Moderate

Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Duration

12 Days

Max Altitude

4,130m

Group Size

2-12 people

Best Season

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Overview

The crown jewel of Nepalese trekking - a journey deep into the amphitheatre of the Annapurna massif. You will walk through terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and high alpine terrain to reach the sacred sanctuary at 4,130m, surrounded on all sides by some of the world's highest peaks.

Trek Highlights

Stand inside the Annapurna Sanctuary - a 360 degree amphitheatre of 8,000m peaks
Sunrise from Machhapuchhre Base Camp with unobstructed Fishtail views
Trek through rhododendron forests ablaze in March and April
Experience authentic Gurung and Magar village culture along the route
Expert acclimatisation profile - designed for safe, enjoyable ascent
All accommodation pre-booked, no logistics stress on trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary

01Pokhara to Nayapul to Tikhedhunga

Altitude: 1,495m

Day 1 — Pokhara to Nayapul to Tikhedhunga

02Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Altitude: 2,874m

Day 2 — Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

03Sunrise at Poon Hill to Tadapani

Altitude: 2,630m

Day 3 — Sunrise at Poon Hill to Tadapani

04Tadapani to Chhomrong

Altitude: 2,170m

Day 4 — Tadapani to Chhomrong

05Chhomrong to Dovan

Altitude: 2,600m

Day 5 — Chhomrong to Dovan

06Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Altitude: 3,700m

Day 6 — Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

07MBC to Annapurna Base Camp

Altitude: 4,130m

Day 7 — MBC to Annapurna Base Camp

08Return via same route to Pokhara

Day 8-12 — Return via same route to Pokhara

What is Included

All accommodation (teahouses and lodges)

All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Experienced licensed trekking guide

Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)

TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Airport transfers in Pokhara

Emergency evacuation insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is rated Moderate. It does not require technical climbing skills, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking 5-7 hours per day on steep mountain trails. The highest point is 4,130m, so a good acclimatisation profile (built into our itinerary) is essential.

What is the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The best seasons for ABC are October-November (post-monsoon, excellent visibility, stable weather) and March-May (rhododendrons in full bloom, warm days). December-February is possible but can be very cold at altitude with trail ice. June-September is monsoon - trails are wet and views obscured.

How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?

Our 12-day Annapurna Base Camp package is $1,299 per person, fully inclusive - all accommodation, all meals, licensed guide, porter service, TIMS card, and ACAP permit. There are no hidden costs. Solo trekkers pay a small single supplement.

Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

While the trail is well-marked, a licensed guide is strongly recommended - and required under Nepal Trekking Regulations introduced in 2023. Our guides are trained in altitude illness recognition, emergency first aid, and carry evacuation contacts for every section of the route.

What permits are needed for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

You need two permits: a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System, Rs. 2,000) and an ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Rs. 3,000). Both are fully included in our package price - you carry zero paperwork stress.

Trekker Reviews

James W. - United Kingdom

2024-11-08

Our guide Pemba was phenomenal - professional, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about the mountains and culture. ABC itself is breathtaking. The Annapurna Trails team handled every detail perfectly.

Mia L. - Australia

2024-10-22

I was nervous about altitude but the itinerary was perfectly paced. Standing at base camp with Annapurna I towering above me was the most incredible moment of my life. Worth every penny.

Thomas R. - Germany

2025-04-14

Third trek with Annapurna Trails and still the best team in Nepal. Everything from permits to teahouse bookings was organised. Highly recommend the ABC route for the mix of culture and mountain scenery.

Package Price

$1,299

per person, all permits included

Book This Trek Ask a Question

No payment required to enquire

Response within 24 hours

Group discounts available

Quick Facts

Start Point: Pokhara, Nepal
Duration: 12 Days
Altitude: 4,130m
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 2-12 people
Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov