Trek planning
Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp? How to Choose
A side-by-side comparison of Nepal's two most famous base-camp treks — altitude, difficulty, days, scenery, logistics and cost — to help you pick the right one.
· 6 min read
Trek · 12 days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Walk through Gurung villages and rhododendron forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by giants.
From $1,200 per person
- Written quoteExactly what is and isn't included — no surprises
- Airport pickup includedMet at arrivals, dropped off for your flight
- Starts at our homestayBriefing and planning with the family
- Private departuresYour own guide and schedule on request
- Quick repliesWhatsApp answered 7 days a week
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a high glacial basin enclosed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. Along the way you pass terraced farmland, rhododendron forest and the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
Our itinerary adds the Poon Hill sunrise on the way in and a soak in the Jhinu Danda hot springs on the way out. It suits trekkers with moderate fitness who want big-mountain scenery without going as high as Everest.
Highlights
- 360° panorama of Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machapuchare from base camp
- Trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary glacial basin
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Day-by-day itinerary
Every itinerary can be adjusted — extra rest days, private departures or a different pace.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup, check-in at Sacred Trails Homestay in Budhanilkantha and a trek briefing.
1,400 m
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Tourist bus (about 7 hours) or a 25-minute flight to the lakeside city of Pokhara.
820 m
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
A short drive to the trailhead and an easy first walk beside the river.
1,540 m 3–4 hours
Day 4: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Climb more than 3,000 stone steps via Ulleri to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani.
2,874 m 6–7 hours
Day 5: Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani
A pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise, breakfast in Ghorepani, then through forest to Tadapani.
2,630 m 5–6 hours
Day 6: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Pass Ghandruk's stone houses and terraces to Chhomrong, the gateway to the Sanctuary.
2,170 m 5–6 hours
Day 7: Chhomrong to Dovan
Enter the Modi Khola gorge via Sinuwa and Bamboo through bamboo and rhododendron forest.
2,600 m 6–7 hours
Day 8: Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp
Climb past Himalayan Hotel and Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m) into the Sanctuary.
4,130 m 6–7 hours
Day 9: Sunrise at base camp, descend to Bamboo
Watch first light on the surrounding peaks, then descend the gorge to Bamboo.
2,310 m 6–7 hours
Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, drive to Pokhara
Descend to the Jhinu Danda hot springs, then drive back to Pokhara.
3–4 hours walking
Day 11: Return to Kathmandu
Travel back to Kathmandu and a farewell dinner at the homestay.
Day 12: Departure
Breakfast and airport transfer.
What's included
Included
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu transport and trailhead transfers
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Nights at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu before and after the trek
- All trekking permits for the route
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Shared porter service (one porter for two trekkers)
- Teahouse accommodation on the trail
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on trekking days
- Trekking map and duffel bag to use
- First-aid kit and daily oximeter checks by your guide
- Government taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (required — must cover high-altitude rescue)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging at teahouses
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters
Prices are per person and vary with group size, season and the options you choose. Your written quote confirms exactly what is included before you book. What a trek costs in total
What trekkers say
Trekking
Sacred Trails organised our Annapurna Base Camp trek for a group of six. Permits, guide, porters — all professional and friendly. The value compared to other operators was outstanding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost?
The 12 days trek starts from $1,200 per person. That includes Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu transport and trailhead transfers, airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu, nights at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu before and after the trek, all trekking permits for the route and more — see the full list above. The final price depends on group size, season and options, and we confirm it in a written quote.
How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
It is a moderate trek with 5–7 hours of walking most days and a lot of stone steps. No technical skills are needed; regular walking or hiking beforehand makes it far more enjoyable.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No. Basic fitness is enough, and your guide sets a steady pace.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the most stable weather. December to February is possible but cold, and snow can affect the upper trail.
Is altitude sickness a risk at 4,130 m?
It is less common than on higher treks but still possible. The itinerary gains height gradually, and your guide carries a first-aid kit and monitors oxygen levels.
Is insurance required?
Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to at least 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation.
Can I add Mardi Himal or a helicopter return?
Yes. Private departures, a Mardi Himal extension, extra Poon Hill time or a helicopter return can be arranged on request.
Planning guides
Practical advice from our team to help you prepare for this trip.
Destination guides:Pokhara
Stay guides
Before and After Your Trek: Sacred Trails as Your Kathmandu Base
How we help trekkers at the homestay — airport pickup, permits, gear checks, early transfers for Lukla and Pokhara flights, luggage storage and a hot shower when you return.
· 6 min read
Trek planning
Nepal Trekking Permits: Everest, Annapurna and Poon Hill
Which permits you need for the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks, what they typically cost, where they are issued, and the licensed-guide rule.
· 7 min read
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred dates and group size for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and we'll send a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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