The Annapurna Base Camp Experience
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek takes you directly into the inner sanctum of the Annapurna mountain range. Unlike other treks where mountains remain in the distance, stepping into the Annapurna Sanctuary places you at the center of a colossal natural amphitheater, encircled by the towering south face of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and the dramatic fishtail spire of Machhapuchhre (6,993m).
Our comprehensive 11-day route begins with the classic stone stairways through lush Gurung villages and rhododendron forests to Poon Hill (3,210m) for a legendary golden sunrise over both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. From there, you descend into the Modi Khola river gorge, climbing past bamboo groves and alpine tundra to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). On your return, soothe tired muscles in the natural thermal hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
360° Sanctuary Amphitheater (4,130m)
Stand at ABC completely surrounded by a towering ring of 7,000m & 8,000m Himalayan giants.
Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m)
Witness the sunrise lighting up the Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna massifs simultaneously.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
Camp right beneath the sacred unclimbed peak of Fishtail, with sunset views down the Modi Khola.
Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs
Bathe in natural thermal pools situated on the rushing banks of the Modi Khola river.
Chhomrong & Gurung Culture
Walk through terraced stone villages, Buddhist chortens, and taste local homemade apple pies.
Modi Khola Canyon & Bamboo
Trek through deep mossy canyons, cascading waterfalls, and dense rhododendron forests.
Why Book Annapurna Base Camp with Best Treks Nepal?
We provide complete logistics, private vehicle transfers from Pokhara, pre-booked top lodge rooms at ABC, and experienced Sherpa leadership.
Private Vehicle Transfers
Private vehicle transfers from your Pokhara hotel to Nayapul trailhead and return from Siwai.
100% Certified Sherpa Guides
Experienced mountain guides trained in Wilderness First Response (WFR) and Annapurna ecology.
Optimal Acclimatization Profile
Paced progression including Poon Hill (3,210m) and MBC (3,700m) staging before reaching ABC at 4,130m.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
Clinical blood oxygen saturation and pulse checks every morning and night at Deurali, MBC, and ABC.
ACAP & TIMS Included
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card processed in advance for seamless trail entry.
15% Deposit & Lifetime Validity
Lock in your trek with a 15% deposit ($135). Free date rescheduling up to 30 days prior with lifetime validity.
11-Day Annapurna Base Camp Detailed Itinerary
Ascend step-by-step from Pokhara through Poon Hill, Chhomrong, and the Modi Khola canyon to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Jhinu Hot Springs.
Day 1
Drive Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070m) & Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
1,540m
4 hrs / 9 km
+
Morning scenic private vehicle drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hrs). Cross the Modi Khola suspension bridge and follow the Bhurungdi Khola river past Birethanti and Hile, ascending gently to the pleasant settlement of Tikhedhunga (1,540m).
Day 2
Trek Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m) via Ulleri 3,200 Steps
2,860m
6 hrs / 12 km
+
Climb the iconic 3,200 stone staircase up to the picturesque Magar village of Ulleri (2,070m). Enter ancient oak and blooming rhododendron forests, climbing steadily past Banthanti and Nangethanti to reach Ghorepani (2,860m) with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri.
Day 3
Dawn Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
3,210m
6 hrs / 11 km
+
Pre-dawn 45-minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m) for a world-famous golden sunrise over Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek along the ridge through mossy forests to Tadapani (2,630m).
Day 4
Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m) — The Gateway Village
2,170m
5 hrs / 9 km
+
Descend through dense rhododendron forest to the Kimrong Khola river, then climb up past terraced farm fields into the grand Gurung village of Chhomrong (2,170m). Chhomrong sits directly under the colossal mass of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 5
Trek Chhomrong to Dovan / Himalaya (2,600m)
2,600m
6 hrs / 11 km
+
Descend 2,500 stone stairs to cross the Chhomrong Khola bridge, then ascend through Sinuwa into the deep Modi Khola river canyon. Trek through thick bamboo and oak forests past Bamboo to Dovan (2,600m) or Himalaya Hotel (2,920m).
Day 6
Trek Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m)
3,700m
5 hrs / 9 km
+
Climb past Hinku Cave and Deurali (3,200m) as the valley opens up and trees give way to alpine shrubs and towering rock walls. Enter the gates of the Annapurna Sanctuary at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), offering spectacular close-up views of Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna III.
