Menu

Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days

13 Days

Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic teahouse trek that takes you to foothills of the Annapurna Massifs. Trudging along the rugged trails of Annapurna, adorned with a diverse landscape, unique culture, high Himalayas, and rich biodiversity is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Annapurna in Sanskrit means “goddess of the harvest,” which is quite appropriate considering the rich biodiversity of the region. The adventure of Annapurna Base Camp extends for 13 days. You’ll get to marvel at the majestic mountains, including Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak. In addition to that, this trek integrates the unique cultures of Gurungs, their rustic lifestyle, and their royal hospitality.

The journey to Annapurna Base Camp begins with a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to the beautiful valley of Pokhara. You’ll further drive to Phedi and begin the trek on the most popular trail across the world. You’ll walk past several famous villages, including Dhampus, Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Himalaya, and Deurali, before reaching the foot of the Annapurna Massifs.

On this trail, you will also be traversing through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to 105 mammals, 518 species of birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants.

Moreover, this trek will take to the Annapurna Base Camp at the elevation of 4,130 meters above sea level. Here, you will be surrounded by a giant massif of Annapurna, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III. On the way to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll also be walking past the iconic Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Not only that, but you’ll get to explore the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk and visit the ancient cultural museum. You’ll also get the opportunity to relax at the natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda.

This popular trek in the Annapurna region hosts plenty of comfortable teahouses, lodges, and eateries with all the necessary services, such as cozy rooms, meals, WiFi, charging facilities, and hot showers.

The 13-day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers looking for an authentic trekking experience.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Right For You?

  • Although it is considered moderately difficult, trekking in Annapurna Base Camp is no walk in the park. On this trek, you will be spending a night at an elevation of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, it demands both physical as well as mental preparedness. However, if you have prior hiking experience to the mountains or hills, you will be able to complete it.
  • On average, you will have to walk five to six hours each day on Annapurna’s rugged trail. If you think you have the endurance to take on this challenge, you’ll be able to pull this through. You will require proper training and preparation before you pack your bags and head to the Himalayas. We suggest you engage in cardio-oriented activities and go for short hikes around your city a month prior to the trek.

  • On this trek, you’ll be gaining approximately 300 to 700 meters altitude every single day. You’ll be starting your adventure from 827 meters at Pokhara and trekking up to 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, the potential threat of altitude sickness is considerably high on this trek. 
    Make sure your body and mind can handle the altitude gain. If you do not have prior trekking experience, go for a less strenuous lower altitude trek before taking on this challenge.

  • In the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you’ll be staying in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. The rest of the days in the mountains won’t be as comfortable as your days in the city. During the trek, you will be spending the night at the local teahouses. Usually, the tea houses are small lodging facilities with basic amenities.

They have rooms on a twin-share basis, a warm blanket, delicious food, WiFi, hot shower, and charging facilities. Therefore, if you’re one of those travelers who can adjust with the basic services, and are not fancy for luxury, this trek is ideal for you.

  • Do not forget, the weather in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, especially in the upper reaches of the trek. In the higher altitude of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you may potentially have to bear extreme cold weather, rainfalls, and even snowy conditions in the worse case.

    Make sure that you’re well aware of such unforeseeable situations beforehand and can cope with such circumstances. Additionally, we highly recommend you to pack enough layers and weather protection gear to tackle such situations, even if you’re trekking during the summer.

Required Permit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

To trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll need two trekking permits. They are:

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Where to obtain: 

  • Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
  • Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
  • TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara

How much does it cost: 

  • US$20 for individual trekkers
  • US$10 for group trekkers
  • For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
  • For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers

Things required to obtain TIMS Card

  • Permit fees
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Passport size photographs

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

Where to obtain:

  •  Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
  •  Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside

How much does it cost: 

