Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 12 Days

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks to discover the mountain range, with the foremost spectacular mountain scenery, providing a desirable insight into the fashionable hill life of Nepal.

This is a unique trek on local trails, through forests, villages and terraced farmland treats you to unique mountain scenery, surrounded by huge glaciers providing you with an indoor experience into the Nepalese life and culture.

12 Days, Annapurna Base Camp follows the Modi-river and passes through the dense undergrowth of rhododendron and bamboo. By the time you reach the massive rock overhanging, called Hinku Cave, noticed that the vegetation has cut and therefore the gorge narrowed to be only a couple of hundred meters wide.

Steep snow-covered ridges falling from Hiunchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right from the doorway to the Sanctuary. As we go through the “gate” and enter to the Sanctuary, you discover yourself in a very large amphitheatre encircled by a solid wall of natural covering peaks.

The trek starts from Pokhara with a drive of about 1 hrs by taxi or jeep ride to Nayapul then we will start our journey towards Annapurna Base Camp via passing Poon Hill which is one of the popular short treks in Nepal offering views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

If you are short on time and find that 12 days is still too long, the Poon Hill Trek is another good alternative, and it can be done in as little as 3 to 4 days offering wonderful views of the Annapurna Range. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be in 8 to 12 days.

12-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Highlights

  • Starting and ending in Kathmandu, discover Nepal’s capital-rich cultural and artistic heritages.
  • The perfect first Himalayan trek through classic high mountain scenery.
  • The breathtaking world-class Himalayan scenery from a heavenly viewpoint.
  • The natural beauty of the ancient rhododendron forests and the natural hot springs.
  • Highly experienced Sherpa leaders.
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel by private tourist vehicle.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Boudhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

There will also be a full trip briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally, there will be time to do this today.

Day 3
Drive to Pokhara (900 meters) 6 hours by deluxe tourist bus.

Your guide will pick you up at 6:30 am from the hotel and take you to the tourist bus station. The bus leaves to Pokhara at about 7:30 am. Also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the south, Pokhara is a lovely valley on the banks of the Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4
Drive to Nayapul (1010 meters) and trek to Tikhedunga (1570 meters) 3.30 hours.

We begin our trek at Nayapul after 1-hour driving by private vehicle from Pokhara. After 15 minutes short walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1015 meters) a large village that has many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village.

The trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495 meters and after the short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1570 meters.

Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, during the journey allowing to get use to the experience of trekking in Nepal. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 5
Trek to Ghorepani (2840 meters) 5 hours.

Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2070meters. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2250meters. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2460meters. After an hour walk, we arrive at Ghorepani at 2840meters. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 6
Hike up to Poon Hill (3210 meters) and trek to Tadapani (2610 meters) 4 hours.

Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3210 meters, a brilliant spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.

There we spend about 1 hour, then returning to Ghorepani we take a hot breakfast at a hotel. Leaving Ghorepani, we make climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2960 meters). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turning off to Tadapani. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 7
Trek to Chommrong (2140 meters) 5 hours.

The day starts with steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steeply through forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at elevation of 2140 meters. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 8
Trek to Dovan (2500 meters) 5.30 hours.

Today the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar at 2380meters where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post.
There is a clearing in the forest a little further on, from which, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank then levels out, running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 9
Trek to Deurali (3200 meters) 4 hours.

A short walking day today because of altitude and risk of snow avalanches in the area that we need to cross in the next morning. Our day begins with the climb through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to Himalayan Hotel and on to Hinko cave. The accommodation will be in Deurali, on the ridge above Hinko is the stretch of trail that is most subject to avalanche. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 10
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) 5 hours.

Today the trail climbs on past the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing the mountain is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Two hours trek from Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4130 meters. There, you will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 11
Trek back to Bamboo (2345 meters) 6 hours.

We follow the same trail down today the trail drops down by 1700meters to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2345meters where there are few teahouse / lodges available to stay at, Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 12
Trek to Jhinu hot spring (1780 meters) 5 hours.

We follow the same trail until Chommrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar there is an experimental sheep farm, the trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields.

From Chomrong the trail descending very steeply to the Jhinu hot spring, where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 13
Trek to Nayapul (1010 meters) and drive to Pokhara.

From Jhinu hot spring we walk at the right side of Modi Khola for 4.30 hours to Birethanti which is considered one of the best and relaxing walk of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul then an hour drive will take us back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14
Drive back to Kathmandu (1400 meters).

We depart at approximately 7.30 am for Kathmandu by tourist bus. We arrive back in Kathmandu at around 2-3.00 pm.

Day 15
Free Day / Fly to home.

Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. The farewell dinner will be host one day before your departure from Nepal.

Day 16
Fly to home.

The trip concludes, we will drop you to the airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Hot drinks. (tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate) three times a day.
  • All accommodation during the trek.
  • All necessary paperwork for the Annapurna National park entry permit.
  • Trekking information management system (Tims) permit. Transportation from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • English speaking, trained Sherpa guide.
  • The required number of staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Accommodation / salary / food / drinks / insurance / equipment / medicine and transport for all staff.
  • Walking stick (if it is required).
  • Himalaya Discovery duffel bag.
  • All government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner with culture show.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
  • Tips for guide / porters (tipping is expected).
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the 'Price Includes' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

On an adventure trip of this type, weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Trek Leader and Crew

Here at Himalaya Discovery, we firmly believe that the way to get the most out of your staff is to treat them well; a happy staff is a hard-working staff. And this belief manifests itself in every way we deal with our staff.

We employ only local leaders and staff to help sustain the local communities we work with. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum;

  •  Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  •  Trekking Guide Training
  •  Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
  •  English Language
  •  Conservation & Biodiversity
  •  Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

So, we can guarantee you your trip will be led by the best, most professional and experienced guides there are. All of our guides good English-speakers, All our guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills and personal ability. We have learnt that effective leadership is a vital for a trip to be safe, enjoyable and successful.

In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most of them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them, it’s in their blood. They’re not only ‘familiar’ with local communities and culture; they’re a part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the opportunity to show travellers.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek
From $999.00
per Adult

Trip Facts

  • 12 to 15 Days
  • Moderate
  • Min. 2 to Max. 12 People
  • All Year Round
  • 4,200m.
  • Annapurna
  • 4 to 6 hours.
  • Pokhara/Pokhara
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”