Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Trek inside the Annapurna Sanctuary — the world's most beautiful glacial amphitheatre
Trek Overview
What is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most rewarding mountain treks in Nepal, offering a foray into the southern Annapurna Sanctuary all the way to the glacier amphitheatre at the base of Annapurna I, the world's 10th-highest peak at 8,091 metres. AltiPro's 12-day trek begins in the foothills above Pokhara, climbing through subtropical villages and terraced hillsides into the Gurung heartland at Ghandruk and Chhomrong, then through rhododendron and bamboo forest to the Modi Khola gorge, and finally into the high Sanctuary with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna forming a complete ring of summits above base camp at 4,130 metres.
AltiPro's ABC Trek is fully guided with an experienced leader, personal porter for each trekker, all teahouse accommodation and meals on trek, ACAP and TIMS permits, and transport between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nayapul trailhead. Maximum 12 trekkers per group. Rated Moderate — non-technical throughout, with a genuine rest day at Chhomrong built into the schedule.
About the Annapurna Sanctuary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin surrounded by some of the world's most impressive mountains. Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) form the southern wall, while Machhapuchhre — the sacred Fish Tail peak — guards the entrance gorge and remains one of Nepal's few officially unclimbed summits. The Modi Khola runs through the Sanctuary, and the gorge below is narrow, forested, and atmospheric, with glimpses of Machhapuchhre appearing above the forest canopy on the climb. The base camp sits at 4,130m on a moraine plateau backed by the Annapurna Glacier, with the entire ring of peaks visible in clear conditions.
The Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong are highlights in their own right — traditional stone-built settlements with rich cultural heritage, excellent teahouse food, and the most spectacular middle-Himalayan village views in Nepal.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Expert Local Guides
AltiPro's ABC Trek guides are experienced mountain professionals with deep knowledge of the Sanctuary's access conditions, the seasonal variability of the Modi Khola gorge, and the full teahouse network through the Sanctuary. The 12-day schedule includes a genuine rest day at Chhomrong to acclimatise and explore.
Personal Porter for Each Trekker
Each trekker has a dedicated personal porter. AltiPro maintains above-market wage standards and provides insurance and proper equipment for all porters throughout the 12-day route.
Small Group Size
Maximum 12 trekkers per departure for personalised guiding and flexible pacing across the full Sanctuary circuit from Nayapul to Jhinu Danda.
Complete Logistics
All ACAP and TIMS permits, transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the Nayapul trailhead — fully arranged by AltiPro, leaving you free to focus on the trek itself.
Spring & Autumn Departures
AltiPro runs the ABC Trek in both spring and autumn. Spring brings dazzling rhododendron blooms at lower elevations and wildflower meadows in the upper Sanctuary. Autumn delivers clear, cool air and outstanding mountain visibility.
Flexible Pacing
The 12-day itinerary is designed with acclimatisation in mind — the rest day at Chhomrong and the staged ascent to base camp give trekkers time to adjust to the altitude comfortably and safely.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 12-Day Route Overview
The route climbs from Nayapul above Pokhara through the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, into the Modi Khola gorge, and up to the full Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 metres.
Days 1–2: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Nayapul (1,100m)
Travel day from Kathmandu to Pokhara by air or road, then drive to the trailhead at Nayapul. Begin trekking through the subtropical lower valley.
Days 3–4: Nayapul → Ghandruk (1,940m) → Chhomrong (2,170m)
Ghandruk is one of the great Gurung villages — traditional stone-built settlement with sweeping views of the Annapurna South face and Machhapuchhre. Chhomrong above it serves as the gateway to the Sanctuary, with a rest day built in for acclimatisation.
Days 5–6: Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Deurali (3,230m)
Above Chhomrong the trail enters the bamboo and rhododendron forest of the Modi Khola gorge, climbing through Sinuwa and Bamboo before reaching Deurali, where the gorge begins to open above.
Day 7: Deurali → Machhapuchhre BC (3,700m) → Annapurna BC (4,130m)
The gorge opens dramatically into the Annapurna Sanctuary at Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The final stretch to Annapurna Base Camp crosses the moraine with the full ring of peaks — Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli — revealed on all sides.
Days 8–10: Descent — ABC → Chhomrong → Jhinu Danda (1,780m) → Pokhara
Descent retraces the route with the option of a detour to Jhinu Danda for the famous natural hot springs before returning to Nayapul and driving back to Pokhara.
How Difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The ABC Trek is rated Moderate. It is accessible for fit trekkers with basic hiking experience. The highest sleeping altitude is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. No technical climbing skills are required. The gorge above Chhomrong is steep in sections but well-maintained throughout.
