Trip Duration
14 Days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
1-16
Max. Altitude
4,130m. /13,550 ft.
Accommodation
Hotel/ Lodge /Tea House
Best Seasons
Mar-May/Sept-Nov
Activity per day
Trekking
Start/End
KathmanduTrip Overview
Are you trying to discover new horizons but in an extraordinary way? Then, now is the perfect time to join our Annapurna Base Camp trek, a long-distance multi-day adventure perfect for those who like to thrive in challenges and unique experiences in the Himalayas.
Join Adventure Tansen Trek now and together we will ascend to the impressive altitude of 4130 m of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), also known as Annapurna Sanctuary.
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek will get you as close to the Himalayan colossus of Annapurna I (8091 m), the tenth tallest Himalaya peak in the world.
However, our Annapurna Base Camp trek 14 days journey will not only take you close to one of the most deadly mountain of the world but will also lead you into the middle of the Annapurna Snowy mountain range comprising of Annapurna South (7219 m), and III (7555 m).
All these Annapurna Peaks are surrounded by a spectacular ring of Singu Chuli (6501 m), Varaha Shikhara (7647 m), Khangsha Kang (7485 m), Fishtail/Machhapuchhare (6993 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), Tarke Kang (7202 m), and Gangapurna (7455 m).
Moreover, our Annapurna Base Camp trek is also about the ethnic Himalayan culture. As you walk its trail, you will meet the historic poetic Gurungs, and observe their long standing Gumbas (Monasteries) that will transfer you to different era.
The trekking trail is also about the nature which enable you to walk through the beautiful terraced farms, dense woodlands, and also stunningly formed glacial Valleys of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The journey will transport you to the second largest Pokhara City- the tourist Capital of Nepal. The trail then will guide you through the thick woods of rhododendrons and bamboos, and rice paddy fields of Kande, Landruk, Chomrong, and Himalaya Hotel.
The landscape will then ascend you into the alpine glacial universe of the Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC, 3700 m) and the ABC. Circling back around, our Annapurna base camp trek itinerary will then proceed you to Jhinu thermal spring and the largest Gurung village, Ghandruk.
A short simple journey will guide you back to Pokhara where you will have an additional day to see this photogenic city in depth. An air journey back to Kathmandu will then conclude your Annapurna base camp trek.
Comfortable in fall and spring, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate in nature and suitable for any motivated trekkers.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Uncover the historically important UNESCO-listed Kathmandu sites
- Go on one of the most classic and traditional old treks of the world
- Enjoy overnight at Fishtail and Annapurna Base Camps
- Immerse in the therapeutic warm waters of Jhinu Spring
- Learn the cultural history of the Gurung Community
- Get an additional day in the photogenic Pokhara
- Take the air journey back and forth to Pokhara
- Short medium multi-day adventure through Annapurna Area
Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1340 m)
A never sleeping Kathmandu with its unique atmosphere and lively charm welcomes you today. As soon as you leave TIA, a representative from Adventure Tansen Trek will meet you with lovely smile.
He will help you with your bags and drive you to the city hotel you have selected. Please rest after such a long and fatiguing journey. Later, our guide will explain about our schedule Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary.
You can then go for an initial Kathmandu tour and see the cram of the city yourself.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Cultural Exploration
Today, you will see all the important places and cultural sites of the Nepal’s capital. We will of course go to the famous green hill of self existing Swayambhunath Stupa where we can see countless monkeys prowling around.
We will also visit the complex of Pashupatinath Temple where the ritual burning of the dead occur over the Bagmati River. Then our path will follow the trail to Boudhanath Stupa known for its great colorful mandala and giant stupa, local markets and monasteries.
We will also see the Durbar Square of Kathmandu inscribed on UNESCO List and admire its time honored Newari arts. After enjoying some nightlife in Kathmandu, we will sleep early for the very early flight to Pokhara tomorrow.