Day 7
Sunrise Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) Amphitheater
4,130m
⭐ ABC Summit Day
+
Gentle 2-hour morning ascent alongside the lateral moraine into the heart of the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)! Be captivated by an astonishing 360-degree panorama: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gangapurna (7,455m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) rising sheer above you. Spend the day exploring the glacier basin and watching sunset over the south face.
Day 8
Dawn Panorama at ABC & Descend to Bamboo (2,310m)
2,310m
6.5 hrs / 14 km
+
Relish the magical sunrise over the Annapurna glacier one last time. After a warm breakfast, retrace your steps down through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Himalaya Hotel, enjoying the rapid increase in oxygen as you reach Bamboo (2,310m).
Day 9
Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs (1,780m)
1,780m
5 hrs / 9 km
+
Climb up to Sinuwa and across the Chhomrong stone steps, then take the side trail descending to Jhinu Danda (1,780m). In the afternoon, walk 20 minutes down to the banks of the Modi Khola to soak in the natural thermal hot spring pools.
Day 10
Trek Jhinu to Siwai / Nayapul & Private Drive to Pokhara (820m)
820m
3 hrs Trek + 2.5 hrs Drive
+
Cross the high suspension bridge at Jhinu Danda and walk along the Modi river valley to Siwai or Nayapul. Board our private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Pokhara (820m). Check into your lakeside hotel and celebrate your ABC sanctuary completion!
Day 11
Scenic Tourist Bus / Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m)
1,400m
Bus / 25 min Flight
+
Travel from Pokhara back to Kathmandu by deluxe tourist bus (or optional 25-minute mountain flight). Farewell dinner in Thamel celebrating your successful expedition.
Annapurna Base Camp Package Tiers
All tiers include ACAP & TIMS permits, licensed Sherpa guide, porters, all teahouse meals, and private vehicle transport from Pokhara.
- ✓ Private vehicle Pokhara ⇄ Nayapul/Siwai
- ✓ All ACAP & TIMS permits included
- ✓ 9 nights teahouse lodges on trek
- ✓ All 3 meals daily on trek (Full Board)
- ✓ Licensed WFR Sherpa guide & porters
- ✓ Free 100L duffel bag & -15°C down sleeping bag
- ✓ Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ Deluxe tourist bus Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara
- ✓ 2 nights 3-star lakeside hotel in Pokhara
- ✓ Free hot showers & device charging on trail
- ✓ Welcome & farewell celebratory dinners
- ✓ Jhinu hot springs entrance fee included
- ✓ Everything in Comfort Plus, plus:
- ✓ Airbus H125 Heli flight from ABC to Pokhara
- ✓ Roundtrip flights Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara
- ✓ 5-star luxury hotel in Pokhara & Kathmandu
- ✓ Dedicated 1:1 Senior Sherpa guide
Read Before You Book — Knowledge Base
Essential sanctuary preparation, weather advice, altitude protocols, and packing briefings prepared by our senior Sherpa guides.
Annapurna Sanctuary Readiness Tracker
You have reviewed 0 of 12 preparation topics.
1. What is the Annapurna Sanctuary Amphitheater? +
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin oval-shaped amphitheater at 4,130m surrounded by an unbroken ring of peaks above 7,000m. Entering through the narrow canyon between Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre opens up into this sacred natural bowl.
2. Altitude & Acclimatization at ABC (4,130m) +
Because the trek begins low at 1,070m and climbs gradually via Poon Hill (3,210m) and MBC (3,700m), your body acclimatizes smoothly. Sleeping at 4,130m is very safe with our staged pace.
3. Fitness Requirements (Moderate 3/5) +
The route involves significant stone staircases (such as the 3,200 steps of Ulleri and the stairs of Chhomrong). Good cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance are beneficial.
4. Best Photography Hours at ABC +
Golden hour sunrise on the vertical south face of Annapurna I (8,091m) and evening alpenglow on Machhapuchhre provide world-class photography opportunities.
5. Permits Included (ACAP & TIMS) +
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS cards are 100% included in our price. We arrange all permits in advance.
6. Travel Insurance Requirements +
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 4,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation is required.
7. Teahouses in the Sanctuary +
Teahouses at MBC and ABC are cozy with shared twin rooms and wood-stove heated dining halls. We pre-book all rooms in advance.
8. Temperature & Layering (-8°C to 18°C) +
Lower elevations (Nayapul, Chhomrong) are warm (15°C to 22°C), while nights at ABC drop between 0°C and -8°C. A down jacket and -15°C sleeping bag are provided free.
