Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 11 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 4,130m/13,545ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-12
Mode: Tea House/Lodge Culture: Gurung, Magar, Brahmin ,Kshetri

Annapurna isn't just a grand massif on the Himalayan skyline - it also has a prominent place in climbing history, having been the first 8,000m peak to be scaled successfully. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal can claim that particular accolade, but even if you don't plan a climbing expedition to the top of Annapurna, it is still well worth doing the Annapurna base camp trek; also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary route. In this article, we tell you why.
 

Introduction and History of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna isn't just a grand massif on the Himalayan skyline - it also has a prominent place in climbing history, having been the first 8,000m peak to be scaled successfully. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal can claim that particular accolade, but even if you don't plan a climbing expedition to the top of Annapurna, it is still well worth doing the Annapurna base camp trek; also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary route. In this article, we tell you why.

Geography - Annapurna Sanctuary

There are few better ways to take in the stunning Annapurna panorama than trekking through the high glacial basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, on your way to the Annapurna base camp. Located 40km north of Pokhara in central Nepal, this an amazing opportunity to take in the might of the surrounding Annapurna range, including the Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre, which rise up around you. 

Nature, Culture and Adventure 

You can encounter several different ecosystems in the Annapurna Sanctuary itself, from the jungle of the south slopes to the colder and drier climate of the north. You could see wildlife such as tigers and leopards on safaris in lower-lying sections, and yeti, wild goats, and musk deer up higher.

Nepal's native people have their own religious systems and gods which co-exist with major religions, and it is known as a land of religious harmony. You can encounter many of the friendly Nepalese people as you travel through villages along the trek route.

Activities to do and major attractions of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The trekking itself, and the socializing with people from all over the world you could meet along the way are two of the reasons why the Annapurna base camp trek is treasured. Along the route, there are a series of 'tea houses' that offer a chance to enjoy refreshments, rest, and relaxation.

Once you get to Annapurna base camp itself, you can bask in your achievement, and savor the amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Health and safety

The Annapurna base camp trek is known as a relatively moderate trek that does not typically present problems such as high altitude sickness, which can be suffered on the higher peaks. Mountain sickness is considered unlikely, and there are many flat sections. 

Weather and best season for ABC Trekking in 2024

Annapurna region is in an area known as a rain shadow, meaning it typically receives less rain than most other areas in Nepal. In the post-monsoon season of October to November, daytime temperatures can reach 15°C, while at night time the temperature doesn't drop below freezing.

From December to February, temperatures drop much colder in the daytime, and well below freezing at night. From March to May, temperatures rise considerably, but at night time it is still around freezing.

The monsoon season from June to September can pose the problem of torrential rain throughout the region and is not recommended as a wise time for trekking. 

The best seasons for the Annapurna base camp trek are considered to be spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) in Nepal.

Benefits of Annapurna trek in 2024

Benefits of embarking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek include:

  • The convenience of relatively close proximity to the capital of Nepal and its major transport hub, Kathmandu
  • The chance to take in the wonderful Himalayas with a trek that isn't as demanding as more intense climbs
  • Access to a protected area, in the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the opportunity to see multiple ecosystems and rare species
  • The possibility of meeting people from all over the world who can come to trek - you could make friends for life!

Lifestyle and people - Annapurna, Nepal

The Nepalese cannot easily be pigeonholed! They are ethnically diverse, due to migrations down the years from North Burma, Tibet, India, and Yunnan. Pahari and Gurung people make up the main population of the region in which Annapurna lies.

Typical professions in this rural region are based on agriculture and tourism. Nepalese people in rural areas live a simple lifestyle, and their local cuisine can be compared to Indian food, with a typical delicacy named dal bhat - a lentil soup served with rice and vegetables.

Are you enticed by the prospect of completing the Annapurna base camp trek? What are you waiting for? Start planning now for your Annapurna trek in 2024 with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.


Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft)
    • Duration :200Km (5-6hrs Drive)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Dhading

      » Malekhu

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

     

  • Day 3 Pokhara – Nayapul - Jhinu Danda (1,760m/5,770 ft)
    • Duration :44Km (1 and half hrs drive) and 9km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ,Transportation
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :710m/2,329ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Nayapul

      » Birethanti

      » Syauli Bazaar

      » New Bridge

      » Jhinu Danda

    • Highlights :

      » Landscapes

      » Annapurna Conservation Area

      » Natural Hot Spring Bathing Pool

      » Ayurvedic

      » Suspension Bridges

     

  • Day 4 Jhinu Danda to Bamboo (2,310m/7,578ft)
    • Duration :16Km (6hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/ Hotel
    • Ascend :530m/1,738ft
    • Descend :200m/656ft
    • Location :

      » Jhinu Danda

      » Chhomrong

      » Sinuwa

      » Bamboo

    • Highlights :

      » Himchuli View

      » Panoramic View of Annapurna South

      » Fishtail-one of the famous holy mountain

      » Bamboo Forest/Bushes

      » Flora and Fauna

      » Culture

      » Diverse Ethnicity

     

  • Day 5 Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m/10,595ft)
    • Duration :12Km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :910m/2,985ft
    • Location :

      » Bamboo

      » Dovan

      » Himalaya

      » Hinku Cave

      » Deurali

    • Highlights :

      » Hidden Valley Side

      » Rocky Mountains

      » Flora and Fauna

     

  • Day 6 Deurali to Annapurana Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft)
    • Duration :12Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :900m/2,952ft
    • Location :

      » Deurali

      » Bagar

      » Machhapuchhre Base Camp

      » Annapurna Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » High Altitude Walk

