About the Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of Nepal's most iconic trails, leading you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering peaks including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.
The trail passes through diverse landscapes — from lush subtropical forests and terraced rice paddies to rhododendron groves and high-altitude glacial moraines. The cultural richness of Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong adds a unique dimension to the journey.
At 4,130 metres, Annapurna Base Camp itself is a dramatic flat ground surrounded by a ring of peaks over 7,000 metres. Sunrise here, when the mountains turn gold and pink, is a sight that stays with you forever.
Trek Highlights
- Stand beneath the towering south face of Annapurna I at 8,091m
- Sunrise views over Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) from base camp
- Walk through the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatre
- Experience Gurung culture in villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong
- Diverse landscapes from subtropical forest to glacial moraine
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 10-day journey from Kathmandu through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to hotel in Thamel
- Trek briefing and permit documentation
- Explore Kathmandu at leisure
- Overnight at hotel
- Early morning drive to Pokhara (or flight)
- Continue to Nayapul trailhead
- Begin trek along the Modi Khola valley
- Reach Tikhedhunga village
- Overnight at teahouse
- Climb the famous stone steps of Ulleri
- Pass through rhododendron and oak forests
- Arrive at Ghorepani — a charming mountain village
- Views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South
- Overnight at teahouse
- Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise
- Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, Machapuchare
- Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
- Descend through forest to Tadapani
- Overnight at teahouse
- Descend through mossy forests with views of Machapuchare
- Cross the Chhomrong Khola river
- Climb to the Gurung village of Chhomrong
- Last major village before base camp
- Overnight at teahouse
- Descend stone steps to Chhomrong Khola
- Cross the river and ascend through Sinuwa
- Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary through dense bamboo forest
- Reach Bamboo settlement
- Overnight at teahouse
- Trek through the narrow Modi Khola gorge
- Pass Himalaya Hotel and Hinko Cave
- Vegetation thins as altitude increases
- Reach Deurali camp
- Overnight at teahouse
- Pass through Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m)
- Enter the vast Annapurna Sanctuary basin
- Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp — surrounded by 8,000m peaks
- Watch sunset paint the peaks gold and crimson
- Overnight at teahouse
- Sunrise at base camp — a once-in-a-lifetime view
- Begin descent retracing your steps
- Pass through MBC and Deurali
- Reach Bamboo by afternoon
- Overnight at teahouse
- Long descent through Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda
- Optional hot springs stop at Jhinu
- Reach Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
- Trek concludes — celebrate in Pokhara lakeside
- Transfer to Kathmandu or onward travel
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy fleece / down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Woollen cap, balaclava, gloves (inner + outer)
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate grade trek. You'll be walking 5–8 hours on some days, often at altitudes above 3,500 m. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but a solid 4–6 weeks of preparation will make a real difference.
Cardio — Start 4–6 Weeks Before
- Run/jog: Build up to 5 km in under 28 minutes, 4x per week
- Brisk walks: 8–10 km weekend walks with a 5–8 kg daypack
- Stairs: 10–12 floors daily, or use a stair machine at the gym
- Cycling / swimming: Great cross-training — 30 min sessions, 2x per week
Strength (3–4x per week)
- Squats — 3 sets of 20 (add 5 kg dumbbells in week 3+)
- Lunges — 3 sets of 15 each leg
- Step-ups on a bench — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 60 seconds, 3 sets; side planks 30 sec each
- Dead hangs — grip strength helps on rocky scrambles
Diet & Hydration
- 3–4 litres of water daily throughout your training period
- High-protein meals (eggs, dal, paneer, chicken) for muscle recovery
- Complex carbs (oats, brown rice, sweet potato) for sustained energy
- Cut alcohol completely 1 week before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets and glucose powder for the trail
Altitude Awareness
- Moderate treks often cross 3,500–4,200 m — AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a real risk
- Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and hydrate constantly above 3,000 m
- Know the symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel unwell — never push through altitude symptoms
- Consult your doctor about Diamox if you have a history of altitude sensitivity
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Trishul Adventures arranges both permits as part of the trek package.
It is rated moderate. You need to be reasonably fit and able to walk 6-8 hours a day. Prior trekking experience helps but is not mandatory.
Teahouses along the ABC route are basic but comfortable, with twin beds, blankets, and dining areas. Hot showers are available at most stops for a small fee.
October-November offers the clearest skies and best mountain views. March-May brings warmer weather and rhododendron blooms but slightly hazier skies.