Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 14 Days Itinerary

Overview

“Walk to the roof of the world, and find yourself along the way.”

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas, surrounded by some of the world’s highest and most revered mountains. At an elevation of 4,130m, the base camp offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of towering peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).

The trek winds through vibrant rhododendron forests, terraced farmland, and traditional Magar and Gurung villages, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Along the way, you’ll experience the welcoming spirit of the mountains, with cozy teahouses offering simple meals and tranquil nights beneath a canopy of stars. What sets ABC apart is that it’s more than just a hike; it’s a complete journey. Each step unveils new vistas, from lush rainforests in the valleys to rugged alpine terrain at higher altitudes, culminating in your arrival at the sacred Annapurna shrine, encircled by majestic Himalayan peaks. Whether you’re a novice trekker or an experienced adventurer, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek promises an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting mark on your heart.

Attractions of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

💠 Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

The focal point of the trek, ABC is a natural amphitheater surrounded by gigantic Himalayan mountains. Here, you’ll be facing directly across Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m)—all looming above you. Sunrise over these giants is something trekkers never forget.

💠 Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)

Positioned just below sacred Fishtail Mountain, this peaceful base camp offers breathtaking close-up views of the mountain’s serrated, twin peak, bathing the valley with the first light of dawn.

💠Annapurna Sanctuary

ABC is located in the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary, a high-altitude glacial valley ringed by white peaks. Individuals believe that this is blessed by the mountain deities, imparting divine significance to its natural charm.

💠 Jhinu Danda Hot Springs

After days on the trail, enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda, nestled beside a rushing river. It’s the perfect reward for tired legs.

💠 Traditional Gurung and Magar Villages

Pass through charming villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, where you’ll experience the culture, hospitality, and daily life of Nepal’s Gurung and Magar people, along with traditional foods and architecture.

💠 Rhododendron Forests

During spring (March-May), lower portions of the trek route are skirted with rhododendron blooms in bright splashes of pink and red, offset against towering green hills and peaks white with tips.

💠 Diverse Landscapes

The hike is a revelation of Nepal’s constantly changing terrain—rice paddies and subtropical woods, bamboo, and alpine glacier, one new world every day.

💠 Himalayan Wildlife

Langurs, musk deer, and multicolored birds like Himalayan monals are also seen by trekkers along forest and sanctuary treks.

💠 Sunset and Sunrise Points

Landmarks on the trek include spectacular sunrises of Machhapuchhre and golden sunsets on the Annapurna range and make for great photography shots.

Accessibility

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek stands out as one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in Nepal, striking a great balance between adventure and convenience. With elevations ranging from 1,070 to 4,130 meters, the trek is well-supported by established paths, comfortable teahouses, and dependable transportation options. There are multiple entry points and flexible itineraries, making it easy to reach the trailhead, whether you choose to travel by air or road.

𖥟 By Air

The fastest way to kick off the ABC Trek is by taking a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a well-known lakeside city that serves as the gateway to the  Annapurna region. These flights provide stunning aerial views of the Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once in Pokhara, a 1.5 to 2-hour drive will take you to trailheads like Nayapul, Ghandruk, or Kimche. Alternatively, trekkers can opt for helicopter charters from Pokhara that can drop them directly at Jhinu Danda or nearby villages for a quicker start. While flying saves time and offers breathtaking mountain vistas, keep in mind that flight schedules can be disrupted by weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon and winter months.

𖥟 By Road

For those who prefer an overland adventure, the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 6 to 8 hours along the Prithvi Highway, winding through lush valleys, traditional market towns, and riverside villages. After spending a night in Pokhara, a 1 to 3-hour drive will take you to various starting points such as Nayapul, Kimche, or Phedi. The roads meander through picturesque countryside filled with terraced fields and traditional settlements. Although road travel can be lengthy and sometimes bumpy, it allows for a deeper connection with local life and landscapes, where you can pause for fresh tea, take in views of the Seti River, and witness daily village activities along the way.

Amenities

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a well-known trek in Nepal, but the facilities can be quite basic, especially at higher elevations. Trekkers should prepare for simple accommodations, limited electricity, and inconsistent mobile service. Although the ABC trek is better equipped than some other routes, it’s essential to carry enough cash, water purification methods, and personal hygiene items, as modern conveniences are scarce once you leave the main towns. The stunning mountain views and cultural interactions, despite the basic facilities, make this trek a truly rewarding experience.

✻ Accommodation and Meals

Throughout the ABC trek, trekkers will stay in local teahouses. These teahouses provide simple rooms with a bed, blanket, and pillow. Rooms are typically shared, either as doubles or twins, and shared facilities often include hot showers for an additional fee. The meals served in the teahouses are calorie-rich, featuring traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, which is lentil soup served with rice. Other meal options include fried noodles, pasta, soups, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. While the menu is somewhat more diverse than in more remote areas, it’s wise to bring along some snacks like nuts, chocolate, or energy bars. Drinking water is available at teahouses, but it’s advisable to use purification tablets or a portable filter instead of buying plastic bottles.