9. Food & Organic Dining Options +
Full board 3 meals daily are included. Menus feature Dal Bhat, pasta, momo dumplings, potato rosti, pancakes, and organic Himalayan honey.
10. Jhinu Danda Hot Springs Protocol +
The natural thermal pools at Jhinu Danda are situated on the Modi Khola riverbank. Swimwear is required.
11. Medical Safety & Pulse Oximetry +
Our guides carry medical pulse oximeters, first aid kits, and stay in direct contact with our Pokhara Operations desk.
12. Flexible Deposit & Rescheduling +
Book with a 15% deposit ($135). Free date changes up to 30 days prior with lifetime deposit protection.
11-Day Topographic Elevation Profile & Sanctuary Curve
Visualizing the ascent from Nayapul (1,070m) through Poon Hill (3,210m), Chhomrong, and the Modi Khola canyon to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
Annapurna Base Camp Weather & Temperature Model
Calculated across waypoints from Nayapul (1,070m) through Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and MBC up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
Rhododendron forests in full bloom around Ghorepani and Tadapani, clear mornings, and warm trekking days.
Lush waterfalls and vibrant green river canyons; afternoon rain showers with dramatic misty clouds.
Peak season with crystal-clear mountain visibility, stable weather, and deep blue skies inside the sanctuary.
Quiet trails, snowy amphitheater bowl at ABC, sunny crisp days, and freezing nights.
Guaranteed Fixed Small-Group Departures
Small group sizes (maximum 12 trekkers) ensuring personalized Sherpa guidance, private Pokhara transfers, and guaranteed lodge rooms in the sanctuary.
| Departure Dates | Season | Status | Price / Pax | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 – Mar 22, 2026 | Spring Bloom | ✓ Confirmed (4 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
| Apr 05 – Apr 15, 2026 | Prime Spring Peak | ✓ Confirmed (2 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
| May 02 – May 12, 2026 | Late Spring | ⚡ Filling Fast (3 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
| Sep 28 – Oct 08, 2026 | Autumn Kickoff | ✓ Confirmed (5 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
| Oct 15 – Oct 25, 2026 | Prime Autumn Peak | ✓ Confirmed (3 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
| Nov 08 – Nov 18, 2026 | Crisp Autumn Skies | ✓ Confirmed (6 seats left) | $899 USD | Book Seats |
We arrange private tailor-made Annapurna Base Camp departures for couples, solo travelers, and families starting on any date.
Mountain Lodges, Food & Trail Amenities
Experience traditional Gurung hospitality in lower villages and comfortable sanctuary lodges at MBC and ABC.
Sanctuary Lodges
Comfortable twin bedrooms with clean foam mattresses, warm blankets, and wood-stove heated dining rooms at Chhomrong, MBC, and ABC.
Fresh Full-Board Meals
Unlimited traditional Dal Bhat power, momo dumplings, noodle soups, fried rice, apple pies, and hot ginger lemon tea cooked fresh to order.
Solar Power & Wi-Fi
Solar charging hubs in lodge dining rooms for cameras and phones, with Wi-Fi and Ncell 4G mobile signal available up to Chhomrong and MBC.
Jhinu Hot Springs Bathing
Natural mineral-rich hot springs situated right on the rushing Modi Khola riverbank to soothe trek-weary leg muscles on Day 9.
Wilderness Safety Standards & Emergency Support
Safety at 4,130m in the Annapurna Sanctuary is backed by strict medical protocols and 24/7 operations support.
Twice-Daily Pulse Oximetry
SpO2 blood oxygen saturation and pulse rates checked morning and evening at Deurali, MBC, and ABC.
Medical First Aid Kit
Guides carry comprehensive wilderness first aid kits, emergency bottled oxygen, Diamox, and altitude medications.
24/7 Operations Desk Link
Direct mobile and satellite link connecting your trail guide with our Pokhara and Kathmandu emergency response team.
Helicopter Evacuation Protocol
Direct coordination with Kathmandu helicopter rescue operators covering designated helipads at ABC, MBC, and Chhomrong.
Essential Packing Gear Checklist
Recommended gear for 11-day sanctuary trekking up to 4,130m.
