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Duration
12 Days
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Max Elevation
4130m
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Group Size
1 to 10 People Person
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Accommodation
Teahouse/Lodge
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Start/End
Kathmandu Airport
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Destination
Annapurna Region
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Best Season
March-May and Sep-Nov
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most established trekking routes in Nepal, and it has remained popular for a reason.
In twelve days, it gives trekkers a clear and rewarding journey from the low hills into the heart of the Annapurna, where the mountains begin to close in and the landscape changes in a very steady, satisfying way.
What makes this trek special is not only the destination at Annapurna Base Camp, but the way the route gradually builds toward it.
Each day has its own character and the scenery changes slowly. The villages become smaller, the forest grows thicker, and the air becomes cooler as you gain height. By the time you arrive at base camp, the journey already feels complete.
The trek begins in Kathmandu, which serves as the natural starting point for most Himalayan trips in Nepal.
It is a busy, layered city with deep cultural history, and although you do not stay here long, it gives the trek its first sense of place.
After the final checks and preparations, the route shifts west toward Pokhara, where the mood becomes calmer and the mountains begin to feel much closer.
The drive to Pokhara is part of the experience too. It takes you through river valleys, hillside settlements, and stretches of central Nepal that slowly open into the Annapurna region.
Pokhara itself feels like a welcome as It is a relaxed city by the lake, and for many trekkers it becomes the last comfortable stop before the trail begins in earnest.
From Pokhara, the trek moves toward the foothills of Annapurna and then into the walking route. The first stages pass through farmland, terraced slopes, and village settlements where the mountain landscape starts to take shape around you.
The lower hills are warm and green, and they provide a gentle introduction before the trail begins to rise more steadily.
One of the most appealing parts of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the variety of terrain. You are never walking through the same landscape for too long.
In the early days, the route moves through cultivated land and hillside villages. Soon after, the path enters forested areas filled with bamboo, oak, and rhododendron.
These sections feel cool and shaded, and they bring a very different mood to the journey.
The villages along the route also give the trek a strong cultural side. Places like Ghandruk and Chhomrong are not just stops for the night.
They are active mountain communities with deep local character. The homes, the tea houses, the stone lanes, and the rhythm of daily life all reflect the way people in this region have lived for generations.
Ghandruk in particular is one of the most memorable villages on the route as it has a strong Gurung identity, and the views from the village are a very early reminder of what lies ahead.
Chhomrong is another important point on the trail. It sits in a sweet position before the upper sanctuary and gives trekkers a proper sense that they are entering the more serious mountain section of the route.
From Chhomrong, the path drops and then climbs again, which becomes a familiar pattern on this trek.
The descent toward the river and the climb back up through forest make the walking feel more varied and more realistic.
This section also helps the route transition naturally from the lower villages into the deeper sanctuary zone.
The trail through Bamboo and Deurali is one of the quieter and more atmospheric parts of the trek. The forest becomes denser here, the trail narrows in places, and the sound of the river below often stays with you for much of the day.
It is a section that feels a little more remote, but still very walkable and comfortable for trekkers with a steady pace.
As you continue upward, the vegetation begins to thin and the landscape changes again.
The route slowly opens into a more alpine setting, and the presence of Machhapuchhre becomes stronger with every hour of walking.
This mountain, with its distinctive shape, is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Annapurna region, and it helps define the visual character of the upper sanctuary.
The approach to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp is where the trek really comes into its own.
The trail becomes more open, the mountains more visible, and the whole environment starts to feel quieter and more expansive. Even though the walking becomes higher and thinner, the route still remains clear and manageable.
Annapurna Base Camp itself sits in a natural mountain basin that is surrounded on all sides by peaks.
That enclosed setting is what gives the location its special atmosphere. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre create a landscape that feels close and direct rather than distant. You are not looking at the mountains from far away. You are standing among them.
The light at Annapurna Base Camp changes the whole mood of the place.
Early morning and late afternoon are especially memorable because the mountains shift in colour and depth as the sun moves across them.
It is a place where people usually spend more time than they expected, simply because the setting is so calm and complete.
Another reason this trek works so well is its balance. It gives you a proper Himalayan experience, but it does not demand technical climbing.
