Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 10-Day Itinerary

Annapurna Region
ABC Trek 10 days
311 reviews in TripAdvisor Recommended by 99% of travelers

Trip Facts

Duration
10 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
4,130 m
Best Season
Autumn and Spring
Trek start / End
Pokhara
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Starting price
$630 per person
Group pricing
1 $630
1
Total Amount $630 1

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Trip Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most well-known trekking routes in Nepal. It leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high mountain valley below Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), the tenth-highest mountain in the world. The trek’s main destination is Annapurna Base Camp, sitting at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level. Along the way, the trail moves from warm foothills near Pokhara through farmland, forest, river valleys, and eventually to exposed alpine terrain surrounded by the stunning Annapurna massif.

The route goes through Nepal’s largest conservation area, the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a wide range of Himalayan wildlife. You might see animals and birds like Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, langur monkeys, pheasants, and even snow leopards if you are lucky. A major highlight of the trek, besides the base camp, is Poon Hill at a height of 3,210 m. One of the most memorable experiences on this trek is getting to this viewpoint early in the morning and watching as the first rays of sunlight turn Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and the other peaks golden.

This package takes 10 days and is best done in spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November)when the weather and mountain visibility are better. But you will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card for the trek. As the route is non-technical, both beginners and experienced trekkers can complete it, as long as you have decent fitness and can walk for several hours each day. If you want to see the famous Poon Hill, the local villages, the forests, the wildlife and Annapurna Base Camp in a single trip, this 10-day package gives you a little bit of everything that the Annapurna region is famous for.

Including Poon Hill makes this route longer than many ABC itineraries. It adds a different side of the Annapurna region. You get the lower hill villages, the Poon Hill viewpoint, forest sections and the high-altitude sanctuary in one route. The gradual progression also gives the trek a more natural change in elevation and scenery before reaching its highest point at base camp. This also means technical climbing ability is not required.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route

Click the map below to view image in full resolution.

10-day annapurna base camp trek route through ghorepani, poon hill and machhapuchhre base camp starting from pokhara

The trekking journey starts from Pokhara. From there, we will drive through Nayapul to Hile, followed by the first uphill trek to Ulleri. Then you climb to Ghorepani and go on an early morning hike to Poon Hill for the sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After that, the trail continues east toward Tadapani, and then to Chhomrong, where the Poon Hill section connects with the main Annapurna Sanctuary route.

From Chhomrong, the trail follows the Modi Khola valley higher through Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m. Then from there, the final climb takes you to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. After spending the night at base camp, you descend through the same upper valley to Bamboo and continue to Jhinu Danda. The final day takes you back toward Nayapul, where the walking section ends. Finally, you drive back to Pokhara.

Trip Highlights

What makes this trek special

9 Highlights

Watch the sunrise from Poon Hill at 3,210 m, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges stretching on the horizon.

Spend a night at Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m, directly below the unique Fishtail Mountain before heading to ABC

Stay overnight at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, surrounded very closely by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other peaks.

Stargaze from base camp with very little artificial light, where clear nights reveal a bright, starry mountain sky.

See the landscape change from terraced farmland and rhododendron forest to narrow valleys and exposed alpine terrain with each new day.

Pass through old Nepali villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Chhomrong to experience everyday mountain life and stay in local teahouses.

Get amazing photography opportunities, from Poon Hill sunrise and forest trails to close mountain views.

Walk beneath the region's best-known mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.

Relax at the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda after returning from the trek's tiring, high-altitude section.

Tour Itinerary

10 days

01

The Annapurna Base Camp trek begins with breakfast in Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will take a 2-3 hour jeep ride to Hile via Nayapul and Birethanti. The road from Pokhara to Nayapul is paved. But after reaching Birethanti, you will be traveling on a rough gravel road, so it can get muddy and slower if it rains on this day. The walking part of the trip begins at Hile.

From Hile, the trail heads down through the lower hills towards Tikhedhunga. From there, the main ascent to Ulleri begins. The Ulleri section has a long series of stone steps, so the walk becomes much steeper. On today's walk, you will pass by terraced farmland, some small settlements, and parts of the Bhurungdi Khola valley.

