Annapurna base camp trekking
Trip Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Mt. Annapurna (8, 091 m) is the 10th highest mountain in the world and the journey to its base camp, which is at 4,210 m, is unforgettable.
Annapurna Base Camp has very unique and incredibly spectacular settings. It is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). This trek is extraordinary in terms of height and depths and the varied ecosystem it provides.
The trail goes through green forest filled with rhododendrons, rice paddies, and the terraced farmland treats you to unparalleled mountain scenery surrounded by enormous mountains giving you an inside experience into the Nepalese life and culture. This trek will indeed make you feel you are in one of the most unique journeys in the whole world.
This trek is not just about sightseeing. Throughout the journey, you can even enjoy, experience and learn about cultures and traditions of local ethnic Gurungs and Magars. As you walk along the trails, you also come across Thakali and Loba people. These people have beautiful small villages at the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. You will also encounter small Buddhist shrines and Gumbas. This will make your trip look like a tranquil journey of exotic traditions that transports you to another time.
For this trek, we first drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The trekking starts from Hile. The trail follows through Modi River and passes through dense forest of rhododendrons and bamboos. By the time we reach to Hinku Cave, we will notice that the vegetation has thinned and the gorge has narrowed to be only a few hundred meters wide. We will also notice the steep snow-clad ridges falling from Hiunchuli on our left and Machapuchare on our right. As we pass through the “gate” and enter into the Sanctuary, you find yourself in a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Pokhara or it can be tailored as part of the Annapurna Circuit.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
You will meet one of our staff at the airport waiting for you with a placard of the Accessible . He will assist you in guiding you to your trip Hotel. At the hotel, we will conduct a brief meeting explaining the nature of the trip. After the meeting, no other activities are planned. Thus, you may rest or follow any different schedule you would like.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2985ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours
On the second day, have an early breakfast and prepare for your departure to Pokhara. The journey to Pokhara is via bus, and the drive entails watching the scenic pastoral landscape of Nepal. You will see giant hills, distant mountain views, rural villages, terraced farms, and rapidly flowing rivers throughout the trip. Watching this beautiful scenery, you will reach Pokhara- the city of lakes and mountain scenery. Check in to the hotel and after the drive, if you are energetic, go for an evening walk around the lakeside city.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 03: Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (1495m/4905ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 4 Hours
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and get ready for the long hike today. Your destination for today is Tikhe Dhunga, and for that, you will first take a drive to Nayapul via Lumle. The drive is about 90 minutes and goes through small villages.
Similarly, trekking towards Annapurna Base Camp starts from Nayapul, so get ready to hike through green hills and the flawless bamboo forest. The first stop of today’s hike is Birethanti. You can enjoy a cup of tea while watching the herds of a mule carrying goods here. Continuing the journey, you stroll past cascading waterfalls, lush terraced fields, and villages. The journey is steep; thus, you will ascend through Ranghai and finally descend to Tikhedunga, which is your stop for the night.
Overnight at the guest house in Tikhe Dhunga. All three meals are included.
Day 04: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2850m/9348ft) Distance: 13 km, Walking Duration: 7 Hours
Today you have a pretty long journey. Leaving Tikhedhunga, the trip to Ghorepani begins with a warm breakfast. Crossing a suspension bridge, you will come across steep stone stairs that bring you to Ulleri- a beautiful Magar town. It is a steep climb, so approach the route gently. Taking on the green pastures, you reach the crest of Ulleri hill, leading you to a campground to take a small but necessary break.
After the break, continue hiking to reach Nangethanti for lunch. Following the trail, you will arrive at the traditional village of Ghorepani. All through the hike, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Ghorepani. All three meals are included.
Day 05: Hike to Poonhill then trek to Tadapani (2500m/8200ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today’s itinerary consists of a small hike to famous Poon Hill to see the majestic sunrise view over the gigantic Annapurna massif. After soaking the mesmerizing sight, return to the guesthouse, have your warm breakfast and start your hike towards Tadapani. Hike along the ridgeline and through a pleasant rhododendron forest before reaching Tadapani.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Tadapani. All three meals are included
Day 06: Tadapani to Chhomrong village (2020m/6625ft) Distance: 8.5 km, Walking Duration: 5 Hours
Parting from Tadapani, today, you hike towards Chomrong village. The route to Chomrong is a gradual descent, and it consists of crossing suspension bridges, walking past rhododendron forest, and hike along with the crop fields. As the trail mostly goes through lush jungles, birds become your companion and a reason for fascination. Watching their colorful wings flap when they leap from one tree to another is a rewarding sight. Admiring these creatures, you will eventually reach Chomrong, where villages sprawl across the hillside with Majors Mountains such as Huinchuli, Machapuchare, Annapurna South towering the town.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Chomrong. All three meals are included.
