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Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 09 Days

4.9(32)
Duration
9 Days
8 nights
Max Altitude
4,130 m
Highest point
Difficulty
Moderate
2 out of 5
Group Size
2–14
people
Best Season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct nov
Activity / Day
4-6 Hrs Walking

Trip Highlights

  • Stand inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m — a natural amphitheatre of 7,000 m+ peaks
  • Sunrise over Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and the iconic Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) from Base Camp
  • Trek through ancient Gurung villages — rich in Himalayan culture
  • Walk beneath towering rhododendron forests ablaze with colour in spring
  • Soak tired legs in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after the descent
  • Explore Pokhara — Nepal's adventure capital — on the shores of Phewa Tal
  • Reach Machapuchare Base Camp, the sacred inner sanctum before the final push to ABC
  • 09 days perfectly paced — no acclimatization days wasted, no days rushed

Trip Overview

Trekking in the Annapurnas is what brings most people to Nepal. And for good reason — the Annapurna region packs more variety into a single trek than almost anywhere else on earth: terraced villages, rhododendron forests, two base camps and finally the vast silence of the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m.

Embark on an unforgettable nine-day adventure from Kathmandu to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking destinations. Beginning with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda, the route minimizes road travel and allows you to reach the mountains quickly. The trail winds through charming Gurung villages, lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and the dramatic Modi Khola gorge before opening into the breathtaking natural amphitheatre of snow-capped peaks at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).

Surrounded by towering giants such as Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South, the base camp offers an unforgettable Himalayan experience. Designed with a moderate trekking pace, the itinerary also includes time in Kathmandu and Pokhara for arrival, transfers, and departure, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a rewarding Himalayan adventure within a shorter timeframe.

Best seasons: March–May for rhododendrons in bloom and clear skies. October–November for the sharpest mountain views and most stable weather.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara: Already in Pokhara? We operate the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara directly — skipping the Kathmandu leg and starting the trail the very next morning. It is a popular option for travellers who fly into Pokhara or who are combining ABC with another Annapurna trek. Contact us to arrange your Pokhara-start itinerary.

Want to add Poon Hill? The classic Poon Hill sunrise — a 360-degree panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhare lit up at dawn — can be added to your itinerary with 3 extra days. Contact us and we will tailor the route for you.

A Typical Day on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Breakfast is served at your teahouse by 7:00 am — dal bhat, eggs, porridge or pancakes, with tea or coffee. Most days start walking by 7:30–8:00 am to make the most of clear morning skies before clouds build in the afternoon.

The trail averages 8–12 km with 400–700 m of ascent on the way up, and longer descents on the return. Your guide sets a comfortable pace — there is no racing. Lunch is taken at a teahouse mid-route, usually around midday. Expect to arrive at the next village by 2:00–3:00 pm, leaving time to wash, rest, recharge devices and explore before dinner at 6:00–7:00 pm.

Evenings are social — the teahouse dining room fills with trekkers from around the world, guides swap stories and the wood stove keeps things warm. Lights-out is usually by 9:00 pm. The mountains reward early risers.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

9 days·max 4,130 m
1
Day 1

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the Himalayan Suite Hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is free to rest or wander the old city. Evening trip briefing with your guide, followed by an equipment check.

Stay Himalayan Suite Hotel, Kathmandu
2
Day 2

Drive 5–6 hrs

Drive west along the Trishuli River to Pokhara, roughly six to seven hours by tourist coach, or a 25-minute flight on request. Check in at Hotel Temple Bell or Mount Kailash, then an afternoon at leisure on the shore of Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre rising directly behind the town.

Stay Hotel Lakestar or similar·Meals Breakfast
3
Day 3

Drive 2–3 hrs + Trek 4–5 hrs

An early jeep transfer to Jhinu Danda, about three hours on a rough hill road. The trek begins with a descent to the Modi Khola, a suspension bridge crossing, and a sustained climb through Chhomrong to Sinuwa. First close views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Stay Guesthouse, Sinuwa·Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4

Trek: 6–7 hours

The day begins with a steep descent from Chhomrong on stone steps into the Modi Khola valley, followed by a crossing of the river and a long climb up the opposite bank. The trail enters the bamboo and rhododendron corridor that defines this section of the route — dense, green and alive with birdsong in spring. Doban sits at the confluence of two streams deep in the gorge, a quiet overnight stop before the landscape opens into alpine terrain.

Stay Guesthouse, Deurali·Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5

Trek: 5–6 hours

The most rewarding day. Climb through the sanctuary gate to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, then across open alpine moraine for the final ascent to Annapurna Base Camp. The route is walked slowly for acclimatization. Sunset and sunrise over the full amphitheatre — Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.