You will reach Ulleri at 1,940 m after walking for around 3 hours. Since the first walking day is relatively short, you will have time to rest before the longer trek to Ghorepani the following day. You will spend the night at a lodge in Ulleri.

Max Altitude: 1,940 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge in Ulleri
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: Around 4 km
02
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What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • All necessary trekking permits
  • Ground transportation (private jeep)
  • 3 meals a day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the trek
  • Experienced, helpful, friendly, and English-speaking trekking guide, including salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, etc.
  • 1 porter for 2 people
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service, paid by the travel insurance company
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
  • All government taxes
  • Service charges

Excluded

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Personal expenses like phone calls, hot showers, laundry, bar bills, battery charge, Wi-Fi, extra porter, bottle of water, and all hot drinks
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • International flight tickets
  • Nepalese tourist visa fee

More Information

Information on guides, porters, accommodation, food, insurance, permits, and weather conditions.

How Difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The trek is considered moderate and non-technical. You do not need climbing skills, ropes, or mountaineering experience to reach base camp. However, you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on mountain trails. On this 10-day ABC itinerary, most trekking days involve 4 to 7 hours of walking. The trail itself is well established, but some sections can be rocky, muddy, or slippery depending on the weather.

The stone staircases are one of the main physical challenges. The climb from Hile to Ulleri introduces them, and steeper sections appear around Chhomrong and Sinuwa. You will also lose and regain elevation many times. Because of this, even if a day ends at a lower elevation than it started, it can still involve plenty of climbing.

Another main problem for many is altitude. Altitude change becomes very obvious during the final days. When you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you will be sleeping at 3,700 m, up from the previous night’s 2,850 m. That’s an increase of 850 m in just 2 nights. But that’s not even the highest point, because the next day takes you to 4,130 m (13,550 ft). Walking speed decreases at these elevations, even for physically fit people, due to reduced oxygen. The return also requires strong endurance, especially on the long descent from ABC to Bamboo.

As you get closer to the base camp, the trail becomes more remote and much colder. There are fewer lodges and the facilities are more basic. Weather changes can have a bigger impact because there are limited alternatives once you are deep inside the remote sanctuary. At night and early in the morning, temperatures at these elevations can fall below freezing, especially in late autumn, winter, and early spring. So, it is important to bring warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, and be ready for cold weather.

You do not need to be an athlete, but having high stamina and strong legs will make the trek much easier. Regular walks, hikes, hill climbs, and stair walking can be very useful before arriving in Nepal and walking for several hours matters more than walking fast.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance and Daily Walking Hours

The total walking distance on the ABC trek is around 95 to 100 km, including the Poon Hill hike. On most days, you will walk 4 to 14 km, although the long descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo is around 15 km.

Distance alone does not determine difficulty. A 10 km section with steep stone stairs takes more effort than a longer downhill section.

Day Route Distance Walking Time
1 Hile to Ulleri Around 4 km 3 hrs
2 Ulleri to Ghorepani Around 10 km 5 to 6 hrs
3 Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani Around 14 km 6 to 7 hrs
4 Tadapani to Chhomrong Around 10 km 4 to 5 hrs
5 Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel Around 12 km Around 6 hrs
6 Himalaya Hotel to MBC Around 7 to 8 km 5 to 6 hrs
7 MBC to Annapurna Base Camp Around 3 to 4 km 2 to 3 hrs
8 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Around 15 km 6 to 8 hrs
9 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Around 9 to 11 km 5 to 6 hrs
10 Jhinu Danda to Nayapul Around 12 km 4 to 5 hrs

Note: The exact distance can be a bit different depending on the lodge you stay at and small trail changes.

