Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Walk into a glacial amphitheatre ringed by 7,000 m giants — the most rewarding moderate trek in Nepal, and a superb first Himalaya.
About this trek
Few finales beat the moment the trail opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a near-complete ring of soaring peaks with Annapurna I directly overhead. The route there is a delight in itself: stone-stepped villages, terraced hillsides, bamboo and rhododendron forest, and the friendly Gurung heartland.
At a top altitude of 4,130 m it’s gentler than the high passes, making it an excellent first Himalayan trek for reasonably fit walkers — yet the scenery gives away nothing in scale. We finish in lakeside Pokhara to relax.
Trek highlights
- The Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatre
- Annapurna I (8,091 m) directly overhead
- Sunrise on Machapuchare, the fish-tail peak
- Hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Gurung villages and rhododendron forest
- An ideal first high-altitude trek
The itinerary
A typical day-by-day plan. We tailor pace and rest days to your group, and your guide adjusts on the ground for weather and acclimatisation.
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Arrive in Kathmandu
1,400 mAirport transfer, evening briefing and gear check.
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Drive to Pokhara
820 mA scenic drive (or short flight) to the lakeside town beneath the Annapurnas.
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Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk
1,940 mA short transfer to the trailhead, then up to the handsome Gurung village of Ghandruk.
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Trek to Chhomrong
2,170 mCross into the Sanctuary valley with Machapuchare ahead.
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Trek to Bamboo
2,310 mDescend and climb through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest.
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Trek to Deurali
3,200 mFollow the Modi Khola gorge steadily upward.
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Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
4,130 mEnter the Sanctuary and reach Base Camp for an unforgettable afternoon and sunset.
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Sunrise at ABC, trek to Bamboo
2,310 mDawn light on the amphitheatre, then a long descent out of the Sanctuary.
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Trek to Jhinu Danda
1,780 mDown to the riverside village and its natural hot springs — a perfect soak.
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Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
820 mA final forest walk to the road and back to lakeside Pokhara.
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Drive to Kathmandu & depart
1,400 mReturn to the capital for onward travel, or extend your stay.
What's included
In your trip price
- Private ground transfers per the itinerary
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide
- Insured porter team (one porter per two trekkers)
- All national-park entry and trekking permits
- Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
- Three freshly cooked meals a day on the trail
- Group medical kit, pulse oximeter and first aid
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and crew (at your discretion)
From people who walked it
4.9 / 5 from 143 verified reviews
My first big trek and I never felt out of my depth. Waking up inside the Sanctuary is pure magic.
Gentle enough for us, spectacular all the way. The hot springs at the end were the perfect touch.
You might also like
Mardi Himal Trek
A short, scenic ridge walk under the fish-tail peak of Machapuchare.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal’s most varied trek.
Make the Annapurna Base Camp yours
Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor this itinerary around you — at no cost until you book.