Annapurna Base Camp Trek

14 Days
  • Trip Code: N-AT-120
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Season: Sept/Oct/Nov/Feb/Mar/Apr/May
  • Max Altitude: 4130 meters/ 13422 feet
  • Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Transportation: Private Car and Tourist Coach
  • Accomodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara & Tea-house in Trekking
  • Trip Grade: Moderate

Trip Overview

Annapurna base camp trek is an extensively famous hiking tour that leads to the base camp of Mount Annapurna. It’s really amazing that Annapurna Base Camp is curved by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks and it seems like a mountain sanctuary. Thus Annapurna Base Camp trek is also famous the name of Annapurna Sanctuary trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp’s trekking trail passes through beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush hills of oak and bamboo trees, sparkling streams, and glacial moraines. In spring everybody becomes more excited while trekking on this trail. Because it’s a time for blossoming rhododendron flowers and it makes the hills colorful.

Annapurna Base Camp trekking has some long steep climbs and descends on stone steps however the trekking is not difficult. Among all base camp trekking routes in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp is the easier and more quickly reachable base camp trekking. It does not need any climbing and hiking experience.

Here, in our program of Annapurna Base Camp trek, we have also linked Poonhill.  Poonhill is one of the most popular places in the Annapurna zone. Visit Poonhill provides you to enjoy the beautiful sunrise with the view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain  (8167m) and Annapurna I is the tenth highest mountain (8091m) in the world.

Annapurna Base Camp trek begins from Nayapul and is a reachable one-hour drive from Pokhara. From here the trail follows the Modi Khola (stream). Then it ascends to Ghorepani crossing some beautiful Magar villages through rhododendron forests. From Ghorepani, it’s an hourly morning hike to Poonhill. Leaving Ghorepani you walk ahead to join the main trail of Annapurna Base Camp at Chhomrong.  Furthermore, you continue climbing to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3700m) via the places of Dobhan and Deurali. From Machhapurchare Base Camp it is only a few hours of walking distance to your dream destination.

After the visit to Annapurna Base Camp, you retrace your steps all the way down to Nayapul with a night stopover at Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda has a natural hot Spring where you can soothe your aching body. Finally, you end your trekking at Nayapul. Then you drive back to Pokhara followed by to Kathmandu.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is a leading operator of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking run by local experts and Sherpas of Nepal. We are pleased to offer the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package at the price from USD 725 to USD 830 Per Person for a group size of two persons on a private tour basis. For the solo trekker, we have a separate special price.

The given 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost includes accommodation in every place, food during trekking, a trekking guide, a trekking permit, all ground transportation, local taxes, etc.

Apart from the package, we also provide individual services like only mountain guide hire, porter hire, hotel booking, trekking permit issues etc. We offer the best rate for individual services. Please contact us for the rate.

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek can also be completed in 9 days and 12 days. We recommend a 9 or 12 days ABC trek for people who do not have time for 14 days of ABC trip.

The price of Short of Annapurna Base Camp Trek (9 days) is from USD 590 to 650 Per Person and the cost of 12 days ABC trek is USD 690 to 760 Per Person for a minimum group size of two people. The price includes accommodation, food during trekking, an experienced mountain guide, all ground transport, a trekking permit, airport transfers, all local taxes, etc.

Go with Locals (Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition), Save money and Have an unforgettable happy experience.

About the Trip Date of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The best season and most favored times of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking/ Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking is autumn (From Mid-September until November end) and spring (From the beginning of March until mid-May). During this period the daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with a temperature between 5 C to 2 C. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but the temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the Summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.

The trip departure date of Annapurna Base Camp will be on any date you select of your choice. We organize the ABC Trek as your private tour.

About Optional Activities for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a wonderful trekking holiday in the Annapurna region of Nepal. You can make it further exciting by joining in extra activities/ side trips. As the interest of people is different from each other, we have put these extra activities as optional tours. They are not included in your package cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. On your request, we offer you. The list of optional activities you get it in the right column in the laptop/ desktop view. In the mobile view, you find it below after scrolling.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport.

Our tour officer will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu.  He/She will be displaying play card with your name written in it outside the airport terminal. He will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do a pre-trip meeting with you. You will be briefed about your overall program, introduced your guide and clear your questions/queries if any. During the meeting please clear the due balance and handover a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Overnight at hotel.

