 11 April,2025 and ending at 17 April, 2025. She was from Philipines and her name was Maria. Maria Lochini Trocio Bonate was her full name……is it entire family name or only her name? No, No just kidding, hope she won’t mind it…. According to her, she was 47.

The bus left Kathmandu and soon reached Dharke via Thankot. We saw road expansion works were going on and we had to stop for some minutes on the way to let smoothly run the construction works.

The bus stopped at Dharke at a local restaurant for the breakfast. This breakfast break was for 20 minutes. We had carried our own bread and a couple of boiled eggs from the hotel in Kathmandu before we left. We shared the packed breakfast from the hotel in Kathmandu instead of having the breakfast at the local restaurant there at Dharke on Prithvi Highway.

There were a few items for the breakfast like noodles, toasts, vegetable curries, boiled and fried eggs and coffees. 

We can either carry our own breakfast from the hotel in Kathmandu before we leave for Poikhara during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek or you can pick some items on the way at local restaurant on the Prithivi highway.

Within 20 minutes, we continued our drive towards Pokhara. We again encountered some road expansion contractions works on the this drive which delayed us to get Pokhara on time. 

After lunch and some few toilet and snack breaks, we reached arrive in Pokhara at 5 pm and checked the weather condition. We also heard that there was a massive snowfall on the ABC trail and at Annapurna Base Camp(4130m) and we were suggested to prepare very well. 

Then, we went out to hire a good sleeping bag and crampons as well in case we encounter massive snowfall and our boots slip. 

We had a rum after our dinner, Mustang, to warm up and to build up our confidence for a successful ABC Trekin April from Pokhara and went to bed hoping a good weather for our Annapurna Base Camp in April (11-17).

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Pokhara to Jhino and then to Sinuwa

When we woke up next morning at Fishtail Villa Lodge in Pokhara, we found the weather raining heavily. However, we had to leave and push through for Annapurna Base Camp.

We called a taxi and drove to Hari Chow near Bindhyabasini Temple where one can get sharing jeep to Jhino, Ghandruk and Ulleri from Pokhara. It is 20 minutes drive to get Hari Chowk from Pokhara Lake Side.

Fortunately, we got the group of 8 people to share the same jeep for Jhino Danda from Pokhara and started the drive. It cost us Rs.1000 each to go Jhino Danda from Pokhara, Hari Chowk. We were happy to pay the cost and we did. 

If you are going to reserve the jeep privately, it costs Rs7000-9000 depending on time and group of people.

Before you get to Jhino Danda, you will pass Ghattekulo, Kande, Naudanda, Lumle, Nayapool and Birethanti. Birethanti is the place where you will get your ABC Trek Permit checked for the first time.

We got Jhino Danda on time at round 9.30 and we were favored by the weather that there was no rain at Jhino and we were very happy and excited not to see any rain there.

Actually, Jhino Danda has popular natural hot springs alongwith good lodges to stay overnight and to dine. We already had some snacks and fruits on the way while drinking from Pokhara to Jhino and we decided to hike up to Chhomrong directly without having anything at Jhino.

There are good lodges at Jhino which are relatively more comfortable and cozier than in other places on the ABC Trail. 

Actually, it is better to to walk string up to the top of Chhomrong(1900m) without having heavy foods like lunch at Jhino Danda. Having lunch at Jhino Danda make you heavier and makes you tired while ascending up to Chhomrong and we did realized exactly same. 

We quickly went up to the top of Chhomrong where two trails encounter: one coming from Poon Hill via Tadapani and Ghandurk and the other going up from Jhino Danda and make some pictures. The grand landscapes, surrounding hills and the mountain panoramas like Machhapuchhre were incredible from this Point.

After 15 minutes walk on the flat trail, we got into a restaurant for our lunch as it was already 12 noon. From the restaurant, we had good view of the entire Chhomrong village, the local shops, Annapurna South  and Machhapuchhre as well. 