The route is challenging enough to feel like a real mountain trek, yet it remains accessible for fit walkers who are prepared for long days and gradual altitude gain.
The return journey is also an important part of the experience. Walking back down through the same route gives you a different view of everything you saw on the way up.
Places that once felt demanding begin to feel familiar. Forest sections seem more open, villages feel more relaxed, and the whole trail takes on a more reflective mood.
Jhinu Danda is a particularly nice stop on the return. After several days of trekking, the natural hot springs there are a welcome break and a good way to finish the mountain section of the journey.
It gives the trek a gentler ending before you return to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
The best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is in spring and autumn. Spring gives the lower forests a fresh look, especially when the rhododendrons bloom, while autumn usually offers clearer skies and stable weather.
Both seasons are well suited to this route, and they are the times when the mountain views are usually at their best.
In the end, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek works so well because it feels complete. It gives you culture, forest, mountain scenery, and a real sense of progression without becoming too extreme.
It is the kind of trek that stays with people because it unfolds naturally and leaves a strong impression without needing to push too hard.
Altitude Range and Character
| Section | Altitude Range | Terrain Character |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu and Pokhara | 800 to 1,400 m | City, road travel, final preparation |
| Lower trail | 1,000 to 2,000 m | River valleys, villages, terraced hillside |
| Mid trail | 2,000 to 3,200 m | Dense forest, river gorge, stone stairs |
| Upper trail | 3,200 to 4,130 m | Alpine moraine, open sanctuary basin |
Difficulty Overview
| Factor | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical demand | Moderate | 5 to 7 hours walking per day on steep varied terrain |
| Maximum altitude | Moderate | 4,130 m at ABC, below the 5,000 m threshold |
| Technical difficulty | Low | No climbing, ropes, or specialist equipment required |
| Endurance requirement | Moderate to Good | Sustained uphill and downhill on consecutive days |
| Weather exposure | Moderate | Cold above 3,000 m, stable in spring and autumn |
Packing List: Clothing Layers
| Layer | Items |
|---|---|
| Base layer | Moisture wicking shirts, thermal long sleeves |
| Mid layer | Fleece jacket, light insulation layer |
| Outer layer | Waterproof jacket, windproof shell, waterproof trousers |
| Lower body | Trekking pants, thermal leggings |
| Warm layer | Down jacket essential for Deurali and above |
| Accessories | Warm gloves, wool hat, buff or neck gaiter, sun hat |
Essential Gear
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Well broken-in waterproof trekking boots, sandals for teahouses |
| Backpack | Daypack 30 to 40 litres, larger duffel for porter |
| Sleeping | Sleeping bag rated to 0°C or below |
| Hydration | Reusable water bottles, purification tablets or filter |
| Safety | Sunscreen, high UV sunglasses, personal first aid kit |
| Extras | Trekking poles, trekking stick, headlamp with spare batteries, power bank |
Trip Highlights
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres and stand at the centre of a natural mountains where Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre rise from the valley floor on every side in a complete 360-degree paranoma.
- Pass through traditional Gurung villages including Ghandruk and Chhomrong where stone architecture, terraced farming, family run teahouses, and an authentic mountain way of life remain central to daily existence.
- Follow a twelve-day itinerary structured to gain altitude gradually and naturally, making the Annapurna Sanctuary accessible to fit trekkers without prior high-altitude experience while still delivering a genuine and serious Himalayan journey.
- Experience some of the best trekking weather and mountain visibility during spring and autumn.
- Relax in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda located just below the village on the bank of the Modi Khola and one of the most physically satisfying rewards available at the end of any trekking route.
- Walk through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests between Chhomrong and Deurali, crossing rivers, passing waterfalls, and climbing steep stone paths under a shaded canopy.
- Follow a trek that is challenging enough, where the itinerary structured to gain altitude gradually and naturally to feel like a real adventure without requiring technical climbing skills.
- Stay in family run teahouses throughout the trekking days and in comfortable hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, with all meals provided and all ground logistics arranged so that the focus can remain entirely on the walk itself.
- Trek through the traditional villages, while enjoying simple meals like dal bhat, noodles and so on, while enjoying the mountain view from your small yet cozy teahouse.
