# Annapurna Base Camp Trek > The Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC trek) is a 12-day guided trek from Kathmandu into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre of glaciers ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the sacred fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre. From the lakeside city of Pokhara, you walk through Gurung villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron and bamboo forest to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).The ABC trek is a moderate trek with no domestic mountain flights, a lower maximum altitude than Everest Base Camp and a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda on the way down. The best time is March–May and late September–November. A licensed guide, porters, the ACAP permit, transport, hotels and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 12 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 4,130 m / 13,550 ft - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$890 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=annapurna-base-camp-trek ## Overview Ask our guides which trek they would pick for a friend's first visit and most of them say the **Annapurna Base Camp trek**: ten days, forest all the way up, and a ring of 7,000 m and 8,000 m peaks at the top. In just over a week of walking, it leads from the subtropical valleys near Pokhara into the heart of the Annapurna massif, where you sleep beneath towering walls of rock and ice at **Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)**. The trail passes through some of the most attractive villages in Nepal, including **Ghandruk** and **Chhomrong**, and follows the deep Modi Khola gorge through bamboo and rhododendron forest into the **Annapurna Sanctuary**. The trek is often called the **Annapurna Sanctuary trek**, because the upper valley was once closed to all but local herders, who considered it the home of mountain gods. Today it is protected within the **Annapurna Conservation Area**, and its lodges are run by local families. The climax is sunrise at base camp, when the first light turns the south face of Annapurna I and the pyramid of Machhapuchhre gold. ### Annapurna Base Camp trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration12 days from Kathmandu (8 days of trekking)Trek distanceAbout 70–80 km returnHighest pointAnnapurna Base Camp, 4,130 m (13,550 ft)GradeModerateDaily walking5–7 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, via PokharaAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeMarch–May and late September–November### Why trek to Annapurna Base Camp? - **Sleep inside the Annapurna Sanctuary**, surrounded by peaks above 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 metres. - **Sunrise at base camp** on Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. - **Machhapuchhre (6,993 m)**, the sacred fishtail peak that has never been officially climbed. - **Gurung villages** of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, with stone houses and terraced fields. - **Natural hot springs** at Jhinu Danda to soothe tired legs on the way down. - **No mountain flights**: the trek starts and ends by road from Pokhara. ### The ABC trek route After a day in Kathmandu and a drive or short flight to **Pokhara**, a jeep takes you into the hills to the trailhead near **Ghandruk**, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. The trail then contours through forest and farmland to **Chhomrong**, the gateway to the Sanctuary, and descends a famous stone staircase to cross the Chhomrong Khola. From here the route follows the **Modi Khola gorge** north through **Sinuwa**, **Bamboo** and **Dovan**, climbing through dense forest to **Deurali**. Above Deurali the valley opens, and you walk past avalanche slopes to **Machhapuchhre Base Camp** and on to **Annapurna Base Camp**. The return follows the same gorge down to Bamboo, then descends to **Jhinu Danda** and its hot springs before a drive back to Pokhara. ### How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek? The ABC trek is graded **moderate**. The trail is well used and non-technical, and the maximum altitude of 4,130 m is lower than on the Everest, Manaslu or Annapurna Circuit treks. The main challenge is the **stone steps**: there are thousands of them between the villages, especially around Chhomrong, and the long descents can be hard on the knees. Trekking poles help a great deal. Anyone in reasonable health who walks regularly can complete the trek with some preparation. ### Altitude and acclimatisation Most trekkers adapt well on this route because the altitude increases gradually and only two nights are spent above 3,500 m. Even so, some people feel mild effects of altitude at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC, such as a light headache or breathlessness. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide how you feel. If needed, you can spend the night at MBC and visit ABC at sunrise instead. ### Best time for the ABC trek **Autumn (late September–November)** brings clear skies and the best views, while **spring (March–May)** is famous for rhododendron forests in bloom along the Modi Khola. **Winter (December–February)** is possible with warm gear, but snow can fall above Deurali and the upper gorge carries avalanche risk after heavy snowfall, so conditions must be checked day by day. The **monsoon (June–August)** brings rain, leeches in the forest and cloud over the mountains. ### Accommodation and food You stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and in family-run **teahouse lodges** on the trek. Lower lodges often have attached bathrooms and hot showers; higher up, rooms are simple twin rooms with shared facilities. In the Sanctuary, the conservation area regulates menus and does not allow meat above a certain point, out of respect for the sacred Machhapuchhre, so meals are vegetarian. Dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups, pancakes and porridge are all available. ### Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp trek The ABC trek requires the **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**, which is checked at several points along the trail. It is included in this trip and arranged by our team, together with your licensed guide as required by Nepal's trekking rules. ### Getting to Pokhara Pokhara is about 200 km from Kathmandu. The tourist bus or private vehicle takes six to eight hours along the Prithvi Highway, or you can fly in about 25 minutes. This trip includes the drive; a flight can be added as an option. Pokhara itself is a great place to relax after the trek, with boating on Phewa Lake, sunrise at Sarangkot and paragliding. ### ABC trek or Poon Hill? The **Ghorepani Poon Hill trek** is shorter (4–5 days from Pokhara) and reaches 3,210 m, with a famous sunrise panorama from a hilltop. The **Annapurna Base Camp trek** goes much deeper into the mountains, reaching 4,130 m inside the Sanctuary. If you have two or three extra days, the two can be combined by walking from Ghorepani via Tadapani to Chhomrong. ### Why book the ABC trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Local team in Kathmandu** planning and supporting your trek from start to finish. - **Realistic walking days** with a gradual ascent into the Sanctuary. - **Everything arranged:** transport, ACAP permit, hotels, lodges, guide and porters. - **Flexible:** join a group departure or trek privately, with Poon Hill or a flight to Pokhara added. ## Highlights - Sunrise over Annapurna I (8,091 