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Annapurna region · 13 days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Thirteen days from Kathmandu: sunrise on Poon Hill, Gurung villages and forest, then a high basin ringed by the Annapurnas.
What to expect
Annapurna Base Camp, also called the Annapurna Sanctuary, climbs from terraced hillsides and Gurung villages through rhododendron and bamboo forest into a glacial basin ringed by peaks. Machhapuchhre, the sacred “Fishtail”, guards the entrance, and Annapurna I rises straight ahead.
It is lower and shorter than Everest Base Camp but just as dramatic, and greener for most of the way. Our route begins with the sunrise from Poon Hill and ends with a soak in the hot springs at Jhinu.
- Poon Hill sunrise
- Ghorepani's rhododendron forest
- Tadapani
- Chhomrong
- Modi Khola gorge
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Jhinu hot springs
Altitude, day by day
The line shows where you sleep each night. Arrows mark the high point of a day's walk, when it's higher than that night's bed.
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. We adjust the pace, add rest days or combine routes to suit your group, and send you a full itinerary with your quote.
- Day1
Arrive in Kathmandu
We meet you at the airport with a khata, the white scarf of welcome, and take you to your hotel.
- Day2
Fly or drive to Pokhara
A short flight of about 25 minutes, or a scenic drive of six to eight hours, to Pokhara on the shore of Phewa Lake. On clear mornings, Machhapuchhre floats above the town.
- Day3
Drive to Ulleri, walk to Ghorepani
A morning drive to the trailhead, then a long stone staircase through Magar and Gurung villages and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani.
- Day4
Poon Hill sunrise, on to Tadapani
A pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Breakfast back in Ghorepani, then a forest ridge walk to Tadapani.
- Day5
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Down through the forest and across the river to Chhomrong, a Gurung village spread across a hillside facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- Day6
Chhomrong to Bamboo
Down hundreds of stone steps and into the Modi Khola gorge. The valley above Chhomrong has long been held sacred by the Gurung people; your guide will explain the local customs.
- Day7
Bamboo to Deurali
Through bamboo and rhododendron forest as the gorge narrows, past waterfalls and the Hinku cave, to Deurali.
- Day8
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and into the Sanctuary itself, with Annapurna I's south face ahead. After heavy snow this stretch crosses avalanche paths, so our guides check conditions each morning and wait if needed.
- Day9
Sunrise at base camp, down to Bamboo
First light on Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre from the middle of the Sanctuary, then a long descent back through the gorge.
- Day10
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Back up and through Chhomrong, then down to Jhinu Danda and a soak in the natural hot springs by the river.
- Day11
Walk out, drive to Pokhara
A short walk to the road and a drive back to Pokhara. An evening by the lake.
- Day12
Return to Kathmandu
Fly or drive back to Kathmandu, with a farewell dinner in the evening.
- Day13
Departure
Transfer to the airport, or stay on and explore the Kathmandu Valley.
Altitude and safety
- Most nights are below 3,300 m, but the last day up to base camp gains about 900 m, so we watch everyone closely and go down if needed.
- Your guide checks on you every day and knows the signs of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, unusual tiredness, breathlessness at rest.
- Between Deurali and base camp, the trail crosses avalanche paths after heavy snowfall (mostly late winter and spring). Our guides check conditions each morning and never take chances here.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking and helicopter evacuation is essential.
- Stone staircases are hard on knees going down. Trekking poles help a lot.
Respect on the trail
- The Sanctuary is sacred to the Gurung people. By tradition, meat and eggs were not brought into it; follow your guide's lead on local customs today.
- Machhapuchhre is closed to climbers out of respect for its sanctity.
- Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly in villages.
- When mules or porters pass, step to the uphill side of the trail and let them go by.
- Carry out your trash and refill your bottle instead of buying plastic.
- Namaste to say hello, Dhanyabad for thank you.
What's included
This is what we usually include. We confirm every detail for your dates and group in your quote.
Usually included
- Airport pickups and drop-offs in Kathmandu
- Hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit and trekker registration (TIMS)
- Travel between Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trailheads
- An experienced guide, and porters to carry your main bag
- Teahouse rooms and meals on the trek
- Wages, insurance, food and lodging for your guide and porters
Not included
- International flights and your Nepal visa
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation
- Tips for your guide and porters
- Personal trekking gear
- Drinks, hot showers, charging and wifi in teahouses
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, apart from the farewell dinner
How is it different from Everest Base Camp?
It is lower (4,130 m against 5,644 m on Kala Patthar), a few days shorter, and greener, with villages and forest most of the way. You still end up in a high mountain basin surrounded by giants, which makes it a wonderful first Himalayan trek.
How fit do I need to be?
You'll walk about 5 to 7 hours a day, with many long stone staircases up and down. No climbing skills are needed. Regular hiking in the months before makes it much more enjoyable.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and October to November. In spring, the rhododendron forests around Ghorepani flower red and pink. Winter trips are possible but cold, and snow can close the upper valley for a few days.
Can it be shorter, or longer?
Yes. We can skip Poon Hill and start closer to Chhomrong to save a day or two, or add more days around Pokhara or a side trek. Tell us your dates and we'll shape it.
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Plan your Annapurna Base Camp trek
Tell us your dates and group. Jangbu or Pasang will reply personally with a route and price.