Annapurna Base Camp Trek
🏠 Sacred Trails · Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan journeys, leading you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a dramatic glacial amphitheatre surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks. Combining spectacular mountain scenery, rich Gurung village culture, and manageable altitude, this is the perfect trek for those seeking a genuine Himalayan adventure without the extreme demands of Everest.
The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional mountain villages before climbing into the high-alpine zone. The final approach to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) rewards trekkers with a breathtaking 360° panorama of Annapurna I (8,091m), the iconic fishtail of Machapuchare (6,993m), Hiunchuli, and more than a dozen other snow-capped peaks.
Starting and ending in Pokhara — Nepal’s adventure capital — this trek is well-suited to trekkers with a moderate fitness level and is one of the most popular and well-supported trails in the Himalayas.
Trip Highlights
- ✓360° panorama of Annapurna I, II, III, South & Machapuchare from base camp
- ✓Trek through the legendary Annapurna Sanctuary glacial basin
- ✓Sunrise views from Poon Hill (3,210m) over Dhaulagiri & Annapurna
- ✓Pass through authentic Gurung villages — Ghandruk & Chhomrong
- ✓Spectacular rhododendron forests in full bloom (February–April)
- ✓Moderate altitude — suitable for beginners with good fitness
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Your Sacred Trails guide will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to our homestay in Budhanilkantha. Enjoy a briefing on the trek, equipment check, and permit preparation. Overnight at Sacred Trails Homestay, Kathmandu.
Travel to Pokhara (820m) — the gateway to the Annapurna region. Scenic tourist bus (7 hrs) or a quick 25-minute mountain flight. Check in to your hotel, evening at leisure at Phewa Lake.
Drive 1.5 hours to Nayapul (1,070m), the trek starting point. Walk through Birethanti and along the Modi Khola river valley to Tikhedhunga. Trek Duration: 3–4 hours.
A challenging but rewarding day climbing 3,000+ stone steps through Ulleri (2,070m) and dense rhododendron and oak forests to the hilltop village of Ghorepani. Trek Duration: 6–7 hours.
Rise at 4:30am for the 45-minute hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) — one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints in the Himalayas, with a panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Machapuchare. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through spectacular rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Trek Duration: 5–6 hours.
Pass through the classic Gurung village of Ghandruk with sweeping views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Descend to the valley then climb to Chhomrong — the last major village before the Annapurna Sanctuary. Trek Duration: 5–6 hours.
Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary trail. Descend to the Chhomrong Khola river, then climb steeply to Sinuwa through bamboo forest before continuing to Dovan. Bamboo and rhododendron forest all around. Trek Duration: 6–7 hours.
The highlight day. Pass through Himalayan Hotel (2,900m) and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) before the final climb into the Annapurna Sanctuary. On arrival at Annapurna Base Camp, you are completely surrounded by a 360° ring of Himalayan giants including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Gandharbachuli. Trek Duration: 6–7 hours.
Enjoy sunrise at base camp with the peaks glowing golden in the early morning light. Begin the descent through MBC and Dovan, all the way down to Bamboo teahouse. Trek Duration: 6–7 hours.
Descend to Jhinu Danda where you can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs — a perfect reward after the trek. Drive back to Pokhara. Evening at leisure. Trek Duration: 3–4 hours.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. Farewell dinner at Sacred Trails Homestay. Overnight Kathmandu.
Airport transfer for your final departure. Trek complete — congratulations! We hope to see you back at Sacred Trails.
✓ What's Included
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- ✓Accommodation at Sacred Trails Homestay (Kathmandu nights)
- ✓Kathmandu–Pokhara transport (tourist bus or flight as per package)
- ✓All required trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS Card)
- ✓Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter service (shared basis, 1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓Teahouse accommodation during all trekking days
- ✓Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
- ✓Trekking map and Sacred Trails duffel bag
- ✓First aid kit and oximeter monitoring
- ✓Government taxes and service charges
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Nepal visa fees (approx. USD $30–$50 on arrival)
- ✕Travel insurance (required — must cover high-altitude trekking)
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Hot showers, WiFi, and battery charging fees at teahouses
- ✕Personal expenses, snacks, and drinks
- ✕Tips for guides and porters (customary and appreciated)
Required Permits
- 📄 ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- 📄 TIMS Card — Trekkers' Information Management System
- 📄 ℹ Permit fees are included in your package price. We arrange all permits on your behalf.
ℹ Permit fees included. We arrange all permits on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trek is rated moderate. It involves 5–7 hours of walking per day with a gradual altitude gain over several days. It is suitable for first-time trekkers with reasonable fitness — no technical climbing skills are required.
No previous trekking experience is required. The trail is well-marked, teahouses are frequent, and our guides provide full support throughout. Basic cardiovascular fitness and a positive attitude are all you need.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons. Spring is especially spectacular for rhododendron blooms along the trail. December–February is possible but cold, with snow above 3,000m.
The maximum altitude is 4,130m — lower than Everest Base Camp — so altitude sickness is less common but still possible. Our itinerary includes gradual altitude gain and our guides carry oximeters and first aid supplies.
Yes. A licensed English-speaking guide and shared porter service are included in the package. Guides carry emergency supplies and oximeters throughout the trek.
You will stay at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu and comfortable teahouses during all trekking days. Teahouses provide a private room (twin or single), blankets, and dining facilities.
Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking (minimum 4,500m) and emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended for all trekkers.
Yes. We offer private group departures, extended itineraries including Mardi Himal or Poon Hill add-ons, and helicopter return options from base camp. Contact us to arrange a custom package.
Traveller Reviews
I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.
Kind, flexible, clean rooms, modern amenities, hot shower, quiet. Great stay. With pathao and indrive apps it is easy to reaxh and depart from.
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