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View more photosThis trip is fully customizable
The Annapurna Base Camp Budget Trek is one of the most popular and accessible treks in Nepal, leading you into the heart of the Annapurna massif. This legendary journey takes you through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), where you can spot unique Himalayan wildlife and rare species such as the Himalayan tahr, langur, and the colourful Danphe (Himalayan monal). We offer expert-led and safe itineraries that provide a perfect moderate-altitude adventure, taking you to the foot of the magnificent Annapurna mountains.
The standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara Lakeside to Nayapul (1,070m) by bus, jeep, or van, which serves as the starting point for the trek. Following the ABC Trek itinerary, you will ascend through lush rhododendron forests and terraced fields to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), located at the foot of Annapurna I (8,091m), the world's 10th-highest mountain. A major highlight of our Annapurna Trek package is a visit to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, offering spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Tukuche (6,920m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and the famous sacred Machhapuchhre (6,993m). To help trekkers acclimatise properly and enjoy a more comfortable journey, our 2026/2027 itinerary includes a relaxing stop at the Jhinu Danda hot springs (1,780m), where you can soothe tired muscles on the return journey from Annapurna Base Camp.
We provide a variety of Annapurna Base Camp trekking programmes, usually lasting 8–11 days, designed for different ability levels. Our packages include expert guides and all necessary trekking permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered moderately difficult, but with appropriate preparation and planning, it is highly achievable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. We employ local porters, providing valuable employment opportunities and helping support mountain communities and their local economies. The best times to visit Annapurna Base Camp are spring (March–May), when the rhododendrons are in bloom, and autumn (September–November), when the skies are generally clear and the weather is favourable. These are the most popular seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region, offering excellent visibility and comfortable conditions.
For adventurers seeking to extend their experience beyond the ABC Trek, the Annapurna region offers several excellent alternative and extension treks. You can extend your journey with the Mohare Danda Trek for a peaceful eco-trail experience, tackle the spectacular ridge-walking Khopra Danda Trek, or explore the stunning Mardi Himal Trek. You can also browse all of our Annapurna region treks. These experiences can be combined with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek to create a more immersive and comprehensive Himalayan adventure.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable journey along a world-famous trail into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This accessible trek directly supports the local Gurung and Magar communities, and we work with local porters to provide employment opportunities and promote responsible and sustainable tourism. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and experiencing sunrise at Poon Hill are among the major highlights of the journey. From Poon Hill, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and the iconic Machhapuchhre. Throughout the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will also have opportunities to encounter rare wildlife and diverse plant species. The ABC Trek is particularly spectacular in spring, when the rhododendrons are in bloom, while autumn offers crisp weather and exceptionally clear Himalayan panoramas.
Yes! The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is flexible, and we encourage you to customise your trip to make it truly your own. You don't need to handle all the planning alone—we are here to help you design the perfect itinerary. Whether you want to maintain a faster pace for an additional challenge, add extra days to visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk, or extend your adventure with the Mohare Danda Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, or ridge-walking Mardi Himal Trek, the choice is yours. Simply contact us with your ideas, and we will tailor the itinerary to suit your preferred pace, interests, and schedule.
Historically, the routes around Annapurna were used by local Gurung communities and shepherds for trade, travel, and regional exploration. In the 19th century, Japanese monk Ekai Kawaguchi documented his journey through parts of Nepal, while the exploration and mountaineering history of Annapurna gained international attention in the mid-20th century. The successful ascent of Annapurna I in 1950 marked a significant milestone in mountaineering history and brought the region greater international recognition. Nepal officially opened its doors to international tourism in the 1950s, laying the foundation for the development and promotion of legendary trekking routes such as the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Today, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek has become increasingly popular thanks to significant improvements in trails, teahouses, facilities, and responsible tourism practices. These developments have made the trek more accessible while allowing visitors to experience the region's rich culture, spectacular landscapes, and mountaineering heritage, creating unforgettable Himalayan memories.
The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months generally offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions.
