Any Question? Email Us
info@nepalhimalayastrekking.comTalk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Any Question? Email Us
info@nepalhimalayastrekking.comTalk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days takes you from Kathmandu towards Pokhara and into the Annapurna foothills, following a changing trail through villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron and bamboo forests, the Modi Khola valley and the high mountain landscape of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres, with the route passing through Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before entering the sanctuary.
For 2026/2027, Nepal Himalayas Trekking offers this 13-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from USD 1,090 per person for groups of 2–5. The route falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need the required conservation-area permit and applicable trekking documentation. The best seasons for the trek are March to May and September to November, when the lower trails are generally drier and the higher mountains often have better visibility.
The trek begins with the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara and continues towards the lower Annapurna trail. From there, you walk through Ulleri, Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then cross the forested hills towards Tadapani and Chhomrong. After Chhomrong, the trail drops into the Modi Khola valley and passes through Bamboo, Dovan and Deurali before climbing to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The return follows the valley back through Sinuwa and Jhinu Danda before reaching Pokhara and Kathmandu.
The route combines mountain villages, stone staircases, forests, waterfalls, river valleys and high Himalayan scenery without requiring a mountain pass or technical climbing. The highest point comes at Annapurna Base Camp, where Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre surround the sanctuary.
| Trek Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 13 Days |
| Destination | Annapurna Base Camp |
| Highest Point | 4,130 m / 13,549 ft |
| Region | Annapurna |
| Difficulty | Moderate to moderately challenging |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; teahouses during the trek |
| Major Viewpoint | Poon Hill, 3,210 m |
| Major Mountain Pass | None |
| Main River Valley | Modi Khola |
| Main Cultural Communities | Gurung and Magar |
| Starting Area | Kathmandu, then Pokhara and the Nayapul/Ulleri trail area |
| Ending Area | Nayapul / Pokhara, then Kathmandu |
| Best Seasons | March to May and September to November |
| Trekking Style | Guided teahouse trek |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp |
| Conservation Area | Annapurna Conservation Area |
The main attraction of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the remarkable change in landscape along the route. The trail begins around Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills, passing cultivated hills, traditional villages and warm, green forests before climbing towards Ulleri and Ghorepani. From Poon Hill, trekkers can enjoy one of the region’s best sunrise views before continuing through Tadapani and Chhomrong and descending towards the Modi Khola valley. Around Bamboo and Dovan, the trail becomes more enclosed by bamboo and rhododendron forests, with streams and waterfalls along the way. Above Deurali, the forest gradually thins and the valley opens towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where rocky slopes, snow and steep mountain walls dominate the surroundings. The final section leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high mountain basin where Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 metres, surrounded by towering peaks of the Annapurna range. Along the way, the trek also passes through villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, where terraced fields, stone houses, prayer flags, family-run teahouses and local kitchens give the journey a close look at everyday mountain life.
You also get several different highlights in one itinerary:
Route: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Bamboo → Dovan → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp → Sinuwa → Jhinu Danda → Nayapul → Pokhara → Kathmandu.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek route begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive towards the lower Annapurna foothills. The trail then climbs through villages and terraced hills to Ulleri and Ghorepani, with a long stone staircase above Ulleri. An early-morning climb to Poon Hill offers views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre before the trail continues through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. From Tadapani, the route passes through Chhomrong, where the trail makes a steep descent towards the Modi Khola before continuing through Sinuwa, Bamboo and Dovan. This section stays largely within forest, with bamboo, rhododendron, streams and waterfalls along the valley.
Beyond Dovan, the trail climbs through Himalaya to Deurali, where the forest gradually becomes thinner and the valley opens towards the high mountains. The route then reaches Machhapuchhre Base Camp before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. From here, the final section follows the upper Modi Khola valley to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. The landscape changes quickly from forest to open mountain terrain, and the temperature can drop noticeably once the sun goes down at the base camp.
After spending the night at ABC, trekkers retrace the trail through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya and Bamboo before continuing towards Sinuwa. The return route descends to Jhinu Danda, where the natural hot springs beside the river are a popular stop after the long descent. From Jhinu, the trail continues towards Nayapul, followed by a road journey back to Pokhara. A practical tip from the trail is to take the downhill sections slowly, particularly after Chhomrong and on the return from ABC, as the repeated stone steps can be harder on the knees than the uphill sections.
Poon Hill at 3,210 metres sits above Ghorepani in the Annapurna region and is one of the most popular viewpoints on the Annapurna Base Camp route because it offers a wide Himalayan panorama without requiring a long detour. Trekkers usually leave Ghorepani before dawn and walk for around 45–60 minutes to reach the viewpoint in time for sunrise. On a clear morning, the first light reaches peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri, creating the golden mountain views for which Poon Hill is famous. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) generally offer the best conditions for clear mountain views, while mornings are usually preferred because clouds often build later in the day. The exact sunrise time changes with the season, so your guide normally sets the departure time accordingly.
