Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Into the sanctuary of the Annapurnas
Duration
9 Days
Max Altitude
4,130 m / 13,549 ft
Best Season
March–May & September–December
Group Size
2–12 (private trips available)
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek climbs from subtropical foothills near Pokhara through Gurung and Magar villages, dense rhododendron and bamboo forest, and finally onto glacial moraine that opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural bowl surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m) and Hiunchuli. It is shorter and less demanding than the Everest or Annapurna Circuit treks while still delivering true high-mountain scenery, which makes it one of our most popular treks for trekkers with limited time.
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise over Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre from Base Camp
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda to soothe tired legs
- Gurung and Magar villages with distinct Himalayan culture
- Dense rhododendron forest (spectacular March–April bloom)
- Shorter, moderate alternative to the full Annapurna Circuit
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive or fly to Pokhara (820 m); relax by Phewa Lake.
Day 2
Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
Short drive to the trailhead at Nayapul, then trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m).
Day 3
Trek to Ghorepani
Climb through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m).
Day 4
Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views, then on to Tadapani.
Day 5
Trek to Chhomrong
Descend and climb again to Chhomrong (2,170 m), gateway to the Sanctuary.
Day 6
Trek to Himalaya/Deurali
Follow the Modi Khola gorge deep into the Sanctuary to Himalaya or Deurali (3,230 m).
Day 7
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Walk through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) for sunset views.
Day 8
Descend to Jhinu Danda
Long descent to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m); soak in the natural hot springs.
Day 9
Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Final descent to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Cost Includes
- Ground transport Pokhara–Nayapul–Pokhara
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- ACAP permit and TIMS card
Cost Excludes
- Kathmandu–Pokhara transport
- Meals outside the trek
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — FAQs
Yes. ABC is graded moderate — trails are well maintained with teahouses throughout, and the maximum altitude of 4,130 m is far less demanding than Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit.
Our standard ABC route passes through Ghorepani, and we include the optional Poon Hill sunrise excursion at no extra cost.