When is the Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (late September to November). In these months, you will find the best trail conditions, temperatures, and visibility. October is the busiest month because the monsoon ends in late September and the air becomes clearer. Meanwhile, April is a popular spring month when rhododendrons flower along the lower sections around Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

Spring (March to May)

In spring, mornings offer clear mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and surrounding peaks. The forests in the lower route also become more colourful because of rhododendrons blooming around Ghorepani, Poon Hill and other forest areas. Overall, spring feels warmer during the day, although clouds can cover the mountains in the afternoon, especially in May.

Spring is also the busiest trekking season on the Annapurna Base Camp route because of its good weather and mountain visibility. Popular teahouses in Ghorepani, Chhomrong, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp can fill up quickly. Therefore, booking accommodation and trekking arrangements in advance is recommended, especially in April.

Autumn (September to November)

Another great time for the trek, autumn begins after the summer monsoon. In autumn, rainfall is a lot lower, trails are drier, and daytime visibility improves. The air also becomes a lot cleaner after the monsoon, so this season is known for clear mountain views and stable trekking conditions. Most trekkers choose October, but early to mid-November also offers good conditions even though nights can be slightly colder.

Autumn is also an interesting time to experience Nepalese culture because some of the country’s biggest festivals fall during this season, like Dashain and Tihar. While trekking through villages and travelling around Pokhara or Kathmandu, you will see homes decorated, families gathering, traditional celebrations, lights, and festivities. This gives the trek a cultural side in addition to the mountain experience.

Like spring, autumn is a peak trekking season, and October in particular can become very busy. Lodges in the popular sections of the route may have limited rooms during this period. That’s why we suggest booking your trek and accommodation in advance, especially around MBC and ABC where teahouses are already limited in number.

Other Seasons

The trek is still possible during winter and monsoon, but requires more preparation. Winter brings freezing nights and snow around Deurali and the base camps. During monsoon, the lower trail’s stone steps and forest sections become very slippery because of frequent rain. Leeches are also common, and clouds can hide the mountains for long periods.

Despite these inconveniences, off-season trekking also has two major advantages:

1. The trail is very quiet.
2. Teahouses are less busy.

You can enjoy a more peaceful trek without large crowds seen in spring and autumn. Plus, accommodation is also a lot easier to find. Moreover, you may find the overall cost to be slightly lower. If you don’t mind colder weather, rain, or less predictable mountain views, then winter and monsoon can still be good options for experiencing the Annapurna region with fewer people.

Weather and Temperature by Season

Temperatures in different locations along the ABC trek vary because you travel from the lower hills near Pokhara to 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. The figures below show conditions at the higher elevations around MBC and ABC. Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and other lower stops are usually much warmer.

Season Months Daytime (High Elevations) Nighttime (High Elevations) Typical Conditions Trekking Suitability
Spring March to May 0°C to 17°C (32°F to 63°F) -9°C to 0°C (16°F to 32°F) Warmer days, flowering rhododendrons, some afternoon cloud Excellent
Monsoon June to August 5°C to 16°C (41°F to 61°F) 0°C to 9°C (32°F to 48°F) Frequent rain, cloudy mountains, muddy and slippery lower trails Challenging
Autumn September to November 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F) -10°C to 3°C (14°F to 37°F) Drier trails and generally clearer mountain views Excellent
Winter December to February -2°C to 7°C (28°F to 45°F) -15°C to -8°C (5°F to 18°F) Very cold nights, possible snow and ice above Deurali Possible with proper preparation

These temperatures are general ranges that you can use for your planning, but don’t treat them as fixed forecasts. Weather can change rapidly up there. Moreover, weather at Poon Hill, Chhomrong, MBC, and ABC can be very different even on the same day.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation and Altitude

The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m (13,550 ft). But the route starts much lower in the hills near Pokhara and takes several days to gain altitude over a week. But the elevation does not increase continuously. The trail includes many descents and climbs, especially in Tadapani, Chhomrong, and the upper Modi Khola valley.

Poon Hill is the first point on this itinerary to rise above 3,000 m (3,210 m) on Day 3. But you return to a lower altitude to sleep in Tadapani. The bigger altitude gain comes later in the trek, from Himalaya Hotel at 2,850 m to Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m, increasing your sleeping elevation by about 850 m in one day. The following day adds another 430 m.

