Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most popular and rewarding trekking adventures. Reaching an altitude of 4,130 m (13,550 ft), it takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. From lush forests and charming mountain villages to towering snow-covered peaks, every day on the trail offers something new.
Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Pokhara before following scenic trails through traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron and bamboo forests, crystal-clear rivers, and peaceful mountain valleys. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Annapurna Base Camp, where you're surrounded by magnificent Himalayan peaks rising in every direction. Before arriving at base camp, you'll also pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, offering unforgettable mountain views and a true glimpse of the Annapurna region.
At Summit Calling, we believe a great trek is about more than reaching your destination. It's about enjoying every step of the journey. Our experienced local guides, well-planned itineraries, and commitment to safety ensure you can explore the Himalayas with confidence while creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you're trekking in the Himalayas for the first time or returning for another adventure, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Summit Calling promises breathtaking landscapes, rich local culture, and an experience you'll never forget.
Trek Highlights
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), surrounded by a spectacular 360° Himalayan panorama
- Trek into the world-famous Annapurna Sanctuary
- Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m)
- Experience traditional Gurung mountain villages, including Chhomrong
- Walk through lush rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre
- Stay in authentic Himalayan tea houses
- Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after completing the trek
- Perfect for both first-time Himalayan trekkers and experienced hikers
- Flexible booking options with meal-inclusive and without-meal packages
Itinerary
Tap a day to see the full details.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Pokhara, our team will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Hotel check-in begins at 12:00 PM, so if you arrive earlier, you can leave your bags at the reception and start exploring while your room is being prepared.
Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city and the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Once you have settled in, you will have free time to explore the Lakeside area, known locally as Baidam. This lively part of the city is filled with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor gear stores. It is a great place to relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy a coffee with a view of the surrounding hills, or pick up any last-minute trekking essentials.
In the evening, we will gather at the hotel for a detailed trek briefing where you will meet our team and your fellow trekkers. We will walk you through the itinerary, conduct a gear check, discuss altitude safety, and answer any last-minute questions to make sure everyone is well prepared for the journey ahead.
Today, we will begin with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda. The road winds through small villages and terraced hillsides, offering our first proper views of the Annapurna range as we leave the city behind. This drive helps us skip several days of lower altitude walking and puts us right at the base of the trail.
From Jhinu Danda, we will start our trek with a fairly steep climb up to Chhomrong. The trail passes through terraced fields and small villages before reaching the ridge on which Chhomrong sits. Although the climb is short, it is a good introduction to the kind of walking we will be doing for the rest of the trek.
We will reach Chhomrong by the afternoon and check into our tea house. Chhomrong is the last large village on the route and offers wonderful close-up views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Take some time in the evening to relax, enjoy the mountain views, and get ready for the days ahead as we move deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Today, we will leave Chhomrong and begin our journey deeper into the Modi Khola valley. The trail starts with a long descent down a stone staircase before crossing a suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. From here, we will climb back up through the village of Sinuwa.
After Sinuwa, the trail enters thick forest, and the surroundings begin to change noticeably. Tall bamboo groves line the path, and the air becomes more humid as we walk deeper into the valley. We will pass through Bamboo before continuing on through rhododendron and oak forest towards Dovan.
We will reach Dovan by late afternoon and check into our tea house for the night. Dovan is a small, quiet stop tucked into the forest, and it marks the point where the trek begins to feel more remote. This is a good place to rest well, as the trail continues to climb steadily over the next few days.
Today, we will continue up the Modi Khola valley towards Deurali, entering the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail passes through the small stop of Himalaya before the forest slowly begins to thin out. As we gain height, the bamboo and rhododendron trees give way to more open, rugged terrain.
The valley narrows as we continue higher, and the surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic. The air becomes cooler with the gain in altitude, especially in the afternoon, so warm layers are recommended.