- Complete a route that functions as a whole story rather than a sequence of unrelated days, building continuously from the first steps on the trail at Nayapul to the final arrival inside the mountain walls of Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 Days ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at TIA - Welcome to Nepal
- Altitude: 1350 m
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel
Your journey begins at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a Nepal Royal Treks representative meets you on arrival and transfers you to your hotel in the Thamel district. The afternoon and evening are free to rest after your flight, explore the nearby markets and streets of Thamel, or visit the ancient temple complexes within walking distance of the neighbourhood. In the evening your guide will walk through the itinerary, check your gear, answer questions, and give you a clear picture of what to expect from the first morning onward. This first night in Kathmandu is a calm and deliberate start before the real movement begins.
Day 2
Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Altitude: 800 m
- Travel Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Travel Distance: 200 km
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast at the hotel, the group departs Kathmandu and travels west along the Prithvi Highway toward Pokhara. The drive follows the Trishuli and then Marsyangdi river valleys for much of the route, passing through Mugling and Damauli before climbing into the Pokhara valley. A stop along the way for lunch at a roadside daal bhat restaurant is an honest meal. Arriving in Pokhara by mid to late afternoon, you check into your hotel in the Lakeside area on the eastern side of Phewa Lake. The evening is free to walk the Lakeside strip, visit local gear shops for any final supplies, or simply sit with a view north toward the Annapurna range as it catches the last color of the day. This is the last proper urban evening before the walking begins the following morning.
Day 3
Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Ghandruk
- Altitude: 1940 m
- Travel Duration: 2 hours
- Travel Distance: 80 km
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk
The trek begins in earnest today. After an early breakfast, the group drives from Pokhara to Nayapul, the road junction at the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area where vehicles stop and the trail begins. From here the path drops briefly to Birethanti, a lively riverside settlement at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurungdi Khola, where permits are checked. The trail then follows the valley before climbing to Tikhedhunga, a stone village at 1,540m marking the start of the famous staircase. The ascent to Ulleri at 2,050m is the toughest stretch, a long unbroken climb through rhododendron and oak forest with no flat respite. Ulleri, a Gurung village with teashops and wide views, rewards the effort immediately. Beyond Ulleri the path winds through scattered forest and hillside terrain, cresting a ridge before dropping into Ghandruk at 1,940m. This large Gurung settlement has stone architecture, terraced fields, and a cultural museum. On clear evenings Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rise directly ahead from the village viewpoint, a scale most trekkers describe as the first moment the Himalaya feels truly close.
Day 4
Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong
- Altitude: 2170 m
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong
After breakfast with mountain views, the trail drops from Ghandruk toward the Modi Khola valley, passing terraced fields, small villages like Kimche and Jagat, and grassy pastures. Suspension bridges carry you across streams and the wide river below, its sound already showing the snowmelt coming from the peaks. The climb back up is steady, with stone steps, forest patches, and open terraces leading to Chhomrong at 2,170 m. This large Gurung village sits on a sunny hillside and is the last big stop before the high Himalaya. Its lodges are well run, with reliable food and warm family hospitality built over decades of welcoming trekkers. From the lanes and viewpoints above the village, Annapurna South rises directly ahead and Machhapuchhre appears to the northeast, a striking pair of peaks that make the Himalaya feel suddenly close. Overnight in a teahouse with good facilities, shared or private rooms, and a common dining hall.
Day 5
Trek Chhomrong to Bamboo
- Altitude: 2310 m
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo
From Chhomrong the trail drops steeply on stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola far below. The descent is long and tough on the knees, winding through terraces and forest before reaching the bridge at the valley floor. Crossing here feels like a shift, the air changes as you climb again toward Sinuwa (2,300 m). The path moves into dense forest, with bamboo and rhododendron closing overhead. After the lodges at Sinuwa, the trail dips and winds through thicker stands of bamboo, crossing streams and small waterfalls, until you reach Bamboo (2,310 m). This tiny lodge cluster sits in a shaded clearing where the air is cool and the sound of running water is constant. Facilities are simple, but the setting is memorable. Evenings here, with forest pressing close and peaks sometimes visible through gaps in the canopy, are quiet and unexpectedly special.