Later after having our lunch, we pass through Permit Checkpoint located at Chhomrong Village. Don’t try to skip this check post for Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit Check Post. It you do so, you will penalized if found you have violated the rules of Annapurna Conservation Area.

You can get good massage and even the German bakery in Chhomrong village. A couple of days stay at Choomrong village will be beautiful . 

But, we had to head towards Lower Sinuwa for the first overnight stay during Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

We walked down to the riverside passing through beautiful local settlements of Gurung and Magar people and cross suspension bridge which connects Chhomrong and Sinuwa. 

After 40 minutes of walk, we reached Lower Sinuwa (2100m). Actually, our targeted destination was Upper Sinuwa(2300m) but there are only a few lodges and all the lodges at Upper Sinuwa are reserved by bigger groups who are heading to and back from Annnapurna Base Camp during peak trekking season like in the month of April.

You’d better check the availability of accommodation if you are trekking to ABC in April, otherwise, you have to go with group joining and go with the dining hall for your overnight stay. So carry a reliable sleeping bag with you all the time for your ABC Trek in April. The weather can go rainy or snowy sometimes and we had the same encounters all round the trek.

Lower Sinuwa can offer you a beautiful Machhapuchhre view and the Upper Sinuwa can offer you both massive Annapurna South and Fishtail ( Machhapuchhre).

There are a few lodges at Lower Sinuwa like: 

You can also find 4-5 lodges at Upper Sinuwa for your foods and accommodation during Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

Trekking from Sinuwa (2100m) to Deurali (3200m)

While heading towards Deurali from Lower Sinuwa, we met two cyclists from India carrying their cycles with some stuffs. They were heading towards ABC(4130m). They were one boy and the other girl.

After we had lunch at Bamboo, we head towards Deurali via beautiful rhododendron forest fully bloomed.

All of sudden, before we reached to Deurali, we encounter heavy rainfall at Himalaya and we shelter at a local lodge-waited for around 1 hour to let the rain go but it didn’t. Finally, we mad a decision to stay overnight at Himalaya and we did fix the things accordingly.

Maria started loving the local tap or stream water as she found it sweet. “How sweet is the water?” She would exclaim every time as she had the water from local stream or tap.

Actually, she didn’t buy any bottled water for her ABC Trek in April and she enjoyed all tap and stream water from the mountain and it was real trek with weeet water.

Actually, it is not recommended to have local tap and local stream water for your ABC Trek but what I realized after this April Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the local tap or stream water is far better than the bottled water which consists of harmful chemicals.

You can go with local tap or stream water if your body accepts and if you are confident during yourAnnapurna Base Camp Trek.

We also encountered some avalanches while heading towards Himalaya from Upper Dovan. We also got the sad news that two Chinese people were swept away by this avalanche a few days before and we were scared too.

There is holy pilgrimage site between Dovan and Himalaya. The temple name is Pojehem Baraha Temple maintained by Annapurna Conservation Area Project. This temple is a common pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist.

Actually, no one is permitted to carry any meat items near and beyond Pojeham Baraha Temple on Annapurna Base Camp Trail. If found, will terribly be punished accorindg to the rule.

Don’t try to carry meat item beyond Sinuwa or Dovan in Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

There is no network coverage between Himalaya and Dovan especially between Pojeham Baraha Temple and Himalaya (2900m). Be careful about this also while doing Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

We were shocked  to see a lady carrying more than 20kg weight with a rope on her head. She looked very confident and confortable to carrying the heavy luggage of the trekkers heading towards ABC.

Trekking from Himalaya (2900m) to ABC (4130m)

The next morning, we began little earlier as we had to get ABC at any cost and the weather was not favouring us.

Due to the avalanches, the new trail was opened from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp Connecting Trail.

The newly opned trail was longer and more tiresome as the trekkers had to pass through forested area, riversides, riverbanks and wooden bridges.

As we got to Machhapuchhre Base Camp(3700m), we started having a huge snowfall outside the lodge. We were into the dining hall and having our lunch there. The weather was really bad.