Day Overnight Stop Elevation
1 Ulleri 1,940 m
2 Ghorepani 2,860 m
3 Tadapani 2,520 m
4 Chhomrong 2,020 m
5 Himalaya Hotel 2,850 m
6 Machhapuchhre Base Camp 3,700 m
7 Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m
8 Bamboo 2,300 m
9 Jhinu Danda 1,780 m
10 Pokhara Around 820 m

Permits Required for ABC Trek

You need 2 permits for this 10-day route: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Since this itinerary combines Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp, the Nepal Tourism Board lists it as a route that requires a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card.

  1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): It allows you to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which covers both the ABC route and Ghorepani-Poon Hill area. The current fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, including tax. Children under 10 do not need a conservation area permit. You can obtain the ACAP online or through official permit counters in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  2. TIMS Card: The TIMS card records trekker and route information for trekking management and safety. For routes covered by the revised TIMS provision, a government-registered trekking agency issues the card. The current fee is NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

You should carry the required permits during the trek because they may be checked along the route. When you book this package with Great Himalaya, the trekking team can arrange the required permits and paperwork before you start.

Documents Required to Issue the Permits

To obtain the ACAP and TIMS card for the ABC trek, you need these documents and information:

  • Valid passport or a copy of the passport information page
  • Recent passport-size photo
  • Trekking itinerary, clearly showing the route and trekking dates
  • Personal details like your full name, nationality, date of birth, gender and occupation
  • Emergency contact details
  • Guide and trekking agency details for TIMS application

For ACAP online application, a recent photo and complete personal information are required. For counter applications, you must present your passport or another valid ID. For TIMS, your trekking agency will submit a copy of your passport and passport-size photo along with the details of your guide and route.

How Much Does Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost?

Our 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from USD 630 per person. This price covers all essential trekking services like accommodation, 3 meals a day, permits, porter fees, and ground transportation. But you should budget separately for personal expenses like travel insurance, tips, drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, and any personal trekking gear you need. The final price can change based on group size, departure arrangements, and any changes you want to make to the itinerary.

The larger the group, the lower the per-person cost. Here is a table showing the costs for different group sizes:

Group Size Cost Per Person
1-4 people USD 630
5-9 people USD 610
10-14 people USD 585
15+ people USD 570

Accommodation During the Trek

During the trek, you will stay in local teahouses and mountain lodges along the route. Accommodation every night during the trek is included in the package. Most rooms are simple and have 2 single beds with mattresses, pillows and blankets. Twin-sharing is the standard arrangement, although some stops may offer private rooms. But that largely depends on the lodge and season. In busier seasons like Spring and Autumn, they are difficult to find.

Ghorepani and Chhomrong are larger villages with more accommodations and better facilities. Some lodges there have comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms also. But as you move near Machhapuchhre & Annapurna Base Camps, accommodation becomes more basic, and the number of rooms decreases. Shared toilets are also common there. Also, lodges cannot always guarantee private rooms during busy months.

Bedrooms in mountain lodges are not heated. If you need warmth, the dining room is the warmest common area in the evening. Sleeping rooms can become quite cold at higher elevations, but lodges normally provide multiple blankets. Still, a warm sleeping bag is very useful, particularly for nights at MBC and ABC.

Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging are available at many stops as add-ons. They are less reliable as you go higher on the trail. We cover them separately in the facilities section below.

Food and Meals During the Trek

Typically, breakfasts and dinners are served at the lodge where you stay, and lunch is served at a teahouse along the trail. The food selection is broader in lower villages such as Ghorepani and Chhomrong, then becomes simpler as you move toward Annapurna Base Camp. Prices also increase at higher elevations because supplies have to be carried farther up.