Stay Eco Village Lodge, Deurali·Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6

Trek: 7–8 hours

Catch sunrise on the peaks, then begin the long descent back down the gorge, retracing the route through Deurali, Dovan, and Bamboo before the final climb to Lower Sinuwa. A long day, but almost entirely downhill.

Stay Guesthouse, Lower Sinuwa ·Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Day 7

Trek: 4–5 hours · Drive: 3 hours

Descend through Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda, with time for a soak in the natural hot springs beside the river before the jeep transfer back to Pokhara. Evening free — a lakeside dinner to mark the end of the trek.

Stay Hotel Lakestar or similar·Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
Day 8

Drive 5–6 hrs (or fly 25 min)

Return to Kathmandu by tourist coach or by air. Check in again at the Himalayan Suite Hotel, with the afternoon free for souvenir shopping in Thamel or a short visit to Boudhanath or Patan Durbar Square.

Stay Himalayan Suite Hotel, Kathmandu ·Meals Breakfast
9
Day 9

Your HSJ representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure. If your flight is in the afternoon, there is time for a final Kathmandu breakfast or a quick visit to Pashupatinath or Boudhanath. Safe travels — and we hope to see you on another HSJ adventure soon.

Meals Breakfast

What’s Included

Included
Airport transfers in Kathmandu on arrival and departure
2 nights at the Himalayan Suite Hotel, Kathmandu — twin sharing, breakfast only
2 nights at Hotel Lakestar or similar, Pokhara — twin sharing, breakfast only
Teahouse accommodation on trek (Days 3–6)
All meals on trekking days (Days 3–7) — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu transport by tourist coach
Pokhara–Jhinu Danda–Pokhara jeep transfers
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and one porter per two trekkers
ACAP entry permit and TIMS card
Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals, and equipment
First-aid kit and all government taxes
Not Included
International airfare and Nepal visa fees
Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation cover
All lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara — only breakfast is included in the cities
Personal trekking gear and clothing
Hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, and bottled or boiled water on trek
Alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks, and laundry
Tips for guide, porter, and driver
Any additional nights caused by early return or delay
Costs arising from flight cancellation, landslide, strike, or other events beyond our control

Choose your hotel

Per person · Total adjusts automatically · City stays only — trek lodging follows the itinerary.

Route Map

View Map
Starts
Arrival in Kathmandu
Ends
Departure Day

Altitude Profile

820m1.6km2.5km3.3km4.1km1.4km4.1kmD1D3D5D7D9
Highest Point4,130m

Recommended Gear

Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom)
Thermal mid-layer fleece
Down or insulated jacket
Waterproof and windproof outer shell
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Lightweight shorts
Warm hat covering ears
Sun hat or cap
Neck gaiter or buff
Gloves (liner + warm outer)
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
Lightweight camp sandals or flip-flops
Trekking socks (4–5 pairs, wool or synthetic)
Daypack 25–35 L with rain cover
Trekking poles (foldable)
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Headlamp with spare batteries
Power bank (10,000 mAh minimum)
Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 L total)
Water purification tablets or filter
Sunglasses (UV400)
Sunscreen SPF 50
Lip balm with SPF
Lightweight microfibre towel
Passport and permit photos (4 copies)
Travel insurance documents
Personal medications
Blister plasters and moleskin
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Rehydration salts
Antiseptic wipes and small bandages
Hand sanitiser
Wet wipes
Toilet paper
Earplugs
Camera or phone with extra memory cards
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit)

