The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is an iconic journey into the heart of the Himalayas, offering a profound blend of cultural immersion and high-altitude adventure. Starting from the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara, this 8-day expedition traverses through lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung villages like Ghorepani and Chhomrong. The trail is renowned for its diverse scenery, ranging from subtropical greenery to the rugged, glaciated landscapes of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Reaching the base camp at 4,130 meters, you are surrounded by a spectacular 360-degree amphitheater of snow-capped giants, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Along the way, the hospitality of local tea houses provides a cozy respite, where trekkers share stories over warm meals. Combining physical challenge with spiritual tranquility, the ABC trek remains a quintessential Himalayan experience for those seeking to witness the world’s highest peaks up close.
What is included in the tour
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
What is NOT included in the tour
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
1. The Annapurna Sanctuary
The ultimate destination is a natural "amphitheater" at 4,130m. Unlike other treks where you view peaks from a distance, here you stand in the center of a 360-degree ring of giants, including Annapurna I (8,091m)—the world’s 10th highest peak—Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
2. Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m)
Often cited as one of the best viewpoints in Asia, Poon Hill offers a breathtaking panorama of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Watching the first light turn the snow-capped peaks into glowing gold is a defining moment of the trek.
3. The Sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
Throughout the trek, you are followed by the striking, double-peaked silhouette of Machhapuchhre (6,993m). Because the mountain is considered sacred to the local people and home to the god Shiva, it has never been officially summited, adding an aura of mystery to its beauty.
4. Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs
On the return journey, you can descend to the banks of the Modi Khola river to soak in natural riverside hot springs. It is the perfect remedy for tired muscles and a rare luxury in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
5. Gurung Culture and "Apple Pie" Hospitality
You will walk through historic villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, inhabited by the Gurung people. These villages are famous for their stone-built houses, local museums, and the "Apple Pie" trail culture, where cozy tea houses serve surprisingly delicious homemade treats and traditional Dal Bhat.
6. Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests
The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal. Depending on the season, you will trek through vibrant forests of blooming red rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower) and dense bamboo groves that are home to exotic wildlife like the Himalayan Tahr and Langur monkeys.
Day 1Pokhara to Ulleri via Nayapul
Pokhara+
Pokhara to Ulleri via Nayapul
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Distance: ~12 km (trekking) + 1.5-hour drive
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Walking Time: 5–6 hours
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Max Altitude: 2,050m (6,725 ft)
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Pick-up: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Pokhara (Lakeside) around 8:00 AM.
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The Journey: The trip begins with a scenic drive to Nayapul, the gateway to the Annapurna region. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola, the trek officially starts. You will pass through Birethanti, where your permits (ACAP and TIMS) are registered. The highlight—and challenge—of today is the famous "Ulleri Stairs," a steep ascent of over 3,000 stone steps. This climb tests your legs but rewards you with views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South.
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Accommodation: Stay at a local tea house in Ulleri. Rooms are provided on a twin-sharing basis with comfortable wooden beds and shared bathrooms.
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Meals: Lunch and Dinner included
Day 2Ulleri to Ghorepani
Ulleri+
Ulleri to Ghorepani
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Distance: ~10 km
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Walking Time: 5–6 hours
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Max Altitude: 2,860m (9,383 ft)
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The Journey: Today is a gradual but steady climb through ancient rhododendron and oak forests. If you are trekking in spring, the forest is ablaze with red and pink blooms. You will cross several crystal-clear streams and small waterfalls. As you approach Ghorepani, the air becomes crisper, and the mountain views begin to dominate the horizon. Ghorepani is a bustling Gurung settlement known for its hospitality.
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Accommodation: Tea house in Ghorepani. Rooms are double or twin sharing. Most lodges here offer heated dining halls where you can socialize.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3Ghorepani to Tadapani (via Poon Hill)
Ghorepani+
Ghorepani to Tadapani (via Poon Hill)
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Distance: ~12 km
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Walking Time: 6–7 hours (including the sunrise hike)
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Max Altitude: 3,210m (10,531 ft) at Poon Hill
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The Journey: An early 4:30 AM start for a 1-hour hike to Poon Hill to witness one of the most famous sunrises in the world. The panoramic views include Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m). After returning for breakfast, the trek continues toward Tadapani. You will walk along a ridge with mountain views on one side and deep valleys on the other.
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Accommodation: Tea house in Tadapani. Rooms are twin sharing. Due to its high location, Tadapani offers spectacular sunset views right from your balcony.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4Tadapani to Chhomrong
Tadapani+
Tadapani to Chhomrong
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Distance: ~10 km
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Walking Time: 5–6 hours
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Max Altitude: 2,170m (7,119 ft)
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The Journey: The trail descends steeply through the forest to Chuile and then crosses the Kimrong Khola via a suspension bridge. After lunch, a steady climb leads to Chhomrong, a large and beautiful village perched on the hillside. Chhomrong is a key hub for ABC trekkers and offers some of the best views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).
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Accommodation: Tea house in Chhomrong. Twin or double rooms are standard here.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5Chhomrong to Himalaya
Chhomrong+
Chhomrong to Himalaya
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Distance: ~11 km
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Walking Time: 6–7 hours
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Max Altitude: 2,900m (9,514 ft)
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The Journey: You begin by descending 2,500 stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, followed by a steep climb to Sinuwa. The trail then enters a dense bamboo and rhododendron forest, which remains cool even in the afternoon sun. You will pass through "Bamboo" (a small settlement named after the surrounding forest) before a final push to Himalaya.
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Accommodation: Tea house in Himalaya. At this altitude, facilities become more basic. Rooms are twin sharing, and blankets are provided.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 6Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)+
Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
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Distance: ~10 km
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Walking Time: 6–7 hours
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Max Altitude: 4,130m (13,549 ft)
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The Journey: The trail climbs past Hinku Cave and Deurali as the forest thins into alpine scrub. You first reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), where you’ll break for lunch. The final 2-hour walk to ABC is a gradual incline through the "Sanctuary," surrounded by 360-degree views of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks. Standing in the heart of the Annapurna massif is the ultimate reward of the trek.
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Accommodation: Tea house at ABC. Because space is limited at this altitude, rooms are strictly twin sharing, and some larger rooms may be used during peak season.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7ABC to Bamboo
Bamboo+
ABC to Bamboo
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Distance: ~15 km
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Walking Time: 7–8 hours
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Max Altitude: 4,130m (starting point)
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The Journey: After enjoying a breathtaking sunrise over Annapurna I and South, you begin the long descent. While the distance is significant, the walking is much easier as you lose altitude. You will retrace your steps through MBC, Deurali, and Himalaya, finally resting in the lush, oxygen-rich environment of Bamboo.
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Accommodation: Tea house in Bamboo. Twin-sharing rooms.
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8Bamboo to Pokhara via Jhinu Danda
Pokhara+
Bamboo to Pokhara via Jhinu Danda
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Distance: ~10 km (trekking) + 2.5-hour drive
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Walking Time: 5–6 hours
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Drop-off: Pokhara (Lakeside or Airport)
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The Journey: The final day of trekking takes you back to Chhomrong and then down to Jhinu Danda. If time permits, you can visit the natural hot springs by the river to soothe your muscles. A final short walk leads to the jeep station at Samrung, where a private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara.
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Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included.