Activity: Explore
Max. Altitude: 1340m./4,396ft. (Kathmandu )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m), in half an hour, drive to Kande (1770 m), in 45 minutes, and Trek to Landruk (1550 m), 4 to 5 hours
Today, our Annapurna Base Camp trek will move us to the peaceful tourist city of Pokhara by air. We will have the opportunity to admire the very gorgeous Annapurna, Manaslu, Fishtail, Ganesh, and Langtang from the sky.
Once we are at Pokhara, we will absorb its extraordinary beauty and peace, then we will prepare for a very short 45 minutes drive towards Kande.
We will now get ready to initiate our first walking adventure as part of our Annapurna Base Camp trek. From Kande, a nice smooth easy stone trail will advance us to Goldanda.
An additional 1.5-hour upward walk through the cool forest will march to Australian Camp (2055 m). Previously, this site was named Thulo Kharka which opens up the inexplicable sensational sightings of Annapurna South, Lamjung, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli.
Our trail now moves us down to the village of Pothana (1890 m) where our permits will be reviewed by the small checkpoint. Now a more rigorous ascension will lead us to Pritam Deurali.
Mardi Himal, Dhampus Peak, Tukuche and Nilgiri outshine the horizon. We will keep on proceeding on through Tolka to finally reach Landruk where we can see the traditional customs, and culture of the Gurung people.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1550m./5,085ft. (Landruk )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 04: Trek from Landruk to Chomrong (2350 m), 5 to 6 hours
After Landruk, our Annapurna Base Camp trek route will climb rigorously up till we are at Chomrong. We will first head across a long suspended bridge over Modi Khola than consistently climb through Himalpani and New Bridge to reach Jhinu Danda (1750 m).
Many often decide to stop here to go to the hot water spring of the village. However, we will consistently ascend to Chomrong lying under the shadow of Annapurna.
It is a traditional village of Gurung but not it has undergone modernization and has almost lost its cultural roots.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2350m./7,710ft. (Chomrong )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 05: Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2680 m), 5 to 6 hours
After Chomrong, we will descend a steep stone path that runs toward yet another hing bridge over the beautiful Chomrong River. Now a rigorous ascension will traverse us through Bhanuwa, and Sinuwa (2300 m) hamlets.
The path will now more or less be flat which again climbs consistently up for about 200 m taking us to Dovan through Bamboo. From here, Himalayan Hotel is not that distant where we can see the cluster of small and beautiful tea houses.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2680m./8,793ft. (Himalaya Hotel)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 06: Trek from Himalaya Hotel to MBC (3700 m), 4 to 5 hours
From the Himalaya Hotel, we will tackle a tough section that will march us up through the shadowy jungle to Hinku Cave. Soon enough, we will be over 3200 m elevation of Deurali.
The Annapurna South, III, I, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail seem magically shining from this spot. We will keep going upward and meander through Bagar till we are at the little mountain stream.
There are some sharp stone steps which will finally get us to Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC) or the base camp of the Fishtail Peak. Numerous lodges here offer the warm refuge so we will settle down here and see sun going down behind Annapurna, Gandharvachuli, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 3700m./12,139ft. (MBC )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Day 07: A short trek to Annapurna Base camp and in the afternoon explore around Base Camp, (4130 m), 2 to 3 hours
From MBC, we will trek down a bit along a small ridge that will guide us to the serene pastures. The trail can be treacherous sometimes due to snow and ice but simply rewarding and manageable.
We will be at ABC within three hours right under the south wall of the Annapurna (8091 m). Feel the strength of the Khangsha Kang, Annapurna I, Varaha Shikhar, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, Tarke Kang, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III.
We will then also examine the surroundings of the base camp and then relax for the night at a lodge in ABC.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 4130m./13,550ft. (Annapurna Base camp )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 08: Trek from ABC to Sinuwa Hill (2310 m), 5 to 6 hours
The morning will give us the phenomenal spectacle of the rising sun beautifully illuminating the peaks encircling us at ABC. Then, after the Himalayan breakfast, we will pass down the MBC, Deurali, and Doval villages familiar to us.
