Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Duration
- 13 days
- Max altitude
- 4,130 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,065.00
Overview
Into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks with only one narrow way in. You go from farmland to a bowl at 4,130 m with mountains on every side of you, and the change happens in about a week.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- The Annapurna Sanctuary, enclosed on all sides
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp on the way in
- Hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way out
- Reaches 4,130 m without a technical day
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to hotel 1,400 m Hotel
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
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Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (900 m/2,953 ft) from Kathmandu in a Tourist Bus – 7 to 9 hours 900 m 7-9 hrs Hotel
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake and is often referred as the gateway to the Annapurna region.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east.It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our Annapurna base camp trekking.
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Day 3: Drive to Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft) from Pokhara – 1 hour and Trek to Ulleri (2,020 m/6,627 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 2,020 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
On this day, we head out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After 2 to 4 hours drive, we reach Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft). And then, after a couple of hours’ hike, we reach Hile (1,495 m/4,905 ft), a large village with many shops and teahouses.
We will rest for a while and then start our trek to Ulleri, a large Magar village. Today’s walk provides a short and relatively easy day. The journey familiarizes climbers with the experience of trekking in Nepal.
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Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m/9,286 ft) from Ulleri – 5 to 6 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We move on towards our destination Ghorepani, a popular scenic village at an altitude of 2,840 m/9,318 ft. The trail ascends more gently from Ulleri, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards
Banthanti (2,250 m/7,382 ft). Then we trek towards Nangethanti (2,460 m/8,071 ft). After an hour walk, we arrive at Ghorepani. -
Day 5: Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft) & back and then trek to Chuile (2,284 m/7,493 ft) – 7 to 8 hours 3,210 m 7-8 hrs Teahouse
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour or two hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft). The place is a brilliant mountain range spectacle. This vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
From the top of Poon hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,127m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Himchuli and other Himalayan peaks.
We spend some time at the viewpoint for sunrise photography and mountain views before hiking back down to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast.
After breakfast, we continue the trek through forested trails, ridges, and beautiful rhododendron and pine forests toward Deurali (2,960 m/9,711 ft). From there, the trail descends toward Banthanti, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we climb from Banthanti toward Tadapani and then continue further to Chuile with a scenic descentthrough rhododendron forests.
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Day 6: Trek to Sinuwa (2,360 m/7,740 ft) from Chuile– 6 to 7 hours 2,360 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Today we begin our trek from Chuile, following a trail that gradually leads us through forested sections and across suspension bridges.
From Chuile, the route leads us to an uphill climb toward Ghurjung village, passing through peaceful surroundings and traditional settlements along the way.
Continuing on, we reach Chhomrong (2,140 m/7,021 ft), where we stop for lunch and take some time to rest while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
After lunch, the trail descends steeply down stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola River. Once we cross the river, a challenging uphill climb through dense forest brings us to Sinuwa (2,340 m/7,677 ft).
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Day 7: Trek to Deurali (3,230 m/10,597 ft) from Sinuwa – 6 to 7 hours 3,230 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Today’s trail climbs up to Upper Sinuwa, located a bit further uphill. The route then takes a steep descent down a rock bank where a stop named Bamboo awaits amidst a scenic haven – thickets of bamboo nestled at the bottom of a gorge.
After the rest stop, we’ll remain on the west side of the river, following a path that winds its way through a beautiful waterfall. The vibrant flora and fresh mountain air create an invigorating atmosphere as we approach Himalaya.
The trail then steadily climbs past Hinko Cave, a natural wonder nestled in the mountainside. We’ll continue onwards, reaching our destination for the night, Deurali.
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Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft) from Deurali – 5 to 6 hours 4,130 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Today’s trek takes us to the famous Annapurna sanctuary. Our path leads us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,139ft). While climbing the majestic Machhapuchhre, also known as the “Fishtail” for its distinctive
peak shape, is currently forbidden, the base camp offers a unique perspective of this iconic mountain.Here, the soaring peaks encircle us, creating the aptly named Annapurna Sanctuary – a breathtaking amphitheater of nature. The final two hours of our trek will be rewarded with the ultimate destination
– Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft).As we arrive, prepare to be awestruck by the Annapurna base camp view. Towering mountains pierce the sky, their snow-capped peaks glistening under the sun.
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Day 9: Trek to Bamboo (2,345 m/7,694 ft) from Annapurna Base Camp – 6 to 7 hours 2,345 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by 1,700 m/5,577 ft to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo (2,345 m/7,694 ft). The panoramas of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Tharpu
Chuli, and other peaks are worthwhile. There are a few teahouses/lodges available to stay at Bamboo. -
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu (1,780 m/5,839 ft) from Bamboo – 4 to 5 hours 1,780 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields.
From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu. Here we can bath in natural hot springs.
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Day 11: Trek to Syauli Bazaar (1,170 m/3,839 ft) from Jhinu – 2 to 3 hours & Drive back to Pokhara – 2 to 4 hours 1,170 m 2-3 hrs Hotel
From Jhinu, we walk on the right side of the Modi Khola (River) for 3 to 4 hours until Syauli Bazaar, the end point of our trek.
Today’s walk can be considered one of the best and most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We will rest for a while in Syauli Bazaar.
Soon enough we take a drive to Pokhara. The road until Nayapul is unpaved and uneven as it was recently made. We will have a bumpy and challenging drive.
This section lasts for 2 to 4 hours of the total drive. From Nayapul onwards, the road is paved in concrete and is more maintained than in the previous section. In 1 to 2 hours from Nayapul, we will reach Pokhara.
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Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) from Pokhara in a Tourist Bus – 7 to 9 hours 1,400 m 7-9 hrs Hotel
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
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Day 13: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure
The trip concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,280.00 | Comfortfrom $1,510.40 | Luxuryfrom $1,856.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: In Kathmandu: Enjoy two comfortable nights in a quality 3-star hotel with twin-sharing rooms and breakfast service (before your trek begins and after you return).
- Included: During the Trek: Best available twin-sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Included: Breakfast in Kathmandu: Hearty morning breakfast to fuel your adventures in Nepal's capital.
- Included: Full Board Meals During the Trek: Complete dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided every day during your 8-day trek.
- Included: Tea or coffee: Warm beverages are available three times each day (maximum three servings daily).
- Included: Fresh fruit treats are served after evening meals to boost your energy along the mountain trails.
- Included: Complete airport pickup and drop-off service plus all ground travel in comfortable private tourist vehicles.
- Included: Full ground transportation coverage throughout the whole short ABC trail.
- Included: Round-trip flights to and from Pokhara.
- Included: Entry permission for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
- Included: Experienced, wilderness first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people).
- Included: Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Included: Complimentary down jacket and sleeping bag for trek duration (combined weight 3-4 kg; fits within flight baggage limits).
- Included: Personal 70-liter trekking duffel bag for each participant.
- Included: Souvenir package including detailed Annapurna Base Camp map, branded T-shirt, and a commemorative cap.
- Included: Official trek completion certificate of ABC Short Trek.
- Included: All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- Not included: Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Nepal entry visa fees
- Not included: Hot showers for the trek
- Not included: All kinds of cold drinks, such as bottled water, Coke, Fanta, juice, and similar beverages
- Not included: Device charging and WiFi internet
- Not included: Personal trekking equipment
- Not included: Tips for trekking staff and driver
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $1,280.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,065.00 | $215.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,000.00 | $280.00 |
| 7 or more | $935.00 | $345.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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