Day 6
Trek Bamboo to Deurali
- Altitude: 3230 m
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali
Leaving Bamboo, the trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest, with waterfalls along the way. After crossing a stream at Dovan (2,640 m), the path continues through mixed woodland before reaching the small lodge cluster called Himalayan Hotel (2,920 m). Here the trees begin to thin, the air feels cooler, and the first wide views of the upper peaks appear. From there the trail rises through more open ground, shifting from forest to scrub and then to rocky slopes. The final push is a steep, sometimes muddy climb that brings you to Deurali (3,230 m), a small ridge settlement with basic lodges. It is often windy and cold, and nights can drop well below freezing, so warm layers are essential. Despite the simple facilities, the views toward the Annapurna Sanctuary walls are striking, and many trekkers remember this stop as a key stage before the higher climb ahead.
Day 7
Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Altitude: 4130 m
- Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Trek Distance: 9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in ABC
This is the day you reach the heart of the sanctuary. Leaving Deurali before dawn, the trail moves into open, rocky ground left by glaciers with no trees for shelter. You pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp (about 3,700 m), a good place to rest and drink tea while the peak towers above. The path then crosses the glacial valley under Machhapuchhre’s steep face; the ground is rough and you may find patches of snow even in autumn. As you climb the ridges, huge peaks come into view including, Annapurna I to the northeast, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli nearby. After several hours of steady, rugged walking you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (about 4,130 m).You are at ABC, one of the highest habitations of any trekking trail. The afternoon and evening at ABC are magical, walk the basin, take photos of the glowing peaks, and enjoy hot tea while sharing stories with fellow trekkers. Stay in teahouses; even though the accommodation is basic, the view out your window is spectacular.
Day 8
Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
- Altitude: 2310 m
- Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Trek Distance: Around 15 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo
After an early breakfast at ABC (or pre‑dawn tea for sunrise) you start the descent. You retrace the rocky trail past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and descend rapidly to Deurali and then further down throughHimalaya Hotel and Dovan. The path is steep but well-formed, with many stone staircases. After passing Bamboo, the steep drop moderates into the forest. Although this is a long downhill day, it moves quickly and you will enjoy warmer temperatures and jungle sounds as you descend. By late afternoon you reach Bamboo (2,310 m) again. Return to the same lodge for a second night and enjoy a hot meal by the fire as you descend into the lush foothills.
Day 9
Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
- Altitude: 1760 m
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda
The final trekking day takes you to lower, subtropical terrain. From Bamboo you descend past Chhomrong and Sinuwa, then follow the Kimrong Khola through deep forest. The trail winds down through jungle, small villages and farm fields. By midday you arrive at Jhinu Danda (1,760 m), a small riverside village famous for its natural hot springs. After check‑in at the lodge, you can hike the short trail to the springs and soak in the warm mineral water, a perfect reward for tired muscles. The springs here often exceed 50 °C and are a relaxing way to end the trek. Overnight in a teahouse with basic rooms, enjoying the warm river air and local scenery.
Day 10
Drive Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
- Altitude: 800 m
- Travel Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Travel Distance: 70 km
- Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Pokhara
Today you leave the trail and return to Pokhara. In the morning a jeep transport meets us at Jhinu Danda and drives back down the valley road toward Beni, then on to Pokhara. The journey takes about 3 hours and covers rough gravel roads. Enjoy the changing scenery from steep river gorge to lower hills. Arriving in Pokhara by afternoon, check into a comfortable hotel by the lake. The rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate with a nice dinner, perhaps the famous thakali set. Pokhara’s Lakeside is lively in the evening, with cafes and shops. Make sure to enjoy your lakeside night before we head to Kathmandu tomorrow.
Day 11
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1350 m
- Travel Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Travel Distance: 200 km
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel
After breakfast, we travel back to Kathmandu. By road this is a 7–8 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway. Alternatively, flights from Pokhara are an option (25 minutes) if schedules allow. Either way, you’ll have another view of the Himalaya as the plane circles or the bus winds down the Marsyangdi and Trishuli valleys. Arriving Kathmandu in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is free for any last shopping or sightseeing like Durbar Square or a spa. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner with the guide team. Your trek completion certificate is presented, and you share stories and photos from the journey.