  • US$30 for international travelers
  • US$2 for SAARC travelers

Outline Itinerary – Annapurna Base Camp Trek

DayDescriptionAltitude (Meters)Trekking Duration
1Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel1350-
2Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara8276 hours
3Drive from Pokhara to Phedi (1,700m) and Trek to Tolka19474 hours
4Trek from Tolka to Jhinu Danda17806 hours
5Trek fro Jhinu Danda to Bamboo via Chhomrong (2,170m)23807 hours
6Trek from Bamboo to Deurali32306 hours
7Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)41305 hours
8Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan26006 hours
9Trek from Dovan to Chhomrong21705 hours
10Trek from Chhomrong to Ghandruk19404 hours
11Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul (1,070m) and Drive to Pokhara8276 hours
12Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu13506 hours
13International Departure--

Important Notes

  • Note that your trekking guide is liable to alter the itinerary or plans of the trek depending upon the circumstances. S/he will make the necessary delays or changes on the itinerary to ensure a successful trek if the guide notices any health issues or any unforeseeable situations on the road.
  • Before you head to the mountains, we advise you to carry adequate cash for your personal expenses in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can find tons of ATM lounges and credit card services around Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, once you start trekking in Annapurna’s trails, you aren’t likely to find any ATMs or credit card services along the way.
    Therefore, we highly recommend you to dispense the necessary cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you have foreign currency, it is best to exchange them for local cash since most tea houses on the trek do not accept foreign currency.
  • Remember, not every teahouse in the Annapurna region has access to hydroelectricity. Most teahouses in the upper reaches of Annapurna Base Camp use solar as the only source of electricity. Therefore, electricity may not be reliable all the time in these areas. As an alternative, we recommend you carry a portable charger to charge your electronic devices, where the power supply is not sufficient.
  • Note that the charging sockets in all the teahouses of Annapurna may not match with your charger. In such a case, you may have to bear the consequences by not being able to charge your mobile phone or camera. Therefore, to avoid such unfortunate situations, always carry a universal travel adapter to charge your cell phone or camera.
  • Even though Annapurna Base Camp is considered a moderately difficult trek, it is not plain sailing. For the success of the trek, you will require both physical as well as mental preparedness. To stay fit for the trek, we highly advise you to engage in cardio-oriented exercises, such as swimming, hiking, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.

Why You’ll Love This Trek!

  • Take a walk around the vibrant city of Pokhara.
  • Explore the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and surround yourself with the mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III
  • Meander through the varied landscape of the Annapurna region and cherish its biodiversity
  • Marvel at the stunning sight of the iconic Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak
  • Visit the Machhapuchhre Base Camp
  • Relax at the hot spring of Jhinu Danda
  • Explore the traditional Gurung village at Ghandruk
  • Get a glimpse of the rustic lifestyle of the Himalayas and their famed hospitality.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary (13 Days)

Welcome to Kathmandu. Once your flight lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will greet you outside the arrival gate. S/He will escort you from the airport to your pre-arranged three-star hotel in Kathmandu via private transport. Upon reaching the hotel, he will assist you through the check-in formalities and inform you about the timing and the location of your evening meeting with the trekking guide.

After that, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. Therefore, make the most out of the leisure time! Take some rest back at the hotel, read some books, and get rid of the jet lag. In the evening, you will have a brief meeting with the trekking guide, where he will provide you all the necessary details regarding the trek.

Highlights

  • Pick up and greet at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Transfer to the hotel via a private transport
  • Briefing about the day-to-day activities on the trek

Special Note

Make sure to attend the evening meeting on this day as your trekking guide will provide all the essential details about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. He will provide all the information from the day-to-day itinerary, transportation, accommodation, food, packing list, culture, etc.

If you have any concerns regarding the trek, feel free to ask as many questions as you want and be clear about the things. In addition to that, make sure to pack your bags before you head to the bed. If there’s anything you want to leave behind at the hotel, keep it in a separate bag from your trekking bags.

Dinner
Hotel - 3 Stars

Early in the morning, you will begin your adventure from Kathmandu to Pokhara via private transport. The drive route from Kathmandu to Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway is one of the most popular travel routes in Nepal. The 6-hour drive alongside Trishuli River passes through several small villages, rural towns, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills.

On a clear day, you’ll also get to witness the distant sight of snow-capped mountains right outside your vehicle’s window. It takes approximately six hours from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara Valley.

