Annapurna Base Camp Trek
This spectacular short teahouse trek takes you right into the Annapurna Sanctuary, traversing a variety of terrain, from rice terraces to glaciers. Very few treks bring you so close to the base of the Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains in such a short time as this one does. The setting of the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m.) is spectacular, set amidst the mighty peaks of Annapurna I (8,091 m.), Annapurna South (7,219 m.), Machapuchhre (6,993 m.) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m.). This incredible trek can be combined with the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Panorama treks.
Our trek starts from Pokhara and climbs through rice terraces and interesting Gurung villages before the trail enters a narrow valley wedged between Annapurna South and Fishtail. We reach Machapuchhare Base Camp and continue the short distance to Annapurna Base Camp (4,200 m.) which offers dramatic snowy peaks with 360-degree vistas.
US$1,250*
7 or 9 NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: pokhara
Maximum elevation: 4,095 m
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & September to November
* Price based on twin share accommodation. Single room supplement available subject to availability. 9-night trek is US$995
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here
““Thanks very much for all your help in arranging our trek. Our guide was excellent and proved to be very knowledgeable. Your well informed and knowledgeable responses to all our questions were extremely helpful in finding a trek that was well suited to our limited time frame.”—Larry, USA”
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
Domestic and international airfares. (These can be arranged for us. Please contact us for details).
Nepal tourist visa
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Snacks on the trek
Meals in Pokhara
Alcoholic or soft drinks, including bottled water (we recommend using filters or supporting safe drinking water programme)
Tips for trekking porters and guides
Trip Inclusions
Surface transfer to start of trek
All meals on the trek
7 or 9 nights teahouse lodge accommodation in twin/triple sharing and occasionally dormitory style
Trekking permits
English speaking guide
Guide and porters on the trek
ITINERARY for the 7 night trek
DAY 1
Pokhara to Ghandruk. Depart Pokhara and drive to Birethanti, then trek to Ghandruk along the Modi River Valley and through small villages with terraced farmland. Ghandruk is a primarily Gurung town, so you can see how this ethnic group lives.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Altitude: 1,939 m.
DAY 2
Ghandruk to Sinuwa. There are some steep ups and downs on today’s trek from Ghandruk to Sinuwa. You’ll pass through pretty forests, and the mountains will start coming more and more into view.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 2,360 m.
DAY 3
Sinuwa to Deurali. The trail follows a narrow forested valley as it reaches into the Annapurna Sanctuary, with high mountains on either side. Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Altitude: 3,200 m.
DAY 4
Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp. Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). If you are feeling healthy and unbothered by the altitude then it’s possible to trek all the way to Annapurna Base Camp, which is at 4,130 m. However, for better acclimatisation it’s also possible to stop for the night at Machapuchare Base Camp, at 3,700 m., which is just an hour’s walk before Annapurna Base Camp.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 3,700 m. / 4,130 m.
DAY 5
ABC to Dovan. Watch the sun rise over Annapurna I, Barahi Shikhar, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Gandharva Chuli. The views of the mountains early in the morning are worth getting up early for! Then begin your return trek, stopping overnight in the village of Dovan.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Altitude: 2,520 m.
DAY 6
Dovan to Chomrong. Continue trekking down hill. You’ll notice the temperature and vegetation chance dramatically as you get further down.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 2,170 m.
DAY 7
Chomrong to Lhandruk. Today is your last full day of trekking. Trek from Chomrong to Lhandruk. Lhandruk is Ghandruk’s ‘sister’ village, and from there you’ll be able to look across to Ghandruk on the opposite hillside and see where you stayed on the first night of your trek.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 1,565 m.
DAY 8
Return to Pokhara. Walk to Phedi and return to Pokhara by road.
Walking time: 3-4 hrs
Altitude: 895 m
ITINERARY for the 9 NIGHT TREK (incl. poon hill)
DAY 1
Pokhara to Tikhedhungga/Ulleri. Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, and start your trek to Tikhedhungga / Ulleri. The landscape is pleasant, with traditional villages and lots of farm land. The biggest challenge of the day are the 3,000 stone steps that lead up to Ulleri!
Walking time: 3-4 hrs
Altitude: 1,520 m / 1,960 m.
DAY 2
Tikhedhungga/Ulleri to Ghorepani. You may get your first snow-capped mountain views this morning. The trail to Ghorepani passes through cool forest, and there is quite an increase in altitude, although the track isn’t too challenging.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 2,750 m.
DAY 3
Ghorepani to Tadapani, via Poon Hill. Wake up early to trek up to Poon Hill in time for the sunrise. This is one of the best locations in the Himalaya to see the sun rise over the Himalaya, as the mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are extremely close. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue on to Tadapani, trekking through farmland and forested tracks.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 2,721 m.
DAY 4
Tadapani to Sinuwa. Trek from Tadapani to Sinuwa, through cool, damp forests, and with good views of the Modi Khola Valley. Today’s trail goes quite steeply up and down hill in sections. From your overnight stop, Sinuwa, you can see close-up views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 2,360 m.
DAY 5
Sinuwa to Deurali. Today’s trail continues into a narrow valley, the way in to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Pass through thickets of bamboo forest.
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 3,200 m.
DAY 6
Deurali to ABC. The Annapurna Sanctuary is totally surrounded by mountains on all sides, so is an impressive and memorable place. Trek first to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC, 3,700 m.), then continue on to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). If you are feeling discomfort from the increase in altitude, it’s possible to stop at MBC.
Walking time: 5 hrs
Altitude: 4,130 m.
DAY 7
ABC to Dovan. Watch the sun rise over Annapurna I, Barahi Shikhar, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Gandharva Chuli. The views of the mountains early in the morning are worth getting up early for! Then begin your return trek, stopping overnight in the village of Dovan.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Altitude: 2,520 m.
DAY 8
Dovan to Chomrong. Continue trekking down hill. You’ll notice the temperature and vegetation chance dramatically as you get further down.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 2,170 m.
DAY 9
Chomrong to Ghandruk. Today is an easier and shorter day of trekking. From Chomrong the trail descends through forests to Gurjung Khola, and then ascends slightly to Kimche, and then Ghandruk. There will be time for you to see the Gurung way of life in the village.
Walking time: 3 hrs
Altitude: 1,939 m.
DAY 10
Return to Pokhara. Walk to Nayapul and return to Pokhara by road.
Other trips you may be interested in
Mardi Himal Trek, Nepal
Gokyo Lakes & Beyond, Nepal
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