✻ Electricity and Charging Facilities

Most of the ABC trail has electricity, usually generated by local hydro or solar power. You can charge devices in teahouses, particularly in communal dining areas, for a small fee, generally between USD 1–3 per hour. However, power may be unavailable during cloudy or stormy weather, so it’s a good idea to bring a high-capacity power bank (10,000–20,000mAh). To conserve battery life, manage your device usage carefully and turn off unnecessary apps.

✻ Internet and Mobile connectivity

Along the ABC trek is quite limited. In lower villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, you might find that both Ncell and NTC networks work, but as you ascend towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the signal tends to fade. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a fee, but the speeds are generally slow and not suitable for heavy internet use. It’s a good idea to let your family and friends know about the limited connectivity before you embark on your trek.

✻ Health and Medical Facilities

On the ABC trek, medical assistance is mostly restricted to basic first aid that teahouse staff or fellow trekkers can provide. The closest full-service hospitals are located in Pokhara. Therefore, it’s wise to bring along a personal first-aid kit stocked with supplies for common trekking issues such as altitude sickness, stomach problems, pain relief, and minor injuries. Additionally, having trekking insurance that covers high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation is strongly advised in case of emergencies.

Echoes of the locals

Deep in the Himalayas, where the valleys whisper with the wind and the snow never melts, a face is etched into the rock of Annapurna II. Nobody knows how it came to be there. Some people say it is a trick of the light, shadows on the mountain walls. But the locals have a different story.

They call it The Watcher.

A saint made the shrine of Annapurna his home many years back. He had renounced everything—his home, his relatives, even his name—to live a life of meditation in the hills. The gods, pleased with his unwavering devotion, granted him knowledge transcending mortal limits. But for that boon was one condition:

“Remain in the sanctuary. You will never return if you go out.”

He did for years. But one evening, under the light of a full moon, he stood at the edge of the valley and gazed down into the villages below. He saw the warm lights of home, heard the distant sound of laughter carried on the wind, and suddenly, the old hunger stirred in him.

And so, he did take one step forward.

That was his mistake.

A violent storm burst forth from the mountains, sweeping everything before it. And when the storm had finally blown itself out and the skies were clear, the villagers looked up—and there, carved into the side of the mountain, was his face.

Imprisoned in rock. Waiting.

Inclusion and Exclusion

Inclusions & Services Provided

☑       Full-Board Meals – Enjoy wholesome and energy-dense meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) daily, specially designed for high-altitude trekking.

☑       Daily Beverages – Stay hydrated with four rounds of tea or coffee daily, including morning, mid-day, afternoon (with light snacks), and evening.

☑       Evening Treats – Fresh seasonal fruits served post-dinner for a healthy and satisfying end to your meals.

☑       Comfortable Accommodation – Stay in comfortable, well-maintained teahouses along the trail, offering warmth, hospitality, and stunning mountain views.

☑       Professional Trekking Support – Hike with a licensed, insured, and experienced guide, along with porter support (1 porter between 2 trekkers) for a seamless and enjoyable trek.

☑       Effortless Transfers & Permits – Private vehicle transfers and all trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Rural Municipality) arranged for your convenience.

☑       Safety & Health Monitoring – Daily oxygen level and heart rate monitoring, first-aid kit, and helicopter arrangement in an emergency (insurance paid) for your safety.

☑       All-Inclusive Pricing – Govt. taxes, service charges, and an assistant guide for a group of 5+ trekkers for a hassle-free experience.

☑       Lifetime Deposit Policy: Secure your spot with a lifetime deposit, allowing you to postpone or reschedule your trek without losing your booking deposit

☑       Free Booking: Secure your trek without any initial payment, allowing you to organize and finalize your trip at your convenience—no risk, no pressure.

Exclusions: What’s Not Included

☒       Pre-Trek Arrangements – Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek are not included.

☒       Visa & Entry Fees – Nepal entry visa fees must be arranged separately ($50 for a 30-day visa, payable on arrival).

☒       Insurance – Travel, trekking, and medical insurance are mandatory for safety and emergency evacuation coverage.

☒       Travel Costs – International airfare to and from Nepal is not included in the package.

☒       Beverages & Personal Expenses – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses are at the trekker’s discretion.

☒       Teahouse Amenities – Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses are available at an extra cost.

☒       Gratuities – Tips for guides, porters, and drivers are not included but are customary and highly appreciated.

We cover all the essential aspects of your trek so you can focus entirely on the adventure. These exclusions ensure transparency, allowing you to plan accordingly for a smooth and well-prepared experience in the Himalayas.

Permits And Regulation

✅ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Cost

Foreigners

🔸 NPR 3,000 (~$23)

SAARC Nationals

🔸 NPR 1,000 (~$8)

Nepali Citizens

🔸 NPR 100

Issued by

🔸 Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)

✅ Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

For individual trekkers (FITs)

🔸 NPR 2,000 (~$15)

For group trekkers (via agency)

🔸 NPR 1,000 (~$8)

Issued by

🔸 Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or TAAN

Where to Get the Permits?