Stretched alongside the shores of Phewa Lake, Pokhara is popularly regarded as the tourism capital of Nepal. The valley integrates beautiful weather, chilled vibes, colorful markets, fancy restaurants, serene lakeside, and majestic mountain views. You will get to witness the giants of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre from Pokhara. In the evening, you will get to walk around the ambient Lakeside and relax at Phewa Lake’s shore.

Highlights

  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway
  • Enjoy the altering scenery of the traditional villages, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills through the window of your vehicle.
  • Take a walk around the Lakeside of Pokhara.
  • Relax at the shore of Phewa Lake
  • Witness the majestic sight of Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre

Special Note

Since you’ll be driving a long way from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we recommend you carry some snacks to enjoy along the way. It is a good idea to bring a book, a kindle, or download your favorite music, podcast, or series to spend your time during the drive.

6 hours
Dinner
Hotel - 3 Stars

After breakfast, you will drive for half an hour from Pokhara to reach Phedi, the starting point of our trek. From Phedi, the trail leads steeply uphill along the stone staircase towards Dhampus. The route to Dhampus is dominated by lush green forest and occasional terraced fields. Upon reaching the ridge of Dhampus, you’ll continue the walk towards the village of Pothana.

From here, the trail descends abruptly towards Bichok through the shades of rhododendron trees and emerges to the Modi Khola Valley. The trail further descends from the valley until you reach your overnight destination at Tolka. Although Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most crowded trekking trails in Nepal, trekkers seldom use. Therefore, you’ll be escaping the flock of tourists heading to Annapurna Base Camp and enjoying an isolated trail on this day.

Highlights

  • Traverse through the famous villages of Annapurna, including Dhampus and Pothana
  • Walk under the shades of rhododendron forest.
  • Enjoy the off the beaten tracks in one of the most popular trekking regions of Nepal.
  • Spend the night at the beautiful village of Tokla

4 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

On this day, you will be leaving the remote trails behind and joining the crowd of trekkers on your way from Tolka to Jhinu Danda. You begin the day with a gradual descend on a long stone staircase and follow a ridge towards the village of Landruk.

The trail further leads toward the Modi Khola Valley to Himal Qu or Nayapul. From here, you’ll make a gradual climb through a decent path towards the ridgetop settlement of Jhinu Danda. This small village is widely-recognized for its natural hot springs. In the late afternoon, you will be heading to the hot spring to relax your muscles. The hot spring is located only 20 minutes away from the village at the Modi Khola River’s shore.

Highlights

  • Walk along the scenic trails of Annapurna
  • Traverse through several traditional villages, including Landruk, Siwai, and Kyumi
  • Enjoy the relaxing hot spring at Jhinu.

6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

After breakfast, you will depart from Jhinu Danda and make your way towards Bamboo. On this day, the trail is mostly uphill on stone-paved stairs. The steep route is most likely to result in sore knees at the end of the day. You will walk past several enchanting villages, bamboo forest, and occasional waterfalls.

Along the way, you’ll pass two major villages of the Annapurna region — Sinuwa and Chhomrong. At 2,170 meters, Chhomrong is the last permanent settlement in the entire trek. Here, you will witness the rustic lifestyle of Gurungs, their local culture, and their hospitality. You will continue the walk on a relatively pleasant trail until you reach Bamboo.

Highlights

  • Traverse through several Gurung villages and cascading waterfalls
  • Walk under the shades of dense bamboo forest.
  • Meander through two significant villages of Annapurna — Sinuwa, and Chhomrong
  • Witness the rustic lifestyle of Gurungs, their culture, and hospitality at Chhomrong

7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

After a hearty breakfast, you depart from Bamboo and begin your walk through a dense bamboo forest. Note that the forest trail of Bamboo remains damp and cold throughout the year. We highly recommend you to stay cautious as the route might be steep and slippery at times.

The trail gradually ascends, and the treelines get thinner as you’ll edge closer to the teahouse settlement of Himalaya. Upon reaching Himalaya, you’ll get a glimpse of the ever-flowing glacial river down below. From here, you’ll continue the walk towards Hinku Cave. The trail becomes relatively more challenging once you walk past Himalaya. In contrast to the damp bamboo forest, the route towards Hinku Cave is much dry and arid.