Khuldighar known for its sheep farming will delight our eyes as we progress downward to Sinuwa for the night.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 2310m./7,579ft. (Sinuwa Hill )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 09: Trek from Sinuwa Hill to Jihnu Danda (1780 m), 5 to 6 hours
After we leave Sinuwa, we will march through Chomrong and follow the left pathway that goes down to Chautara and then Jhinu Danda. Placed right by the Modi Khola, its hot spring is the ideal site to relax and re-energize.
We will have to walk a but more for the warm waters of the Jhinu spring but it is absolutely worth it. After we immerse ourselves in the hot water spring, we will redirect ourselves to our lodge in Jhinu Village.
Activity: Trek
Max. Altitude: 1780m./5,840ft. ( Jihnu Danda )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 10: Trek from Jihnu Danda to Ghandruk (1940 m), 3 to 4 hours
After leaving Jhinu Danda, we will head across the new Jhinu Danda Kadoorie Bridge. Then, a constricted path, with the Modi Khola river on our right, will take us gently up toward Ghandruk.
After feeding our appetites, we will now set forth to learn about the Gurung customs, language, culture and tradition. Gurungs call this Village Konda which also contains a small gorgeous well crafted Gurung Museum and a newly built Buddhist monastery.
Max. Altitude: 1940m./6,365ft. (Ghandruk )
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Day 11: A short trek to Chule Village then drive to Pokhara, 3 to 4 hours
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is approaching its end. We will first engage in a brief and easy trek from Ghandruk to Chule Village, where our private vehicle will transport us back to Pokhara in about 2 to 3 hours.
After settling into your room, you can step out to enjoy the cool mountain breeze of this enchanting city. In the evening, enjoy the musical life among travelers much like you from around the globe.
Activity: Drive
Max. Altitude: 822m./2,697ft. (Pokhara)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12: Explore the day at Pokhara
We will start our Pokhara excursion with a visit to Lake Phewa. On its shore, we can photograph its astounding landscape, see the Himalayan reflections on its clear mirror surface, and even take a boat trip and stop at Barahi Temple.
We will also go up to the hill above this Lake where we can see the peaceful white Peace Stupa. Davis Falls, Gupteswor Cave, International Museum, Refugee Camp, and Pumdikot are some iconic sites that also await our eyes’ delight.
You don’t have to confine yourself to the city seeing tour only. In fact, tell us and we can also organize for you ABC Heli Tour, Ultralight Flights, Bungee Jumps, Zip Line, and Paragliding as well.
As evening comes, we will explore the local souvenir shops and cafes to feel the atmosphere of this charming town and meet its inhabitants.
Activity: Explore
Max. Altitude: 822m./2,697ft. (Pokhara)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu
A short early morning air journey will transfer us back to Kathmandu once again. You can then dedicate your afternoon to visiting those sites you were unable to see on the second day of our Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Fill your evening with rich conversations, and fond memories, and spend your last night in Kathmandu.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast, Launch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 14: Depart Kathmandu
Say goodbye to the Annapurna, store the beautiful memories of Annapurna Base Camp trek inside your camera then drive with us to TIA for your travel back home.
Max. Altitude: 1350m./4,429ft. (Kathmandu)
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- All arrival, departure transfers as per the itineary by car, van or coach.
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking guide, transport and entry fees.
- Domestic airfares and road transportation according to your choice.
- All hotel accommodation with breakfast.
- All meals (3 meals each day) during camping or tea-house trek.
- Full service from our guides, cooks, and porters.
- All camping and kitchen equipments and camp site fees.
- Staff salary, transport and insurance.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management) fee.
- Necessery government taxes.
- Company ground handling charges.
What is not included?
- International flights to Nepal.
- Meals not mentioned above or in the itinerary.
- Travel and medical insurance including evacuation.
- Nepal entry Visa fees.
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc and tips for staff.
- Any additional activities not in the itinerary.
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Trip Information
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Best Season
Experienced hikers can engage in the Annapurna Base Camp trek in any season with the correct preparation and gear. However, the new trekkers should consider the comfortable Fall and spring months to join in our Annapurna Base Camp trek.