Day 07: Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m/8528ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 5 Hours
We’ll bid the genuine hospitality of Chomrong goodbye and descend towards Dovan. Elevation gain is quite a bit more than other days, so you must approach the journey smoothly. You will hike down 2500 stone steps and cross Chhomrong River through a suspension bridge. After that, ascend through a rocky trekking route that leads to Sinuwa village and continue the hike through the dense forests towards Kuldahar (2540m). From Kuldahar, you will descend to bamboo and take on a gradual ascend from there to Dovan.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Dovan. All three meals are included.
Day 08: Dovan to Deurali (3200m/10500ft) Distance: 7.8 km, Walking Duration: 4 Hours
Saying bye to Dovan, you follow a serene, emerald-green forest of bamboo and rhododendron route towards Deurali. The trekking course is dotted with prayer flags giving a vibrant flair to the surrounding.
Before continuing your walk, take a moment to appreciate the unique ambiance. The forest quickly fades away, leaving a barren landscape strewn with boulders and scree in its place. When you walk by the Himalayan Hotel, you’ll know you’re getting closer to your destination. Continue climbing past this landmark to Hinku Cave, which was once used as a shelter and overnight stop for historical Annapurna expeditions. Your trek for today concludes at Deurali.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Deurali. All three meals are included.
Day 09: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (4230 M/13810FT) Distance: 8 km, Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
This is the most awaited day of our long hike. You will finally reach Annapurna Base Camp today. The journey for the day begins by climbing a riverbed and hiking up to Annapurna Sanctuary. The height gain is quite much today, so as always, be careful and don’t rush the trek. The trek route also follows the Modi Khola trail and will, in due course, bring you to Macchapuchre Base Camp. Take a break at Machhapurchhre Base Camp and admire the Himalayas surrounding the areas. And after a while, depart from the splendors of MBC, and hike for another 2 hours to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The actuality of getting to the base camp becomes more prominent when giants’ views are so close to your eyes. The base camp is towered by impressive peaks of the Annapurna range and its neighboring mountains.
Overnight at the teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp. All three meals are included.
Day 10: Return from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310M/7575FT) Distance: 18 km, Walking Duration: 7 Hours
Today, we bid bye to the magnificent Annapurna Base Camp and head towards bamboo. As we are descending to low altitude, please be mindful of your walking pace. Following the same trail to base camp, descend to Modi Khola to reach the rural village of Bamboo. The town is surrounded by mountains so take into panoramic scenery of the mountains.
Overnight at the guesthouse in bamboo. All three meals are included.
Day 11: Return from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring (1780M/5840FT) Distance: 12 Kms, Walking Duration: 6 Hours
Today, you will descend to Jhinu Danda Hot spring. The trail to Jhinu Danda winds down through wooded slopes to Chomrong via Khuldighar.
From Chomrong, the path gets steeper as it descends towards Jhinu Danda. While dropping, make sure to visit the experimental sheep farm, which shows a glimpse of herder’s life in the mountains of Nepal. Observing these exciting aspects of rural life, you will reach Jhinu Danda.
From here, if you hike down about half-hour, you will get to a natural hot spring. This is the ideal spot to decompress and let the stress of the day wash over you.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Jhinu Danda. All three meals are included.
Day 12: Return from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Your trekking trip is almost over now that the Himalayan views are behind you. We cross the suspension bridge and then drive to Pokhara by jeep which takes about 2 hours.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 13: Return back from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Now that your trek is complete, you’ll return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
If you are tired of a long bus journey, then you have the option of flying to Kathmandu at an extra cost.
The cost for Pokhara to Kathmandu is USD 100.00 per person for one way flight. The choice is yours. Nevertheless, it would incur an additional fee.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast is only included.
Day 14: Farewell/Tour Ends
Today marks the end of the trek. Our office representative will be at your trip hotel approximately 3 hours before your departure flight to transfer you to the airport.
Included
- Airport picks up and drops off by the private vehicle.
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu. We use Kathmandu suite Home or similar.
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
- Surface transfer to and from Pokhara by tourist bus then by private car to and from Nayapul.
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
- All government and local taxes
Excluded
Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa fees: You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US$ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
All kinds of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
WI-Fi internet during the trek
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for airport representatives, tour guides, trekking staff, drivers,s, etc.
Good to Know
Is airport pick up and drop off services available?
How can we obtain our visa?
What documents are required to get a tourist VISA to Nepal?
What type of accommodation can we expect in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Can I extend my stay in Pokhara?
Can we upgrade accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
How long will it take to reach Pokhara by bus/tourist bus?
Can we fly to Pokhara instead of driving? And how long will it take by plane? How much extra?
How safe is it to fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu?
