Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Twelve days from Kathmandu into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — Gurung mountain villages, rhododendron and bamboo forest, the sunrise panorama from Poon Hill, and the amphitheatre of 7,000 m-plus peaks that ring Annapurna Base Camp itself — with your permits, lodging, guide and transfers arranged from arrival to departure.
Nepal's classic trek, at a pace that lets you enjoy it
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most complete treks in the Himalaya — no technical climbing, no camping required, and a trail lined with family-run teahouses, yet it still delivers a genuine sense of arrival: standing at 4,130 metres inside a natural amphitheatre of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. This twelve-day itinerary takes the classic route via Ghorepani and Poon Hill, adding the extra days most trekkers wish they'd built in — for acclimatisation, for the Poon Hill sunrise, and for a soak in the Jhinu Danda hot springs on the way back down.
From Kathmandu, you travel overland or by air to Pokhara, then trek through Gurung and Magar villages, terraced hillsides and forests of rhododendron, oak and bamboo, following the Modi Khola river valley into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself. A licensed trekking guide accompanies you throughout — a legal requirement for foreign trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area — handling permits, pacing and teahouse arrangements so the trip stays about the mountains, not the logistics.
Airport transfers, teahouse and hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and the sightseeing and transfers listed in the itinerary are arranged for you. Prefer a slower pace, a private departure, or to combine this with a Chitwan safari or Kathmandu valley extension? Every element here can be tailored — this itinerary is the starting point, not the ceiling.
What you'll actually see
Sunrise from Poon Hill
A short pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani to the 3,210 m viewpoint of Poon Hill, where Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machapuchare catch the first light — one of the most photographed sunrises in the Himalaya, and reached without technical trekking gear.
Gurung mountain villages
Ghandruk, Chhomrong and Sinuwa are Gurung and Magar hillside settlements built into the terraced slopes, each with its own teahouses, prayer flags and views back across the valley — a genuine window into Annapurna life, not a staged stop.
Forests of rhododendron and bamboo
The trail between Tadapani, Chhomrong and Bamboo runs through dense rhododendron, oak and bamboo forest along the Modi Khola valley — a cool, green contrast to the open alpine ground higher up, and spectacular in bloom during spring.
The Annapurna Sanctuary itself
At 4,130 m, Annapurna Base Camp sits inside a natural bowl ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare — a 360-degree amphitheatre of Himalayan giants reached entirely on foot.
Your 12-day itinerary
A gradual, acclimatisation-friendly pace via Ghorepani and Poon Hill, with a licensed guide, breakfast daily, and all listed transfers included.
You're met at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. A trek briefing covers your itinerary, packing checklist and permit arrangements, with the rest of the day free to explore Thamel or simply rest ahead of tomorrow's journey to Pokhara.
Travel onward to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside trekking hub, by tourist bus or domestic flight . Settle into your hotel with views toward the Annapurna range, then spend the evening along Phewa Lake — a relaxed last stop before the trail begins.
A drive to Nayapul and Birethanti, where the trek begins in earnest — permit checks at the ACAP gate, then a walk along the Modi Khola through terraced fields and villages to Tikhedhunga, your first night in a trekking teahouse.
A steady, stepped ascent through Ulleri and into rhododendron forest, gaining most of the day's elevation before easing into Ghorepani, a ridge-top village that's the gateway to Poon Hill and known for some of the best sunset views on the route.
A pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machapuchare, then back to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing through forest to Tadapani, with wide views back across the valley.
The trail drops through oak and rhododendron forest to the Kimrong Khola, crosses by suspension bridge, then climbs steadily to Chhomrong (2,170 m) — a large Gurung village and the last major settlement before the Annapurna Sanctuary proper.
A steep descent from Chhomrong to the river, then a climb through Sinuwa before dropping again into dense bamboo forest along the Modi Khola. The vegetation changes fast on this stretch — a clear sign you're entering the higher sanctuary terrain.
The trail continues up through Dovan and the Himalaya Hotel stop before reaching Deurali (3,200 m), where the valley narrows between the walls of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare — the "Gateway to the Sanctuary" and a good short acclimatisation day.
Via Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m), the trail opens onto Himalayan meadow before the final approach to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). You spend the night surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare — one of the most complete mountain panoramas on any trek in Nepal.
An early sunrise over the sanctuary from Annapurna Base Camp before retracing the trail down through Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan to Bamboo — a long day, made easier by the fact it's almost entirely downhill.