Best Season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring (March–May): The best time for rhododendron blooms and wildflower meadows. April and May deliver warm days and clear mornings in the Sanctuary.
Autumn (October–November): The primary season — clear post-monsoon skies and the most stable base camp conditions. October is the single best month.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
Fully guided Annapurna Sanctuary circuit — all permits, transport, teahouse accommodation, meals, guide, and personal porter included.
AltiPro's ABC Trek package covers all ACAP and TIMS permits, transport Kathmandu–Pokhara–Nayapul, all teahouse accommodation and meals on trek, licensed guide, and personal porter for each trekker. International flights and personal trekking gear are not included. Contact AltiPro for a full cost breakdown.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the ABC Trek with AltiPro Adventures.
How high does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek go?
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres, which is also the highest sleeping altitude on the route.
How long is AltiPro's ABC Trek?
12 days from Kathmandu to Pokhara, including all trekking, travel, and acclimatisation days.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Basic hiking fitness and experience is recommended. The trail is non-technical and the altitude is moderate — accessible for healthy adults with reasonable fitness.
When is the best time for the ABC Trek?
October for the clearest mountain views; April for rhododendron blooms. Both spring and autumn offer excellent conditions.
What is included in the package?
All permits, transport to trailhead, teahouse accommodation and meals on trek, licensed guide, and personal porter. International flights and personal gear are not included.
Is the trek safe in monsoon season?
June through August brings heavy rainfall and significant landslide risk in the gorge sections. AltiPro does not operate the ABC Trek during peak monsoon.
How many trekkers per group?
A maximum of 12 trekkers per guided departure.
What are teahouses like at base camp?
Teahouses at Annapurna Base Camp offer basic dormitory and private rooms, hot meals, and hot drinks — simple but fully functional and far warmer than camping.
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) — Inside the Sanctuary
- ABC Sunrise — The Most Powerful Moment in Nepal Trekking
- Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) — Unclimbed, Sacred, Ever-Present
- Ghandruk — Nepal's Finest Gurung Village
- Chhomrong — Gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Rhododendron Forest — Best in Spring
- Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs (1,780 m)
- Poon Hill (3,210 m) — Optional Sunrise Extension
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,429 ft) | D | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Meet your AltiPro guide for the welcome dinner and full Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2027 briefing — permits, packing, trail conditions and what to expect on the route.
2
|
Fly or Drive Kathmandu → Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) |
B,D |
Hotel |
|
| Fly or drive to Pokhara (45 min flight / 6–7 hr drive). Hotel check-in at Pokhara. ACAP permit processing and final trek briefing in the afternoon. Free evening on the Pokhara lakeside.
3
|
Drive Pokhara → Nayapul (1,100 m) → Ghandruk (2,000 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul / Syauli Bazaar (1.5–2 hrs). Trek through traditional Magar and Gurung villages to Ghandruk (2,000 m) — the largest Gurung settlement in Nepal, with a cultural museum, stone-paved lanes and the first open views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. ACAP permit checked at Nayapul. 4–5 hrs walking.
4
|
Trek Ghandruk → Kimrong Danda → Chhomrong (2,165 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Trek through rhododendron and oak forest from Ghandruk, descend steeply to the Kimrong Khola and climb up to Chhomrong — the last major Gurung village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. First close views of Machhapuchhre's pyramid and Hiunchuli from the ridge. The finest teahouses on the trail. 5–6 hrs walking.
5
|
Trek Chhomrong → Sinuwa (2,340 m) → Bamboo (2,310 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Descend from Chhomrong to the Modi Khola and climb steadily through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. Sinuwa and Bamboo are atmospheric stops as the valley narrows and the sanctuary wall begins to rise. 5–6 hrs walking.
6
|
Trek Bamboo → Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m) → Deurali (3,230 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Continue through the Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m) as the forest thins toward the treeline. Arrive at Deurali (3,230 m) where the valley spreads wide open, vegetation ends, and the full scale of the Annapurna range begins to reveal itself. An important avalanche-aware section lies between Deurali and MBC — your guide monitors and times this crossing carefully. 6–7 hrs walking.
7
|
Trek Deurali → MBC (3,700 m) → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| The finest day of the trek. From Deurali the trail enters the open Annapurna Sanctuary — Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre rise on all sides. The amphitheatre is first visible from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 m. A further 3–4 km and 430 m of climbing delivers Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. Spend the night here for the most spectacular sunrise in Nepal. 5–6 hrs walking.