Frequently Asked Questions

The two best windows are March–May and October–November. Spring brings rhododendrons in full bloom and generally clear morning skies before afternoon clouds build. Autumn offers the sharpest mountain visibility and most stable weather of the year. December–February is cold but doable with proper gear. The monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and leeches on the trail — not recommended unless you enjoy a challenge.
Graded 2/5 — moderate. No technical climbing, no glacier crossing, no extreme altitude. Daily walking is 4–6 hours on well-marked, well-maintained trails. The steepest section is the stone-stepped climb to Chhomrong on Day 3. Any trekker with reasonable fitness and 4–6 weeks of preparation (regular hiking or cardio) can complete this trek comfortably.
No prior Himalayan experience is required. ABC is one of Nepal's best introductory treks precisely because the trails are clear, teahouses are plentiful and the altitude is manageable. First-time Himalayan trekkers complete this route every week. What matters more than experience is preparation — build your fitness in the weeks before you arrive.
Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m is the highest point. For comparison, most European ski resorts top out at 3,000–3,500 m. The ascent is gradual enough that altitude sickness is uncommon on this route, though it can affect anyone. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and knows the signs — if your oxygen saturation drops significantly, descent is the immediate protocol.
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. Both are arranged and covered by HSJ — you do not need to queue at permit offices. Bring passport-size photos and your passport for the permit process on arrival.
Breakfast is included during your hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Lunch and dinner in these cities are not included. During the trek, all meals at the teahouses (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included in the package price from day 3- 7.
If you are travelling solo and prefer a private room throughout, a single supplement of $200 applies. This covers private rooms at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the trail, teahouses generally have twin-share rooms; private rooms are often available for a small extra charge paid directly on the trail.
Nepal's government requires a licensed guide for all trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Your HSJ guide is English-speaking, licensed, and carries a first aid kit with a pulse oximeter. They manage the daily pace, communicate with teahouse owners, monitor your health at altitude and handle any logistics issues so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Yes. A porter carries your main bag (up to 15 kg), leaving you to walk with a light daypack. Porters are highly recommended — they significantly improve daily comfort and speed on the trail. Contact us when booking to add a porter. HSJ porters are fully insured, properly equipped and paid fair wages.
Teahouses are family-run guesthouses with simple but comfortable rooms, a communal dining area and a kitchen serving dal bhat, pasta, soup, eggs, pancakes and more. Rooms have beds with blankets — a sleeping bag is recommended at higher altitudes. Hot showers are available at most stops for a small fee (NPR 200–400). Charging points are available for a small fee. Wi-Fi exists at most teahouses but is slow above Chhomrong.
Jhinu Danda has natural hot spring pools fed by geothermal water, sitting at the edge of the Modi Khola river. After days of downhill walking, soaking in hot water surrounded by forest and mountain views is one of the great pleasures of the ABC route. The springs are a 10-minute walk from the village with a small entrance fee of around NPR 300.
Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC, 3,700 m) sits at the entrance of the inner Annapurna Sanctuary. The sacred peak of Machhapuchhare — shaped like a fish tail and never officially summited — rises almost directly overhead. MBC is a key waypoint on Day 6 before continuing to ABC. The short pause here is worthwhile — the views change dramatically in that final stretch to the Sanctuary.
Most days involve 4–6 hours of actual walking, not including rest stops and lunch. Day 6 (to ABC) is the longest at 6–7 hours. Days 1, 2, 10 and 11 are travel days with no significant hiking. Your guide sets a comfortable pace — there is no rush. Start early, walk steadily and you will reach each destination well before dark.
Key items: broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to -10°C, thermal base layers, a down or insulated jacket, waterproof outer layer, sun hat, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, a headlamp, a power bank and a water bottle. HSJ provides a detailed packing list upon booking. Travel light — every kilogram matters on the stone steps to Chhomrong.
A deposit of 20% secures your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days are subject to a 50% fee. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and emergency evacuation.
Absolutely. All HSJ treks run as private groups — you are never joined with strangers unless you choose a group departure. Private trips depart on any date you choose. Use the Private Trip tab in the Departures section to pick your preferred start date and book directly.

Still have a question? Talk to a trip planner

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From$595per person
Adults
1
Total$999
Free cancellation — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
7% of profit donated — Through the Himalayan Community Project, we fund education, healthcare & conservation in rural Nepal.
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Traveler Reviews

Overall rating
4.9/5
Based on 32 reviews
Sanjoy Paul
Verified booking
5.0

Thanks to Himalayan Social Journey for making my dream come true...Much awaited Annapurna Base Camp trek has finally ticked in my to do list. It so well arranged and planned that we loved and taking memorable moments with us. Special mention to our guide Mr. K…

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Rajesh Kumar N
Verified booking
5.0

The ABC Base Camp trekking trip was an amazing trip and well managed by Himalayan Social Journey and their guide. Specially the guide Mr Khil Bahadur is very experienced and well mannered.

Jose B
Verified booking
5.0

It was and wonderful trip with my friend’s to ABC and thanks Mr Khilraj Bahadur for his helps and taking care off us and giving information and knowledge off Annapurna Range. At last thank u Himalayan Social Journey for making my dream trips come true.

Ella
Verified booking
5.0

We've just spent three weeks with Himalayan Social Journey taking part in an 8 day Annapurna base camp trek, 2 days in Chitwan National Park and a day trip to Chandragiri cable car along with a few days in between each of these. From the moment I first enqui…

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