However, we didn’t give up- we covered our backpack and the body with raincover and put on the down jacket and resumed the trek towards ABC after lunch at MBC.

On the trail, we were gald to see 6 years old kid walking down to MBC from ABC after his successful ABC Trek. We were more confident and excited after seeing him on the trail. In fact, this is my 4th time that I am venturing on Annapurna Base Camp Trek. I have already been at ABC 3 times earlier.

On Reaching Annapurna Base Camp

I love Annapurna Base Camp for you can see the best and cosset mountain giants just informat of your eyes that no other trekking trips in Nepal offer you such incredible opportunity. You can enjoy the snowfall, play snow and watch beautiful sunrise as well.

Despite rain and snowfall, we reached ABC before it got darker and arranged our accommodation on sharing basis. You cannot really imagine of having your own private accommodation at Annapurna Base Camp during peaks trekking seasons like in March, April, May and September, October and November.

There were already more than 700 trekkers before we arrived at Annapurna Base Camp. Can you imagine it? There are only a few lodges (7-8) which has the maximum capacity of 50 people. Where do trekkers sleep at ABC? Sometimes in dorms, tents and even at dinning hall.

Fortunately, the weather was fair in the evening and we were glad and thanked the god to reward us finally with magnificent weather and mountain views at Annapurna Base Camp.

But, on the other hand, Maria did have some stomach issues and she was scared of having altitude sickness and I convinced her that it was not altitude sickness. It actually happened because the the extreme cold, continuous rain and snowfall. She did vomiting, I guess, twice or thrice there at Annapurna Base Camp. Nevertheless, she was still happy to be there and make the history of stepping at Annapurna Base Camp(4130m).

If the weather is not in your favor, no technique will work in the mountain like while doing Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But, you need a good raining beforehand, especially, cardio with backpack with similar elevation ups and downs.

At Annapurna Base Camp, what two beautiful things you can do are: walk closer to Annapurna mountain range including Annapurna south and hear some avalanche falling/collapsing.

I had a beautiful encounter with an European guy playing African Flute at the lodge at ABC and I found it very exciting and grand music to enjoy. Some of the other trekkers were enjoy the cards game and rest were knitting and reading books during and after dinner. The dining was warmer and full of trekkers.

If you look downwards, the beautiful Annapurna Base Camp Village and alluring Machhapuchhre will always be welcoming you warmly.

We accomplished our goal to be at Annapurna Base Camp and the next morning with beautiful sunrise over Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South, we began to retrace towards MBC and Deurali. We had some pictures together at ABC with board and walked down. 

Retracing from ABC to Lower Sinuwa

While walking down from ABC to MBC and Deurali, we met hundreds of trekkers ascending ABC via MBC. They we found struggling very hard, some seemed well prepared and some were not- with big bellies and not with comfortable clothing.

Frankly telling, hope this wont hurt the trekkers, Nepali and Indian Trekkers looked immature in term of preparations and were found doing really hard works.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek really needs good level preparation and pack right trekking equipment including clothing. Also one needs to be updated with the recent weather forecast.

While I was descending down from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Deurali, I noticed one important thing that is: hundreds of lady bugs were on the trail and they looked so beautiful. But, unfortunately, people were crushing on them with their trekking boots and killing them mercilessly. Have you ever noticed it on the ABC Trail? If you see lady bugs on your ABC trail, please try your best to save them and their beautiful lives that can help to maintain a complete balance in Annapurna Conservation Area.

We walked 20 kilometers while walking down from ABC to Lower Sinuwa and I had some issues on my right knee. Thank god and thanks to Maria that she had carried bandage and I applied on my knee and did a better performance. We also enjoyed some massages with coconut oil along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and it did really work to lessen the pain and do some comforts.

Jhino to Pokhara Jeep Drive

We finally arrive at Jhino Danda despite two days rainfall while walking down from ABC to Lower Sinuwa. Some people were heading towards natural jaxuzzi located at Jhino, at the bank of Modi River. The natural Jacuzzi at Jhino Danda is only 20 minutes walk from the main Jhino Village. One requires paying Rs. 250 as entry fees for Hot Spring at Jhino locate at the chilling banck of Modi River.

