Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m (13,550ft) inside one of the Himalayas' most dramatic amphitheatres. A ring of thirteen peaks over 7,000m — including Annapurna I (8,091m), the world's tenth highest mountain — forms a near-complete circle around you at Base Camp. Standing there at dawn, watching the first light turn the walls of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) from grey to gold, is something that stays with you. This is what the 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek delivers.
The approach is as rewarding as the destination. The route from Nayapul climbs through Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forest — spectacular in bloom from mid-February through April — and past Poon Hill (3,210m) for one of the Annapurna region's finest sunrise panoramas. Then the trail descends into the gorge at Chhomrong and enters the protected zone of the Annapurna Sanctuary, where no permanent settlements exist and the mountains close in from every direction. You spend a night at Poon Hill en route — one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints — before the full push into the sanctuary.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek runs through Gandaki Province, in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). The trail passes through a striking range of ecosystems: subtropical farmland, oak and rhododendron forest, alpine meadow, and finally the bare glacial moraine above Deurali. Wildlife in the sanctuary includes Himalayan tahr, snow leopard (rare but present), red panda, and hundreds of bird species. The Modi Khola river, carved deep into a narrow gorge below Chhomrong, powers the entire approach.
On the descent, the route via Jhinu Danda passes natural hot springs on the Modi Khola riverbank — the most welcome stop of the entire trip after ten days at altitude. The trek ends back in Pokhara, with a tourist bus return to Kathmandu. If you want to extend your adventure before or after the trek, the Annapurna Circuit (16 days) covers the northern side of the same massif with a crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. For a shorter option, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek covers the first section of this route in just 5 days.
October – November: Peak season. Clear skies, stable temperatures (10–15°C in the valleys, sub-zero at Base Camp at night), and the best mountain visibility of the year. Book accommodation at Chhomrong and above in advance.
March – April: Rhododendron bloom season. The forest from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani turns vivid red and pink. Mountain views are excellent in the mornings. This is the second-best window for the trek.
December – February: Cold but walkable. The trail below Chhomrong is fine; above Deurali it can snow. Fewer trekkers means quiet teahouses. Bring serious cold-weather gear.
June – September (monsoon): Not recommended. Trails below 2,500m are leech-heavy and prone to washouts. The sanctuary sections can be wet for days at a time.
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Evening briefing covers the full trek plan, gear check, and permit requirements. Overnight Kathmandu.
Tourist bus departs at 7:00am. The route follows the Prithvi Highway through river gorges and terraced hillsides with Himalayan views to the north. Alternatively, a 25-minute flight is available for those short on time. Pokhara — Nepal's most scenic lakeside city — is the natural staging point for all Annapurna treks. Evening free to explore Lakeside. Overnight hotel, Pokhara.
After a 2-hour drive to Nayapul, the trek begins along the Modi Khola valley through subtropical forest and waterfalls. The day's main challenge is a steep stone staircase ascending 600m to the Magar village of Ulleri. It's a tough opening day but the reward is immediate: direct views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) from the village. Overnight lodge, Ulleri.
A gentler day after yesterday's steep climb. The trail rises steadily through Banthati and into dense oak and rhododendron forest. In spring, the rhododendrons above 2,500m bloom in vivid red — among the most striking scenery on the entire trek. Ghorepani is a busy trekking hub with good lodges and the starting point for tomorrow's Poon Hill hike. Overnight lodge, Ghorepani.
Depart Ghorepani at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill. The sunrise panorama from the viewpoint is one of the finest in Nepal: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) all visible simultaneously. After breakfast in Ghorepani, the trail climbs to Deurali pass then descends steeply through moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani. Overnight lodge, Tadapani.
The trail descends steeply through rhododendron forest before easing through the Gurung village of Gurjung. Chhomrong is the last major permanent village before the sanctuary and the gateway to the protected zone above. Annapurna South (7,219m) towers directly above the village; Machhapuchhre (6,993m) faces it across the valley. Strong signal for mobile, final reliable ATM location. Overnight lodge, Chhomrong.