8
|
ABC Sunrise — Descent to Bamboo (2,310 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Wake before dawn for the legendary ABC sunrise — Annapurna I, South and Machhapuchhre lit simultaneously in golden hour light from inside the sanctuary bowl. Then descend from MBC through Deurali and forest all the way back to Bamboo. A long but rewarding day. 7–8 hrs walking.
9
|
Trek Bamboo → Sinuwa → Chhomrong → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) |
B,L,D |
Lodge |
|
| Descend the full valley from Bamboo through Sinuwa and back to Chhomrong, then continue down to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) on the Modi Khola, where natural hot spring pools await. The most rewarding soak in Nepal trekking — exactly what your legs need after days on the trail. 5–6 hrs walking.
10
|
Trek Jhinu Danda → Nayapul — Drive to Pokhara (820 m) |
B,L,D |
Hotel |
|
| A final 2–3 hour walk from Jhinu Danda returns to the road at Nayapul or Syauli Bazaar. Drive back to Pokhara (1.5 hrs). Afternoon free for Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, or simply resting. Farewell dinner with your AltiPro team.
11
|
Drive or Fly Pokhara → Kathmandu — Farewell Dinner |
B,D |
Hotel |
|
| Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Farewell dinner in the evening with your AltiPro team. Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2027 certificate presented at dinner.
12
|
Buffer Day — Kathmandu or Pokhara |
B |
Hotel |
|
| Reserved for Pokhara flight delays, road disruptions, or the optional Poon Hill / Ghorepani extension (add 2 days at the start of the trek from Ghandruk). Free day in Kathmandu or Pokhara if not needed.
13
|
Buffer Day / Poon Hill Extension |
B |
Hotel |
|
| Second buffer day for weather delays, or use both buffer days for the Poon Hill extension — sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m) is one of the most celebrated moments in Nepal trekking. Speak to AltiPro when booking to add this option.
14
|
Final Departure from Kathmandu |
B |
None |
|
| Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your AltiPro team will see you off. The Annapurna Sanctuary — its bowl of peaks, its hot springs and its villages — will stay with you long after you've left. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
- ✅ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — NPR 3,000 per person
- ✅ Licensed guide included and arranged — mandatory per Nepal government regulation
- ✅ Nepal government taxes and company service charges
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop — private vehicle
- ✅ 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (BB) — single room
- ✅ 1 night hotel in Pokhara (BB) — single room
- ✅ Welcome dinner in Kathmandu and farewell dinner in Pokhara or Kathmandu
- ✅ ABC trek map and route guide. One AltiPro Adventures duffle bag.
- ✅ Domestic flight or vehicle: Kathmandu to Pokhara and return
- ✅ Private jeep / vehicle: Pokhara to Nayapul / Syauli Bazaar (trailhead) and return
- ✅ All Nepalese staff transport costs throughout the trip
- ✅ Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the full duration
- ✅ Porter support — up to 15 kg per member, trailhead to Annapurna Base Camp and return
- ✅ All Nepalese staff and porter daily wages, salary, equipment, food and clothing
- ✅ Full board teahouse accommodation throughout the trek (twin rooms where available)
- ✅ 3 meals per day throughout the trek (BLD) — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- ✅ Tea and coffee included with all meals at teahouses
- ✅ 6-hourly weather forecast updates for the sanctuary section and ABC conditions
- ✅ Comprehensive first aid medical kit and altitude management throughout
- ✅ Emergency evacuation coordination — helicopter standby pre-arranged from Pokhara
Excludes
- ❌ International flight airfare (to and from Kathmandu)
- ❌ Nepalese Visa fee — USD 125 for 90 days
- ❌ Personal trekking gear, clothing, boots and sleeping bag
- ❌ Soaps, shampoos, toilet paper and personal hygiene items
- ❌ Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except included dinners
- ❌ Extra accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara beyond included nights
- ❌ Hot shower and device charging at teahouses (typically NPR 100–200 per use)
- ❌ Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases along the trail
- ❌ Travel, medical and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance — mandatory for all participants
- ❌ Tips for trekking guide — minimum USD 80–100 per guide
- ❌ Tips for porter — minimum USD 50–80 per porter
- ❌ Special filming, camera and drone permit fees (drone use restricted in conservation area)
- ❌ Poon Hill / Ghorepani extension — available as optional upgrade on request
- ❌ Jhinu Danda hot spring entry fee — approximately NPR 200–300 per person
- ❌ Costs due to road or flight disruptions, extreme weather or unforeseen situations
- ❌ Any other services not listed in the inclusions section above
Gear Lists & Useful Information
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