🧥 Upper Body & Layers
- 2x Thermal base-layer shirts
- 3x Quick-dry trekking shirts
- 1x Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- 1x Down jacket (-10°C rated)
- 1x Wind/waterproof outer shell jacket
👖 Lower Body & Pants
- 2x Lightweight trekking pants
- 1x Thermal long underwear bottoms
- 1x Waterproof rain pants
- 5x Moisture-wicking hiking socks
- 1x Swimsuit for Jhinu hot springs
🥾 Footwear & Trail Grip
- 1x Ankle-support waterproof hiking boots
- 1x Pair of microspikes (for early spring at ABC)
- 1x Set of adjustable trekking poles
- 1x Warm fleece beanie & sun hat
- 1x Warm insulated gloves
🎒 Hardware & Accessories
- 1x 30L Daypack with rain cover
- 1x 100L Duffel bag (provided free)
- 1x -15°C Down sleeping bag (provided free)
- 2x 1L Water bottles or bladder
- 1x UV Sunglasses & headlamp
Book Annapurna Base Camp Trek (11 Days)
Lock in your 2026/2027 trek dates with a 15% flexible deposit ($135 per person). Free cancellation and date transfers up to 30 days before departure.
What Travelers Say About Annapurna Base Camp
"Entering the Annapurna Sanctuary in the morning light was the most awe-inspiring moment of our lives. Standing surrounded by Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre at ABC was surreal. The hot springs at Jhinu afterwards were heaven!"
"Our guide Pemba was wonderful. He explained the local Gurung culture, paced our hiking perfectly on the Ulleri stairs, and made sure our room at ABC had the warmest blankets. 10/10 experience with Best Treks Nepal!"
"Combining Poon Hill with ABC gave us both panoramic sunrise vistas and an intimate close-up mountain basin experience. The rhododendron blooms in April were unbelievable!"
"Trekking up to ABC and taking the helicopter flight back directly to Pokhara was the best decision ever! We saw the whole Modi canyon and Fishtail from above in 15 minutes. Pure luxury."
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers from our senior trail team covering Annapurna Base Camp logistics, weather, and preparation.
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Moderate 3/5)? +
ABC is graded as moderate. The highest sleeping altitude is 4,130m (compared to 5,180m on EBC), making altitude sickness much less frequent. The primary physical challenge is walking up and down stone staircases around Ulleri and Chhomrong.
Why is Poon Hill included in the 11-day itinerary? +
Poon Hill (3,210m) adds a sensational panoramic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs while naturally aiding your high-altitude acclimatization before entering the inner sanctuary.
How do we visit the Jhinu Danda hot springs? +
On Day 9, after descending from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, you can walk 20 minutes down to the Modi riverbank where 3 clean cement thermal pools are situated. Entrance fees are included in Comfort Plus.
What is the difference between ABC and MBC? +
Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m) sits at the entry gateway to the sanctuary beneath Fishtail peak. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4,130m) is 2 hours further up, situated right at the base of the massive south face of Annapurna I.
How many hours do we hike per day? +
Average daily trekking time is 5 to 6 hours with plenty of tea stops, photography breaks, and a relaxed 1-hour lunch break in scenic mountain lodges.
Do I need travel insurance for Annapurna Base Camp? +
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 4,500m and emergency helicopter rescue is mandatory.
How does the 15% flexible deposit policy work? +
You pay 15% ($135) online to confirm your booking dates. The 85% balance is paid in Nepal upon arrival. Your deposit has lifetime validity with free date changes up to 30 days prior.
What are teahouse facilities like at ABC and MBC? +
Teahouses at MBC and ABC have shared twin rooms, heavy quilts, and wood-stove heated dining rooms. Hot showers and device charging are available throughout the route.
Is it possible to take a helicopter return from ABC? +
Yes! Our Luxury VIP & Heli Return tier includes a direct 15-minute Airbus H125 helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) directly to Pokhara airport, avoiding the 3-day descent.
What permits are included in the package? +
Both the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and TIMS card are fully included and processed by our office prior to your arrival.
What meals are included during the trek? +
Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) is included for all days on trek. You can order fresh items from the lodge menus such as Dal Bhat, momos, noodles, eggs, soups, and hot tea.
What is the best month for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? +
October–November offers crystal-clear autumn skies and crisp mountain views. March–April offers warmer temperatures and vibrant blooming red rhododendron forests.
Have a question about the ABC Sanctuary route?
Our Pokhara trail desk and senior Sherpa guides are available 24/7 on WhatsApp.