Annapurna Base Camp Trek

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Trip Facts

Highlights

    Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and other Himalayan peaks.

    Trek through diverse landscapes of terraced fields, lush forests, rhododendrons, and alpine terrain.

    Experience authentic Gurung culture, traditional villages, and warm local hospitality.

    Walk beneath the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and enjoy spectacular close-up mountain scenery.

    Experience sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna range from scenic viewpoints along the trail.

    Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters within the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary.

Itinerary

Driving Time: Approx. 20–40 minutes

Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After completing immigration and collecting your luggage, you meet the representative of Ambassador Himalaya Treks & Expedition outside the arrival terminal.

We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and assist with check-in. The rest of the day remains relatively relaxed, which is useful after an international flight. If your arrival time is early, you can explore the nearby streets, exchange currency, purchase last-minute trekking items, or rest at the hotel.

Later, our experienced trekking guide will brief you on the journey ahead. We discuss the route, weather conditions, accommodation, luggage arrangements, trekking equipment, altitude awareness, and practical matters for the Annapurna region. This is also the right time to check your gear before leaving Kathmandu.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Altitude Gain 1,300 m / 4265 ft
Accommodation 3*** Hotel
Meal Not Included
Driving Time: Approx. 7–9 hours
After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and travel west to Pokhara, the city of lakes, and Nepal’s main gateway to the Annapurna region. The road follows river valleys and passes through changing landscapes of green hills, agricultural terraces, small towns, roadside settlements, and rural communities. On clear days, sections of the journey may also provide distant Himalayan views.
The actual travel time depends heavily on highway traffic, road construction, weather, and local road conditions, so delays are possible. Treat the journey as a full travel day rather than planning important activities immediately after arrival.
Pokhara offers a completely different atmosphere from Kathmandu. After reaching the city, we check into the hotel near the Lakeside area. The evening is free for a gentle walk around Phewa Lake, equipment shopping, or preparation for the first trekking day.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Altitude Gain 822 m / 2,697 ft
Accommodation 3*** Hotel
Meal Breakfast
Driving Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Trekking Distance: Approx. 4–6 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
After breakfast, we leave Pokhara by private vehicle and drive toward Hile through the lower Annapurna foothills. The road gradually enters a more rural landscape of terraced fields, rivers, traditional settlements, and forested hills.
From Hile, we begin the walking section of the ABC Trek. The trail passes through cultivated countryside and small villages before reaching Tikhedhunga. We cross suspension bridges and continue toward the famous stone staircase leading to Ulleri.
This final climb is short in distance but demanding because of the long series of stone steps. Taking a steady pace is more important than trying to climb quickly, especially on the first trekking day.
Ulleri is a traditional Magar village positioned high above the valley. The settlement gives trekkers their first strong feeling of entering the mountain region, with terraced hillsides and surrounding forest creating a peaceful setting.
Overnight in Ulleri.
Altitude Gain 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 8–10 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
After breakfast, we leave Ulleri and continue gradually uphill toward Ghorepani. The morning trail passes through Banthanti before entering a beautiful forest dominated by rhododendron, oak, and other Himalayan vegetation. The route cools and becomes more shaded as we gain elevation.
Small hotels and teahouses along the trail offer convenient places for food and rest. During spring, particularly from March to April, blooming rhododendrons can add strong colours to the surrounding forest. The ascent remains steady rather than extremely steep, although the increasing elevation can make the final sections feel more demanding.
Eventually, we reach Ghorepani, one of the best-known trekking villages in the Annapurna region. Its position below Poon Hill makes it a popular overnight stop, and on clear days the surrounding area offers impressive views toward the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. We rest early because the following morning normally begins before sunrise.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Altitude Gain 3,210 m / 10,531 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 12–14 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
We start early for the optional but highly recommended climb to Poon Hill, one of the most famous Himalayan viewpoints in the Annapurna region. The uphill walk takes us above Ghorepani before sunrise. When weather conditions cooperate, Poon Hill offers a sweeping panorama across Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and other surrounding peaks.
After enjoying the mountain views, we descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. We then continue toward Tadapani. The trail climbs again through forested ridges before descending and ascending through rhododendron woodland, small streams, stone paths, and isolated teahouses.
