TrekkingAnnapurna Base Camp Trek
Classic 12-day ABC trek via Poon Hill and Machapuchare Base Camp
12 Days / 11 NightsModerate
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The standard Annapurna Base Camp trek takes 10 to 12 days from Pokhara, often including Ghorepani Poon Hill for sunrise. The trail reaches Base Camp at 4,130 m inside an amphitheatre of peaks including Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machapuchare.
- Duration
- 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- March to May, September to November
- Group size
- 1 to 16 pax
- Price from
- $1,350 USD
Tour highlights
- Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m) over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m
- Rhododendron forests and Gurung villages in the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the return leg
- Moderate grade suitable for fit first-time trekkers
About this trip
What is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a 12-day teahouse walk in central Nepal. Most itineraries include Ghorepani and Poon Hill before climbing through bamboo forests to Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m. It is one of Nepal's most popular treks for good reason: big mountain views without the flight dependency of Everest.
Day-by-day itinerary
12 days
Altitude profile
1,570 m to 4,130 m
Scenic drive or short flight to Pokhara. Briefing on the Annapurna trail.
Hotel in PokharaBLD
What’s included
Included
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the full itinerary
- Porter support (one porter per two trekkers unless noted)
- Teahouse accommodation on trekking days
- Three meals daily during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Conservation area and national park entry permits
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu on arrival and departure
- Pre-trek briefing at our Kathmandu office
- First aid kit carried by your guide
- All applicable government taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (required)
- Personal trekking equipment and gear rental
- Bar bills, bottled drinks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi en route
- Tips for guide and porter (industry standard applies)
- Meals in Kathmandu beyond those listed in the itinerary
- Emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your insurance)
- Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs
What to pack
Recommended packing list (10 items)
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Layered clothing: base layers, fleece, and windproof shell
- Down jacket (essential above 4,000 m, Oct to Feb)
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C for high passes
- Trekking poles (reduce knee strain on descents)
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Refillable water bottles and purification tablets or filter
- Sun hat, UV sunglasses, and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit and prescription medicines
- Rain cover for your daypack
Frequently asked questions
ABC reaches a lower maximum altitude (4,130 m vs 5,364 m), so altitude risk is lower. Daily walking is similar in length. We rate ABC Moderate and EBC Challenging.