These are the foods you will eat on the trail:

  • Breakfast: Toast, pancakes, porridge, muesli and local Nepali breakfast sets
  • Lunch: Rice with lentil soup, momo (mostly vegan), thukpa, fried rice, chowmein (Nepali-style spaghetti) and simple sandwiches
  • Dinner: Dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), curry, spaghetti/chowmein and other simple lodge meals

Dal bhat (rice with lentil soup) is Nepal’s staple food and the most common food along the route. It is the best meal for trekkers because it’s filling and available everywhere. Vegetarian meals are also easy to find in teahouses.

Drinking Water During the ABC Trek

Safe drinking water is available on the trail, but do not drink untreated tap, stream, or river water directly. Most teahouses provide boiled water, and many trekkers also carry their own purification method. If that is possible for you, it is highly encouraged.

The best drinking water options on the trekking trail include:

  • Boiled water from teahouses
  • Water purification tablets or drops
  • Reusable bottles with built-in filters
  • Refilling reusable bottles at lodges and safe water points

Boiled water often costs extra, especially higher on the trail. Carrying a reusable bottle is the best option and also reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles.

What Facilities Are Available on the Trail?

Basic facilities like internet, electricity, and hot showers are mostly available in lower sections of the trail. You will find them in Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong villages. However, as you move upward, the quality of facilities drops. This is especially true after you cross Deurali village. Lodges in those areas depend more on solar power and smaller local systems, and such systems are not very reliable due to cold weather.

Internet and Connectivity

Wi-Fi can be found in a number of teahouses, particularly in the lower part of the trek. It is sufficient for sending messages, checking email, or transmitting a few photos, but fast internet should not be expected. Near Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the Wi-Fi may be slow, unavailable, or impacted by weather and electricity supply. Lodges charge NPR 300 to 500 for Wi-Fi access.

For cellular data, both Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell have coverage along parts of the route. Mobile data works better in lower villages, but the signal weakens as you move upward. NTC reportedly has better coverage on remote sections, but around MBC and ABC, you may lose mobile signal completely.

Charging

In most teahouses, the charging points are located in the dining room or in some other communal area rather than in the bedrooms. You can use it to charge mobile phones, camera batteries, power banks, headlamps, GPS devices and drone batteries.

Charging in higher lodges may cost NPR 200 to 500 or more per device or charging session. Solar power is available at higher elevations on the route, but this means that your device charges more slowly during cloudy weather.

If you plan to use a camera or drone regularly, carry spare batteries and a good power bank. Recharging several devices every night may not be possible once you reach higher sections.

Hot Showers

Many teahouses offer hot showers for an extra cost of NPR 300 to 600 per shower. Lower villages have more reliable hot-water facilities, but lodges in higher altitudes use gas, solar heating, or bucket showers. Because of the cold and limited amount of hot water, many trekkers use wet wipes or a quick wash instead of a full shower every day.

Safety and Altitude Sickness on Annapurna Base Camp Route

Even though the Annapurna Base Camp route is a well-established trail, unstable weather and altitude sickness can cause major problems for trekkers. The mountainous terrain’s slippery steps and long descents also add to the danger. That’s why a licensed guide is essential to help you with pacing, route conditions, lodge arrangements, and decisions if someone in the group becomes sick.

The main altitude concern begins once the trek moves above 3,000 m. On this itinerary, you will sleep in the Himalaya at 2,850 m before climbing to Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m, followed by Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m the next day. At MBC, focus on how your body is responding.

Common symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) are:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Vomiting

Physical fitness does not prevent altitude sickness. Someone who trains regularly can still develop AMS, while another trekker adjusts easily. The safest approach is to avoid rushing uphill, drink enough water, eat properly, and tell your guide as soon as symptoms appear.

If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, do not go higher until the symptoms disappear. If symptoms get worse even when you are resting, you must go to a lower elevation without a second thought. If you feel confused, lose coordination, become breathless, or if your cough gets worse, you will need immediate medical attention.

