Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Annapurna Base Camp trek, a 16-day adventure that combines culture, scenery, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking. From the lively streets of Kathmandu to the tranquil lakeside of Pokhara, your journey leads through rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and Gurung villages before entering the awe-inspiring Annapurna Sanctuary.
Standing at 4,130m, the Base Camp offers panoramic views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli—peaks that glow with dawn’s first light. Along the way, experience the warmth of Nepalese hospitality, stay in traditional teahouses, and soak in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. With careful pacing, expert guides, and full support, this trek is designed for both comfort and adventure, ensuring you witness the best of Nepal’s mountain landscapes in one unforgettable journey.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK → KATHMANDU
Day 2 : ARRIVE KATHMANDU (1,350M) – LEISURE & FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Day 3 : KATHMANDU → POKHARA (827M) – LAKESIDE LEISURE
Day 4 : DRIVE TO NAYAPUL (1,070M) – TREK TO TIKHEDHUNGA (1,540M)
Day 5 : TREK TO GHOREPANI (2,860M)
Day 6 : SUNRISE AT POON HILL (3,210M) – TREK TO TADAPANI (2,630M)
Day 7 : TREK TO CHHOMRONG (2,170M)
Day 8 : TREK TO BAMBOO (2,310M)
Day 9 : TREK TO DEURALI (3,200M)
Day 10 : DEURALI → MACHHAPUCHHRE BASE CAMP (3,700M) → ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,130M)
Day 11 : SUNRISE AT ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,130M) – TREK BACK TO BAMBOO (2,310M)
Day 12 : TREK TO JHINU DANDA (1,780M) – HOT SPRINGS BY THE RIVER
Day 13 : TREK TO SIWAI/NEW BRIDGE – DRIVE TO POKHARA (827M)
Day 14 : FREE DAY IN POKHARA (827M) – RELAXATION & EXPLORATION
Day 15 : POKHARA → KATHMANDU (1,350M) – RETURN JOURNEY
Day 16 : DEPART KATHMANDU → NEW YORK
Location |
Hotel / Lodge Type |
Nights |
Meal Plan |
Kathmandu |
Well-selected city hotel (standard room) |
2 |
Breakfast |
Pokhara |
Comfortable lakeside hotel (standard room) |
3 |
Breakfast |
Annapurna Trek (Nayapul – ABC – Nayapul) |
Local tea houses / trekking lodges (basic, shared facilities) |
10 |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Notes: Tea houses on the Annapurna trail are simple but welcoming, usually with shared bathrooms and limited hot water. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging may be available for a small fee. Porters carry 10–12 kg per person; trekkers carry a daypack with essentials. Expect rustic facilities that form part of the authentic Himalayan experience.
Quick Facts: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 16 days including Kathmandu & Pokhara stays, 11 trekking days
- Max Altitude: 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp
- Trek Grade: Moderate to challenging – 5–7 hrs walking daily
- Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 20 participants
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara; breakfast, lunch & dinner during trek
- Accommodation: Hotels in cities & tea houses on trek
- Luggage: Porters carry up to 10–12 kg per person; daypack for essentials
- Insurance: Must cover trekking up to 4,500 m & helicopter evacuation
- Visa: Nepal tourist visa required (available on arrival)
- Best Season: March–May & September–November
Important Travel Information
Who is this trek suitable for?
This adventure is suited to travellers with a good fitness level and love of mountain landscapes. Expect 5–7 hours of daily walking, often on steep stone staircases and forest trails. Porters carry your main luggage, leaving you with only a daypack. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not essential—determination and steady pacing are key.
Altitude and acclimatisation
The highest sleeping point is Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The route is designed with gradual ascent to allow safe acclimatisation, but some risk of altitude sickness remains. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, or nausea. Hydrate well, walk slowly, and follow your guide’s advice. The itinerary follows the principle of “climb high, sleep lower” where possible.
Things to be aware of
• Several suspension bridges are crossed en route, some high and long.
• Tea houses are basic, with shared bathrooms and limited amenities.
• Food options become simpler at higher altitudes.
• Weather is unpredictable—rain, snow, or cold snaps may occur at any time.
• Landslides or trail blockages may occasionally require rerouting.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
On trek, nights are spent in traditional tea houses, offering simple twin rooms or dormitories. Facilities are basic but clean; hot showers and charging points may incur a small fee. Teahouses are part of the authentic trekking culture of Nepal.
Meals
During the trek, three meals per day are included. Expect hearty Nepalese dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, and vegetable curries.
• Breakfast usually includes eggs, bread, porridge, or pancakes with tea/coffee.
• Lunch is taken at tea houses along the trail.
• Dinner is served at the lodge where you overnight.
Snacks, bottled drinks, and alcohol are available locally but not included.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian meals are widely available, but strict diets (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free) are difficult to cater for. We recommend bringing protein bars or supplementary snacks if you have special requirements.
Drinking water
You should drink 3–4 litres daily. Boiled water can be purchased at tea houses (small fee per litre, rising with altitude). Cold water is available free but must be purified. Carry a reusable bottle or hydration bladder with tablets, filter, or UV Steripen to reduce plastic waste.
Health & vaccinations
No mandatory vaccines, but tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, and diphtheria are recommended. Consult your GP 6–8 weeks before travel. Dengue can occur at lower altitudes; use insect repellent. Cold dry air may cause a “Khumbu cough”—a buff or scarf helps protect lungs.
Transport
Overland transfers between Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu are by air-conditioned tourist coach. Upgrade to domestic flights is available at extra cost during the booking process.
Luggage & porterage
Porters carry up to 10–12 kg per trekker. Please pack responsibly to protect porter welfare. Extra luggage can be stored safely at your Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel. You carry only your daypack (5–7 kg) with water, camera, and essentials.
Guides & tipping
You will be accompanied by an English-speaking trekking guide and support staff. Tipping is customary in Nepal. As a guideline, US$10–15 per trekker per day is recommended, pooled and shared among the team.
Weather & seasons
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, mild days, cool nights – best season.
• Spring (Mar–May): Warmer days, rhododendrons in bloom, occasional haze.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold at higher altitudes, but quieter trails.
• Summer/Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Hot, humid, leeches in forests, limited views.
Weather is unpredictable year-round; pack for all conditions.
Visa
A tourist visa is required for Nepal and can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport (15/30/90 days) or online in advance. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is mandatory, covering trekking up to 4,500 m, medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, and repatriation. Proof may be requested before departure.
Group size
Minimum 2, maximum 20 participants. Smaller groups offer flexibility while larger ones provide companionship and shared experience.
Money
Bring Nepalese rupees in cash for local expenses like hot showers, snacks, and charging devices. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but less reliable on trek. Foreign currency is not accepted in tea houses.
Mobility
This trek is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility restrictions. Trails are steep, uneven, and involve daily ascents and descents.