The trail climbs back through Sinuwa and Chhomrong before dropping to Jhinu Danda, home to natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola — the traditional reward stop for tired legs before the final push out of the mountains.
A final descent to Nayapul, then a drive to Pokhara and onward transfer to Kathmandu by bus or domestic flight , in time for your departure or an optional extension. If you'd like to extend, we can add nights in Pokhara, a Chitwan safari, or a wider Nepal itinerary.
Indicative itinerary. The exact order of activities, sightseeing and transfer times is confirmed at the time of booking and may adapt to flight schedules, weather, trail conditions and your group's acclimatisation pace. Mountain views are weather-dependent and can never be guaranteed.
What's included — and what's not
Clear from the start, so there are no surprises when you travel.
Included
- Accommodation for 11 nights (hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara, teahouses on trek)
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Intercity transfers where applicable
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Selected entrance fees
- Local assistance throughout, including a licensed trekking guide
Not included
- International flights (unless stated)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (including emergency evacuation cover)
- Personal expenses
- Meals not stated in the itinerary (lunch & dinner on trek)
- Optional activities & hotel upgrades
- Tips & gratuities
Before you go
Best time to trek
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest mountain views and the most stable weather. Autumn also has rhododendrons in earlier bloom, while spring is generally milder — we'll advise on timing for your dates when you enquire.
Currency
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cards are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels, but teahouses along the trail are cash-only — carry sufficient rupees for meals, snacks, charging and hot showers once you're on the trek.
Altitude & acclimatisation
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 m, high enough that altitude sickness is a real possibility. This itinerary is paced to help, but it's not a substitute for listening to your body — tell your guide immediately about headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue, and descend if advised.
Teahouse comfort level
Teahouses are simple, family-run lodges with twin rooms, shared bathrooms (Western or squat), and basic bedding — bring a warm sleeping bag or liner. Hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi are usually available for a small extra fee that rises with altitude.
What to pack
Layered clothing for warm valleys and cold nights, sturdy broken-in trekking boots, a down jacket, a warm sleeping bag or liner, trekking poles, a headtorch, sun protection and a reusable water bottle or purification tablets.
Visas & permits
Many nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu, but please check based on your passport before you travel. Trekking permits — the ACAP conservation permit and TIMS card — are required for this route and arranged as part of your trip.
Annapurna, from village trail to base camp
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Good to have answered
Is the US$1,499 price per person? What does it cover?
Yes — that's a starting price, per person, for the 12-day itinerary based on twin-share accommodation. It covers your hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse stays on trek, daily breakfast, airport and listed transfers, sightseeing in the itinerary, selected entrance fees and a licensed trekking guide. The final figure depends on your travel dates, group size and whether you'd like it private, so we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical climbing or mountaineering skills are required — this is a well-established teahouse trek on marked trails. It is, however, physically demanding: multiple consecutive days of 5–7 hours' walking on steep stone steps and forest trail, at altitudes up to 4,130 m. A reasonable base level of fitness and some hill-walking experience will make it far more enjoyable.
Is a guide required, and is one included?
Yes to both. Nepal requires foreign trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area to be accompanied by a licensed guide, and one is included in your package throughout the trek. A porter can be arranged if you'd like your main bag carried between teahouses.
What about altitude sickness?
This itinerary is paced with acclimatisation days built in, and your guide monitors the group throughout. That said, altitude affects everyone differently — travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is strongly recommended, and we'll brief you on symptoms to watch for before you set out.
Are international flights included?
No — international flights aren't included unless we've specifically stated so in your quote. Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is well connected across Asia and the Middle East; we can advise on convenient routings and arrange your airport transfers to match your flights.
Can this itinerary be customised or run privately?
Absolutely — this is a template, not a fixed package. Run it fully private, add rest days, shorten it to the classic 7-day route without Poon Hill, or extend into a wider Nepal itinerary with a Chitwan safari or Kathmandu valley touring. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape it around you.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
It depends on your nationality. Many travellers can obtain a visa on arrival in Kathmandu, but requirements change, so please verify based on your own passport before you travel — we're glad to point you to the right official source.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send us an enquiry with your rough dates and traveller numbers and we'll come back with a tailored quote and next steps. There's no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.
Let's plan your Annapurna trek
Tell us your dates and who's travelling. We'll send back a tailored itinerary and a clear, all-in quote — with the flexibility to make it exactly the trek you want.