Annapurna region · Tea house trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Trek type
- Tea House Trek
- Duration
- 8 days
- Program starts/ends
- Pokhara
- Trek difficulty
- Moderate
- Maximum elevation
- 4,130 m
- Walking duration
- 4–7 hours
- Group size
- 1–6 people
- Best season
- Mar–May · Sep–Nov
- Accommodation
- Tea house
- Transportation
- Private jeep
- Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
From $899 for 1–2 People
Book this trekOverview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also called the ABC Trek or the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, takes you into one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya. In 8 days from Pokhara, the trail climbs from terraced rice fields and Gurung villages, through rhododendron and bamboo forest along the Modi Khola river, into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacier basin closed in on every side by giant mountains.
At Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) you sleep right under the south face of Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth highest mountain in the world. Around you stand Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m) and the sacred "Fishtail", Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Sunrise here, when the first light turns the peaks gold one by one, is a moment most trekkers never forget. On the way down, you rest your legs in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
Every night is spent in a simple tea house. You pay for your food and room directly at each lodge, so your money goes straight to the families who run them. The days are moderate and there are no technical sections, but there are many stone steps, especially around Chhomrong. Anyone who is fit and walks regularly can do this trek, and it is a great first trek above 4,000 m.
Related: Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek and all Annapurna region treks.
Highlights
- Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre
- Walking into the Annapurna Sanctuary past Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m)
- Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, with views of Annapurna South and Fishtail
- Bamboo and rhododendron forest along the Modi Khola gorge
- A soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Trek with purpose: a licensed guide, fair porter wages and insurance, and a share of every trip fee for community projects
Itinerary
A. Outline Itinerary
- Day 1 1,940m
- Day 3 2,310m
- Day 5 4,130m
- Day 7 1,780m
- Day 8 822m
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Net Gain/Loss | Trek Duration. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive Pokhara to Kimche, trek to Ghandruk | 1,940 | +1,118 | 2 to 3 hrs drive, 1.5 to 2 hrs walk |
| 2 | Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong via Kimrong Khola | 2,170 | +230 | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 3 | Trek Chhomrong to Bamboo via Sinuwa | 2,310 | +140 | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 4 | Trek Bamboo to Deurali via Dovan and Himalaya | 3,230 | +920 | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 5 | Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) | 4,130 | +900 | 4 to 5 hrs |
| 6 | Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp, trek down to Bamboo | 2,310 | −1,820 | 6 to 7 hrs |
| 7 | Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (natural hot springs) | 1,780 | −530 | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 8 | Trek Jhinu Danda to Siwai, drive to Pokhara | 822 | −958 | 1.5 to 2 hrs walk, 3 hrs drive |
B. Detailed Itinerary
- Altitude: 1,940 m
- Walking: 1.5 to 2 hours (plus 2 to 3 hours by road)
Your guide meets you at your Pokhara hotel after breakfast. A jeep follows the Baglung road to Nayapul and then a rough road up the Modi Khola valley to Kimche (1,640 m). From here it is a short climb on stone steps to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, with slate-roofed houses, terraced fields and a small Gurung museum. On a clear afternoon you see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre straight up the valley. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 2,170 m
- Walking: 5 to 6 hours
The trail climbs through farmland and forest to the ridge at Kimrong Danda, drops steeply to the Kimrong Khola river and then climbs again along the hillside to Chhomrong. This is the last big village on the route and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Its tea houses look straight across at Annapurna South and the sharp summit of Machhapuchhre. Permits are checked at the conservation area office here. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 2,310 m
- Walking: 5 to 6 hours
A long flight of stone steps takes you down to the Chhomrong Khola. After crossing the suspension bridge you climb to Sinuwa (2,340 m) and then enter the Modi Khola gorge. The path winds through dense rhododendron, oak and bamboo forest, where you may see langur monkeys, to the small settlement of Bamboo. From Chhomrong upwards the lodges traditionally do not serve meat, out of respect for the sacred sanctuary. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 3,230 m
- Walking: 5 to 6 hours
The trail keeps climbing up the gorge past Dovan (2,600 m) and Himalaya (2,920 m). The forest slowly thins out and you pass Hinku Cave (3,170 m), a large rock overhang once used as a shelter, before reaching Deurali. Above Himalaya the path crosses old avalanche tracks; after heavy snow your guide checks local conditions and may change the timing of the day. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 4,130 m
- Walking: 4 to 5 hours
The big day. The valley opens up as you follow the river to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), with the Fishtail mountain towering right above you. A last, gentle climb over grassy moraine brings you into the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp. All around you are Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Arrive early to see the clouds lift, and stay out for sunset on the peaks. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 2,310 m
- Walking: 6 to 7 hours
Get up before dawn and wrap up warm to watch the first light turn the south face of Annapurna I gold. After breakfast you retrace your steps past Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Himalaya, back down into the forest to Bamboo. It is a long day, but it is mostly downhill and the air gets thicker with every hour. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 1,780 m
- Walking: 5 to 6 hours
You climb back up to Sinuwa and Chhomrong, then take a steep trail down the other side of the ridge to Jhinu Danda. About 20 minutes below the village are the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola, a perfect place to rest tired legs after the trek. Bring a swimsuit and a small towel. Overnight at a tea house.