By the time we reach Deurali, we will already be able to sense the change in scenery. The mountains begin to feel much closer, and the peaks of the Annapurna Sanctuary start to come into view. We will check into our tea house and rest well, as tomorrow is one of the most important days of the trek.
Today is the day we have all been looking forward to. We will begin early and walk through wide, open terrain as the valley continues to open up around us. Along the way, we will stop at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which offers a close and unforgettable view of the sacred, fishtail-shaped peak of Machhapuchhre. Since climbing this peak is not permitted, this is the closest view most trekkers will ever get.
From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we will continue walking through glacier-carved terrain surrounded by towering peaks on almost every side. As we get closer to Annapurna Base Camp, the trail flattens out, and the full amphitheatre of mountains slowly comes into view.
We will reach Annapurna Base Camp by the afternoon, where we will have time to enjoy the incredible surroundings, take photographs, and celebrate this achievement. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna surround the camp on almost every side, creating one of the most dramatic mountain views in the world. We will check into our tea house and rest well, ready for a memorable sunrise the next morning.
We will wake up early to watch the sunrise over Annapurna Base Camp, one of the most memorable moments of the entire trek. As the first light hits the surrounding peaks, the mountains glow in shades of gold and pink, making it a perfect time for photographs before breakfast.
After breakfast, we will begin our descent, retracing our steps through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan. Walking downhill is generally faster than climbing, though it can be harder on the knees, so trekking poles are useful today. As we lose altitude, the air becomes noticeably warmer, and the forest gradually returns around us.
By the afternoon, we will reach Bamboo and check into our tea house for the night. It has been a long day of walking, so the rest of the evening is free to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and reflect on the incredible days spent inside the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Today, we will continue our descent through Sinuwa and Chhomrong before branching off towards Jhinu Danda. Along the way, we will pass through forested trails and small villages, enjoying the last of the mountain views before returning to lower altitude.
Jhinu Danda is known for its natural hot springs by the Modi Khola river, and if time allows, you are welcome to take a relaxing dip to soothe tired legs after six days of trekking. From Jhinu Danda, we will take a scenic drive back to Pokhara, arriving by evening.
Once we check into our hotel, you will have some time to freshen up and relax after the long day. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner as we celebrate the successful completion of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You will also receive your trek completion certificate in recognition of this special achievement.
Today marks the end of your unforgettable Annapurna Base Camp journey. Depending on your onward travel plans, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Our team will transfer you to Pokhara Airport, or help arrange your onward travel, in good time for your flight or journey ahead.
Thank you for choosing Summit Calling for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable adventure. Safe travels!
Package Options
Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. No previous mountaineering experience is required. During the trek, you'll typically walk 4 to 7 hours per day on a mix of stone staircases, forest trails, suspension bridges, and mountain paths. While the altitude and daily ascents can be challenging, the well-paced itinerary allows your body to gradually adjust. We recommend preparing with regular walking, hiking, stair climbing, or cardio exercises for a few weeks before your trek.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Pokhara (2 Nights)
Stay in a comfortable 3-star category hotel on a twin-sharing basis.
- Accommodation During the Trek
Twin-sharing accommodation in mountain lodges/tea houses throughout the trek.
- Airport Transfers
Airport pick-up on arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer in Pokhara as per the itinerary.
- Ground Transportation
Ground transportation between Pokhara and Jhinu Danda, and all transportation as per the trekking itinerary.
- Permits & Documentation
All necessary paperwork, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and all applicable trekking fees.
- Professional Trek Guide
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide throughout the trek.
- Porter Service
One porter is shared between two trekkers for carrying personal luggage (maximum combined weight of 20 kg).
- Assistant Guide
Assistant trekking guide for groups of six or more participants.
- Health & Safety
Basic first-aid medical kit carried by the trekking guide.
- Trekking Map
Complimentary Annapurna Base Camp trekking route map.
- Staff Salary & Allowance
Salary, insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, and allowances for trekking staff.
- Taxes & Service Charges
All applicable government taxes and local service charges.