What sorts of accommodation is available during the trekking portion of Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
What sort of food/meals are available on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
How can we access clean water on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
What about toilets, how is the condition of bathrooms on the trail?
How can we shower during the trek?
When is an ideal time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Is a private trek better or a group trek?
Up to how many people are in a group trek?
Can beginners do this trek?
Is this trek attainable by children?
How can we train ourselves for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek a difficult trek?
How can we avoid altitude sickness during the trek?
Will there be electricity to charge our electrical devices?
Are there ATMs on the trail?
Is foreign money accepted on the trail?
How can we stay connected with our family back home? Can I get a phone reception?
For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, is travel insurance required?
Are all your guides first aid trained?
What happens if someone gets sick in between the journey?
Is it necessary to make a down payment to the reserve a spot in a trek? And how I book a trip?
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
You will meet one of our staff at the airport waiting for you with a placard of the Accessible . He will assist you in guiding you to your trip Hotel. At the hotel, we will conduct a brief meeting explaining the nature of the trip. After the meeting, no other activities are planned. Thus, you may rest or follow any different schedule you would like.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2985ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours
On the second day, have an early breakfast and prepare for your departure to Pokhara. The journey to Pokhara is via bus, and the drive entails watching the scenic pastoral landscape of Nepal. You will see giant hills, distant mountain views, rural villages, terraced farms, and rapidly flowing rivers throughout the trip. Watching this beautiful scenery, you will reach Pokhara- the city of lakes and mountain scenery. Check in to the hotel and after the drive, if you are energetic, go for an evening walk around the lakeside city.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 03: Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (1495m/4905ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 4 Hours
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and get ready for the long hike today. Your destination for today is Tikhe Dhunga, and for that, you will first take a drive to Nayapul via Lumle. The drive is about 90 minutes and goes through small villages.
Similarly, trekking towards Annapurna Base Camp starts from Nayapul, so get ready to hike through green hills and the flawless bamboo forest. The first stop of today’s hike is Birethanti. You can enjoy a cup of tea while watching the herds of a mule carrying goods here. Continuing the journey, you stroll past cascading waterfalls, lush terraced fields, and villages. The journey is steep; thus, you will ascend through Ranghai and finally descend to Tikhedunga, which is your stop for the night.
Overnight at the guest house in Tikhe Dhunga. All three meals are included.
Day 04: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2850m/9348ft) Distance: 13 km, Walking Duration: 7 Hours
Today you have a pretty long journey. Leaving Tikhedhunga, the trip to Ghorepani begins with a warm breakfast. Crossing a suspension bridge, you will come across steep stone stairs that bring you to Ulleri- a beautiful Magar town. It is a steep climb, so approach the route gently. Taking on the green pastures, you reach the crest of Ulleri hill, leading you to a campground to take a small but necessary break.
After the break, continue hiking to reach Nangethanti for lunch. Following the trail, you will arrive at the traditional village of Ghorepani. All through the hike, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Ghorepani. All three meals are included.
Day 05: Hike to Poonhill then trek to Tadapani (2500m/8200ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today’s itinerary consists of a small hike to famous Poon Hill to see the majestic sunrise view over the gigantic Annapurna massif. After soaking the mesmerizing sight, return to the guesthouse, have your warm breakfast and start your hike towards Tadapani. Hike along the ridgeline and through a pleasant rhododendron forest before reaching Tadapani.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Tadapani. All three meals are included
Day 06: Tadapani to Chhomrong village (2020m/6625ft) Distance: 8.5 km, Walking Duration: 5 Hours
Parting from Tadapani, today, you hike towards Chomrong village. The route to Chomrong is a gradual descent, and it consists of crossing suspension bridges, walking past rhododendron forest, and hike along with the crop fields. As the trail mostly goes through lush jungles, birds become your companion and a reason for fascination. Watching their colorful wings flap when they leap from one tree to another is a rewarding sight. Admiring these creatures, you will eventually reach Chomrong, where villages sprawl across the hillside with Majors Mountains such as Huinchuli, Machapuchare, Annapurna South towering the town.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Chomrong. All three meals are included.
Day 07: Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m/8528ft) Distance: 9 km, Walking Duration: 5 Hours
We’ll bid the genuine hospitality of Chomrong goodbye and descend towards Dovan. Elevation gain is quite a bit more than other days, so you must approach the journey smoothly. You will hike down 2500 stone steps and cross Chhomrong River through a suspension bridge. After that, ascend through a rocky trekking route that leads to Sinuwa village and continue the hike through the dense forests towards Kuldahar (2540m). From Kuldahar, you will descend to bamboo and take on a gradual ascend from there to Dovan.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Dovan. All three meals are included.
Day 08: Dovan to Deurali (3200m/10500ft) Distance: 7.8 km, Walking Duration: 4 Hours
Saying bye to Dovan, you follow a serene, emerald-green forest of bamboo and rhododendron route towards Deurali. The trekking course is dotted with prayer flags giving a vibrant flair to the surrounding.