Practical Advice for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

For safety and comfort during the trek, take these safety measures:

  • Wear trekking shoes with good grip and a comfortable fit.
  • Use trekking poles on long staircases, slippery sections and descents.
  • Carry a warm, waterproof fleece, an insulated or down jacket, as well as waterproof trousers.
  • Walk at a steady pace, especially after you cross the 3,000 m mark.
  • Drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily during the trek.
  • Keep sunscreen, sunglasses, medicine and a raincoat in your daypack, not in the porter luggage.
  • Carry cash in Nepali rupees for personal expenses.
  • Tell your guide immediately if you feel a headache, dizziness, nausea or extreme tiredness.
  • Don’t continue higher if altitude sickness symptoms show.
  • Start walking early in the morning when possible, as mornings have better weather and visibility.
  • Always follow your guide’s advice when snow, rain, or trail conditions change.

The weather can shift quickly higher in the sanctuary, so plans may need to change for safety.

How to Prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, prepare by improving your walking endurance and bringing the right gear. On this 10-day route, you will walk for several hours on consecutive days, climb stone steps, and reach 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. You do not need technical climbing training, but good fitness will make the trek much easier.

How to Train for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

If you exercise regularly, start training 4-6 weeks before departure. However, if you are inactive or unfamiliar with hiking, give yourself 8 to 12 weeks to build endurance first.

Focus your training on:

  • Brisk walking or hiking: Work your way up to at least 6 hours of continuous walking so your legs and feet become used to the long trekking days on the route.
  • Stair climbing: Practice climbing and descending stairs regularly because the trail includes long stone staircases, especially around Ulleri, Chhomrong, and Sinuwa.
  • Cycling, jogging, or swimming: Do cardiovascular exercises several times a week to build stamina and help you hold a steady pace on long uphill sections.
  • Squats, lunges, and step-ups: Use these exercises to strengthen your thighs, calves, and glutes, which will take pressure during repeated climbs and descents.
  • Core exercises: Add planks and similar exercises to improve balance and stability, especially when walking on uneven trails or carrying a daypack.
  • Hill walks with a backpack: Train on uphill and downhill trails while carrying roughly the same weight you expect to carry during the trek so your body gets used to both the terrain and the load.
  • Long weekend hikes: Complete longer hikes whenever possible so you become comfortable spending several hours on your feet without long breaks.
  • Consecutive walking days: Plan a few back-to-back hiking or walking days before your trip because the trek requires you to walk again even when your legs are still tired from the previous day.

The goal is endurance, not speed. If possible, complete a few walks every day before leaving for Nepal. Your body needs to become comfortable walking again while still tired from the previous day.

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Pack for changing conditions, not one type of weather. The lower route is warm, but when you reach near MBC and ABC, temperatures in the mornings and nights can drop below freezing in winter. To handle these conditions, it is best to pack layered clothing without other unnecessary loads.

Pack these:

  • Trekking boots (that you have worn before) with good grip
  • Moisture-wicking shirts to avoid sweatiness
  • Thermal base layers for preserving heat
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • Down jacket or insulated jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers for rain protection
  • Comfortable trekking pants for better walks
  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Warm gloves to prevent cold and frostbite, especially during off-season
  • Trekking socks
  • UV-protection sunglasses for sunny days
  • SPF sunscreen and lip balm
  • Trekking poles for stone steps and long descents
  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold nights
  • Headlamp
  • Reusable water bottle and purification method
  • Personal medication
  • Power banks and charging cables
  • Spare batteries for phone or camera
  • Toiletries, toilet paper, and hand sanitizers
  • Passport, permits, insurance papers and emergency contacts
  • Cash in Nepali rupees for personal expenses

Keep the items you need during the day in a small daypack. They may include water, rain protection, an extra warm layer, sunscreen, snacks, personal medicine, and valuables. Put heavier clothing and overnight items in the main trekking bag.

Avoid overpacking. Extra clothing, heavy electronics, and duplicate gear add unnecessary weight. A lighter bag is especially useful on this route’s long staircases and climbs.

Transportation Options for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For this Annapurna Base Camp trek package, you will take a private jeep from Pokhara to Hile. After the trek, you will take a similar jeep for the road transfer back to Pokhara.