A steep descent from Chhomrong crosses the Modi Khola gorge before the trail enters the protected sanctuary zone. From here, there are no villages — only teahouses. The forest is untouched: deep bamboo thickets give way to oak and rhododendron as the trail climbs through Kuldi Ghar and Bamboo (2,335m). Wildlife sightings become more likely above Bamboo. Overnight lodge, Himalaya Hotel.
The trail climbs through bamboo and rhododendron to Hinko Cave, a natural rock overhang that offers shelter and impressive cliff scenery. Above Deurali, the valley opens and the sanctuary reveals itself: the towering lateral moraine of the South Annapurna Glacier blocks the view ahead while Machhapuchhre (6,993m) — sacred and unclimbed — rises directly to the north. This is Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,480m. Overnight lodge, MBC.
A relatively short but emotionally powerful morning. The trail from MBC climbs past the South Annapurna Glacier moraine and emerges into the open basin of Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. The sanctuary walls rise on all sides: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gangapurna (7,455m), and Machhapuchhre directly behind. Arriving early allows time to explore the glacier edge and walk toward the base of the mountains before sunset. The dawn views from ABC are the highlight of the entire trek. Overnight lodge, ABC.
Descend the same trail through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali. The descent is long but the altitude loss is dramatic — from 4,130m to 2,335m in one day, with immediate benefits to breathing and energy. The forest returns quickly below Deurali. Overnight lodge, Bamboo.
Retrace the trail through Chhomrong and continue descending to Jhinu Danda on the banks of the Modi Khola. The natural hot springs here — fed by geothermal sources at the river’s edge — are one of the trek’s great rewards. A small entry fee applies. Soaking for an hour after ten days at altitude is genuinely restorative. Overnight lodge, Jhinu Danda.
A final uphill day before the long descent to the road. Deurali sits on a ridge with excellent views back across the Annapurna range and the terrain covered over the past week. On clear evenings, the full Annapurna South face is visible from here. Overnight lodge, Deurali.
A final 3-hour downhill through forest and terraced farmland brings you to Phedi, where the vehicle is waiting. Drive 1.5 hours to Pokhara. Afternoon free — Lakeside has excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops. This is a good evening to reflect on the trek over a meal with your guide. Overnight hotel, Pokhara.
Tourist bus departs Pokhara at 7am, arriving Kathmandu by mid-afternoon. Time for last-minute shopping in Thamel. In the evening, a farewell dinner with cultural dance performance — a fitting close to 14 days in the Annapurna region. Overnight hotel, Kathmandu.
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How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The ABC Trek is rated moderate. Daily walking is 4–7 hours on well-maintained trails. No technical climbing skills are required. The steepest sections are the Ulleri stone staircase on Day 3 and the Chhomrong gorge ascent and descent. A good level of cardiovascular fitness is essential — 4–6 weeks of regular hiking, swimming, or cardio training beforehand makes a measurable difference.
What is the maximum altitude on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at 4,130m (13,550ft) is the highest point. Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,480m is the night before ABC. The altitude is significant but well below the threshold for serious altitude sickness risk if you ascend gradually. Our itinerary is paced carefully for safe acclimatisation.
What permits are needed for the ABC Trek?
Two permits are required: the ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area, NPR 3,000 per person) and a TIMS Card (NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers, NPR 1,000 through a registered agency). Both are included in our package.
What is the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
October–November gives the clearest skies and most stable weather. March–April is excellent for rhododendron blooms and good visibility. Avoid June–September (monsoon) — trails below 2,500m are wet, leech-active, and prone to landslides.
Can I do Poon Hill on the way to ABC?
Yes — our 14-day itinerary includes the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) on Day 5 for the famous Annapurna sunrise panorama. It adds no extra days as it is fully integrated into the route via Ghorepani.
How is the ABC Trek different from the Annapurna Circuit?
The Annapurna Circuit circumnavigates the entire massif and crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — a longer route with significantly more altitude and cultural variety. ABC goes directly into the sanctuary for a more concentrated, intense mountain experience in 14 days, generally better suited to first-time Himalayan trekkers.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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