We caught the sharing jeep from Jhino Danda to Pokhara. Unluckily, the road was under construction and we had to walk for more than 30 minutes down to the point where we could the jeep. 

Consider the weather condition and the construction updates for Jhino Jeep Ride from or for Pokhara during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek and fix this accordingly.

Maria did share some hiking experiences during she did in Taiwan and Philipines. I found the hiking in Philipines was like ‘Butting’  and ‘Crawlling’ not real hiking. The hiking in Philipines, according to her, needs a lot of crawling into the bushes and a lot of butting onto the rocky mountain terrains which is really difficult. I think this wont hurt her. Can I say like, “Hiking in the Philipines like Hanging which needs a lot of stamina and preparations”. Heeeee. she is cool and I am pretty sure that she wont mind it. Instead, she will enjoy it and make her laugh.

Post Trek Celebrations in Pokhara

We ended up this Beautiful Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April (April 11-17, 2025) with a grand celebration at the lakeside restaurant. We had Gorkha Beer and our special dishes. After we finish our dinner and some drinks and we went to Irish Pub and enjoy the musical show with some more drinks like “Sex On the Boat Cocktail.” Added one more Gorkha Beer and went back to the Fishtail Village Lodge to sleep.

I highly recommend to go to Irish Pub if you are a music lover and enjoy the evening and night with music and drinks in Pokhara after Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Final Words

My final findings after this third experience of Annapurna Base Camp Trek are : 

One requires good level of Preparations whatever the weather condition is along the Annnapurna Base Camp Trek. Train your body with similar elevation to ABC with at least 5-6 kgs back pack. Do a hard cardio training and pack right trekking gear from Kathmandu or from Pokhara ahead of ABC Trek.

Respect Porter along the trek who are carrying yours and others stuffs, they really do hard work. Wthout porter , you ABC trek seems to be impossible. You can find the trail easily but if if you don’t have a porter to carry your stuffs, you cannot really accomplish your Annapurna Bae Camp Trek. Hire at least a porter for your Annapurna Base camp Trek.

There are huge number of lady bugs on the Annapurna Base Camp Trail and Save Lady Bugs Lives w hile ascending and Descending.

If the weather is worse like heavy rain and snowfall No techniques of trekking or hiking works properly: the weaher is unfavorable, you will nearly die. Plan accordingly with good sleeping bag and proper rain cover with water proof trekking shoes.

Get ready for sharing accommodation and wait for the foods during peaks trekking seasons like in the months of March, April, May and Spetember, October, and November. Solo trekking is very difficult in Annapurna Base Camp and you’d better join a group or hire at least a porter or guide to make it easier and more convenient.

Make a prior reservation for Accommodation for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek for the months of March, April, May and Spetemebt, October and November.

Have Daal Bhat As Many Times as You can during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek as this the most authentic, balanced, nutrious and organic Nepali dish to enjoy for the trek. ‘Daal Bhat Power, 24 Hour’.

Use Sharing jeep from Pokhara to Jhino Danda and Jhino Danda back to Pokhara while wrapping the ABC Trek. This will be the most effective means of transportation with budget friendly like ranging from Rs.1000-1500 per person. Need to get updated with the road condition beforehand.

Try not give up as your really get tired while ascending from Chhomrong Khola to Upper Sinuwa and Upper Sinuwan to Deurali, push through and make it happen with the help of guide and porters.

It is recommended to have an extra day either at Himalaya or at Deurali if you want before heading towards MBC and ABC. But, very few people do it and after you do the acclimatization in Annapurna Base Camp Trek either at Deurali(3200m) or Himalaya (2900m), you will be 100% successful ascending to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m).

Final suggest to the trekkers who are doing Annapurna Base Camp that they can enjoy local tap water if they want. The water from Local taps and local streams are daily used for drinking, cooking by the local people and you can do the same if y