From here, the trail descends towards the bank of Modi Khola River. After crossing a small bridge over the river, you walk uphill towards Deurali. The trail is quite pleasant and scenic as you walk past diverse vegetation, occasional waterfalls, and several settlements. After walking for about six hours from Bamboo, you’ll reach Deurali for the overnight stay.

Highlights

  • Walk along the scenic trail of Annapurna.
  • Visit the Hinku Cave
  • Witness the subtle change in vegetation and landscape

6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

This day marks the major highlight of this trek. On this day, you’ll be trekking from Deurali to the Annapurna Base Camp. Early in the morning, you’ll set off on the trail upwards to the avalanche site. From the site, you’ll get a glimpse of stunning mountains in the distance.

After a gradual climb from the avalanche site, you’ll reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Here, the valley widens, offering you a marvelous view of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. After spending a while at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you’ll begin your hour-long climb to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Upon reaching the holy grail of this trek at Annapurna Base Camp, you will be surrounded in all directions by jagged pinnacles, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, and Annapurna III. Here, you’ll also get to marvel at the close-up glimpse of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Singu Chuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak. In the late afternoon, you can simply relax at the foothills of Annapurna massifs and witness the marvelous sunset.

Highlights

  • Traverse through the diverse landscape and vegetation
  • Walk past Machhapuchhre Base Camp
  • Stand at the foothills of Annapurna massifs, including  Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, and Annapurna III.
  • Enjoy the majestic view of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak

Special Note

On this day, you will be walking past the elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level. On such elevation, you will have a higher possibility to suffer from high altitude sickness. Therefore, we recommend you to walk slowly and steadily towards the base camp. Make sure to find the most comfortable pace and walk on that pace throughout the day.

Remember, this is not a race or a marathon! So, there is no point in rushing towards the destination. Also, carry enough water and keep yourself hydrated to reduce the chances of altitude sickness. If you feel tired or short of breath, rest, and consult with your trekking guide as soon as possible.

5 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

You’ll begin the day by witnessing the glorious sunrise over the Himalayas from right outside your teahouse. After breakfast, you’ll depart from the Annapurna Base Camp and head towards Dovan. At first, the trail gradually descends towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continues towards the avalanche site. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy the distant sight of the mountains, including Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.

You will continue to walk further downhill towards Deurali via Bagar village. From here, the trail descends steeply towards the bank of Modi Khola River. Upon crossing the small bridge, you’ll climb the challenging uphill towards Hinku Cave and head towards Himalaya. The trail becomes relatively comfortable and pleasant from Himalaya until you reach your overnight destination at Dovan.

Highlights

  • Witness the glorious sunrise over the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp
  • Spend a while at Machhapuchhre Base Camp
  • Enjoy the distant sight of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.
  • Walk past several Gurung settlements and witness their rustic mountain lifestyle.

6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

On this day, you will retrace the route back from Dovan to Chhomrong. You’ll start the day with a steep downhill from the village towards Bamboo. On the way to Bamboo, you’ll be walking under the shades of a large bamboo forest, where the trail is mostly damp and slippery. From here, the trail gradually ascends through rhododendron and oak trees towards Khuldighar.

Upon reaching the village of Khuldighar, you’ll continue the gradual descent towards Sinuwa along the stone-paved staircase. Furthermore, the trail descends from Sinuwa to the long suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola. After crossing the swaying suspension bridge, you’ll reach your overnight destination at Chhomrong.

Highlights

  • Walk past the dense forest of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak.
  • Traverse through several popular villages of Annapurna, including Bamboo, Khuldighar, and Sinuwa
  • Cross the swaying suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola

5 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

After breakfast, you begin the day with a brisk walk from Chhomrong and head towards Taulung. After a gradual uphill, the trail descends from Taulung to Kimrong Khola. Furthermore, you’ll continue the walk as the trail leads steeply uphill towards Kimrong Danda.

