Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek follows stone village paths, rhododendron forest and the narrowing Modi Khola valley into a mountain amphitheatre. The landscape changes gradually: cultivated hills around Ghandruk give way to bamboo and forest, then open slopes below the walls of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

This 12-day outline begins and ends in Kathmandu. It includes travel through Pokhara and a walking route through Chhomrong, Bamboo, Himalaya and Deurali. Shorter upper-valley stages create time to assess the conditions and how you are feeling before continuing to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, usually shortened to MBC.

The highest visit and the highest overnight are different. The planned overnight high point is MBC at approximately 3,700 m. From there, a weather-dependent walk reaches Annapurna Base Camp at approximately 4,130 m before returning down the valley to Deurali. This approach avoids making the base-camp visit an automatic overnight at the route's highest point. It still involves altitude exposure and a substantial walking day.

Expect repeated steps and descents as well as uphill walking. The descent to Chhomrong is a long day, and the itinerary can be extended if you prefer shorter stages. Snow, avalanche conditions, swollen streams or illness may require a different plan. A mountain view or a particular turnaround point cannot be promised.

Your quotation sets out transport choices, accommodation, meals, guiding and porter arrangements, permits and any other included services. Read our ABC guide from Pokhara for a closer look at the route, then tell us your dates and walking experience so the journey can be adjusted around you.

Bring broken-in walking boots or suitable trail footwear, trekking poles if you use them, warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun protection, a headlamp and reusable drinking bottles. The upper Sanctuary can be cold even when Pokhara is warm.

Pack a warm sleeping system appropriate to the agreed season, personal toiletries, a small first-aid kit and any prescribed medication. Ask whether a sleeping bag, duffel or porter service is included before deciding what to bring. Carry essentials and valuables in your daypack.

Discuss snow and traction requirements shortly before departure. Equipment alone does not make an unsafe trail suitable for travel. Avoid single-use packaging where practical and carry out items that cannot be disposed of responsibly on the route.

Pace, altitude and conditions

Walking times are approximate moving-day ranges with normal short stops; they vary with fitness, weather and trail conditions. Above Deurali, the itinerary depends on current snow and avalanche conditions as well as individual acclimatization. The day to ABC is optional if conditions or symptoms make continuing unsuitable. Do not ascend with altitude symptoms; seek help and descend if symptoms worsen. See the CDC altitude guidance and discuss personal health questions with a qualified clinician.

Permits and the written quotation

The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The NTNC permit service and NTB TIMS guidance are the starting points for current requirements. Your proposal should identify the applicable permits, guide arrangements and charges. No service is included solely because it appears in this suggested itinerary.

Travel days and flexibility

The roadhead near Ghandruk or Jhinu may change with road works and weather. Road journey times can be much longer than advertised in poor conditions. The 12-day outline ends after the return to Kathmandu; keep additional time before an international flight and agree how disruptions or extra nights would be handled. Insurance should explicitly cover your activity, planned altitude and emergency treatment or evacuation arrangements.