Explore Nepal with Malung Treks | Your Journey, Our Passion.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A classic Central Himalaya trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill into the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).

Duration12 Days
DifficultyModerate
Max altitude4,200 m
Best seasonMar–May, Sep–Dec
Start / EndKathmandu
AccommodationLodges / tea houses
RegionAnnapurna Region
Maximum climb1,210 m
Maximum descent1,000 m
GeographyMountains, countryside, forest and villages
Ethnic peopleThakali, Magar, Gurung
ReligionsHinduism and Buddhism
TransportationBus and taxi

Overview

Central Himalaya. This region is a classic introduction to Himalayan trekking. It provides few strenuous hiking days and offers breathtaking scenery. Ghorepani, Poon Hill and the Annapurna Base Camp are unforgettable places with diverse culture and extensive visibility. Experiencing one of the most beautiful mountain gardens in Nepal is truly life changing.

Altitude, distance and trekking times are all approximate. Daily trekking times will normally be between 5 and 7 hours unless stated.

Trip highlights

  • Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,200 m) over Mt Fishtail, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Gurung village of Chhomrong on the lap of Mt Hiunchuli
  • Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
  • Views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Gandharba Chuli (6,248 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Annapurna III (7,555 m)
  • Natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Altitude profile

0k1k2k3k4k5kDay 1: 884 mD1Day 2: 1,540 mDay 3: 2,750 mD3Day 4: 3,200 mDay 5: 2,170 mD5Day 6: 2,920 mDay 7: 3,700 mD7Day 8: 4,130 mDay 9: 2,335 mD9Day 10: 1,780 mDay 11: 884 mD11Day 12: 1,350 mD124,130 m
Day 01Kathmandu to Pokhara

Driving time: 6 to 7 hours. Early morning 6:30 reporting time at the tourist bus park, Kantipath, and 7:00 am departure from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Day 02Pokhara to Nayapul drive and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m)

Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes. From Pokhara, after the taxi stop you will start hiking toward Birethanti. From here your trail slowly climbs via Sudame and Hile to Tikhedhunga, where you will spend the night.

Day 03Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750 m)

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours. You will start by climbing uphill through small forest, passing the village of Ulleri. This is home of the Magar people (the largest ethnic people in Nepal). You will then carry on to Ghorepani, another big Magar village that is the gateway to Poon Hill.

Day 04Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,590 m) via Poon Hill (3,200 m)

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours. Your first destination is Poon Hill (3,200 m). If you wake up early enough, you can arrive for the magnificent sunrise over Mt Fishtail, the Annapurna range and the Dhaulagiri range. This is a real hot spot for views of the Himalayas – you can see over a dozen peaks rising and shining into the sky. After your visit, you will head back to your lodge to have breakfast and start trekking to Tadapani, and then on to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The first half of the trek is along a ridge with huge rhododendron forest. After passing Deurali, you will trek along the stream that flows beneath lush, green jungle. Keep your eyes open for different kinds of birds and, of course, monkeys! You will spend the night in Tadapani, which is situated in the midst of one of the largest rhododendron forests of the area.

Day 05Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170 m)

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours. Today you will be trekking through the jungle. Along the way you will pass through Gurung villages and head on to the village of Chhomrong. This charming village is home to the Gurung people and is situated on the lap of Mt Hiunchuli. Here you can enjoy the view of Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the narrow canyon of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You will have an overnight stay at Chhomrong.

Day 06Chhomrong to Hotel Himalaya (2,920 m)

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours. The trail from Chhomrong drops down to the river and climbs up to enter the Sanctuary after crossing the bridge. You will pass the village of Sinuwa and head to the next village of Bamboo. You can stop for lunch before heading on to the Hotel Himalaya. The hotel is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the area. You can rest here for the night.

Day 07Hotel Himalaya to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m)

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours. The trek gradually gains altitude as you head up toward the Annapurna Base Camp. You will pass through Deurali and arrive at the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where you will stay overnight.

Day 08Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)

Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours. In the early morning you will hike to the Annapurna Base Camp. There is a small hill viewpoint which offers astonishing views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Gandharba Chuli (6,248 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Annapurna III (7,555 m) and many more neighbouring peaks. You will spend the night in the base camp, which offers a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

Day 09Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,335 m)

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours. The trail backtracks to Bamboo, where you can have your choice of a teahouse for the night. If you feel energetic, you can also go further on to the next village for your overnight stay.

Day 10Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m)

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours. From Bamboo you will move on to Chhomrong. From here the trail drops down to Jhinu Danda village, where you will have the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot spring. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the pool. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours. Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes. After breakfast our trek descends toward New Bridge and the trail leads you to Nayapul beside the river. The final day of the trek will be memorable and enjoyable – the amazing landscape of western Nepal will remind you of Nepal for the rest of your life.

Day 12Pokhara to Kathmandu

The trek is over. Drive back by tourist bus to Kathmandu; driving time 7 to 8 hours.

Itineraries can be changed to suit your pace. Weather or local conditions may require adjustments on the day.

What's Included

Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop (2 times)
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus
  • Pokhara to Nayapul by private vehicle, depending on group size
  • Nayapul to Pokhara by private vehicle, depending on group size
  • Hotel 2 nights in Pokhara, before and after the trek
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit
  • TIMS card
  • English-speaking trekking guide
  • 1 shared porter between 2 trekkers
  • Insurance for Nepali staff
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea / coffee during the trek

Not included

  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Personal insurance for travel to Nepal
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Accommodation during the trekking part
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Personal expenses
  • Bar bills and mineral water on the trek
  • Gratuities (tips)

Good to Know

Altitude, distance and trekking times are all approximate.

If you want to extend your holiday with more trekking, paragliding, boating or cycling, let us know. If you would like to see Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, go rafting or visit Chitwan National Park, please tell us your wishes and we will do our best to arrange it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on hilly terrain. Regular walking, hiking or cardio training for 6–8 weeks before your trip helps a lot.

What about altitude sickness?

Our itineraries include acclimatisation days and our guides check your oxygen level daily. If symptoms appear, we descend – your safety always comes first.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking at the maximum altitude of the trip and emergency helicopter evacuation.

Can I charge my phone and use Wi-Fi?

Most teahouses offer charging and Wi-Fi for a small fee. Higher up, service becomes slower and more expensive, so bring a power bank.

How do I pay?

A deposit of at least 50% confirms your booking; the balance is due 30 days before arrival. Contact us for bank transfer details.

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