Once you reach this small hill station, a distant sight of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna will warmly greet you. After enjoying the breathtaking view of the mountain, you’ll continue walking through a gentle path for about an hour to reach the village of Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is one of the major highlights of the Annapurna region at an elevation of 1,940 meters. This famous Gurung village hosts the dramatic spectacle of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna. In the village, you see the traditional stone-roof houses, rustic lifestyle, and unique culture of Gurungs. You’ll also be visiting the Old Gurung Museum to look back on the culture and history of the Gurung tribe.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the stunning view of mountains, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna.
  • Explore the famous village of Ghandruk
  • Visit Old Gurung Museum
  • Take a closer look at the rustic mountain lifestyle and unique Gurung culture.

4 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

You’ll begin the day with an early morning breakfast with the staggering view of the mountains. After that, you will pack your bags and hit the trail towards Nayapul. Most of the trail on this day gradually goes down and is relatively comfortable to walk on.

As you begin the trek from Ghandruk, you’ll initially descend along the stone-paved staircase towards Kimche. Then, you’ll walk past several small villages and picturesque landscapes alongside Modi Khola River towards Birethanti. Upon reaching Birethanti, you’ll cross a large steel bridge over Modi Khola River and head towards Nayapul. Here, you’ll catch a private vehicle arranged by Nepal Social Treks and drive back to Pokhara.

After a 2-hours drive from Nayapul, you’ll reach Pokhara for the overnight stay. Upon reaching Pokhara, you’ll be surrounded by a colorful marketplace, fancy restaurant, mountain views, and chilled vibes. Here, you’ll see a distant view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre Himal. In the evening, you’ll get to navigate around the ambient atmosphere of Lakeside and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake.

Highlights

  • Early morning breakfast with the view of the majestic mountains
  • Walk past the beautiful village of Ghandruk.
  • Traverse through several settlements and enjoy the scenic landscapes
  • Evening walk around the Lakeside, Pokhara
  • Relax at the shore of Phewa Lake

6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel - 3 Stars

On this day, you’ll catch a private transport and retrace your route back from Pokhara to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. You’ll drive past several small villages, rural towns, grassy hills, diverse landscapes, and terraced farms along the way. If the weather’s clear, you’ll also get a final glimpse of snow-capped mountains. It takes about six hours to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara.

Upon reaching Kathmandu valley, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. You can either take a walk around the streets of Thamel or get some rest back at the hotel. You can shop around in Thamel if you’re willing to buy some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. In the evening, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up at your respective hotel and take you for the farewell dinner.

Highlights

  • A scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway
  • Marvel at the sight of the traditional villages, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills along the way
  • Walk around the bustling streets of Thamel.
  • Enjoy the farewell dinner in the evening.

6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse

Departure day! On this day, your adventure of Annapurna Base Camp will end as you’ll make the final preparation for departure. As per your flight schedule, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure. He will transfer you to the airport via private transport and help you figure out your check-in terminal.

Special Note

Before you check out of the hotel, make sure to look over the entire room and confirm that you have not left anything behind. Instead of rushing in the last hour, we suggest you pack your bags a day prior to the international departure.

Cost Include(s)

  • Arrival and departure transfer for both international and domestic flight
  • Accommodation at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Two-way transportation from Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Annapurna region trekking map
  • Accommodation in teahouse during the trek
  • Three meals per day during the trek (B/L/D)
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
  • Group medical supplies (First Aid Kit)
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Licensed trekking guide with necessary staffs and porters
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment for all our staff
  • Insurance and required transportation for support staff
  • All government taxes

Cost Exclude(s)

  • International flight ticket and airport tax
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal trekking gears and equipment
  • Tips for trekking guide, porters, and local staff
  • Travel and medical insurance in case of emergency
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Personal expenses such as battery charging, laundry, alcohol, cold drink, hot showers at teahouses, etc
  • Unforeseeable costs incurred due to accidents, strike, natural calamities, political unrest, etc

FAQs about Annapurna Base Camp Trek

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp is a moderately difficult trek but is no walk in the park. Although this trek is much easier than Everest or Manaslu, it does require physical fitness and mental preparedness.
Unlike other strenuous treks of Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is ideal even for beginners. Note that this trek does not require prior trekking experience. However, we highly recommend you to train and prepare well before heading to the Himalayas. We encourage you to go short hiking or engage in cardio-oriented exercises, such as swimming, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.
If you have any medical conditions, make sure to consult your doctor, and seek medical advice before signing up for the trek.