If you are starting from Kathmandu, you can reach Pokhara by:

  • Domestic flight: The flight itself takes around 25 minutes, but with airport check-in, waiting, and transfers, it can take 1 to 2 hours. Costs around $115 to $150 for a one-way flight.
  • Bus: A bus with soft seats and air conditioning costs around NPR 1,500 and takes about 7 to 9 hours.
  • Private car: A flexible option that normally takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make during the journey. Costs are similar to flights, at around NPR 15,000.

Guide and Porter Services

This package includes guide and porter services, so you don’t need to hire them separately for the trek.

A licensed trekking guide leads the group (or just you if you are alone) along the route and manages the daily schedule, walking pace, accommodation, permits, and changing trail/weather conditions. The guide also keeps an eye on trekkers at high elevations and makes decisions if someone gets sick.

A porter carries most of your trekking luggage so you only need to carry a small daypack. One porter carries the goods of up to 2 trekkers, depending on the luggage weight.

Tipping Porters and Guides

There is no tipping culture in Nepal, so you are not obligated to tip your porters or guides. It is only customary. But if you still want to tip, it should reflect the length of the trek, quality of service, and how much responsibility they had. As a general guideline, you can tip 8-10% of your total trek cost to your porter and 10-15% to the guide.

Give tips in cash at the end of the trek in Nepali rupees directly to the guide and porter. A short thank-you with a kind smile is enough.

Note: Groups often pool these amounts, rather than each trekker paying separately. For example, if two trekkers share one porter, they can divide the final tip between themselves.

Is Travel Insurance Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

It is advisable to take travel insurance before going on the trek, even though it is not legally mandatory for all trekkers. The fact that the route reaches 4,130 m means that the risk of altitude sickness is very high. In cases where a trekker cannot safely walk to a lower altitude, a helicopter evacuation is the only safe option. So it is extremely important to have travel insurance with high-altitude rescue coverage. Without it, you may have to pay or guarantee the full evacuation cost if you find yourself in such a situation.

Your policy should cover:

  • High-altitude trekking up to at least 4,130 m
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Helicopter evacuation or air ambulance
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Personal accident coverage

Note: Check the altitude limit and exclusions before purchasing a policy. Many standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover trekking above specific elevations.

Why Trek With Great Himalaya?

Great Himalaya has been organizing trips to various base camps and circuit treks like Annapurna, Manaslu, Everest and Langtang since 2010. We have guided tourists from all over the world, including the USA, Australia, Germany, Canada, and the UK. Our team consists of local guides and porters who handle everything from permits to accommodation and any assistance you may need on the trail.

  • Licensed and government-certified guides: Licensed trekking guides who are experienced in local routes and able to communicate in English.
  • Local trekking experience: The company operates from Kathmandu and works with local guides, porters, and drivers who know the routes and the mountains firsthand.
  • Safety-focused: Our guides will monitor your pace, altitude, weather, and trail conditions. If needed, they will adjust the plan as well.
  • Flexible private arrangements: We can adjust trips based on your fitness, date, and route that you want to go through. Our guides also adapt itineraries during the trek when conditions or your personal needs change.
  • Established customer feedback: We currently hold a 4.9/5 rating from more than 300 TripAdvisor reviews and over 140 Google Reviews.

Book Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek

On this 10-day Annapurna route, you’ll experience some of the most magnificent scenery and create memories for life. You will watch the sun rise over the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill, walk through valleys and mountain villages, spend a night beneath the beautiful Machhapuchhre, and spend yet another night at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks very close to you.

The package currently starts at US$630 per person and includes all essential trekking arrangements like accommodation, food, permits, guides, porters, and transportation.

If you want to experience Annapurna Base Camp and see the mesmerizing views from Poon Hill viewpoint on the same trek, you can book now or send an inquiry to check available dates. You can also contact Great Himalaya through WhatsApp.

Let’s discuss your private departure or any changes to the itinerary you want to make before confirming the trip.

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