Ghorepani sits at around 2,860 metres on the ridge between Ulleri and Poon Hill and serves as one of the main overnight stops on the Annapurna Base Camp route. It is surrounded by dense rhododendron and oak forests, with views opening towards the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from parts of the village. Ghorepani is particularly popular because it provides easy access to Poon Hill, with most trekkers staying overnight before making the early-morning climb for sunrise. March to April is especially attractive when the rhododendrons are in bloom, while autumn from September to November generally brings clearer mountain views. The village can feel cold before sunrise, so keeping a warm layer ready for the early walk to Poon Hill is a practical tip.
The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani winds through dense rhododendron and oak forests, with a series of steady climbs and descents along the forested ridges. The route is especially scenic in spring (March to May) when rhododendrons bloom, while autumn usually brings clearer mountain views. Tadapani, at around 2,630 metres, is a popular overnight stop where the forest opens in places to reveal Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. Trekkers who arrive in the afternoon may find the peaks partly covered by cloud, so early morning often gives the better chance of clear views.
Chhomrong, at around 2,170 metres, sits on a steep hillside above the Modi Khola valley and is one of the largest settlements on the Annapurna Base Camp route. The village is an important overnight and resupply stop before trekkers enter the narrower valley towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Chhomrong, the trail drops through a long section of stone steps towards the river, followed by another climb towards Sinuwa. The village also offers clear views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South when the weather is favourable, making it one of the more scenic settlements along the route.
The trail through Bamboo and Dovan, at roughly 2,300–2,600 metres, follows the Modi Khola through a narrow, forested section of the valley. Dense bamboo, rhododendron and moss-covered vegetation surround the path, while streams and small waterfalls cross or run beside the trail. The area becomes particularly wet during the monsoon and after rainfall, so the stone steps and wooden sections can be slippery. Dovan is a common overnight stop before the climb towards Himalaya and Deurali, making this section an important transition from the lower forest to the higher Annapurna Sanctuary.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) sits at around 3,700 metres in the upper Modi Khola valley and marks a clear change from the forested sections below to the open, rocky mountain landscape. The area is named after Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), whose distinctive double summit dominates the skyline when the weather is clear. MBC is a popular overnight stop before Annapurna Base Camp, although some itineraries continue directly to ABC after a short break. The temperature drops noticeably at this elevation, and the trail can be covered with snow during winter and after heavy snowfall, making the final approach more demanding.
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) sits at 4,130 metres inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by a dramatic amphitheatre of Himalayan peaks. The closest and most prominent mountains include Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The sanctuary’s enclosed geography makes the mountains feel much closer than they do from the lower sections of the trek, with steep walls rising on almost every side. Trekkers usually reach ABC in the afternoon and stay overnight, when the changing light across the surrounding peaks creates a memorable mountain setting. Clear mornings generally offer the best visibility, while snow can cover the trail and base camp area during winter.
After returning from the Annapurna Sanctuary, the trail descends towards Jhinu Danda, a popular stop on the lower section of the trek. The village is known for its natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola, where trekkers can relax after several days of walking at higher elevations. The springs are reached by a separate downhill trail from the village, usually taking around 20–30 minutes, followed by a climb back to the accommodation. The walk back can feel surprisingly tiring after a long trekking day, so it is better to allow extra time rather than treating the hot springs as a quick stop.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high mountain basin surrounded by the Annapurna massif and neighbouring peaks. The trail enters the sanctuary after Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where the forest gradually disappears and the valley opens into colder, more exposed mountain terrain. As you walk farther inside, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre become increasingly prominent around the valley. At Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 metres, the mountains form a dramatic natural amphitheatre, with steep rock, snow and glacial slopes surrounding the basin. Cloud and snowfall can change the views quickly, but the enclosed setting of the sanctuary makes the final section distinctly different from the forested trail below.
Sunrise at ABC requires an early start because the best light appears shortly after dawn. The surrounding peaks change colour quickly as sunlight reaches their upper slopes. The temperature can remain very low before sunrise, so keep your warm jacket, gloves, hat and camera ready the night before.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail changes noticeably as you gain altitude, beginning with villages, farmland and stone-paved paths in the lower foothills before entering the denser forests around Ghorepani and Tadapani. Between Chhomrong and Bamboo, the route includes long stone staircases and frequent climbs and descents, while sections through the forest can become muddy after rainfall and slippery underfoot. Beyond Deurali, the trees become increasingly sparse, the valley opens up and temperatures drop as you approach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The final walk to Annapurna Base Camp follows a high mountain valley dominated by rock, snow and steep slopes, creating a much more exposed landscape than the forested sections below.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty falls around moderate to moderately challenging. Technical climbing does not form part of the standard route, but you need enough fitness to walk several hours on consecutive days. The main challenge comes from stone staircases, repeated climbs and descents, uneven trails and increasing altitude.