Could I get high altitude sickness on this trek?

In general, the threat of high altitude sickness begins once you exceed the elevation of 3,500 meters. The highest elevation point of this trek is at 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Not only will you be reaching such high elevation, but you’ll be spending a night at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, the risk of altitude sickness is considerably high on this trek.
The risk of altitude sickness differs from person to person. Also, our Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is designed with precise elevation gain each day to reduce the chances of high altitude sickness. Besides, our trekking guides are well-qualified professionals. They have been operating such high altitude treks with a 99 percent success rate.

What kinds of insurance do I need for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek. While it is considerably easier compared to Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit Trek, it should not be taken lightly. Remember, you’ll be spending a night at an elevation of at 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, it possesses a significant risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Not only that, but the upper reaches of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is prone to avalanche.
Therefore, like any other trek in Nepal, it is mandatory to provide a copy of your travel insurance to Nepal Social Treks before heading to the Himalayas. Although a moderate trek, we recommend you to buy comprehensive travel insurance covering all the necessary expenses during the trek.
While buying your travel insurance, make sure it covers medical expenses, trip cancelation, accidents, theft, and, most importantly, helicopter evacuation charge at high elevation (up to 5,000 meters).

When is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

To be fair, it is suitable to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp all year long. However, spring and autumn are considered the best time to go trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. It is because the sky tends to stay crystal clear during this time of the year, offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. In addition to that, the weather during these seasons also remains moderately warm, well-suited for long-day hiking.
If you choose to trek in this region during monsoon or winter, wear enough layers and carry all the necessary gear to tackle the harsh weather. Make sure to wear snow-resistant boots with grippy soles, water-resistant layers, and carry a raincoat to stay protected from the wet conditions.

What is the accommodation like in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is entirely a teahouse trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Since it is one of the most popular teahouse treks in Nepal, the accommodation facilities in the Annapurna region are well-managed, cozy, and comfortable. Most teahouses in the lower reaches of the trek are a cut above those located in the upper region.
Nonetheless, Nepal Social Treks guarantees to provide the best possible teahouse accomodation every night in the mountain. You should remember that the Himalayas’ tea houses are not lavish or sumptuous compared to the star hotels of the cities. However, they provide all the necessary amenities, including cozy rooms, warm blankets, delicious food, toilets, WiFi, charging facilities, and hot showers. Not only that, but the hospitality and service of these small lodging facilities are second to none.

What is the food like on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The teahouses in the Annapurna region serve both Nepali and western meals on their menu. Although Dal Bhat is the most popular food while trekking in Nepal, we serve both Nepali and Western cuisine on the trek. Nepal Social Treks highly prioritizes the health and well-being of all of our clients. Therefore, we guarantee you that all the meals served during the trek will be fresh, healthy, hygienic, nutritious, and delicious.
Here is a list of popular items on our menu:
Breakfast – Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolates, Oatmeal, Pancakes, French Toast (with Jam, Butter, and Honey), Tibetan Bread, Local Tsampa Porridge, Muesli, Fruits, Egg (Boiled, Fried, Omelets), etc.
Lunch – Dal Bhat, Tibetan Bread, Sherpa Stew, Hot Soup, Momo, Pizza, Steak, Sandwich, Pasta, Noodles, Spaghetti, Fruits, Thukpa, Vegetable Salads, etc.
Dinner – Dal Bhat, Sherpa Stew, Hot Soups, Steak, Momo, Sandwich, Macaroni, Thenduk, Thukpa, Pizza, Noodles, Pasta, Vegetable Salads, Desserts, Tea, Hot Chocolate, etc.

Do I need any specific training before trekking to Annapurna Base Camp?