- Altitude: 822 m
- Walking: 1.5 to 2 hours (plus about 3 hours by road)
A short, easy walk along the Modi Khola, past the New Bridge, brings you to the road head at Siwai. From here a jeep takes you back down the valley to Pokhara, arriving in the afternoon. Your guide drops you at your hotel. Enjoy a well-earned evening by Phewa Lake. End of the trek.
Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Permits for this trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per person.
- TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): about NPR 2,000 per person.
We arrange all your permits through our registered agency (TAAN no. 1597) before the trek. Please send us a copy of your passport and 2 passport-size photos. Fees can change, so we confirm the current amounts when you book. See The Cost Includes for which fees are in your price. Want to know how your price is worked out? See how we price your trek.
Cost and Price Details
The Cost Includes
- A licensed guide, plus one local porter for every 2 trekkers, including their wages, food, accommodation and insurance
- Your guide's and porter's trekking gear
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Private jeep from Pokhara to Kimche and from Siwai to Pokhara
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara
- Service charge and government tax (VAT)
- A contribution to our community projects
The Cost Excludes
- International flights and Nepal visa fees
- Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara (tourist bus or flight). We can book this for you
- Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Food and accommodation on the trek (you pay the tea houses directly, see below)
- Travel and medical insurance. Your policy must cover helicopter rescue up to 4,500 m
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi and the Jhinu hot springs entry fee
- Tips for your guide and porter
Tea houses: pay as you go
You pay for your room and meals directly at each tea house, so 100% of that money stays with the local families who run them. Budget about NPR 4,000 to 5,500 per person per day (roughly US$30 to US$40) for food, a bed and hot drinks. Prices rise the higher you go, and Annapurna Base Camp is the most expensive stop. There are no ATMs on the trail, so bring enough Nepali rupees in cash from Pokhara.
Your guide
Your guide is a licensed, English-speaking trekking guide who leads the way but does not carry luggage. A local porter carries your main bag (up to 15 to 20 kg per porter, usually one porter for two trekkers). They know the tea house owners on this route, look after your health at altitude, and decide each morning whether it is safe to continue. Please pack light. You carry a small day pack with water, snacks, a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Altitude and fitness
You do not need trekking experience, but you should be able to walk 5 to 6 hours a day on steep, uneven paths with many stone steps. The trek climbs gradually, and you sleep only one night above 4,000 m, at Base Camp. Above 3,500 m some people get headaches or poor sleep, which usually pass with rest and water. Tell your guide at once if you feel unwell. Travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue is required.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map
FAQs
General
It is a moderate trek. The days are 4 to 7 hours long and there are no technical sections. The hardest parts are the thousands of stone steps around Chhomrong and the climb from Bamboo to Deurali on Day 4. Anyone who is reasonably fit and walks regularly can do it.
Our standard itinerary is 8 days from Pokhara to Pokhara. It can be extended with a rest day, combined with Ghorepani and Poon Hill (about 10 days), or started and finished in Kathmandu.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. Spring brings rhododendron flowers; autumn has the clearest skies. Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, and heavy snow can close the trail between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp because of avalanche risk. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, leeches and cloudy views.
Our package starts from US$899 per person for 1–2 people. On top of this, budget about NPR 4,000 to 5,500 per person per day for food and accommodation, paid directly at the tea houses. Prices are higher near Base Camp.
You pay the tea houses yourself, so all of that money goes directly to the local families who run them, not to an agency. It also lets you choose what and how much you eat.
Yes. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, which we arrange and include in the price. The ACAP fee for foreign nationals is currently NPR 3,000 per person. Please send us a copy of your passport and 2 passport-size photos.
Yes. We can add rest days, combine Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill or Mardi Himal, or start the trek from Kathmandu. Contact us with your dates.
Yes. Our standard package is a guide-and-porter service, so you can book a licensed guide and a porter and arrange everything else yourself.
There are no ATMs on the trail, so bring enough cash from Pokhara. Most tea houses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, and mobile data works on parts of the route, but both can be slow or unavailable above Bamboo.
Warm layers and a down jacket (Base Camp is below freezing at night), a waterproof jacket, good broken-in trekking boots, a sleeping bag rated to about −10 °C, a head torch for the sunrise at Base Camp, walking poles for the stone steps, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle and purification tablets, a swimsuit for the hot springs, and a basic first-aid kit. In winter, bring microspikes.
The risk is moderate because you sleep one night at 4,130 m. The climb is gradual, but drink plenty of water and tell your guide at once about any headache, nausea or dizziness. If symptoms get worse, the best treatment is to go down.
Book Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Send Us Message
Trip List
Guests' Reviews
A remote, uncrowded tea-house trek over Shipton La into the Barun Valley, to the foot of Mt Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain.
A sacred Himalayan journey beneath Makalu to the holy Shiva Dhara waterfall and Parbati cave, through Sherpa and Rai villages.
Legendary Himalayan landscapes and Sherpa culture on a responsible trek that still supports licensed guides and local porters and tea houses.