The trail contains many stone steps, especially around Chhomrong, while the sections through Bamboo, Dovan and Deurali can become slippery after rain. Above Deurali, the forest gradually thins and the colder, higher terrain slows the walking pace. The final destination reaches 4,130 m, where altitude becomes an additional consideration.
The distance alone does not tell the whole story. A relatively short section can take several hours when the trail climbs steeply or includes long staircases.
The Chhomrong section is known for its long stone staircases and repeated elevation changes. The descent toward the Modi Khola and the climb back up can be tiring on the legs. Trekking poles are useful, particularly on wet steps and long descents.
The trail through Bamboo, Dovan and Deurali passes through dense forest with wet stones, roots and small streams. After rainfall, these sections can become muddy and slippery, so good-grip footwear makes a noticeable difference.
Above Deurali, the trail becomes more open as it enters higher mountain terrain. At Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the combination of altitude and cold can slow your pace considerably. Walk steadily and allow more time rather than trying to maintain the speed you had in the lower valleys.
Preparation should focus on walking, stairs, uphill and downhill movement. Regular long walks, hill training and consecutive-day walks are more useful for ABC than preparing only with short, intense workouts.
Useful preparation includes:
You do not need mountaineering training for the standard ABC route. You should be comfortable with long stair sections, several hours of walking and gradual altitude gain.
The itinerary gradually increases elevation as you move from the lower Annapurna foothills towards the sanctuary. The route does not include a separate acclimatization day at 4,000 metres, so pacing becomes important during the upper section. Avoid rushing the climb from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC.
Drink regularly, eat enough, sleep well and tell your guide about any unusual symptoms. Altitude problems can occur even in physically fit trekkers. Fitness helps with walking, but it does not prevent altitude illness.
Spring provides some of the best conditions for the ABC route. The lower and middle forests can have rhododendron flowers, while temperatures remain comfortable at lower elevations. Higher sections around Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC remain cold.
Autumn follows the main monsoon period and usually brings drier conditions. September, October and November are popular months because mountain visibility can be good and the trails tend to be more comfortable. October and November can become quite busy on the main trail.
Winter brings colder temperatures and a higher chance of snow around the upper trail. Trekkers choosing winter dates should carry suitable insulated clothing, gloves, warm hat and sleeping bag and check current conditions before departure.
The southern Annapurna slopes receive considerable rainfall during the monsoon. Mud, slippery stones, leeches, swollen streams and cloud cover can make the route more difficult. Mountain views may also disappear behind cloud for long periods.
For detailed seasonal information, link naturally to your Annapurna Best Season guide here.
The entire ABC route falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The protected region contains forests, wildlife habitats, mountain ecosystems and villages that depend partly on tourism. The route passes through many communities, so responsible behaviour matters throughout the trek.
Simple habits make a difference:
The Annapurna region has become one of Nepal's busiest trekking areas. Respect for the environment and local communities becomes especially important on a heavily travelled route.
The Annapurna Conservation Area supports a wide range of Himalayan wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, langur, deer and Himalayan pheasants. Trekkers may spot some of these animals along the trail, although sightings depend on the season, location and chance. Birds are generally easier to see than larger mammals, so keep a respectful distance from all wildlife and avoid feeding animals or approaching them for photographs.
Gurung and Magar communities form an important part of the lower and middle Annapurna landscape, and the route passes through villages where you can see stone houses, terraced fields, family-run lodges, local kitchens and religious sites. Chhomrong has a strong Gurung presence, while the wider Annapurna region includes several communities with their own cultural traditions. Rather than treating these villages as tourist displays, take time to notice everyday life along the trail: farmers working the terraces, lodge owners preparing meals, porters moving supplies and families continuing their daily routines alongside trekking tourism.
Teahouses serve most of the food along the route, with menu choices generally becoming more limited as you climb higher.
Common meals include:
Dal bhat remains one of the most practical meals for long trekking days, combining rice, lentils, vegetables and curry in a filling dish that can provide enough energy for the trail. Many teahouses offer additional servings, which can be useful after a long day of walking. As you gain elevation, the menu usually becomes more limited, so do not expect the same variety of dishes available in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
A small supply of snacks can be useful between meals. Chocolate, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars provide quick energy during longer sections, especially when the next teahouse is still some distance away.