During spring, the trails come alive with blooming rhododendrons, creating colourful and scenic landscapes. The generally stable weather and clear mountain views make this an especially enjoyable time to trek.
Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal, thanks to its crisp air, blue skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility of the Annapurna range. It offers some of the clearest panoramic mountain views. Winter (December–February) is ideal for those looking for fewer crowds and dramatic snow-covered landscapes. However, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, so proper preparation and suitable clothing are essential.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered a moderate trek and is suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for daily walks of approximately 5–7 hours over varied terrain, including long ascents and descents and numerous stone steps. The maximum altitude reaches 4,130 metres at Annapurna Base Camp. To enjoy the trek and reduce the risk of excessive fatigue or altitude-related problems, regular cardiovascular exercise, hiking with a backpack, walking in suitable hiking boots, and leg-strengthening exercises are highly recommended in the weeks or months before the trek.
Accommodation and food along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are well established and readily available. There are plenty of traditional teahouses offering comfortable rooms, typically with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared bathroom facilities. Teahouses serve hot, freshly prepared meals, including dal bhat, as well as noodles, pasta, fried rice, soups, and pancakes.
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara by Tourist Bus
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Hille
Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 04: Sunrise hike up to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Day 05: Trek to Sinuwa
Day 06: Trek to Deurali
Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Day 08: Trek to Bamboo/Sinuwa
Day 09: Trek to Jhinu Danda
Day 10: Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
Drive Time: 6–7 hours, Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. The journey takes you through Nepal's changing landscapes, from busy urban areas to peaceful countryside, terraced hillsides, rivers, and traditional villages. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Trishuli River and the rolling hills of central Nepal. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your own booked hotel and have time to relax or explore the vibrant Lakeside area.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Pokhara
Drive Time: 1.5 hours, Trek Time: 3 hours
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point of your trek. From Nayapul, the trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola through lush countryside, terraced farmland, and traditional villages. You will pass through Birethanti, where your trekking permits will be checked, before continuing along the trail towards Hille. The route gradually follows the river valley through peaceful settlements and scenic countryside. After reaching Hille, you can relax at your teahouse and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the Annapurna region.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Hille
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Today is one of the more challenging days of the trek as you ascend towards Ghorepani. After breakfast, the trail climbs through Ulleri, a traditional Magar village famous for its long stone staircase. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes from farmland to dense rhododendron and oak forests. The trail continues through Banthanti and Nangethanti before reaching Ghorepani, a beautiful mountain settlement surrounded by forested hills. On a clear afternoon, you may catch your first impressive views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Ghorepani
Trek time: 6-7 hours
Wake early for the short but rewarding hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the mountains, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, you will continue along a scenic forest trail towards Tadapani. The route passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and offers occasional mountain views between the trees.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Tadapani
Trek time: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, you will leave Tadapani and follow a scenic trail towards Sinuwa. The route begins with a descent through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, leading to the peaceful village of Chuile. From Chuile, the trail continues through dense woodland and traditional settlements towards the Kimrong Khola. You will cross the river and gradually ascend towards Gurjung, enjoying views of the surrounding hills and valleys along the way.
From Gurjung, the trail continues towards the picturesque Chhomrong village, one of the major settlements on the Annapurna Base Camp route. Situated on the slopes of the Modi Khola valley, Chhomrong offers impressive views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After a short break, you will continue along the stone steps descending towards Chhomrong Khola before climbing again towards Sinuwa. The changing landscape, traditional villages, terraced hillsides, and spectacular mountain scenery make this a particularly rewarding section of the trek.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Sinuwa
Trek time: 7 hours
Today, the trail takes you deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Sinuwa, you will continue towards Bamboo, following the Modi Khola through a lush and narrow valley. The trail gradually climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forests, passing Dovan and Himalaya before reaching Deurali. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes thinner and the surrounding cliffs and mountains become more imposing. The changing landscape gives you a sense that you are approaching the high-altitude heart of the Annapurna region.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Deurali
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Today is the highlight of your trek as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). After leaving Deurali, the trail continues towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp, passing through increasingly rugged mountain terrain. From here, you enter the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. The trail gradually leads towards Annapurna Base Camp, where you will be surrounded by magnificent mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. Take time to enjoy the extraordinary scenery and celebrate reaching your destination.