m) from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) - Walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre of peaks - Close views of sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from its base camp - Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong - Rhododendron and bamboo forests of the Modi Khola gorge - Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda - Lakeside Pokhara before and after the trek ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a trek briefing and equipment check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820 m) Drive west along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Pokhara, a scenic journey of about 6–7 hours past terraced hills and roadside villages. In the evening, stroll along the shore of Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 3: Drive to Kimche, trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) A 2–3 hour drive takes you into the hills to Kimche. A short walk through terraces brings you to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village of stone houses with close views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Visit the Gurung Museum in the afternoon. _Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,940 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 4 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170 m) Climb over the Kimrong Danda ridge, descend through forest to the Kimrong Khola and climb again to Chhomrong, the last permanent village before the Sanctuary, perched on a hillside facing Annapurna South. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,170 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Dovan (2,500 m) Descend Chhomrong's long stone staircase to the river, then climb to Sinuwa and enter the forests of the Modi Khola gorge. The trail continues through bamboo and rhododendron forest past Bamboo to Dovan. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Deurali (3,230 m) Climb steadily through forest past Himalaya and the Hinku Cave, where the valley narrows between steep walls. Emerge above the tree line at Deurali, with waterfalls pouring down the cliffs. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 3,230 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) Follow the river into the Sanctuary to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, then climb gently over grassy moraine to Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. Watch the sunset colour the peaks. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,130 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 8: Sunrise at ABC, trek to Bamboo (2,310 m) Get up early for sunrise in the Sanctuary. Annapurna I turns pink first, then gold, and the whole basin lights up within about ten minutes. After breakfast, descend the gorge past MBC, Deurali and Dovan to Bamboo. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,130 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 9: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) Climb back up to Chhomrong and descend to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, walk 20 minutes down to the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola for a well-earned soak. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,170 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 10: Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara (820 m) A short walk along the river brings you to the road at Siwai, from where a jeep drives back to Pokhara. Enjoy a free afternoon by the lake and a celebration dinner. _Walking: 2–3 hours · Altitude: 1,780 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 6 km_ ### Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) Drive back to Kathmandu (or fly, as an option). The rest of the day is free for shopping in Thamel or visiting Boudhanath Stupa. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 12: Final departure Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay with a tour of the Kathmandu Valley or Chitwan. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast - Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle - Jeep transfers between Pokhara and the trailheads - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (7 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed - First-aid kit carried by the guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on trails with many stone steps. Train for six to eight weeks with hill walks and stair climbing, and strengthen your legs for the long descents. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures Days in the lower valleys are warm, often 20–25°C in spring and autumn, while nights at MBC and ABC fall below freezing. Showers are possible even outside the monsoon, and the upper gorge can receive snow in winter and early spring. ### Permits The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included and arranged before the trek. Carry your passport; the permit is checked at several points. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 4,500 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Leech socks (spring and monsoon) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Annapurna Base Camp trek? This itinerary takes **12 days** from Kathmandu, including 8 days of trekking. The trek can be shortened to about 7–8 days from Pokhara, or extended with Poon Hill. ### How difficult is the ABC trek? It is a **moderate** trek. The trail is non-technical and the maximum altitude is 4,130 m, but there are many stone steps and long descents. Reasonable fitness and some preparation are enough. ### How high is Annapurna Base Camp? Annapurna Base Camp is at **4,130 m (13,550 ft)**. Machhapuchhre Base Camp, on the way, is at about 3,700 m. ### What is the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek? **March–May** and **late September–November**. Spring brings rhododendron blossom; autumn has the clearest views. Winter is possible with care; the monsoon is wet. ### Is the ABC trek suitable for beginners? Yes. It is one of the best first Himalayan treks for fit beginners, as it has no mountain flights, a moderate altitude and comfortable lodges. ### What permits do I need for the ABC trek? The **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**. It is included in this trip. ### Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek? Nepal's rules require most foreign trekkers in conservation areas to walk with a licensed guide. We include a licensed guide and porters. ### Is there avalanche risk on the ABC trek? The upper Modi Khola gorge between Deurali and MBC can be affected by avalanches after heavy snowfall, mainly in winter and early spring. Our guides check conditions daily and will wait or change plans if needed. ### Can I combine the ABC trek with Poon Hill? Yes. Adding Ghorepani and Poon Hill takes about two extra days and gives you a sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas as well as the Sanctuary. ### Are there hot showers and Wi-Fi on the trek? Yes, most lodges offer hot showers and Wi-Fi for a small fee, although they may be limited in the Sanctuary. Bring a power bank. ### Why is there no meat in the Annapurna Sanctuary? Out of respect for the sacred mountain Machhapuchhre, local communities do not allow meat to be sold above a certain point in the Sanctuary. Lodges serve tasty vegetarian meals instead. ### How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost? The trek is priced per person, with group discounts for 2 or more travellers; see the price box on this page. It includes transport, hotels, the ACAP permit, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.