The winter time commencing from December till the end of February often envelops the Annapurna high zone, ABC, and MBC in dense layers of snow.
On the other hand the Annapurna trail from Pokhara gets the most rain during the monsoon and summer time of June, July and August. Therefore, the Annapurna base camp trek will be ideal around March, April, and May (Spring) and September, October, and November (Fall). The snow around Annapurna melts in spring thus ushering the vibrant rhododendrons and yellow mustard fields with a very delighting heat all time on day.
The daytime star during autumn shines brightly all the time with the landscape painted in yellow tones. The burned grasses, the clear opening in the forest, and the brilliant bluest sky give the opportunity for astounding beautiful Himalayan views.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is rated as a level two class B moderate expedition with the average elevation gain between 500 m to 1000 m. the expedition will reach its peak at the ABC itself on 4130 m altitude.
The total spanning distance of the Annapurna Base Camp trek 14 days journey is around 100 km with altogether nine days of trekking. Each day will be characterized by the 4 to 6 hours of trekking along the well marked intermediate trail which doesn’t necessitate any technical expertise.
The hiking trail runs through diversified yet very beautiful nature which is largely unobstructed with very minimal concern of injuries or accidents.
The landscape is also changeable from very cool shadowy forests to high green pastures and rocky slopes. Thus, the overall Annapurna base camp trek journey is manageable for those with moderate fitness and health.
The demanding section during the trek will occur when traversing the glacial paths, ridges, and steep inclines to reach the Annapurna Base Camp from Machapuchare Base Camp.
Suitable candidates for the Annapurna Base Camp 14 Days Journey
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is truly a remarkable and flexible adventure; it provides a unique and diverse experience every time you undertake this journey making it thus ideal even for those who have visited the Annapurna Base Camp multiple times.
On the other hand, its simple nature, short duration, easy trails, comfortable accommodations along the way, exquisite Himalayan panorama, and the support of our porter and guide make this trek equally perfect for first-time trekkers who are inaugurating their first Himalayan adventure in Nepal.
Likewise, nature lovers will be able to appreciate the ever-changing landscapes encountered each day while culture lovers will be able to see Gurung community thriving with their timeless Buddhist tradition.
Therefore, families, children, seniors, alone female travelers, and anyone in average health should not hesitate to join our Annapurna Base Camp trek, even if you have concerns about your confidence, physical fitness, or ability to handle high altitudes.
Altitude Sickness and Planned Acclimatization
You will be climbing up to over 2500 m only on the fifth day of our Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary. After that, you will gradually ascend to the 3700 m altitude of MBC and finally reach the 4130 m elevation of ABC. The next day, you will commence your descent to the lower zone.
So, particularly these three days of the journey will be a bit tough on your bodies due to the thin and low atmospheric pressure of the Himalayan air.
Unlike other treks, we have added an overnight stay at MBC so you can be better acclimatized before heading to ABC for overnight sleep. Our Annapurna base camp trek itinerary also focuses on consistent pace lowering the occurrence of altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Please understand that we can only reduce its risk but we can’t completely get rid of it. Some trekkers, no matter how fit or experienced they are, may still feel some minor discomforts such as tiredness, slight swelling, headaches, cough, and trouble sleeping or eating.
These are just early signs of AMS, so don’t panic; just stay very attentive. Take it easy, enjoy what you are seeing around you, rehydrate with water, and eat carbohydrates as much as you can.
If you think you cant go on for now, take a break and only continue when you feel up to it. Our guide may change travel plan for you and lead you down till your well being is back again.
Take Diamox if your doctor is fine with its intake when you are journeying from Kathmandu or Pokhara to avoid such discomforts of altitude.
How to prep yourself for our Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary?
If you are moderately fit, have a good level of health, and are comfortable with walking for 6 hours a day, then you are well equipped for our Annapurna Base Camp trek.
However, simply jumping into the trek without preparation can be quite tough. So we advise you to start training your legs, muscles, lungs, and heart at least a month in advance.