Overnight: a local teahouse in ABC
Trek Time: 7 hours
Wake up early to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery around Annapurna Base Camp before beginning your descent. You will retrace the trail through the Annapurna Sanctuary and return towards Deurali, Himalaya, and Dovan. The descent is generally easier than the ascent, but the steep and uneven sections still require care. As you lose altitude, the forests become greener and more abundant. Depending on the pace and conditions, you will spend the night at Bamboo or continue to Sinuwa.
Overnight: a local teahouse in ABC
Trek Time: 5 hours
After breakfast, you will continue descending through the lush Modi Khola valley towards Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda. The trail passes through beautiful forests and traditional villages, offering further opportunities to experience the local way of life. Jhinu Danda is famous for its natural hot springs, located a short walk from the village beside the Modi Khola. After arriving at the lodge, you can relax and enjoy a soothing soak in the warm mineral-rich pools, making this an ideal way to rest your tired muscles after several days of trekking.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Jhinu Danda
Trek Time: 4-5 hours, Drive Time: 1 hour
Your final day on the trail begins with a relatively gentle walk towards Nayapul. You will follow the Modi Khola through terraced fields, forests, and traditional settlements, gradually leaving the high mountain environment behind. After reaching Nayapul, you will meet your bus and drive back to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, you can relax at your own booked hotel, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lakeside, or celebrate the completion of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Pokhara
Drive Time: 6-7 hours, Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
After breakfast, you will have some free time in Pokhara before making your way to the Tourist Bus Park. Your tourist bus to Kathmandu departs at approximately 7:30 am, so you should arrive at the bus park by around 7:00 am to allow enough time to find your bus and get settled before departure. Depending on the location of your hotel, you can either walk to the bus park or take a short taxi ride. The scenic journey to Kathmandu follows winding mountain roads alongside rivers and through the green hills of central Nepal. As you approach Kathmandu, the landscape gradually changes from peaceful countryside to the busy outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your Annapurna Base Camp Trek officially comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayan mountains, traditional villages, and spectacular landscapes.
April 2, 2025
“Our trek to Annapurna base camp was wonderful- the whole trip was organised with incredible care and attention by Sam in Kathmandu. He even took the time to meet up with us both before and after the trek to ensure that everything was in order and we were happy with arrangements. The guide we were given was superb and altered the trek schedule to reflect our pace of walking, while the porter was superb, friendly and caring. Having been trekking with far larger companies in the past, I have to say that the level of service from Above and Beyond surpassed their efforts, something we really appreciated since we were travelling alone and not part of a larger group. Highly recommend talking to Sam if you are thinking of a trip to Nepal.”
October 10, 2025
“Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek was amazing! The guide knows so many people and knows so much about the area that the experience was not just about one of the best treks in the world, but I felt totally immersed in the villages, the people and the region itself. Sam got us into every kitchen we stopped at so we could watch the cooks prepare the food and ask them any questions. I felt safe with his knowledge of the people Sam knows the area so well that he would spot animals in the jungle that I had missed even though I had been resting in the location without noticing them. Himalayan Lungurs on 3 occasions, ox, buffalo, it was amazing. Sam is so positive and joyful to be around. He is the best guide and he gets my highest endorsement and recommendation.”
April 12, 2024
“Above and Beyond Trekking fits its name very well. I felt completely taken care of during my trek. Sam, the owner of the company goes the extra mile to ensure that his clients are satisfied with their trek. I had been anxious about finding a good guide upon arriving in Nepal. Above and Beyond Trekking was recommended by a friend. I am happy to say that this is a fantastic company. All details were taken care of before I arrived. My guide was flexible and made adjustments to our itinerary as needed. The experience itself was wonderful. There is so much extraordinary beauty in Nepal. I would highly recommend Above and Beyond Trekking to anyone planning to trek in Nepal.”