Most people tend to neglect training and preparation as Annapurna Base Camp is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. But, we highly advise you to train and prepare well before heading to the mountain, be it a novice traveler or an experienced trekker.
In this trek, you will be walking through strenuous stone-paved staircases almost every single day. Therefore, it is better to engage in as many cardio activities as possible, at least a month prior to the trek. Maintain your physical fitness with activities like hiking, cycling, jogging, and swimming. To be acquainted with the trekking routes, we advise you to hike to the nearby destinations around your home.
As a medium-grade trekking route, Annapurna Base Camp is achievable with a little training, even for first-time trekkers.

Are there provisions for ATMs or credit cards on the trek?

ATM services are only available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are tons of ATM lounges and credit card services around these cities. However, once you start trekking to the Himalayas, you are not likely to get these services. Therefore, we advise you to dispense the necessary cash in Kathmandu as far as possible. However, if you forget to dispense your cash in Kathmandu, make sure you do it in Pokhara.
In addition to that, make sure to exchange all your foreign currencies into local cash. The teahouses in the upper reaches of Annapurna do not accept foreign currencies. Therefore, also make sure to exchange the money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek.

How's the drinking water on the trek? Is it safe to drink?

The number one priority of Nepal Social Treks is the health and well-being of our client. Therefore, we only provide safe drinking water throughout the trek. You can also buy bottled water around the trails. However, we do not recommend buying bottled water as it piles up the plastic waste in the trekking route.
Almost all teahouses of the Annapurna region provide safe drinking water. Therefore, carry a water bottle and ask your guide to fill the water in the teahouse. Make sure to carry water purifiers or tablets to treat the water before drinking. Do not drink water from local streams, tap, or any other natural sources.

Can I have a shower on the trek?

Yes, you can have a shower during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Almost every teahouse and lodge in the Annapurna region offers a hot shower service. While most of them are gas or solar-powered, you may have to reconcile with the bucket bath in some places.
However, you will have to pay an additional amount for hot shower facilities in the teahouse.

Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Here are a few essential gears you need to pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Bags:

Duffel Bag
Daypack

Clothing:

Trekking Shirt – Pack 4 to 5 breathable trekking shirts, balancing both half and full sleeves.

Trekking Trousers – Minimum 2 water and wind-resistant trekking pants.

Trekking Shorts – Pack a couple of trekking shorts for lower reaches of the trek.

Thermal Layer – At least one pair of a thermal layer.

Fleece Jacket – Pack a light-weight fleece jacket for the lower region.

Down Jacket – Carry a high-quality down jacket to keep you warm from the extreme weather at the trek’s upper reaches.

Waterproof Shell Jacket – One waterproof jacket to stay protected in the wet weather.

Breathable Underwear – Carry at least 4 to 5 pairs of breathable and comfortable underwear.

Footwears:

Hiking Boots – A pair of high-quality hiking boots
will be enough for the trek.

Sandals/Trainers – A pair of either sandals or trainers, depending upon your preference.

Hiking Socks – Pack at least 4 to 5 pairs of comfortable hiking socks.

Thermal Socks – Carry at least a 2 to 3 pair of warm thermal socks to keep you warm in the evening and night.

Gaiter (For Winter) – You can pack a gaiter for any season, even though it is especially recommended for winter.

Head Wears:

Warm Beanie – One beanie to keep your head warm in the upper reaches of the trek.

Sun Protection Hat – One sun protection hat to your face protected from harmful UV rays and sunburn.

Buff/Neck Gaiter – One buff or neck gaiter to protect your neck from the harsh wind.

Hand Wear:

Inner Gloves – A pair of inner gloves for the lower region of the trek.

Outer Gloves – A pair of outer gloves to wear as an additional layer in the upper reaches of the trek.

Other Accessories:

High-Quality Sleeping Bag
Trekking Poles
UV Protection Sunglasses
Water Bottle
Water Purification Tablets
Prescribed Medications
Toiletries
Headlamp with Spare Batteries
Hand Sanitizers
Sunscreen/Lip Balm
Trekking Towels
Camera
Portable Chargers

Write a Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Personal Information

Add Images

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days