Kathmandu

🔸 Nepal Tourism Board Office, TAAN Office

Pokhara

🔸 Nepal Tourism Board Office

Entry Checkpoints

🔸 Permit offices at entry points (e.g., Nayapul, Ghandruk)

Documents Required

🔸 Passport copy

🔸 Passport-sized photos

🔸 Trekking itinerary

These permits are mandatory, and you must carry them at all times during the trek.

Essential Advice for Trekkers

⦿ Acclimatize Properly

Ensure you take time to acclimatize to high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Stick to the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”

⦿ Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the trek. Dehydration can significantly affect your performance and overall well-being at high altitudes.

⦿ Pack Light, But Smart

Only carry the essentials. Prioritize warm clothing, a reliable pair of hiking boots, and a good-quality sleeping bag for higher altitudes.

⦿ Physical Preparation       

Focus on cardiovascular and strength training exercises to build stamina. Practice hiking with a backpack to simulate trek conditions.

⦿ Mind Your Footwear

Invest in high-quality, comfortable hiking boots. Well-fitted boots are essential for tackling the rugged terrain.

⦿ Embrace Local Culture

Respect local traditions and customs. Positively engage with the local community and learn about their culture for a richer experience.

⦿ Be Prepared for the Weather

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. Always bring layered clothing and be prepared for sudden temperature changes.

⦿ Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Help preserve the environment by minimizing your impact on nature. Respect wildlife and dispose of trash responsibly.

⦿ Listen to Your Body

If you feel unwell or fatigued, don’t push yourself. Rest and adjust your schedule if necessary. Remember, safety comes first.

⦿ Travel with a Licensed Guide

For safety and smoother navigation, hire an experienced, licensed trekking guide who knows the route and the terrain well.

Why Himalayan Explore Line?

🔶 Safety & Expert Guidance

Led by government-licensed guides with first-aid and crisis-management expertise.

Daily oxygen-level and altitude safety health check-ups.

Emergency response and evacuation protocols always ready.

🔶 Smooth Logistics

Essential permits and private transfers arranged in advance.

Pre-booked lodges/teahouses with verified hygiene and comfort.

Gear rentals and porter services streamlined for convenience.

🔶 Cultural & Scenic Sophistication

Immerse in Himalayan villages, ancient monasteries, and local traditions.

Trails showcasing iconic peaks, pristine valleys, and biodiverse forests.

Cultural interactions, from tea ceremonies to folklore storytelling.

🔶 Luxury Nutrition

Energy-providing nutritious meals at high altitudes.

Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-free meal choices.

Tea/coffee break daily with local sweets.

🔶 Clear Pricing

Unambiguous packages without additional charges.

Ethical operation: fair labor practices, sustainable operations.

Inquiries and modifications available 24/7.

Our Commitment

We deliver secure, culturally enhancing Himalayan journeys with meticulous logistics, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience.

Terms and Condition

Reservation and Payment

To confirm your booking, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining balance can be paid before your trip. We recommend confirming your reservation before arriving in Nepal to help us plan your journey smoothly.

Payments can be made via digital wallet, credit card, or bank transfer (processing fees may apply). A 4% surcharge applies to all card payments, including deposits and other transactions. Bookings are only confirmed once you receive a Client Confirmation Letter from us. To receive this, you must complete the booking form with accurate details such as your name, contact info, and travel dates.

Policy on Cancellations and Refunds 

By Client:

• More than 2 months before departure: 80% refund

• 2 months to 29 days before: 70% refund

• Less than 15 days before: 50% refund

• Less than 7 days before: 50% credited toward a future trip (non-refundable if unused)

We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at booking. No refunds will be issued if you cancel after the trip has started, including for unused services like accommodation, transport, meals, or activities.

By Company:

If Himalayan Explore Line must cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances—such as natural disasters, flight cancellations, strikes, civil unrest, illness, quarantine, government restrictions, or severe weather—you will be offered an alternative trip of equal value and features, agreed upon mutually.

Please note that major changes do not include adjustments to airline carriers, flight schedules, or itineraries, provided the departure and return dates remain unchanged. Similarly, changes to hotel accommodations are not considered major as long as they are within the same category.

Itinerary Changes:

Weather in high-altitude areas is unpredictable, and domestic flight delays at the start or end of the trip may lead to itinerary changes. Flexibility is essential, as local conditions can affect plans, accommodations, or transport on short notice.

Clients are responsible for any extra costs caused by delays, natural disasters, or if alternative arrangements (e.g., helicopter flights) are chosen. These changes are binding, and any additional expenses beyond our control will be the client’s responsibility.

Insurance:

Himalayan Explore Line does not provide travel insurance. Clients must secure insurance covering high-altitude emergencies, medical costs (including pre-existing conditions), repatriation, trip delays, cancellations, and personal liability. Proof of insurance is mandatory. The company reserves the right to cancel your participation without a refund if valid insurance cannot be provided upon request.

Acceptance of Terms:

By booking with Himalayan Explore Line, you agree to the terms and conditions, including any updates. It is your responsibility to stay informed and comply with any changes.