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14 days
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Annapurna
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Moderate
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4,130 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Close views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Magar and Gurung villages such as Ghorepani and Chhomrong
- Rhododendron forests, bamboo groves and alpine meadows
- No high passes, with comfortable teahouses all the way
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. The 14-day route starts with sunrise from Poon Hill and continues via Chuile to the Gurung village of Chhomrong before following the Modi Khola valley up to base camp at 4,130 m.
Along the way the trail passes from terraced farmland and rhododendron forest to bamboo groves and alpine meadows, with teahouses in friendly villages all the way. It is one of the most varied treks in Nepal and does not cross any high passes.
Short on time? Our 8-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek flies to Pokhara and goes straight to the Sanctuary.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days and a high point of 4,130 m at base camp. There are many stone steps, especially around Ghorepani and Chhomrong, so strong legs help.
No technical skills are needed, and the trek suits beginners with good general fitness. Regular walks and stair or hill training before the trip are recommended.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A scenic bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you west to Pokhara. The evening is free to walk along Phewa Lake and enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A drive of around three hours takes you to Hile, where the trek begins. The trail climbs long stone steps via Tikhedhunga and through Magar villages to Ulleri, with the first views of the Annapurna range opening up. Overnight in a teahouse in Ulleri (1,960 m).
The trail climbs steadily through dense rhododendron and oak forest, which blooms red and pink in spring. You reach Ghorepani, a village on a ridge with views towards Dhaulagiri. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghorepani (2,850 m).
An early start takes you up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. After breakfast in Ghorepani, the trail climbs through forest to Deurali and then descends via Banthanti to the small settlement of Chuile. Overnight in a teahouse in Chuile (2,300 m).
A shorter day takes you through forest and terraced fields to Chhomrong, a large Gurung village on the trail into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The afternoon is free to rest and explore the village. Overnight in a teahouse in Chhomrong (2,170 m).
From Chhomrong the trail descends long stone steps and climbs again to Sinuwa. It then enters the Modi Khola valley and continues through bamboo and rhododendron forest past Bamboo to the small settlement of Dovan. Overnight in a teahouse in Dovan (2,600 m).
The valley narrows as the trail climbs steadily past Himalaya and Hinko Cave, leaving the forest behind. You reach Deurali in good time to rest and let your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight in a teahouse in Deurali (3,230 m).
Following the river upstream, you pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high basin ringed by peaks. Walk slowly as you gain height towards Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight in a teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Wake early to watch the sunrise light up Annapurna I and the peaks surrounding the Sanctuary. After breakfast, a long descent follows the Modi Khola gorge back down to Bamboo. Overnight in a teahouse in Bamboo (2,345 m).
The trail climbs back to Sinuwa and Chhomrong before a steep descent to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon you can walk down to the natural hot springs and soak tired legs after the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Jhinu Danda (1,780 m).
A short walk leads down to the road head, where a vehicle meets you for the drive of two to three hours back to Pokhara. The afternoon is free to rest, stroll by the lake or enjoy a meal in town. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back to Kathmandu. The afternoon and evening are free to rest, shop or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