      » Avalanche Area

      » Wild animals like Mountain Goats

      » Marine Glacier

      » Annapurna - I View

      » Machhapuchhre View

      » Snow Bowl

      » Landscape

      » Sunset View

     

  • Day 7 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
    • Duration :22Km (7-8hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/ Hotel
    • Descend :1,820m/5,971ft
    • Location :

      » Annapurna Base Camp

      » Machhapuchhre Base Camp

      » Deurali

      » Himalaya

      » Dovan

      » Bamboo

    • Highlights :

      » Sunrise View

      » Annapurna-I View

      » Annapurna Glacier

      » Tent Peak

      » Machhapuchhre

      » Annapurna South Ice falling area

      » Flowers

      » Achievement of a lifetime

     

  • Day 8 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770 ft)
    • Duration :16Km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :200m/656ft
    • Descend :530m/1,738ft
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Dhading

      » Malekhu

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Himchuli View

      » Panoramic View of Annapurna South

      » Fishtail-one of the famous holy mountain

      » Bamboo Forest/Bushes

      » Flora and Fauna

      » Culture

      » Diverse Ethnicity 

     

  • Day 9 Jhinu Danda – Nayapul - Pokhara(823m/2,700ft)
    • Duration :9Km (5hrs walk) and 44Km ( 1 and half hrs drive)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Jhinu Danda

      » New Bridge

      » Syauli Bazaar

      » Nayapul

      » Nau Danda

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Landscapes

      » Annapurna Conservation Area

      » Natural Hot Spring Bathing Pool

      » Ayurvedic

      » Suspension Bridges

     

  • Day 10 Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Duration :200Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :710m/2,329ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Malekhu

      » Dhading

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Farewell Dinner in the evening

     

  • Day 11 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon) with breakfast
  • 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items in the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: One-way Domestic Flight(KTM-Pokhara) and Drive from Pokhara to KTM With other driving fares such as drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets are made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon) with breakfast
  • 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: One-way Domestic Flight(KTM-Pokhara) and Drive from Pokhara to KTM With other driving fares such as drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets are made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Foods in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map

map of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 11 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Review

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE! ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!

Daniel B
Daniel B
Source:Trip Advisor

I had an absolutely wonderful time on my trek. I had never been trekking before, and didn’t know what to expect. It was a truly tremendous experience, and I’m so happy I decided to go. My guide and Porter were excellent and answered any questions or concerns that I had. The views all along the trek were simply breathtaking. I highly recommend this company if you’re planning on doing any trekking while in Nepal. Everyone was fantastic to deal with from start to finish! 10/10

Can't go past Nepal Mountain Trekkers

Kathryn L
Kathryn L
Source:Trip Advisor

Our Annapurna trek (9 days) was organised so perfectly that we didn't have to think about much other than what to eat and when to be ready. All of which was explained to us every step of the way.
TB (our guide and general boss man) and the porters were just delightful, always looking out for our wellbeing and general comfort (in somewhat uncomfortable environments at times) and they have become lifelong friends to the four of us (middle-aged women) who trekked together.
Our time in Khatmandu and Pokhara (either side of the trek) was also organised perfectly from arriving at the airport to our departure 3 weeks later. TB was even prepared to 'shop' with us and help us navigate the complexity of retail in Nepal.
Whilst barely noticeable, TB made changes on the trek and constantly sought out the best possible accomodation and routes to suit us and make sure we saw the majesty of the mountains and surrounds.
Absolutely nothing was too much trouble and we felt so safe and secure in their capable hands, right down to the multi cups of tea to keep us warm and hydrated, ice water for sore feet, the odd massage, fires lit just for us, being lifted up steep terrain and virtually carried across the odd suspension bridge when fear might have stopped us moving on.
I can't recommend them highly enough, taking on such a challenging adventure requires true, experienced professionals and they were every bit of that.
Thank you so much to the whole team

Solid trustworthy trekking company with strong management and a great team

Nicky T
Nicky T
Source:Trip Advisor

Trekked ABC trek using Nepal Mountain trekkers. From initial discussions, the organization was made easy. They listened to what we wanted and also helped to arrange everything from flights to airport pickups and city tours for no cost (city guide was a charge). They are super knowledgeable, trustworthy and go above and beyond to give you a great trek. The team (guide and 2 porters) were excellent. Dependable, helpful, fun to be with (dancing, singing, would play cards in evenings with us) but would work so hard all the time to make sure you were comfortable and happy. Highly recommended. Management team work hard for the community and their clients. Above all they care. Thank you to the wonderful team.

Unforgettable ABC experience

Mayke17
Mayke17
Source:Trip Advisor

Amazing 9 day trekking to ABC, with the sunrise highlight.
Prefect organized trip by Suman and our guide team! Taxi, flight, lodges and changes in our plans!

Thanks for this unforgettable experience!

Wonderful experience!!!

Evgeniya Y
Evgeniya Y
Source:Trip Advisor

It had been a wonderful time trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Mingma, the guide from Nepal Mountain Trekkers. He was my guardian angel. I felt safe and secure all the way. Mingma is very kind, friendly, honest, supportive and in general a really nice person to be around. He is professional and knowledgeable about the region and the culture. And you can trust him with your life.
I cannot thank him enough!

I also want to say thank you to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers team, especially Suman, who took care of everything from planning the itinerary, arranging the transportation, booking the lodges and ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trek. I could just enjoy the journey without thinking of technicality. Suman also shared his insights and stories about the places we visited and made the trek more enjoyable and memorable.

I highly recommend Nepal Mountain Trekkers to anyone who wants to experience the beauty and adventure of Nepal, especially, the Annapurna region!

Thank you guys for the wonderful trip!

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 days

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