Annapurna Base Camp Trek 12 days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also widely celebrated as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, stands out as one of the ultimate trekking experiences in Nepal. This legendary trail takes you deep into a breathtaking, high-altitude glacial basin wrapped in a spectacular 360-degree amphitheater of world-class peaks.
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you will enjoy an immersive cultural tour around the valley's most iconic historical landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the capital, you will make a scenic journey to Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside city known as the gateway to the Annapurna region. Following a restful night at your lakeside hotel, your trekking journey officially kicks off right after breakfast the next morning.
The trail traces the vibrant Modi River valley, starting with a private drive from Pokhara to the trailhead. In the lower regions, you will hike through terraced farmlands and lush rhododendron forests that burst into vibrant seasonal blooms, offering encounters with rich local flora and fauna. As you ascend past traditional Gurung villages and deep into the majestic alpine sanctuary, the landscape transforms. Ultimately, you will find yourself completely surrounded by a towering ring of the world's highest mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091m), the iconic Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Tent Peak (5,663m), and Mardi Himal (5,588m). This complete holiday package perfectly combines ancient history, local culture, and unparalleled Himalayan scenery.

Essential Information for Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Food & Accommodation
Accommodation: You'll stay in simple but welcoming tea houses (guesthouses) along the entire route. They offer basic rooms, usually with foam mattresses and pillows. Blankets are provided, but a sleeping bag is recommended for extra warmth.
Food: Guesthouses have a standard menu approved by the local lodge management committee, ensuring quality and fair prices. You can enjoy a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes (pasta, pancakes, soups). A wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in the lower regions. Above the Himalaya Hotel, local customs mean that meat is not served, so you'll find excellent egg and vegetable dishes.

Difficulty & Preparation
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate. The main challenge is not the altitude but the numerous stone steps—you will be going up and down every day. A reasonable level of fitness is required. The golden rule is to follow your own pace. Start early, take your time, and you'll have a much more enjoyable experience.

Best Season to Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The trail is open year-round, but the best times are:
Spring (March-May): The hillsides burst into color with blooming rhododendrons, and the weather is warm with clear skies.
Autumn (September-November): Offers crystal-clear mountain views, stable weather, and pleasant temperatures.
Winter (December-February): Can be very cold, especially at ABC (dropping to -20°C or lower). Snowfall can make the trail challenging and increase avalanche risk.
Summer/Monsoon (June-August): Trails can be slippery and muddy. Leeches are prevalent in the lush, wet forests, and river crossings require caution. It's less crowded, but you must be prepared.

Guides, Porters & Safety
Our team at Alpine Asian Treks consists of experienced, government-licensed trekking guides and professional porters. They are not only there to carry your bag but to ensure your safety, provide cultural insights, and enhance your overall experience. You can trek with complete peace of mind.
Health, Altitude & Safety

Nepal Trekking equipment: 

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are extremely limited or non-existent above Chhomrong. You must bring a personal first-aid kit including any regular medications, plus basics for headaches, stomach upsets, diarrhea, pain, colds, blisters, and altitude sickness (like Diamox). Consult your doctor before your trip.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): Trekking above 3,000m carries a risk of AMS. Prevention is key:
Ascend slowly: Follow the "walk high, sleep low" principle.
Hydrate: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day.
Listen to your body: If you have a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness, do not ascend. The only real cure is to descend immediately.

Emergency Rescue: In an emergency, local horses can be arranged to transport you down. For serious cases, helicopter rescue is available (at your own expense). We strongly advise you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 5,000m) and emergency helicopter evacuation.

More Than Just a Trek to ABC 
People & Culture
The Modi River Valley is the traditional homeland of the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups. These communities are renowned for their bravery, with a long history of service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. They are warm, welcoming people with a rich culture and traditions. They practice a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, and their villages, with their stone houses and prayer flags, are a cultural highlight of the trek.
Nature & Wildlife
The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area, boasting incredible biodiversity.
Plants & Vegetation: You'll trek through lush subtropical forests of bamboo and rhododendron, ascending into temperate zones with oaks and maples, and finally reaching the alpine tundra of the high Himalayas. The park is also home to numerous medicinal plants.
Animals & Birds: Keep your eyes peeled! The area is a habitat for over 100 species of mammals and 500 species of birds. You might spot the Himalayan Thar, playful langur monkeys, and colorful pheasants (including the national bird, the Danfe). With incredible luck, you could see a snow leopard or red panda, but more common sightings include eagles, vultures, and the tiny, beautiful wren.
A Glimpse into History
Trekking in the Annapurna region began in the 1970s, following the first successful ascent of Annapurna I's summit in 1950 by the French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. What was once a route for pilgrims heading to the sacred lake of Muktinath is now one of the most beloved trekking destinations on Earth.
Trekking Options & Extensions
The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be easily combined with other adventures:
Combine it with the classic Poon Hill trek for a sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Extend your trip to include a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park.
Add on a white-water rafting adventure.
Combine it with the Mardi Himal Trek for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Email us with your interests and available time, and our tour manager will help you design the perfect itinerary.
Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara
We can recommend hotels to suit your style and budget in both cities. If you are looking for a quiet, clean, and family-run atmosphere in Kathmandu, we highly recommend Green Eco Resort—a perfect place to relax before or after your trek.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Contact us to book your Annapurna Base Camp Trek!

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & Welcome Dinner

Day 02: Guided Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Briefing

Day 03: Overland Drive or Scenic Flight to Pokhara

Day 04: Drive 2hrs to New Bridge & Trek 4hrs to Chhomrong 2100m

Day 05: Trek 6hrs from Chhomrong to Dovan 2430

Day 06: Trek 5-6 hrs from Dovan to Deurali 3230m

Day 07: Trek 6-7hrs to Annapurna Base Camp 4130m (ABC) via MBC

Day 08: ABC Sunrise View & Trek Down to Bamboo

Day 09: Trek 7-8 hrs from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs 1700m

Day 10: Trek 1 hrs to New bridge & Drive 2 hrs. Back to Pokhara

Day 11: Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 12: Private Airport Transfer & Departure