This section is physically more varied than the previous day because it contains repeated uphill and downhill sections rather than one continuous climb. Tadapani sits in a forested area with excellent views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre when the skies are clear. The village also marks our transition from the Ghorepani section toward the main Annapurna Base Camp route.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Altitude Gain 2,630 m / 8,629 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 12–14 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
Today we leave Tadapani and descend through forest toward the traditional settlements of the lower Modi Khola region. The trail passes through changing terrain, including woodland, agricultural areas, stone staircases, and village paths. We gradually approach the Chhomrong area, one of the most important settlements on the Annapurna Base Camp route.
Chhomrong is a large Gurung village built along a steep hillside with impressive views toward Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. After passing through the village, the trail descends sharply on stone steps toward the Chhomrong Khola. We cross the river and climb again toward Sinuwa.
The final ascent is challenging after the earlier descent. Today is one of those trekking days where total elevation gain and loss matter more than distance alone. We stop at Lower Sinuwa, where the environment becomes noticeably more forested, and the route begins entering the narrower upper valley leading toward the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Overnight in Lower Sinuwa.
Altitude Gain 2,360 m / 7,743 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 13–15 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
After breakfast, we start from Lower Sinuwa through dense forest toward Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, and eventually Deurali. The trek’s character changes significantly today. Villages become fewer, cultivated farmland disappears, and the route follows the upper Modi Khola valley deeper into the mountains.
We pass through bamboo, rhododendron, and mixed forest while crossing streams and following sections of stone and rocky trail. The route rises gradually, though several short descents break up the climb.
After Dovan, we continue our trek towards the Himalaya, then climb higher to Deurali. As we climb, the surrounding valley narrows and becomes more attractive. Temperatures also drop noticeably, especially in the evening.
Deurali stands at roughly 3,200 meters and serves as an important overnight stop before entering the higher Annapurna Sanctuary. We keep the evening relaxed, drink plenty of water, eat well, and prepare for the trek’s highest section.
Overnight in Deurali.
Altitude Gain 3,230 m / 10,597 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 8–10 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Today is the defining stage of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We leave Deurali and continue through the upper Modi Khola valley. The vegetation gradually thins as surrounding cliffs and high mountains dominate the landscape.
First, we trek towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp, located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level.  Machhapuchhre is considered a sacred mountain, and climbing to its summit is not permitted. From here, we enter the broad Annapurna Sanctuary. The route climbs more gradually across an open high-altitude landscape with increasingly spectacular mountain views.
After several hours of trekking, we finally reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. The setting is extraordinary. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and other peaks rise around the sanctuary, creating a natural amphitheater of Himalayan mountains. Because of the altitude, we keep physical activity controlled after arrival and watch for any symptoms of altitude discomfort.
Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Altitude Gain 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance: Approx. 14–17 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
We wake early at Annapurna Base Camp to experience one of the most memorable mornings of the trek. Weather permitting, sunrise gradually lights the surrounding peaks and creates exceptional views across the Annapurna Sanctuary. The mountains’ scale is particularly impressive because the base camp sits directly beneath the surrounding Himalayan walls.
After breakfast, we begin our descent. We retrace the route through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continue downhill toward Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan, and Bamboo. Although descending usually feels easier on the lungs, long downhill sections put extra pressure on knees and legs. Trekking poles can be especially useful today.
As we continue our descent, elevation drops, vegetation gradually returns, and temperatures warm up. By the time we reach Bamboo, we are once again surrounded by dense forest. The long descent also reduces altitude significantly, which many trekkers find physically comfortable after spending the previous night above 4,000 meters.
Overnight in Bamboo.
Altitude Gain 2,310 m / 7,579 ft
Accommodation Tea House
Meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Trekking Distance: Approx. 10–13 km
Trekking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Our final walking day takes us from Bamboo back through the lower valley toward Jhinu Danda. We first follow the familiar forest trail toward Sinuwa before descending to the Chhomrong Khola. From the river, we climb the long stone staircase back into Chhomrong.
