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ASCENDDMC NEPAL
Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trek through Gurung villages and bamboo forests into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.

Photo: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Duration
11 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max altitude
4,130 m
Region
Annapurna
Best season
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Ideal for
Solo/FIT, Group, Family

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek leads into one of the most spectacular natural amphitheatres on earth. Starting near Pokhara, the route climbs through terraced farmland, the Gurung village of Chhomrong and dense forest before entering the Sanctuary.

It's the perfect trek for those wanting big mountain scenery in under two weeks, with natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way down.

Highlights

  • Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
  • Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp
  • Gurung culture in Chhomrong
  • Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Kathmandu

    Airport transfer and briefing.

    Max altitude: 1,400 m

  2. Day 2

    Drive or fly to Pokhara

    Scenic drive (7 h) or 25-minute flight; evening at Lakeside.

    Max altitude: 820 m

  3. Day 3

    Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk

    Enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.

    Max altitude: 1,940 m

  4. Day 4

    Trek to Chhomrong

    Traverse terraces with views of Annapurna South.

    Max altitude: 2,170 m

  5. Day 5

    Trek to Dovan

    Descend and climb through bamboo forest.

    Max altitude: 2,600 m

  6. Day 6

    Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

    Enter the Sanctuary.

    Max altitude: 3,700 m

  7. Day 7

    Annapurna Base Camp, descend to Bamboo

    Sunrise at ABC, then long descent.

    Max altitude: 4,130 m

  8. Day 8

    Trek to Jhinu Danda

    Relax in the natural hot springs.

    Max altitude: 1,780 m

  9. Day 9

    Trek out, drive to Pokhara

    Short walk to the road and drive back to Lakeside.

    Max altitude: 820 m

  10. Day 10

    Return to Kathmandu

    Drive or fly; farewell dinner.

    Max altitude: 1,400 m

  11. Day 11

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport.

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
  • Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 20 kg)
  • Teahouse accommodation and 3 meals a day on the trek
  • All trekking permits and local fees
  • Staff wages, insurance, meals and accommodation
  • First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
  • Ascend DMC duffel bag and trekking map
  • Tourist bus Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
  • Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude helicopter evacuation
  • Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara (except welcome dinner)
  • Personal expenses: hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, drinks
  • Tips for guides and porters

Permits we arrange

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS Card

Permit fees are set by the Government of Nepal and may change. More about permits.

Fixed group departures

Start dateAvailability
15 Oct 2026Available
5 Nov 2026Available
3 Dec 2026Available
18 Mar 2027Available

Private departures available on any date.

FAQs

Do I need a guide for this trek?

Yes. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas must trek with a government-licensed guide arranged through a registered agency such as Ascend DMC Nepal.

What travel insurance do I need?

Your policy must cover trekking up to the maximum altitude of the route and include emergency helicopter evacuation. We check your insurance before departure.

Can this trek be done privately?

Yes. Every trek is available as a private departure on any date, or you can join one of our fixed group departures.

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