Teahouses provide the main accommodation throughout the trekking section, with rooms generally containing simple beds, blankets and basic furnishings. Shared dining rooms offer a warm place to eat and spend the evening, while facilities become more basic as you move towards the sanctuary. Hot showers, charging and electricity may cost extra, and availability can vary between lodges, so carry a power bank and headlamp even when electricity is available at your accommodation.
Accommodation around ABC remains basic, with simple rooms and limited facilities rather than hotel-style services. The availability of hot water, charging, electricity and showers depends on the lodge and current conditions. At 4,130 metres, staying warm and getting enough rest matter more than having extensive facilities.
The Modi Khola follows much of the upper route, draining the Annapurna Sanctuary as smaller streams and waterfalls join it along the valley. Around Bamboo and Dovan, the sound of flowing water accompanies the trail, while rainfall can increase stream levels and make some sections slippery.
Rain can quickly change the lower and middle sections of the route, making stone steps slippery, forest paths muddy and streams fuller. Clouds may also cover the mountain views, while leeches can appear in the lower forest sections during wetter periods.
Useful rain protection includes:
Keep your rain jacket somewhere you can reach it without opening your entire backpack.
The current Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost starts from USD 1,090 per person for groups of 2–5 with Nepal Himalayas Trekking.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 1,190 |
| 2–5 people | USD 1,090 |
| 6–10 people | USD 1,036 |
| 11–15 people | USD 981 |
| 16–25 people | USD 927 |
The final cost can change according to group size, transportation, accommodation, itinerary changes and additional services.
A private itinerary, extra nights, upgraded hotels or helicopter return will increase the total cost.
The standard package can include:
The final quotation should always be checked before booking so that both sides have the same understanding of the included services.
Unless specifically included in your confirmed quotation, you should budget separately for:
The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on how the trip is arranged, the group size, the walking schedule and the services you choose.
A private trek includes a dedicated guide and porter for your group. You can choose your preferred departure date and discuss the walking pace, accommodation, rest stops and transportation arrangements before the trek begins. The cost may increase if you request additional hotel nights, upgraded accommodation or a helicopter return from Annapurna Base Camp.
A group trek allows you to share the guide, porter arrangements and some transportation costs with other trekkers. This option can be more affordable, although the departure date, walking pace and daily schedule may be less flexible than on a private trek.
A family trek can be arranged with shorter walking days, additional rest time and a slower pace. The itinerary may include extra nights in suitable villages or Pokhara, depending on the age and fitness of the family members. A private arrangement usually works best for families because the schedule can be adjusted more easily.
A short ABC trek uses a more direct itinerary and may involve longer walking days. It suits travellers with limited time, but the faster schedule can affect the overall cost because of different transportation arrangements, fewer rest days or additional services required to complete the route within a shorter period.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek with heli return combines the standard trekking route with a helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp or a nearby suitable landing area. After reaching ABC, you can return by helicopter instead of walking the entire route back to the lower trail.
This option reduces the number of downhill walking days and can suit trekkers with limited time, knee concerns or a preference for a shorter return journey. The helicopter return depends on weather, visibility, aircraft availability, operating conditions and applicable regulations. It also requires an additional charge and cannot be guaranteed for a fixed departure time.
When comparing different companies, look beyond the headline price. Check the accommodation, transportation, permits, guide, porter, meals, helicopter arrangements and other services included in the quotation.
The ABC route lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The current ACAP fee is NPR 3,000 per person for most foreign trekkers, including visitors from SAARC countries. Children under 10 years old are generally exempt from the conservation-area fee.
Trekkers also need a TIMS card, which currently costs NPR 2,000 per person for trekkers travelling with a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency. The total cost for the two main permits is therefore NPR 5,000 per person, excluding any applicable service or processing charges.
TIMS requirements and trekking documentation can change, so the current requirements should be confirmed before departure.
When you book with Nepal Himalayas Trekking, our team handles the required trekking documentation and permit arrangements included in your package.
For the current package, the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area fee is included in the quoted trekking price. Our team arranges the required permit before you enter the trekking route, and officials may check the documentation at designated checkpoints along the trail.
A guide is strongly recommended for an organised ABC trek because they manage route details, coordinate accommodation, arrange daily walking plans and communicate with teahouses. If weather conditions change or a trekker becomes unwell, the guide can help decide the safest next step. A porter remains optional but can carry your main luggage, allowing you to walk with a lighter daypack containing water, documents, electronics, medication, rain gear and other essentials. For a private trek, travelling with both a guide and porter provides the most practical support.
Several small details can make a bigger difference than expected:
These are practical points to prepare for rather than reasons to avoid the route.
Your packing list should reflect the changes in the route.
Lower sections can be warm, while rain becomes a concern in the forests. Above Deurali, warm clothing becomes much more important.
Recommended equipment includes:
Keep your warm jacket and rain jacket accessible rather than buried inside your main luggage.