Embark on an unforgettable spiritual and Himalayan adventure with Nepal Spiritual Trekking's Annapurna Base Camp Trek, a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This trek offers an awe-inspiring blend of natural beauty, from lush rhododendron forests and terraced Gurung villages to towering snow-capped peaks forming a natural amphitheatre, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Our meticulously planned 12-day ABC Trek itinerary ensures you experience the best of this region, including charming Gurung settlements like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, sacred mountains like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), ancient monasteries, and stunning viewpoints like Poon Hill (3,210m). Covering approximately 110 kilometers, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate yet rewarding journey for trekkers of all experience levels.
Worried about cost? Rest assured, Nepal Spiritual Trekking offers competitively priced packages with no hidden costs, tailored to suit your budget. The best time for ABC Trek is March to May and September to November when skies are clear. Unlike the restricted Manaslu region, ABC Trek requires only ACAP and TIMS permits — no special restricted permit needed — making it easier and more affordable.
Opened as a classic Himalayan route, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek remains one of Nepal's most beloved treks, allowing you to discover nature in its purest form while experiencing authentic Gurung and Magar culture in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Journey Into the Sacred Annapurna Sanctuary
Discover one of Nepal's most iconic Himalayan treks on the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp trail. Standing inside a huge glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I (8,091m) — world's 10th highest mountain — Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the sacred Machhapuchhre, this unforgettable journey follows ancient Gurung trails through deep Modi Khola gorge, dense rhododendron forests, remote mountain villages, and centuries-old culture before reaching the sacred base camp.
Unlike the crowded Everest trail, ABC offers a more balanced experience of culture, forest and high mountains every day. Every day reveals dramatic scenery, warm Gurung hospitality, colorful prayer flags, and ever-changing mountain panoramas.
Carefully designed with proper acclimatization and guided by experienced local professionals from Third Eye Foundation, our Annapurna Base Camp Trek combines adventure, spirituality, safety and genuine Himalayan hospitality for an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the day-by-day plan for your journey.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Meet by our Nepal Spiritual Trekking representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel in Thamel. Our representative assists with check-in and gives short brief about Annapurna Base Camp Trek program. You can take rest and explore Thamel in evening (tourist hub of Kathmandu). Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today's Highlights:
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours / Flight: 25 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, your guide will pick you from hotel. If you choose by land, scenic drive via Trishuli River — famous for white water rafting, small green hills, terraced farms and local villages. If you choose flight, 25 min flight with Himalayan views. In Pokhara, enjoy Phewa Lake and colorful lakeside road in evening. Overnight in Pokhara.
Today's Highlights:
Driving Duration: 2.5-3 hours to Banthanti
Walking Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approx 10 km
Altitude Gain: 2,030m from Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
After breakfast in Pokhara, drive to Banthanti via Nayapul and Ulleri. Trail starts with stone stairs — famously 3,200 steps to Ulleri — through cool shade of pine and rhododendron forest. Lunch at Ulleri. Continue gradual winding trail with ups and downs and finally reach Ghorepani — famous Gurung village with spectacular view of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
Today's Highlights:
Walking Duration: 7-8 hours (1 hr Poon Hill + 6 hrs to Tadapani)
Distance: Approx 12 km
Altitude Gain: 360m to Poon Hill, then loss 580m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Early morning 45-min hike to Poon Hill for sunrise — most popular viewpoint of ABC Trek. Amazing 360-degree panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri. Take snaps, then hike down to Ghorepani for breakfast. Trail continues along ridge through pine and rhododendron forests, descending towards Tadapani via Banthanti.
Today's Highlights:
Trekking Tip: Wake up at 4:30 AM for Poon Hill. Carry headlamp, warm jacket. It gets very cold but worth it.
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approx 10 km
Altitude Loss: 460m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Trail passes through waterfalls, suspension bridges and couple of ascends and descends with beautiful rhododendron forests. Steep descent to Kimrong Khola, then steep ascent to Chhomrong — large Gurung village, gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary. Explore Gurung culture, lifestyle, and visit small museum. Views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre dominate.
