Annapurna Base Camp Trek

ratingbased on 6 reviews
  • Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 4130 m.
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$845
2 - 6 paxUS$745
7 - 10 paxUS$695
11 - 15 paxUS$645
16 - 20 paxUS$595
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
  • Witness the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) and 360-degree panoramic Himalayas
  • Superb sunrise views of the Himalayas from Poon Hill
  • A unique opportunity to explore a variety of Rhododendron flowers in the spring season
  • Sweeping Himalayan vistas and lush jungle pathways
  • Out of the fourteen tallest mountains in the world, witness the two giant peaks, Dhaulagiri (81167 meters) and Annapurna (8091 meters)
  • The relaxing hot springs of Jhinu Danda
  • Cultural interaction and experiences

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

Second, only to Everest in terms of popularity for base camp treks, the 15-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a stunning amphitheater of soaring peaks at its destination that many aficionados consider at least on a par with the Khumbu outlook towards the looming massifs of Everest and Lhotse. With Annapurna I standing supreme at a height of 8091m and buttressed by its sister peaks as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, the range presents one of the most dramatic and sweeping vistas in all of the Himalayas.

With a cultivated patchwork of wheat fields and terraced rice paddies carved out of the precipitous mountainsides on the one hand and a pristine and verdant landscape of rhododendron forests, myriad waterfalls, and countless scenic outlooks on the other, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek manages to neatly serve the needs of a diverse body of trekking enthusiasts thanks to the relative ease of the journey. Solo travelers, male or female, adventurous friends grouped, families with young children, complete novices or trail-hardened experts — the trek caters to them all.

Where does ABC Trek begin?

Armed with the appropriate permits, our Annapurna Base Camp Trek commences at the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, from where we head out on the 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul. From there, we set out on a picturesque hike through lush jungles and Gurung villages towards Ghorepani and the nearby outlook of Poon Hill, famous throughout the world for offering one of the most glorious panoramic views of the Himalayas.

After Poon Hill, we gradually hiked towards Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130m, where we stood humbled before the natural altar of the massive peaks that ranged around and above us. Do you want perspective? This is it.

The return journey offers a different and refreshing experience, and along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to avail ourselves of the invigorating hot springs at Jhinu Danda before making our way back to Pokhara.

So, if you’re up for a scenically spectacular and culturally diverse trekking experience that’s relatively easy and suitable for all ages, then the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the perfect destination for you. Please get in touch with us now and see what we can arrange for this fascinating journey. We think you’ll love it.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Permits

When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. Your experienced guide will obtain all required permits on your behalf with your passport. To enter the Annapurna region, you will require two permits, which can both be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before commencing your trek.

  • The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card costs 2000 Nepali rupees, and as per the latest rule, it will be obtained through the trekking agencies only.
  • The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs 3000 Nepali rupees, is available through the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkutimandap Kathmandu, or Pokhara.

Are you not satisfied yet? Go for the newly opened, less explored, and less touristy Mohare Danda Eco Community Lodge TrekKhopra Danda Trek, or the classic Everest Base Camp Trek without any hesitation.

Useful Information

Accommodation at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there's no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, -20°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Meals at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Food in the Annapurna Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful, with a range of options to suit your preferences. The menus at tea houses are usually quite large, especially considering you are trekking into the Himalayas, but it's important to note that most tea houses offer similar food options. You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes. For breakfast, you can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.

Your package with Nepal Trekking Experts includes dinner in Kathmandu before you leave for your trek and three meals a day (with tea or coffee) every day of the trek, including travel days. If you'd like, you can purchase extra snacks, desserts, or fancy coffees when they're available.

Transportation at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. To start your adventure in the Annapurna region, there are many transport options depending on your interest, time frame, and budget. A common route is to travel via bus or microvan from Kathmandu (Gongabu Bus Park) or by tourist bus from Sohrakhutte to Pokhara (7-8 hours). The next option would be a private vehicle or flight to Pokhara. If you take a flight, it costs more or less $105 per person. Common starting points include Nayapul, Birethanti, Hile, Tikhedhunga, and Banethanti. The further you travel via Jeep, the less trekking you'll do by foot. This shortens the length of your trek, which can be a great option if you have less time or are combining the Mardi Himal trek.

Please be aware that the buses in Nepal can be overcrowded (especially if you are traveling during festival time), not particularly tidy, and will stop in villages along the route to pick up and drop off more people. Bus rides can be part of the exciting, immersive experience of being in a foreign country, but they are not for everyone. If you would like a more comfortable alternative, tourist buses can be an option, and we can arrange a private car or jeep from Kathmandu all the way to your starting point. Private vehicles shorten your travel time considerably, and you can stop for breaks at your leisure. With so many travel options, we'd be happy to talk things through with you to find what suits you best.

Battery Charging

Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Annapurna region.

Telephone service around the Annapurna Base Camp

Nowadays, most villages have phone service and mobile reception, although it can be quite unpredictable. NCELL and Nepal Telecom are the two major SIM card providers. Nepal Telecom is recommended by NTE for better reception in the Annapurna region. You can purchase a SIM card in Kathmandu when you arrive.

Internet

Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 3-5 dollars per hour, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.

Porter

Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Annapurna region carry your bag across the rugged terrain. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek.

Travel Insurance

It is one of the most important things you'll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you'll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that's specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that a number of companies place restrictions on that score—look closely at the fine print so that you're sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.

Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.

Nepalese Currency and Payment

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD $4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your own bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent

Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent

Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent

You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.

Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For more details, please go through our Nepal immigration website or contact us.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcoming at the airport and transfer to your Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4539ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Free day for final trekking preparation and exploring the Kathmandu valley

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 Star Hotel

Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. Time to take in the sights of Pokhara and its stunning setting by Phewa Lake.

  • Max. Altitude:1960m/6430ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek begins after a drive to Nayapul and leads to the beautiful town of Birethanti where trekkers are required to register with their TIMS Card and Annapurna conservation area permits. From there the trail leads out towards Tikhedhunga, passing through a peaceful landscape of villages and farmland, with occasional forays through sections of virgin wilderness dotted with numerous waterfalls. 

  • Max. Altitude:2880m/9449ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A suspension bridge heralds the physically challenging ascent on the far side of more than 3000 steps, a two-hour trial through more jungle-clad slopes and waterfalls that lead towards Ghorepani, a superbly sited town with magnificent mountain vistas.

  • Max. Altitude:2630m/8629ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The day's trekking provides one of the journey's major highlights, a visit to Poon Hill to take in one of the most beautiful and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, with matchless views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif at sunrise. After a suitable pause to savor the superb scenery the trek continues towards Tadapani along one of the most superb trails in Nepal, with the immediacy of lush forests and abundant wildlife on either side and the soaring peaks in the background serving as an impossibly picturesque backdrop.

  • Max. Altitude:2170m/7119ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

From scenic Tadapani the trail descends to another gossamer-like suspension bridge that straddles the deep gorge near the village of Gurjung, then heads down towards Chhomrong, one of the most scenically captivating Gurung villages in the region, with a pretty stone-paved trail leading the way in and Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and fishtail looming up in the background.

  • Max. Altitude:2600m/8530ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

From Chhomrong the trail begins heading to Annapurna Base Camp in earnest, winding through patches of the jungle to Dovan.

  • Max. Altitude:3230m/10597ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek from Dovan to Deurali takes the hiker ever closer to the base camp, ascending 600 meters into alpine terrain, the Annapurna range looming larger with each passing hour on the trail.

  • Max. Altitude:4130m/13550ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The most challenging day on the trek waits as the path ascends steadily through to the legendary base camp made famous by the likes of Herzog, Bonnington, and Messner. The glorious panoramas and close-up of the Annapurna massif and the nearby glacier are ample rewards for the long journey.

  • Max. Altitude:2310m/7579ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The return journey to Bamboo descends by 1800 meters and offers a refreshing perspective on the trail.

  • Max. Altitude:1780m/5840ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

After nine days on the trail, nothing could seem more restful for tired limbs than the opportunity to ease into the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, one of the trek's more delightful bonuses.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

The final day of the trek, winding through peaceful farmlands and villages on the way back to Siwai and the return transportation to Pokhara.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

A long day's drive by bus provides numerous scenic opportunities - and thrills - along the way.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast included (on a twin-share basis)
    • Two-night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast included (on a twin-share basis)
    • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS Card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal
    • Fresh fruit each day, if and when available
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and sleeping bag if needed
    • Government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
    • First-aid kit
    • Return travel by tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Return travel by private taxi between Pokhara and Nayapul
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax (VAT)
    • Certificate of achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips for staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Annapurna Base Camp Trek map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:SundayOct 01, 2023
    End:SundayOct 15, 2023
    PriceUS$845
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:SundayOct 15, 2023
    End:SundayOct 29, 2023
    PriceUS$845
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

    Photos & Videos
    6Travelers' Reviews
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Top Class Company

      May 2023 • Solo

      It was my fourth trek with Nepal Trekking Experts and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Look no further if you’re researching for your next Himalayan adventure.
      I felt so supported and well cared for throughout the whole experience.

      Ganesh was my guide and I can’t imagine heading into the mountains with anyone else. He is patient, knowledgeable, professional and a delight to have around.

      The entire team are so good at what they do. Everyone in the office is unbelievably helpful and the guides and porters work so damn hard to give you the best possible experience. They deserve a daily standing ovation 👏

      Logistics:
      We trekked to Poon Hill and ABC May 18-28th, which is right at the end of the trekking season, heading into monsoon season. We got a little bit of rain and clouds but it was well worth it when the clouds parted for some stunning views of Annapurna.

      You’ll be provided with a clean sleeping bag and puffy jacket if needed from Nepal Trekking Experts but you’ll need to have your own rain gear sorted if your trekking close to monsoon season. There are tons of shops in Kathmandu or Pokhara to buy/rent whatever gear you need. I think it’s nice to plan to buy in Nepal to support their economy.

      The teahouses are simple but cozy and the food is always delicious. I recommend getting dal bhat, the traditional Nepali dish which locals eat every day for lunch and dinner.

      This hike includes lush jungle, rocky alpine, waterfalls and rivers, monkeys and birds, and a culturally immersive experience with the beautiful Nepali people.

      Thank you Rajesh, Ganesh and team for the best experiences of my life… I’ll be back! :)

      C
      ChrisMay 30, 2023Canada
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Amazing ABC trek

      Apr 2023

      Just got back from a wonderful 10 day ABC trek with my wife and 2 children (14 years and 10 years) - Rajesh was amazing with info and support from prior to us booking, right up until we were on the flight back home. The trek itself was also amazing, with guide Arjun and porters Ram and Ganesh providing top class support, and companionship from start to finish, we really couldn't have asked for a better team! We've only been back home a couple of days and are already starting to plan a Gokyo Valley trek for hopefully next year, and will undoubtedly use Nepal Trekking Experts again

      M
      Marshall CMay 01, 2023Australia
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