After a rest, we continue downhill toward Jhinu Danda. The area is known for its natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola. Depending on available time, trail conditions, river conditions, and transportation arrangements, trekkers may have an opportunity to visit the hot springs.
We then continue toward the road-access point and meet our vehicle for the journey back to Pokhara. Road conditions in this section can vary considerably, particularly during or after the monsoon season, so driving duration may change. After several days in the mountains, arriving in Pokhara provides a welcome return to a comfortable hotel, hot shower, wider meal choices, and a relaxed evening around Lakeside.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Altitude Gain 822 m / 2,697 ft
Accommodation 3***Hotel
Meal Breakfast & lunch
You may spend the morning walking along Phewa Lake, exploring Lakeside, enjoying cafés, shopping for handicrafts, or simply resting at the hotel. Travellers interested in sightseeing can visit places such as the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, or viewpoints around the Pokhara Valley.
Consider an early-morning visit to Sarangkot when the weather forecast is favourable, especially for travellers who want another panoramic view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.
Activities on this day remain flexible and can be adjusted according to your interests, energy level, weather, and available time.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Altitude Gain 822 m / 2,697 ft
Accommodation 3***Hotel
Meal Breakfast
Driving Time: Approx. 7–9 hours
After an organic breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We continue following the Prithvi Highway, passing through river valleys, hillside settlements, and agricultural areas.
Actual driving time can vary because of traffic congestion, highway maintenance, landslides during the rainy season, or other road conditions. Travellers should avoid making tightly timed plans right after arriving in Kathmandu.
After we arrive in Kathmandu, we transfer you to your hotel. The remaining time is free for shopping, walking around Thamel, visiting nearby areas, enjoying a final Nepali meal, or simply resting after the journey.
This evening also offers an opportunity to reflect on the complete ABC Trek, from the subtropical foothills and rhododendron forests to sunrise at Poon Hill and the high-mountain environment of Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Altitude Gain 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Accommodation 3*** Hotel
Meal Breakfast
Flight Time: Depending on your international flight schedule, by our private vechile we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle.
Your 13-day Annapurna Base Camp trek comes to an end today.
After breakfast, you have free time depending on your international departure schedule. Our team arranges your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport with suitable time for airline check-in, immigration, and security procedures.
We recommend keeping your passport, air ticket, valuables, and important travel documents in your hand luggage rather than inside checked baggage.
A representative from Ambassador Himalaya Treks & Expedition assists with the departure transfer, marking the completion of a journey that combines the cultural landscapes of the Annapurna foothills, Poon Hill, traditional mountain villages, the Modi Khola valley, and the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary.
You depart Nepal with memories of standing beneath some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the Himalayas.
Altitude Gain 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Meal Breakfast

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Elevation Chart

Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle.

3*** Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara based on BB and double sharing

All Land transport transfer in Private vehicle

Private vehicle transfer from Pokhara to the trek starting point

Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the Trek, based on twin /triple sharing Basis.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Trekking days.

Experienced, Professional government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.

One porter for every two trekkers (maximum luggage allowance of 20 kg per porter, 10 kg per person).

Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, equipment, and insurance for trekking guides and porters.

Necessary trekking documentation and permit arrangements.

Basic first-aid kit carried by the Trekking Guide

Government taxes and official service charges

Trekking map , Company T-shirts and company duffel bag (duffel bag provided for use during the trek).

Trek completion certificate

Farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with a local cousin and cultural performance.

Excludes

International airfare to and from Nepal.

Nepal entry visa fees.

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, shopping, souvenirs, and toiletries.

Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.

Hot showers during the trek where teahouses charge separately.

Tips for trekking guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, and other support staff.

Bottled water, boiled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks beyond meals included in the package.

Rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, medical treatment, and related expenses.

Any services, activities, meals, transportation, or expenses not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes.

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