ANNAPURNA REGION · 7–11 DAYS · MODERATE
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre ringed by peaks, to stand at the foot of Annapurna I. Rhododendron forest, Gurung villages, the Poon Hill sunrise and hot springs at Jhinu Danda. A shorter, gentler Himalayan classic, guided by our local team.
4,130 m
Base Camp Altitude
7–11
Days
Moderate
Difficulty
Mar–May / Oct–Nov
Best Season
THE TREK
The Himalayas at their most rewarding, without extreme altitude.
Annapurna Base Camp, known as ABC, sits at 4,130 metres deep inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial basin ringed almost completely by peaks over 6,000 and 7,000 metres. Annapurna I, the world’s tenth-highest mountain, rises directly above you, with the sacred fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre close by. Few places on earth give you this much mountain for this little altitude risk.
Compared with Everest Base Camp, ABC is shorter, lower and gentler, making it ideal for first-time Himalayan trekkers, families and anyone short on time. Many itineraries open with the famous Ghorepani and Poon Hill sunrise before entering the Sanctuary, and finish with a soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. Our package covers permits, transport, teahouses, meals and a licensed local guide.
AT A GLANCE
Difficulty: Moderate
Start / End: Pokhara
Base Camp altitude: 4,130 m
Highest point: Poon Hill, 3,210 m / ABC, 4,130 m
Accommodation: Teahouses
Highlight: Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill sunrise
Guide: Licensed, English-speaking
DAY BY DAY
Your day-by-day itinerary.
A classic ABC trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill from Pokhara. Easily shortened (skipping Poon Hill) or extended to suit your pace and time.
Day 1
Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri (2,070 m)
Drive to the Nayapul trailhead, then climb the famous stone staircase to the Gurung village of Ulleri.
Day 2
Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,870 m)
A beautiful ascent through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, the gateway village for Poon Hill.
Day 3
Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630 m)
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for a sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, then descend through forest to Tadapani.
Day 4
Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170 m)
Descend to the Kimrong Khola and climb to Chhomrong, the gateway to the Sanctuary and the last large village on the trail.
Day 5
Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600 m)
Cross the Chhomrong Khola and follow the Modi Khola gorge through Sinuwa and Bamboo to Dovan.
Day 6
Dovan to Deurali (3,230 m)
Continue up the narrowing valley as forest gives way to alpine terrain.
Day 7
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700 m) and walk into the Sanctuary itself. Sunset among the giants.
Day 8
Sunrise at ABC, descend to Bamboo (2,310 m)
An unforgettable sunrise over Annapurna I, then retrace the trail down past MBC to Bamboo.
Day 9
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda hot springs (1,780 m)
Descend to Jhinu Danda and soak tired legs in the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola.
Day 10
Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Final walk to the road head, then drive back to lakeside Pokhara.
What's included
✓ Pokhara–trailhead–Pokhara transport
✓ All teahouse accommodation on trek
✓ Three meals a day during the trek
✓ Licensed English-speaking guide
✓ Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
✓ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
✓ TIMS card
✓ Guide and porter wages, insurance and meals
What's not included
– International flights to Nepal
– Nepal visa fee
– Travel insurance
– Hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu
– Meals outside the trek
– Personal trekking gear
– Drinks, wifi, hot showers, charging on trek
– Tips for guide and porters
PRICING
Transparent pricing, no surprises.
This guided trek starts from USD 750 per person
Final price depends on group size, season, and private vs small-group trekking. Solo travellers and custom itineraries welcome. Contact us for an exact quote within 24 hours, no obligation.
FAQ
Your questions answered.
Is Annapurna Base Camp harder than Everest Base Camp?
No. ABC tops out at 4,130 m versus 5,364 m at Everest Base Camp, the trek is shorter, and the ascent is more gradual, so altitude risk is lower. It suits first-time trekkers and families. You still walk 5–6 hours a day, but the overall demand is moderate rather than challenging.
How many days does Annapurna Base Camp take?
The classic route via Ghorepani and Poon Hill runs about 9–10 days from Pokhara. Fit trekkers short on time can skip Poon Hill and reach ABC in around 7 days; longer plans add village stops like Ghandruk for a gentler pace.
What is the difference between Ghorepani, Poon Hill and ABC?
Ghorepani (2,870 m) is a village where you sleep; Poon Hill (3,210 m) is the famous sunrise viewpoint you climb from Ghorepani before dawn; and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is the final destination deep in the Sanctuary. Many itineraries link all three.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna region?
Nepal requires a licensed guide for the Annapurna region. Beyond the rule, a guide handles navigation, teahouse bookings in peak season, and spots altitude symptoms early. All our guides are government-licensed and English-speaking.
What permits do I need for ABC?
Two: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. We arrange both for you as part of the package.
When is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms; autumn (October–November) offers the most stable weather and clearest views. Winter is cold with avalanche risk near the Sanctuary, and the monsoon (June–August) is best avoided for views and trail conditions.
BEFORE YOU GO
Read these first.
Plan with our honest trekking guides:
Annapurna Circuit vs Base Camp: Which is Right for You? · Best Time to Visit Nepal · Nepal Visa Guide for UK Travellers
The mountains are calling.
Tell us your dates and we’ll send a custom Annapurna Base Camp itinerary within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.