Our trekking guide will pick you up at the hotel at 6:15 am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. This is 7 hrs scenic drives through mountain terrain. On the way, the bus stops for half an hour for lunch. Then drive continues till you reach Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful valley and gateway to Annapurna Trekking. Evening you enjoy strolling around Lakeside street market. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, you will take a 1-hour drive to Nayapul. Nayapul is trekking starting point of Annapurna Base Camp Trip. From here you follow the steep trail leading down to a bridge. Crossing the bridge after 25 minutes walking along the Modi Khola you arrive at Birethanti, a large village with many tea houses. From Birethanti you pursue the left trail that goes through bamboo forests and past a large waterfall and swimming hole. The trail stays on the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola to Baajgara. After passing a pasture the trail reaches Sudami then climbs steadily up the side of the valley to reach Hille (1510m). From Hille after 15 minutes of climbing, you arrive at Tikhedhunga. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

The day starts crossing the Tikhedhunga Khola (stream) on a bridge then drops and crosses the Bhurungdi Khola on a large bridge. The trail climbs very steeply on a stone staircase to Ulleri (2080m), the large Magar village. From this village, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields then through deep forest to Banthanti (2250m). Beyond Banthanti there are magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. The trail crosses two streams, a small ridge, and another stream before making the short climb to Nangathanti (2460m). Leaving this place after an hour of walking you arrive at Ghorepani. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today early in the morning, before dawn, you start an hour hiking to Poon Hill, at an elevation of 3,210m, the viewpoint that provides an enchanting sunrise view over the high Himalayas and also the great views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). After enjoy of this mesmerized sceneries you hike down to Ghorepani, take a hot breakfast, then follow the path to chautara (resting place for porters). You keep climbing to stroll along the ridge in pine and rhododendron forests reaching a crest at 3210m then descend to Deorali. The descent continues to Banthanti. Here the trail crosses the stream and starts climbing. After some ups and down passing through forest you arrive at Tadapani. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

In the beginning, you descend almost 800 meters to Khummu Khola at 1930m. Crossing this stream on suspension bridge the trail starts climbing to the village of Ghurjung(2010m). The trail passes through the yards of several homes and lodges crossing a wooden bridge near the Hotel Green Hill. Its then 30 minutes walk in and out of side valleys to Dhiklyo Danda where the Ghandruk-Chhomrong trail joins the route. Climb steeply to crest a ridge gaining views of Machhapuchhare and avoiding a huge landslide out of sight below you. Forty minutes later you pass Taglung and the signed trail from Jhinu Danda and swing round the ridge to reach Chhomrong. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Chhomrong you follow the path descends 150m on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge then climbs out of the side valley via Tilche through forests of Bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail you reach Bhanuwa. Then you descend nearly one hour. A further climb of about 45 minutes you reach Sinuwa (2340m). Continue the climbing to Kuldi (2470m). From here you enter the upper Modi valley. Descend a long steep on a stone staircase to Bamboo (2310m). From Bamboo, you again climbs continuously through stands of bamboo and rhododendron forests and also passes avalanche chute to arrive at Dobhan. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Leaving Dobhan you cross a stream and avalanche chute then climb across a landslide. In the forest is a small temple dedicated to Baraha, a local deity, where local people leave offerings of flowers and clothes. You see the sign saying that out of respect for the god one should not carry eggs or meat above this place. You climb past a cascade over a rock platform, then passing another temple of Shiva you arrive at two lodges in a deep gorge named both by Himalaya Hotel. Continue walking on a rocky trail through forests then up a steep ravine to Hinku Cave (3100m).From Hinku the trail crosses the remnants of a glacier then climbs through large boulders to Deurali. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Above Deurali the valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates of the sanctuary as the mountains really start to kick in. You follow the path that diverts to the east side of the valley and climbs through an unusual mix of bamboo and birch then arrive at Bagar. From Bagar you climb across more avalanche paths through a sparse birch forest. Cross a moraine and descend to a stream. Then following a stone staircase you arrive at Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m). From Machhapuchhare Base Camp the trail follows a stream then climbs to a few huts where shepherds graze their sheep during summer. Before long you can see the hotels of base camp and soon after you reach Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). Annapurna Base Camp is surrounded by mountains so it is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary. From here you will have superb views of Annapurna Himalayan range at 360-degree level. For view point, you will walk to the west which is marked by prayer flag from here you get a spectacular view over the glacier. For a fine valley overview, you can also climb the southern slopes behind the mountain lodges. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

