About This Tour
About This Tour
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the classic walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary — an 11-day journey from Pokhara through Gurung and Magar villages, sub-tropical forests of rhododendron and bamboo, and finally into the high amphitheatre of peaks ringing the Sanctuary at 4,130 metres.
You stand at Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and a wall of other peaks. The Sanctuary is one of the most dramatic high-altitude basins in the world. The trek is moderate-to-hard, lodge-based, and runs with licensed Annapurna-region guides and a porter team.
This is one of the best treks for first-time Himalayan trekkers who want a real high-altitude experience without the extreme commitment of Everest. The trail passes through living Gurung and Magar villages, so the cultural side is rich. We use comfortable teahouses and design conservative ascent profiles to give you the best chance of reaching the Sanctuary.
Tour Highlights
- Trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m
- Stand surrounded by Annapurna I, South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli
- Walk through Gurung and Magar villages with cultural depth
- Rhododendron forests at lower altitudes (March-May best)
- Comfortable teahouse lodges throughout
- Conservative acclimatization with rest days at altitude
- Licensed local guide and porter team
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri
Drive to trailhead, trek to Ulleri (1,960m). 4-5 hours.
Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
Climb through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani (2,860m). 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Continue to Tadapani. 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Descend and climb to Chhomrong (2,170m), gateway to the Sanctuary. 5-6 hours.
Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo
Walk into bamboo forests at lower elevation. 5 hours.
Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali
Climb steadily through Himalaya hotel and Deurali (3,230m). 5 hours.
Day 7: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and continue to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). Cold afternoon. 5 hours.
Day 8: ABC to Bamboo
Long descent. Quick descent reduces altitude risk. 6-7 hours.
Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Springs
Descend to Jhinu (1,780m) for natural hot springs. 5-6 hours.
Day 10: Jhinu to Nayapul, drive Pokhara
Walk down and drive back to Pokhara. 5-6 hours walking.
Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Flight or drive back to Kathmandu.
What's Included
- Ground transport Kathmandu-Pokhara-Trailhead-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- 9 nights teahouse accommodation on trek
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara (start and end)
- 1 night hotel in Kathmandu (optional, on request)
- 3 meals per day on trek
- Licensed Annapurna-region trekking guide
- Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ACAP entry permit
- TIMS Card
- Trip briefing and 24/7 in-country support
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees and personal travel insurance (mandatory, must cover trekking)
- Domestic flights unless listed in Included
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket — rental available in Kathmandu)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless mentioned
- Tips for your guide, porter and support team
- Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
Tour Factsheet
Community Impact of This Trip
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is one of the world's best models of community-led conservation. ACAP permit fees fund local conservation, trail maintenance, schools and clinics across the Annapurna region.
Teahouses on the ABC trail are family-run lodges in Gurung and Magar villages. Our porters and guides come from the same villages — trekking income flows directly into the communities you walk through.
Responsible Travel Notes
- Respect local culture, dress modestly at temples and ask before photographing people
- Avoid single-use plastic — carry a refillable water bottle on tour
- Follow your guide's instructions at heritage sites, monasteries and protected areas
- Support local businesses — buy at family-run shops, eat at local restaurants
- Respect sacred sites and community customs
- Follow Nepal permit and conservation rules in protected areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
What about altitude sickness?
How is ABC different from Everest Base Camp?
Can I see Annapurna without going all the way to Base Camp?
What about accommodation on the trail?
When is the best time?
Are porters always included?
Can families do this trek?
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Plan Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Tell us your dates, fitness level and trekking experience. We will design a conservative itinerary that fits you.
Highlights
What’s Included
Factsheet
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