Today's Highlights:
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: Approx 11 km
Altitude Gain: 750m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Leaving Chhomrong after breakfast, descend via stone stairs to Chhomrong Khola, then ascend to Sinuwa village. Walk through bamboo forests, see wild animals like boar, monkeys, Rhesus, and different birds including Danphe (national bird). Trail follows spectacular Modi Khola valley. Pass Bamboo (2,310m), Dovan, Himalaya Hotel.
Today's Highlights:
Walking Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: Approx 9 km
Altitude Gain: 1,210m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse at ABC
Most thrilling day! After breakfast, trek through alpine meadows, rocky paths. First reach Hinku Cave, then Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) — sacred peak towering overhead. Lunch at MBC. Continue 2 hours to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) — huge glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre.
Today's Highlights:
Trekking Tip: Walk slowly after MBC. Altitude gain is big. Drink 3-4 liters water. At ABC, temperature can drop to -10°C at night even in season.
Walking Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: Approx 13 km
Altitude Loss: 1,820m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Wake up early for sunrise at Base Camp — watch first light turn Annapurna and Machhapuchhre gold and pink. After breakfast, retrace steps: ABC to MBC to Deurali to Himalaya to Bamboo. Cozy ambiance of Bamboo settlement.
Today's Highlights:
Walking Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approx 10 km
Altitude Loss: 530m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Ascending from Bamboo through deep forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak towards Sinuwa and Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, steeply down to Jhinu Danda. 20-min walk down to natural hot spring on Modi River banks.
Today's Highlights:
Trekking Tip: Bring swimsuit for hot spring. Small entry fee Rs 150 per person.
Walking Duration: 3-4 hours
Driving Duration: 2-3 hours
Distance Trek: Approx 7 km + 50 km drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Last day of trekking! Trail descends until river stream with climb through valleys and down through forests. Finally reach Siwai. Drive to Pokhara via Nayapul.
Today's Highlights:
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours / Flight 25 min
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, drive towards Kathmandu via same highway — 7-8 hours with breaks at riverside restaurants. Or take domestic flight 25 min for extra cost. After reaching Kathmandu, free time for shopping in Thamel. In evening, farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance.
Today's Highlights:
Meals: Breakfast
According to your flight schedule, Nepal Spiritual Trekking staff drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport. Take best memories of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
You leave Nepal carrying memories of:
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| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 12 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 18 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 22 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 23 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 28 Feb 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now |
| SN | Start Date | Trip Duration | Cost Per Person | Availability | Join Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 2 | 09 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 3 | 12 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 4 | 13 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 5 | 19 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 6 | 20 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 7 | 27 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now | |
| 8 | 29 Apr 2027 | 12 Days | Available | Book Now |
Helpful answers for planning this trip with confidence.
The trek is considered Moderate. You walk 5-7 hours daily on varied terrain including 3,200 stone steps to Ulleri, steep ascents and descents. No technical climbing skills are required. Good fitness is essential but it is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. Our 12-day itinerary is easier than 7-day short version because it allows gradual acclimatization with Poon Hill.
Maximum altitude is 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp. You also sleep at Machhapuchhre Base Camp 3,700m on Day 7. Altitude sickness is possible but risk is lower than Everest or Manaslu because ascent is gradual and you descend quickly after reaching ABC.
While prior trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory for ABC Trek. Beginners with good fitness and mental preparation complete it every season. We recommend 2-3 months of preparation: hiking, stair climbing, cardio. The 12-day version is better for first-time Himalayan trekkers than 7-day.
Best time is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). In spring, rhododendron forests bloom with red and pink flowers — Nepal's national flower. In autumn, skies are crystal clear after monsoon with best mountain views. Winter (Dec-Feb) is possible but very cold at ABC (-15°C) and teahouses may be closed. Monsoon (June-Aug) has rain and leeches in lower forests.
You need two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — NPR 3,000 per person, and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card — NPR 2,000. Nepal Spiritual Trekking arranges both. No restricted area permit needed like Manaslu, so cheaper and easier. Bring 2 passport photos and passport copy.