Today you wake up early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise over Annapurna and surrounding mountains. After breakfast retrace your steps to Bamboo passing through Machhapuchare Base Camp, Hinko, Himalaya Hotel and Dobhan. Although it takes almost 7 hours of walking it is not difficult since it is downhill trekking. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then you climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda. Today you will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which are just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe your aching body. Overnight at a mountain lodge.

From Jhinu Danda you walk at the right side of Modi Khola and come to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek. Then move to Nayapul. From Nayapul after 1 hour of drive, you arrive at Pokhara. Relax at the hotel. Evening enjoys strolling around lakeside street market. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, you walk to tourist bus station with trekking guide. The bus leaves Pokhara at 7 A.M. You will reach Kathmandu around 2 pm. The rest of the day at leisure/ you can do some last minute souvenirs shopping for your family and friends. Evening you will be offered farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances at typical Nepali Restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

The trip concludes today. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Travel Tips

Best Time of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The best season and most favored time of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking) are autumns (From Mid September till November end) and spring (From the beginning of March until mid-May). During this period day time is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with a temperature between 5 C to -20 C.  Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the Summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.

All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months validity, recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent Nepalese currency

We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with your name card. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).

In the case of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we offer you tourist standard hotel under 3-star categories unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.

In the trail of Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking, it’s commonly available for Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake and another continental as well as Indian foods.

Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water, and even beer are common along the route but the price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.

The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Annapurna Base Camp trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you on the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.

During trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross-breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.

Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in local restaurant. Then continue walking to your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time you may explore surrounding village, do a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunch time and entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time by playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have a dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for well-earned sleep.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.

At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness doesn’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.

We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen on the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.

The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you pack only what is necessary.

Important Items : Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Mater Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.

For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.

For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket

For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.

For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.

For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.

Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional); Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).

Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.

Note: * mark item we will provide you in service. If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark for trekking.

The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.

Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Naturally Annapurna Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines of responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.

In addition to your Trekking trip you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park,  White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Altra Light Flight, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.

Trip Reviews

Sandeep Mehta We have just completed an amazing Annapurna trekking with Poon Hill. We had a fantastic experience and highly recommend this trip to anyone. Our trip was organized by Excellent Himalaya Trek. It is a professional tour company with experienced trekking guides and porters. We felt Poon Hill is not a difficult trek. The mountain views were absolutely incredible, the landscape varied a lot in every day of the trek and there were a couple of nice villages along the way. Although we were there in October (peak season), the trail was only busy in few places. The lodges on the trail were comfortable. They offered us very good food.  We had good guide support from Dawa. Our porters too were so much helpful and friendly. Overall, we had no complaints about the hotel, food, staffed, and other matters. Everything was perfect. Thank you, Suman, for your excellent arrangement.

Sandeep Mehta

Wendy & Renaud Annapurna Base Camp including Poon Hill is a lovely trek for beautiful Himalaya views and sunrise in a short time. We booked this trip with Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition by online. It is absolutely the best decision that we have made. From the start to the end of the trip, we always get excellent services. On our arrival in Kathmandu Airport, Suman, the Managing Director of this company, welcomed us and helped to transfer our hotel. Suman is very helpful and friendly. He gave us detail tour briefing and also introduced with our guide Hari before our trek. In Pokhara, we met our porters (Ghanashyam and Badri). When going trekking with Hari and our porters, we feel likes going on hiking with good friends. They are very helpful, funny, and friendly. Whenever we're having trouble to walk on steep hills, they are always ready to help us. They made this holiday to be one of the perfect ones that we ever had. We indeed enjoyed our Poon Hill Trek. We totally recommend Excellent Himalaya Trek to every people who are planning any trek in Nepal. Thank you, Suman, for arranging such a wonderful trip for us. This is a memorable tour with very much happy experience!

Wendy & Renaud

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