Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 12 Days

Highlights

• Trek into the heart of the Annapurnas, surrounded by 7000-8000 peaks
• Pass through the beautiful farming village of Ghandruk
• Rest your weary muscles in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda
• Classic views of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m)

Trek Overview

In some ways, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a less-intense version of the Everest Base Camp trek, but can be done in a shorter amount of time. The route ascends a river valley that gradually narrows before opening up into an amphitheater of mountains. While other treks circle around the mountains or take you to panoramic viewpoints, this trek is more about getting to the base of these great Himalayan peaks.

Best Season

As with other treks in Nepal, the best time to do this trek is in the spring (Mar - May) & fall (Sep - Nov). It can be done in the summer, monsoon months as well, but be sure to prepare for the rain. You can also do this trek in winter, but best to inquire with one of our local experts if all the necessary teahouses will be open at this time. Avalanches can also be a risk during the winter months, so it's important to trek with a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the conditions.

Accessing this Trek

From Pokhara, you'll take a 45-minute private jeep ride or public transport to Phedi, the most common starting points for this trek. Almost all routes end in Nayapul, from where you'll catch transport back to Pokhara. Recently, it's possible to take a jeep farther than Nayapul and cut off the first day of the trek if you're short on time.

Permits & Regulations

As with other treks in the Annapurna Region, you'll need to purchase a TIMS card ($10) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) ($20 USD). There will be a checkpoint at the beginning of your trek where you'll have to display these.

Accommodation & Meals

You'll find well-equipped teahouses available along the entire trek, and all your meals, snacks and water can be purchased from local shops. Some teahouses will offer hot showers along with battery charging and wi-fi, but reliability varies depending on the village and the season.

Brief Itinerary

Our suggested itinerary — starting and ending in Pokhara — takes 12 days and offers a great overall experience of this trek, which gives you a day of exploring the amazing views in the Sanctuary. If you're short on time, it's also possible to do this trek safely in 10 days, in which case the itinerary below will be adjusted for you.

Consider combining this trek with one of the following treks, below:

• Khopra Danda Trek
• Ghorepani Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek