The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a spectacular natural amphitheater surrounded by some of Nepal’s most impressive Himalayan peaks. The journey reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, directly beneath Annapurna I (8,091 m), while also bringing you close to Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other major peaks.
The trek begins from the lower hills around Pokhara and gradually moves through traditional Gurung villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, river valleys, and increasingly alpine landscapes. Ghandruk and Chhomrong provide some of the most memorable cultural and mountain-village experiences along the route.
As the trail enters the sanctuary, the landscape changes dramatically. Bamboo and rhododendron forests give way to rocky mountain terrain, leading through Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.
The return follows a different rhythm, descending through the sanctuary toward Jhinu Danda, where trekkers can enjoy the natural hot springs before returning to Pokhara.
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate Himalayan adventure reaching 4,130 meters in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek combines spectacular mountain scenery, Gurung culture, rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Annapurna Base Camp.
Highlights
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.
- Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Enjoy close views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- Trek through Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
- Walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests.
- Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp at about 3,700 m.
- Experience traditional Himalayan teahouse villages.
- Cross mountain rivers and suspension bridges.
- Enjoy the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
- Experience the changing landscapes from subtropical hills to alpine terrain.
- Trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding short-to-medium Himalayan journeys, combining dramatic mountain scenery with accessible trekking conditions. Unlike longer high-altitude expeditions, the route reaches its maximum elevation at 4,130 meters, while still taking trekkers directly into a spectacular mountain sanctuary.
The journey begins in the lower Annapurna hills and gradually moves from terraced farmland and Gurung settlements into dense rhododendron and bamboo forests. Villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong provide a strong cultural element before the trail enters the narrower valley leading toward the sanctuary.
As you move higher, the vegetation becomes thinner and the mountains increasingly dominate the landscape. The route passes through Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before opening into the vast natural amphitheater surrounding Annapurna Base Camp.
Standing at 4,130 meters beneath Annapurna I, the experience is defined by the close scale of the surrounding peaks rather than simply reaching a high altitude. The return route then descends through the forest toward Jhinu Danda, where the natural hot springs provide a relaxing end to the mountain section.
With comfortable teahouse accommodation, established trails, road access near several sections, and a relatively short overall duration, the trek is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a genuine Himalayan experience without committing to a long expedition.
What can you expect from the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package?
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m
- Trek deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Experience close mountain views throughout the route
- Walk through rhododendron, bamboo and alpine landscapes
- Visit traditional Gurung villages
- Explore Ghandruk and Chhomrong
- Stay in local mountain teahouses
- Cross suspension bridges and mountain rivers
- Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Enjoy the Jhinu Danda natural hot springs
- Trek with a licensed local guide
- Receive porter support for your main luggage
- Travel through the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Experience a complete Himalayan trek within around 10 days
Benefits of Booking Annapurna Base Camp Trek with us
- Trek with experienced local guides who know the Annapurna trails, mountain villages, teahouses, and local conditions.
- Enjoy a well-organized trekking package covering transportation, permits, accommodation, meals, guide services, and porter arrangements.
- Follow a carefully planned itinerary with a gradual increase in altitude, manageable walking stages, and appropriate time to rest along the route.
- Receive guidance on trail navigation, daily walking plans, weather conditions, and altitude-related precautions throughout the trek.
- Choose from private treks for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups, with arrangements suited to your travel dates and group size.
- Experience local Gurung culture, traditional mountain villages, regional food, and Himalayan hospitality along the Annapurna trail.
- Customize your itinerary with additional rest days, a Poon Hill extension, private jeep transportation, or extra nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Benefit from local assistance with teahouse bookings, daily logistics, and changes to arrangements when weather or trail conditions require adjustments.
- Travel with an organized support team that coordinates guide and porter services, helping you focus on the mountain scenery and trekking experience.
- Get clear information about package inclusions, exclusions, permits, and optional services before confirming your Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Itinerary
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows a gradual route from Pokhara through Ghandruk and Chhomrong into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail continues through forests and high mountain valleys to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, followed by a scenic descent through Bamboo and Jhinu Danda before returning to Pokhara.
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle. The journey follows Nepal's central hill landscape, passing rivers, settlements, terraced farmland, and mountain scenery before reaching Pokhara.
Driving: Approximately 7–8 hours
Altitude: 830 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Drive from Pokhara toward the Annapurna trekking area and continue to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is one of the best-known Gurung villages in the region, with traditional houses and impressive views of the surrounding mountains. After arrival, there is time to explore the village and enjoy the Himalayan surroundings.
Driving: Approximately 3–4 hours
Walking: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the trailhead and road conditions
Altitude: 1,940 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Ghandruk
Begin trekking through the hills above the Modi Khola valley. The trail passes through forests and traditional settlements before reaching Chhomrong, one of the major gateways to the Annapurna Sanctuary. From the village, there are excellent views toward Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,170 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Chhomrong
Descend through stone steps toward the Chhomrong Khola and then begin climbing through dense forest toward Sinuwa. Continue through the Modi Khola valley to Bamboo, where the landscape becomes increasingly secluded and forested.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,310 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Bamboo
Continue deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, following the forested trail through Dovan and the Himalaya area. The trail becomes steeper in sections as the elevation increases, eventually reaching Deurali, an important overnight stop before Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 3,230 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Deurali
This is the main ascent into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail climbs toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where the valley opens into a dramatic mountain amphitheater. Continue toward Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 4,130 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge at Annapurna Base Camp
Wake early for the mountain scenery around Annapurna Base Camp before beginning the long descent. Retrace the sanctuary trail through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan before reaching Bamboo.
Walking: 7–8 hours
Altitude: 2,310 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Bamboo
Continue descending through the forest toward Sinuwa and Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, descend the long stone staircase toward Jhinu Danda. After reaching the village, you can relax and visit the nearby natural hot springs, a popular way to unwind after several days of trekking.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 1,760 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge in Jhinu Danda
Complete the trekking section by descending toward the road and driving back to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, enjoy the afternoon at leisure beside Phewa Lake or explore the city's restaurants and lakeside area.
Walking: 3–4 hours
Driving: Approximately 2–3 hours
Altitude: 830 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, private vehicle, or optional flight. Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure ends after reaching Kathmandu.
Driving: Approximately 7–8 hours
Altitude: 1,400 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
Includes/Exclude
Cost Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Kathmandu hotel accommodation as specified
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu transportation
- Pokhara–trek starting point transportation
- Pokhara return transportation
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- TIMS card
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
- Guide and porter meals, accommodation and insurance
- Trekking agency service charges
- First-aid kit
- TrekUp Nepal duffle bag, if provided for the package
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal tourist visa
- Travel and trekking insurance
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Personal medical expenses
- Personal trekking equipment
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Drinks and bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot showers and charging fees where applicable
- Wi-Fi and personal communication expenses
- Laundry
- Personal snacks
- Tips for guide and porter
- Expenses caused by delays, road closures or unforeseen circumstances
- Any service not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes
Add-ons & Options
- Add Poon Hill to the itinerary for an additional Himalayan sunrise experience and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Upgrade shared transportation to a private jeep for greater flexibility and comfort between Pokhara and the trekking trailhead.
- Choose dedicated guide and porter services for a more personalized trekking experience.
- Add an additional night in Pokhara before or after the trek to enjoy Phewa Lake, restaurants and surrounding attractions.
- Extend your stay in Kathmandu before or after the trek for sightseeing, shopping or additional recovery time.
- A helicopter return can be arranged from the Annapurna region where operationally practical and subject to weather and availability.
- Add a rest or exploration day to create a more relaxed itinerary.
- Where available, accommodation can be upgraded in Kathmandu, Pokhara or selected lower-altitude trekking villages.
How to Personalize Your Trip
Step 1: Choose Your Travel Date
Step 2: Select Your Group Size
Step 3: Choose Your Trekking Style
Step 4: Add Optional Experiences
Step 5: Confirm Your Trek
Best time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Autumn – September to November
After the monsoon, the skies are generally clearer, and mountain visibility is excellent.
- October: Best overall month
- November: Excellent conditions with cooler temperatures and generally clear mountain views
- September: Good trekking conditions, especially later in the month
Spring – March to May
Spring combines comfortable trekking conditions with blooming rhododendrons across the lower and middle sections of the trail.
- April: Best spring month
- March: Cooler but increasingly favorable
- May: Warm at lower elevations and still suitable before the monsoon develops
What Our Travelers Say
Read reviews from travelers who have joined our Himalayan trips. See what they enjoyed and what they thought about their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Faq's
Annapurna Base Camp is located at approximately 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level.
The trek is generally considered moderate. No technical climbing skills are required, but trekkers should be comfortable walking around 5–7 hours on several days, including steep stone steps and uneven mountain trails.
A standard Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu itinerary can be completed in around 10 days. Shorter and longer versions are also possible depending on the starting point, transportation and whether Poon Hill is added.
Foreign trekkers on the Annapurna routes covered by Nepal's current TIMS rules must trek with a licensed guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS card.
The main requirements are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card. Current 2026 rates for foreign trekkers are NPR 3,000 for ACAP and NPR 2,000 for TIMS.
Yes. Fit beginners can complete the trek with appropriate preparation. Regular walking, stair climbing and cardiovascular training before the trek are recommended.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
The standard 10-day itinerary does not normally require a dedicated acclimatization day because the maximum altitude is lower than many longer Himalayan treks. However, the itinerary can be customized with an additional rest day if required.
Yes. Poon Hill can be added to create a longer route featuring the famous sunrise viewpoint at around 3,210 meters.
Yes. Jhinu Danda is known for its natural hot springs and is commonly visited during the return journey.
Depending on weather and visibility, the sanctuary provides close views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and other surrounding peaks.