- Trek Completion Certificate
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Completion Certificate.
- Farewell Dinner
Traditional farewell dinner in Pokhara.
Exclusions
- Meals
Lunch and dinner in Pokhara, breakfast on Day 2 and Day 8, and all meals during the trekking days at mountain lodges/tea houses, except the farewell dinner (where included as per the itinerary). Meals during the trek are available as an add-on with our Meal-Inclusive Package.
- Travel Insurance & Emergency Rescue
Mandatory travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, helicopter rescue, medical treatment, hospitalization, and related emergency expenses.
- International & Domestic Travel
International airfare to and from Nepal, domestic travel to and from Pokhara, and any excess baggage charges.
- Nepal Entry Visa
Nepal entry visa fees and any associated immigration charges.
- Personal Expenses
Bottled water, beverages, alcohol, tea/coffee, snacks, personal food purchases, Wi-Fi, phone calls, battery charging, laundry, hot showers, hot drinking water, souvenirs, and other personal comfort services.
- Personal Trekking Equipment
Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking boots, clothing, trekking poles, personal medication, and other personal trekking gear. Trekking equipment can be rented or purchased in Pokhara.
- Hotel Accommodation & Services
Additional hotel accommodation in Pokhara beyond what is specified in the itinerary, including extra nights, room upgrades, early check-in before 12:00 PM, and late check-out.
- Tips & Gratuities
Tips for trekking guides, porters, and support staff.
- Itinerary Changes & Emergency Evacuation
Expenses arising from itinerary changes due to weather conditions, illness, landslides, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances, including emergency evacuation costs.
- Force Majeure
Costs arising from natural disasters, landslides, earthquakes, strikes, political unrest, pandemics, government restrictions, or other force majeure events.
- Other Exclusions
Any service, activity, or expense not specifically mentioned under the Inclusions section.
Optional Add-ons
- Single Occupancy
Private room available on request at an additional cost (subject to availability).
- Room with Attached Washroom
Available on request at an additional cost (subject to availability).
- Personal Trekking Guide
Available on request at an additional cost.
- Additional Porter
Available for carrying luggage beyond the standard baggage allowance, at an additional cost (subject to availability).
- Extra Hotel Night in Pokhara
Available before or after the trek at an additional cost (subject to availability).
- Private Transportation
Private transportation between Pokhara and Jhinu Danda available on request at an additional cost.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Although the itinerary allows for gradual altitude gain, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our experienced guides monitor every trekker throughout the journey and prioritize safety at all times.
- Walk at a comfortable pace
- Stay well hydrated
- Eat nutritious meals
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek
- Inform your guide immediately if you experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March–May)
- Rhododendron forests in full bloom
- Pleasant temperatures
- Excellent mountain visibility
- Perfect for photography
Autumn (September–November)
- Stable weather
- Crystal-clear Himalayan views
- Comfortable daytime temperatures
- Nepal's most popular trekking season
Winter (December–February)
- Snow-covered landscapes
- Fewer crowds
- Cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations
- Suitable for trekkers prepared with proper winter gear
Monsoon (June–August)
- Lush green landscapes
- Waterfalls at their best
- Fewer trekkers
- Frequent rain and slippery trails
- Best suited for experienced trekkers who don't mind wet conditions
Why Choose Summit Calling?
- Local Expertise
Our experienced local guides know the Annapurna region inside out, ensuring a safe, informative, and enjoyable journey.
- Flexible Packages
Choose between With Meals and Without Meals packages to suit your travel style and budget.
- Small Group Experience
We focus on smaller groups to provide a more personalized and enjoyable trekking experience.
- Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. What we promise is what you receive.
- Carefully Designed Itineraries
Our itineraries balance adventure, comfort, and proper acclimatization for a safe and rewarding trek.
- Personalized Support
From your first inquiry until the end of your journey, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
- Responsible Tourism
We work closely with local communities, support local businesses, and encourage environmentally responsible trekking practices.