Before continuing your walk, take a moment to appreciate the unique ambiance. The forest quickly fades away, leaving a barren landscape strewn with boulders and scree in its place. When you walk by the Himalayan Hotel, you’ll know you’re getting closer to your destination. Continue climbing past this landmark to Hinku Cave, which was once used as a shelter and overnight stop for historical Annapurna expeditions. Your trek for today concludes at Deurali.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Deurali. All three meals are included.
Day 09: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (4230 M/13810FT) Distance: 8 km, Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
This is the most awaited day of our long hike. You will finally reach Annapurna Base Camp today. The journey for the day begins by climbing a riverbed and hiking up to Annapurna Sanctuary. The height gain is quite much today, so as always, be careful and don’t rush the trek. The trek route also follows the Modi Khola trail and will, in due course, bring you to Macchapuchre Base Camp. Take a break at Machhapurchhre Base Camp and admire the Himalayas surrounding the areas. And after a while, depart from the splendors of MBC, and hike for another 2 hours to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The actuality of getting to the base camp becomes more prominent when giants’ views are so close to your eyes. The base camp is towered by impressive peaks of the Annapurna range and its neighboring mountains.
Overnight at the teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp. All three meals are included.
Day 10: Return from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310M/7575FT) Distance: 18 km, Walking Duration: 7 Hours
Today, we bid bye to the magnificent Annapurna Base Camp and head towards bamboo. As we are descending to low altitude, please be mindful of your walking pace. Following the same trail to base camp, descend to Modi Khola to reach the rural village of Bamboo. The town is surrounded by mountains so take into panoramic scenery of the mountains.
Overnight at the guesthouse in bamboo. All three meals are included.
Day 11: Return from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring (1780M/5840FT) Distance: 12 Kms, Walking Duration: 6 Hours
Today, you will descend to Jhinu Danda Hot spring. The trail to Jhinu Danda winds down through wooded slopes to Chomrong via Khuldighar.
From Chomrong, the path gets steeper as it descends towards Jhinu Danda. While dropping, make sure to visit the experimental sheep farm, which shows a glimpse of herder’s life in the mountains of Nepal. Observing these exciting aspects of rural life, you will reach Jhinu Danda.
From here, if you hike down about half-hour, you will get to a natural hot spring. This is the ideal spot to decompress and let the stress of the day wash over you.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Jhinu Danda. All three meals are included.
Day 12: Return from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Your trekking trip is almost over now that the Himalayan views are behind you. We cross the suspension bridge and then drive to Pokhara by jeep which takes about 2 hours.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 13: Return back from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Now that your trek is complete, you’ll return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
If you are tired of a long bus journey, then you have the option of flying to Kathmandu at an extra cost.
The cost for Pokhara to Kathmandu is USD 100.00 per person for one way flight. The choice is yours. Nevertheless, it would incur an additional fee.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast is only included.
Day 14: Farewell/Tour Ends
Today marks the end of the trek. Our office representative will be at your trip hotel approximately 3 hours before your departure flight to transfer you to the airport.
Included
- Airport picks up and drops off by the private vehicle.
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu. We use Kathmandu suite Home or similar.
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
- Surface transfer to and from Pokhara by tourist bus then by private car to and from Nayapul.
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
- All government and local taxes
Excluded
Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa fees: You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US$ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
All kinds of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
WI-Fi internet during the trek
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for airport representatives, tour guides, trekking staff, drivers,s, etc.
Good to Know
Is airport pick up and drop off services available?
How can we obtain our visa?
What documents are required to get a tourist VISA to Nepal?
What type of accommodation can we expect in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Can I extend my stay in Pokhara?
Can we upgrade accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
How long will it take to reach Pokhara by bus/tourist bus?
Can we fly to Pokhara instead of driving? And how long will it take by plane? How much extra?
How safe is it to fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu?
What sorts of accommodation is available during the trekking portion of Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
What sort of food/meals are available on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
How can we access clean water on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
What about toilets, how is the condition of bathrooms on the trail?
How can we shower during the trek?
When is an ideal time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Is a private trek better or a group trek?
Up to how many people are in a group trek?
Can beginners do this trek?
Is this trek attainable by children?
How can we train ourselves for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek a difficult trek?
How can we avoid altitude sickness during the trek?
Will there be electricity to charge our electrical devices?
Are there ATMs on the trail?
Is foreign money accepted on the trail?
How can we stay connected with our family back home? Can I get a phone reception?
For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, is travel insurance required?
Are all your guides first aid trained?
What happens if someone gets sick in between the journey?
Is it necessary to make a down payment to the reserve a spot in a trek? And how I book a trip?