11 Days • 4,130 m • Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp trek climbs to the south face of Annapurna I (8,091m), the tenth-highest mountain on Earth. The trail runs through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages, with Machapuchare (6,993m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) in view most of the way. It ends in the Sanctuary — a natural amphitheater ringed by six-thousand-metre peaks on every side.
Every stage of the trail is led by licensed local guides through the Annapurna Conservation Area — Nepal's largest protected region and home of the sacred Fishtail peak.
A natural bowl ringed entirely by peaks over 6,000 meters, with Annapurna I, South and Hiunchuli all visible from one spot.
Stone stairways and slate-roofed houses in Ghandruk and Chhomrong, the two largest Gurung settlements on the route.
Natural hot spring pools on the banks of the Modi Khola — the last stop before the trail turns back toward Pokhara.
A steadily rising trail through forests and villages into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — with hot springs waiting on the way down.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thamel.
The rest of the day is spent on trek preparation, equipment checks and a welcome briefing with your guide.
A scenic 25-minute flight brings us to Pokhara, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Kimchi where our trek begins.
We hike up to the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk, with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
Ghandruk's stone terraces catch the evening light beautifully — keep your camera handy at sunset.
We descend from Ghandruk through forests and cross the Kimrong Khola.
After a steep climb, we reach the beautiful village of Chhomrong — one of the largest settlements and hubs on the Annapurna Sanctuary route.
We descend stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, cross the bridge and climb to Sinuva village.
From there the trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, descending steadily to the aptly named Bamboo camp.
From Bamboo, the trail climbs steadily through alpine forests past Dovan and Himalaya camp into the high-altitude zone.
As the Modi Khola valley narrows, we reach Deurali — the gateway to the upper sanctuary.
The highlight of the journey. Walking steadily from Deurali, we first reach Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m).
Another two hours of moderate climbing brings us into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself — a colossal wall of 360-degree snow peaks.
Sleeping at base camp means sunrise at base camp — the dawn light hits Annapurna I first.
After witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the peaks, we begin our descent along the same trail, heading back down through Deurali and Dovan to Bamboo.
The walk is much faster and easier as we go downhill.
We trek from Bamboo back up to Sinuva and Chhomrong, then descend to Jhinu Danda.
Here you can relax and soothe your sore muscles in the famous natural hot springs on the banks of the Modi Khola.
Pack a swimsuit — the hot spring pools sit right beside the river, a short walk below the village.
A short trek from Jhinu Danda brings us down to Matque, where we meet our transport for the 2.5-hour drive back to Pokhara.
Enjoy a comfortable evening and celebratory dinner by the lakeside.
Travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or a short flight. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in Thamel featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Depart with beautiful memories of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
One clear package covers your entire journey from Kathmandu to the Sanctuary and back — no surprises on the trail.
From the moment you land in Kathmandu until your final departure, every logistical and safety detail is handled by our local team.
English-speaking guides who know every teahouse on the trail
ACAP permits and TIMS card processed before you arrive
Gradual elevation gains that let your body adapt naturally
The best available tea houses booked ahead at every stop
Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners on every trekking day
Flights and drives between Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trail
Emergency coordination and helicopter rescue on standby
Every service in your itinerary is confirmed upfront, before you leave home
"At first light the Sanctuary becomes a ring of burning summits — Annapurna, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli — and you stand at its very center."
— Dawn at Annapurna Base Camp
A glimpse of what awaits between Pokhara and the Sanctuary — click any photo to view it full size.
Annapurna Base Camp, Day 6
Ghandruk village, Day 2
Chhomrong, Day 3
Deurali, Day 5
Sanctuary sunrise, Day 7
Phewa Lake, Pokhara
We would rather show you nothing than show you something we made up. Reviews from trekkers who have walked this route with us will be published here in their own words, with their permission.
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Annapurna Base Camp • 11 Days • Free quote within 24 hours
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