Yes, altitude sickness can be concern as trek reaches 4,130m. Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath. To prevent: walk slowly, drink 3-4 liters water daily, ascend gradually (our itinerary has Poon Hill acclimatization), avoid alcohol. Our guides carry first aid and know how to handle AMS. If symptoms severe, we descend immediately to Bamboo. Helicopter evacuation insurance is mandatory.
Accommodation is teahouses/lodges — basic mountain lodges run by Gurung families. Rooms are twin sharing with wooden beds, blanket, pillow. Toilets are shared, squat or western. Lower villages like Ghorepani, Chhomrong have better facilities with attached bathroom and hot shower (Rs 200-300 extra). At ABC and MBC, accommodation is very basic, dormitory style, cold, no attached bathroom. Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are 2-3 star with BB basis.
Meals at teahouses include Nepali dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables — all you can eat), noodles, fried rice, soup, pasta, momo, porridge, eggs, pancakes, Tibetan bread. Vegetarian options widely available. Meat is not recommended above Chhomrong for freshness reasons. During trek, 3 meals included (BLD). In Kathmandu/Pokhara, only breakfast included except farewell dinner. Safe drinking water: boiled water Rs 100-300 per liter or use water purification tablets/filter.
From April 2023, guide is mandatory for all treks in Nepal per Nepal Tourism Board. Porter is optional but highly recommended — porter carries up to 20 kg for 2 trekkers, so you carry only small daypack. Guide provides safety, navigation, culture info, permits handling, and spiritual interpretation. Nepal Spiritual Trekking provides licensed English-speaking guide and porter (one porter for two persons).
12-day ABC Trek cost with Nepal Spiritual Trekking is competitive — cheaper than Everest Base Camp. Price includes permits, guide, porter, accommodation, meals during trek, transport, hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara BB, farewell dinner. International flights, insurance, visa, personal expenses, hot shower, charging, tips extra. Optional flight Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu extra $240 round trip. Contact us for group discount for 2-14 pax.
Essential items: sturdy trekking boots (broken in), warm layers (thermal, fleece, down jacket -15°C rated), good sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C — we provide if needed), trekking poles, 40-50L backpack + daypack, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, water bottles (2L), water purification, first aid kit, personal medicines, power bank. Pack light but smart — max 15 kg for porter. Full packing list we send after booking.
Most teahouses have electricity for charging but small fee Rs 200-400 per device per hour. Power banks recommended. WiFi available in Ghorepani, Chhomrong, Tadapani — Rs 200-300 per hour, slow. Hot shower available via solar or gas bucket — Rs 200-400 per shower, not available at ABC/MBC/Himalaya. Bring wet wipes.
Yes, ABC Trek is generally safe. Nepal Spiritual Trekking has 100% safety record. Guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness. Trail is well-marked, teahouses every 2-3 hours. Risks are altitude, weather, slippery stone stairs when wet. Follow guide advice, stay on trail, drink water, inform about health conditions. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation up to 5,500m is mandatory.
Yes. Popular combos: ABC + Poon Hill (already included in our 12-day), ABC + Chitwan Jungle Safari, ABC + Pokhara sightseeing, Volunteer + ABC Charity Trek (5 weeks volunteer with Third Eye Volunteers + 12 days ABC for $1675 special rate). We also arrange Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, or Ghorepani extension.
ABC Trek is 12 days, goes to base camp of Annapurna (4,130m) inside sanctuary, returns same way, focuses on close mountain amphitheatre views. Annapurna Circuit is 14-18 days, circles entire Annapurna massif crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), longer and more diverse but more demanding. ABC is best for first-timers wanting iconic base camp experience.
Trek starts from Banthanti (2-hour drive from Pokhara) after driving/flying Kathmandu to Pokhara. Ends at Siwai, then drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu. Start/end point is Kathmandu to Kathmandu in our 12-day package. Pokhara is easily accessible from Kathmandu by 25-min flight or 7-8 hour tourist bus.
Practical details to help you prepare before departure.
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