12 Days • 11 Nights
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll fly to Pokhara, trek up through Gurung villages, terraced fields and forests, past the sacred fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre, and into the Sanctuary to stand at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded on all sides by soaring snow peaks. Hot springs, mountain sunrises and warm village hospitality fill the days.
With careful pacing, an expert guide and porters, and all logistics arranged, it is a spectacular Himalayan trek at a friendlier altitude than Everest.
Trip Highlights
- Lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurnas
- Trekking through Gurung villages and terraced fields
- Rhododendron forests and mountain rivers
- The sacred fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre
- The Annapurna Sanctuary glacial amphitheatre
- Standing at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Sunrise on the Himalayan giants
- Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner and a trek briefing.
A short flight to lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurnas, with a boat ride on Phewa Lake and final trek preparations.
Drive to the trailhead and trek up to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, with fine views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Trek through terraced fields and forest, with the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre ahead, to the village of Chhomrong, gateway to the Sanctuary.
Descend into the deepening valley and climb through rhododendron and bamboo forest along the Modi Khola river.
Continue up the narrowing gorge, the landscape growing wilder and more dramatic as you approach the Sanctuary.
Trek up past Machhapuchhre Base Camp into the Annapurna Sanctuary, standing at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), ringed by a wall of snow peaks.
A spectacular sunrise on the Annapurnas, then begin the descent, trekking back down through the forest to Bamboo.
Descend to Jhinu Danda, where natural hot springs by the river soothe tired legs after the trek.
A final morning's trek to the road, then drive back to lakeside Pokhara for a well-earned rest and a celebratory evening.
Fly back to Kathmandu for a final evening, with time in the bazaars of Thamel.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 1N Kathmandu, 2N Pokhara, 8N in teahouse lodges on trek
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board throughout the trek
- A Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and Pokhara lakeside time
- Round-trip flights Kathmandu-Pokhara
- An experienced trekking guide and porters
- All national park permits and the TIMS card
- All trek logistics and a careful acclimatisation schedule
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (visa on arrival or online)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, with high-altitude and helicopter evacuation cover for treks)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance; bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Nepali Rupee. Cards work in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but carry cash for trekking, villages and small purchases — ATMs are only in the cities
- Best season: October to November and March to April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and the best mountain views. The monsoon (June to September) brings cloud and rain; winter is cold at altitude but clear in the lowlands
- Altitude: High treks reach serious altitude (Everest Base Camp over 5,300m), where altitude sickness is a real risk. We build in acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, and your guide watches for symptoms
- Trek insurance: For any trek, travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory — this is essential and non-negotiable
- Trekking life: On trek you stay in simple teahouse lodges with basic rooms and shared bathrooms; hot showers and charging often cost extra. A good level of fitness and broken-in boots make all the difference
- Mountain flights: Domestic flights (including the famous Lukla flight for Everest) are weather-dependent and delays are common, so we build in buffer time; a helicopter option can be arranged
- Temple etiquette: Remove shoes and leather items at Hindu temples, walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, and note that some temple interiors are open only to Hindus
- Health: Drink only bottled or purified water, carry any personal medication, and consult a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations. Comprehensive insurance is essential
- Power & connectivity: Power cuts are less common than before but carry a power bank; a local SIM gives data in towns and along popular trails. Nepal uses type C/D/M plugs at 230V
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on trek and at the Chitwan jungle lodge, plus a welcome dinner in Kathmandu. Elsewhere, lunches and dinners are left free to explore Nepal's food.
Are guides and transfers arranged?
Yes — you have private guides and drivers for sightseeing, and an experienced trekking guide (and porters) on any trek, all arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online beforehand. Bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee; we guide you through it.
When is the best time to visit?
October-November and March-April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and superb mountain views. The monsoon (June-September) is cloudy and wet; winter is cold high up but clear in the lowlands.
Do I need to be fit for the treks?
The trekking itineraries require a good level of fitness and preparation, with several hours of walking a day on hilly terrain. We grade each trek clearly and build in acclimatisation; the cultural tours need no special fitness.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, treks, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a scenic Everest flight, a jungle safari, a luxury lodge or a shorter or longer trek. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is insurance really mandatory for trekking?
Yes — for any trek you must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. This is essential for your safety and is non-negotiable.
Is Annapurna Base Camp easier than Everest?
It reaches a lower maximum altitude (4,130m versus 5,545m) and is generally considered less demanding, though it still requires good fitness and days of walking. It is a superb choice for a first major Himalayan trek.
What are the teahouses like?
Simple mountain lodges with basic twin rooms, shared bathrooms and a communal dining room with a stove. Meals are hearty (dal bhat is the trekker's staple), and the hospitality is wonderfully warm.
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