Day 12
Final Departure
- Meal: Breakfast
Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays will provide airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. It is best to reach the airport at least three hours before your international departure. Your ABC trek comes to an end here, but the memories of forest trails, mountain villages, and the great Annapurna will stay with you long after you leave Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 Days Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu on Day 1 and Day 12
- Three Star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and tea/coffee with meals
- Required trekking permits such as Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Basic first-aid support carried by the trekking team
- Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers).
- Complimentary company T-shirt and trekking completion certificate.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- Trekking route arrangement and support
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu (arranged separately)
- Nepal entry visa fee (obtain on arrival or in advance)
- Personal trekking gear (warm clothing, boots, etc.)
- Meals in Kathmandu (except as specified) and bottled water/drinks at hotels.
- Hotel extras (laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi) and teahouse hot showers or electricity charges
- Any optional activities not mentioned
- Any expenses due to flight delays, weather, or other circumstances beyond our control
- Tips for trekking guide and porter (not mandatory, but customary and appreciated)
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Route Map for Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, provided the baseline fitness is genuine and the preparation has been taken seriously. The trek does not require prior Himalayan experience or technical skills, but it does involve walking five to seven hours per day over consecutive days on steep mountain terrain.
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 metres above sea level. Machhapuchhre Base Camp, reached the same day, is at 3,700 metres. These are the highest points on the itinerary.
Spring from March through May and autumn from September through November are the two primary seasons. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and warm lower valley temperatures. Autumn offers the clearest mountain visibility and most stable weather of the year. Both seasons are genuinely strong for this route. Winter is possible for experienced and well-equipped trekkers but cold above three thousand metres. Monsoon season from June through August brings heavy rainfall and requires additional caution.
Acute mountain sickness can affect any trekker above 2,500 metres regardless of fitness level. This itinerary is structured with gradual altitude gain specifically to reduce that risk, but awareness and honest self-assessment are essential above Deurali. The standard guidance applies throughout: ascend gradually, stay well hydrated, eat consistently, and descend immediately if symptoms including persistent headache, nausea, or loss of coordination appear. Guides carry basic altitude medication and have full emergency response protocols.
Yes, this itinerary can be extended. For example, you could add Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Khopra Danda and few more treks into the mix. Our team can customize extensions or additional acclimatization hikes.
A: Essential gear includes sturdy trekking boots, warm layers, waterproof shell, sleeping bag liner (for lodge stays), sun protection (hat/sunglasses), and water purification. See the detailed packing tables above. We strongly recommend bringing a good 0°C sleeping bag (nights get cold above 3,000 m) and a warm down jacket for evenings. Your guide will review the full gear list during the pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is the primary document required for all foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit is arranged by Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays as part of the package and is included in the cost. No TIMS card is separately required under current regulations, as the conservation area permit system has been consolidated. Your guide will carry and manage all documentation throughout the trek.
Yes. On clear days at base camp both peaks are visible at very close range from the valley floor directly around you. Annapurna I at 8,091 metres dominates the northern wall of the basin. Machhapuchhre at 6,993 metres is the most prominent landmark throughout the upper section of the trek and forms the southern boundary of the sanctuary. Early morning before clouds build is typically the clearest and most visually striking period at base camp.
Jhinu Danda is famous for its hot springs (at about 1,780 m) just below the village. Many trekkers take a short walk from the lodge to bathe in the natural pools. The water can be very hot, so test carefully. A soak here is a relaxing way to reward your legs after the trek.
Teahouses on the Annapurna Base Camp route range from comfortable and well-run in larger villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong to simple and basic at higher altitude stops like Deurali and base camp itself. All provide beds, blankets, and cooked meals. Most offer hot showers and device charging for a small fee. Rooms are typically twin share and conditions become more basic with increasing altitude.
Yes, a licensed guide is required for trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area as per current Nepal trekking regulations. Beyond regulatory requirement, an experienced local guide adds genuine value in terms of route knowledge, cultural context, altitude awareness, and emergency response. We provide English-speaking licensed guides who are trained in first aid and altitude management.
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