Walking or running on flat and then on uneven or mountain terrain for 5 to 7 km two to three times a week will greatly enhance your endurance. Likewise, you can also add squats, cycling, sports, rock climbing, push-ups, pull-ups, swimming, stair climbing, and rope skipping to make your training interesting and more beneficial.
The better your shape, the better you will be in coping the altitude-related and hiking-related challenges.
Alternative Trekking Trail and Possible Extension of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
If you have grown tired of seeing the south wall of Annapurna, then you can also trek to its north wall which is equally grand and enchanting. The route to this base camp of the Annapurna is less walked, less known and therefore has been largely unspoiled by commercialization.
You will have the grandest and sensational panorama of Nilgiri Mid and north, Varaha Chuli, Tilicho, Annapurna, Khangsar Kang ans several others. You will also get to trace the footprints made by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950.
At 4190 m, this Annapurna base camp trek route is more demanding in nature entailing you to camp in the middle of the forest. The journey will lead you to Tatopani, Narchayng, Chhotema, Kalo Khola, and Phulbari before reaching the North ABC.
Regarding the possible extension of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, then there are multiple options you can choose from. Such as Ghorepani poon Hill, Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Circuit or Tilicho Lake Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, Upper Mustang Trek or Mohare Danda Trek.
Lodging, Eating, and Transportation
On your Annapurna Base Camp trek 14 days expedition, Adventure Tansen Trek will oversee your place of sleep, meal arrangements, and travel logistics.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will sleep in clean spacious twin or double room of best three star hotels with en suite toilet, private hot shower and WiFi. During the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, we plan you to stay in guest houses commonly called tea houses or lodges.
Its hard to say if its advantageous or not, but the south Annapurna base camp trek trail has now been modernizing very rapidly. So tourists have now conveniences of attached toilets, WiFi and hot waters much like in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
As for the dining, food that is not included in the price of the expedition concerns lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the trekking expedition are included in the costs. Take advantage of Dal Vat power, or simply enjoy pizza, momos, Manchurian, pasta, and other lovely dishes.
To meet your travel needs during the Annapurna Base Camp trek, we made avail to you private vehicles such as cars, vans, and coaches. You will have private transfers to and from domestic and international airports, as well as tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Transfers from Pokhara to Kande and from Chule to Pokhara will also be organized privately. Additionally, we will oversee your Kathmandu-Pokhara flight or provide private road transport on request.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit, commonly referred to as ACAP, and the Trekkers’ Information Management System Card, or TIMS are the two crucial permits essential for any Annapurna Treks including the Annapurna Base Camp.
The tourism office of Kathmandu and Pokhara look after providing these permits: ACAP at 3000 Nepali currency for a hiker and TIMS at 2000 Nepali currency for a hiker.
Adventure Tansen Trek will procure these vital permits and their cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance has been made must have essential for any remote several days mountain trekking adventure in Nepal including the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Do not forget to get right policy and pass it on to us when confirming your trip with us. A right insurance policy for any high mountain hiking expedition means it should cover your mountaineering search, rescue, transfer, recovery, and rehabilitation if needed.
For the Annapurna Base Camp trek 14 days journey, mention the maximum altitude of up to 4200 m so your insurer bear the heli evacuation up to this altitude.
Any essential medical costs regarding hospitalization, treatment, medicines, and surgeries should also be part of your insurance coverage. And if your insurer also safeguards you from possible extended stays, delays or interruptions in travel plans, or damage, theft, or loss of baggage, that means your insurance is more comprehensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gurung culture, the overnight sleeps and mornings at MBC and ABC, the natural thermal spring of Jhinu, and Himalayan postcard like views all the time are the invaluable features of our trip.
Yes, the Annapurna region has now an unlimited supply of electricity but charging comes at a small fee.
The eligible participants for our Annapurna Base Camp trek should be 12 years or older.
No, lodges are built at ABC and MBC so no tents are needed.
Go for the Namaste/NTC SIM Card as Ncell often loses network after Chomrong Village.
