Trip overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a spectacular 11-day journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre surrounded by ten peaks over 6,000m. Starting from Nayapul, you walk through terraced farmland, Gurung villages and lush rhododendron forests before emerging above the tree line into the high sanctuary. You reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, encircled by Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Gangapurna.
Highlights
- Sunrise inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m
- 360° views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre & Hiunchuli
- Stay in traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk
- Walk through rhododendron forests in full bloom
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Easier acclimatisation than Everest — great first trek
Itinerary
Day 1 Drive to Nayapul – Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) 1,940 m
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and begin the trek, climbing through villages to the beautiful Gurung settlement of Ghandruk.
Day 2 Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m) 2,170 m
Descend to the Kimrong Khola then climb steadily to Chhomrong, the gateway to the sanctuary.
Day 3 Trek to Dovan (2,600m) 2,600 m
Enter the dense bamboo and rhododendron forest of the Modi Khola gorge, climbing to Dovan.
Day 4 Trek to Deurali (3,230m) 3,230 m
Continue up the gorge, leaving the tree line behind, to the small settlement of Deurali.
Day 5 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) 4,130 m
Climb through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and emerge into the sanctuary. Reach ABC surrounded by Himalayan giants.
Day 6 Sunrise at ABC – Trek to Bamboo (2,310m) 4,130 m
Pre-dawn sunrise over the sanctuary. Descend rapidly through the gorge back to Bamboo.
Day 7 Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) 1,780 m
Climb to Chhomrong then descend to Jhinu Danda. Afternoon soak in the natural hot springs.
Day 8 Trek to Nayapul – Drive to Pokhara 820 m
Final short trek to Nayapul, then drive back to Pokhara for a hot shower and lakeside dinner.
What's included
Included
- Airport and Pokhara transfers in private vehicle
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- All meals during the trek
- Teahouse lodge accommodation
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS
- First aid kit
Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal visa
- Kathmandu–Pokhara transport/flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging on trek
- Beverages
- Tips for crew
Extra services
Reviews (2)
As my first trek above 3,000m I was a bit worried, but the pace and acclimatisation were perfect. The sanctuary sunrise is otherworldly. The hot springs on the way down were bliss.
Comparable scenery to EBC at a lower price and altitude. Ghandruk village was a cultural highlight.
FAQ
Is ABC suitable for a first-time trekker?
Yes — with reasonable fitness, ABC is one of the best introductions to Himalayan trekking.
Will I see rhododendron flowers?
In Spring (March–April) the rhododendron forests between 2,000–3,000m are in spectacular red and pink bloom.