Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal: Into the Heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel

Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal begins the moment you fly into Kathmandu, with sweeping Himalayan views unfolding beneath the window as you descend. Your flight lands at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), sitting at 1,350m.

Nepal's entry visa can be arranged in advance or on arrival — on-arrival processing typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on queue size. For up-to-date visa requirements, refer to the Department of Immigration Nepal official site.

As you exit the arrivals gate, our company representative will be waiting with a placard bearing our name and logo. You'll be welcomed with a traditional Tibetan khata scarf before being transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle.

The drive to Thamel takes about 30 minutes, passing glimpses of Pashupatinath Temple and the lively energy of Kathmandu's streets — a fitting first taste of the city before you settle in and rest.

Thamel itself is full of restaurants, shops, and comfortable accommodation, giving you plenty to explore once you've checked in. In the evening, a trip briefing is followed by a welcome dinner, setting the stage for the journey ahead into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 2: guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with professional English speaking tour guide. (UNESCO world heritage sites visit: Swoyambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha)

Day 2 of your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu before heading toward the mountains. The tour covers four of the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First is Swayambhunath, the hilltop "Monkey Temple" and one of Nepal's oldest religious sites.

Next is Patan, a medieval city known for its fine arts and the stone Krishna Mandir. From there, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world on the banks of the Bagmati River.

The day ends at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupas outside Tibet. [See our full Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour for details on each site.]
The day offers a meaningful cultural introduction before setting off toward Pokhara and the trailhead into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul (1070m) via Pokhara Valley (West of Kathmandu) 820m. 240km distance, 8-9 hours’ drive

You will have a breakfast at hotel and leave Kathmandu valley for Nayapul via Pokhara. A representative of our office or your guide will pick you up from Hotel and drop you at Tourist bus station.

We will drive out of Valley through picturesque Trishuli River, beautiful hills, mountains, traditional villages, terraced farming as well as village side lifestyles. Nayapul is considered a starting point for trekkers, this is the starting point from where you will kick off your ABC trek. Overnight stay will be at Nayapul.

Day 4: Trek from Nayapul to Ulleri (1,540m / 5,050ft) 6-7 hours

With an early breakfast in the morning, our ABC conquering campaign will begin. The first day in the trekking will be little bit easier as we walk across the Modi River. Entire day we trek through numerous small settlements, bamboo forests and green covered landscapes.

Gentle ascending up to Birethati and direct uphill through stone stepping from here will ultimately take us to Ulleri, the first resting place since we started our trekking. Overnight stay at Ulleri.

Day 5: Trek from Ulleri (1,540m / 5,050ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft) 5 hours

After breakfast, this stretch of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal continues toward Ghorepani, a village known for its comfort and natural beauty in equal measure. The trail winds through thick pastureland and stone steps, with the forest growing denser and more humid the higher you climb, flowers scattered along the way.

During the flowering season, rhododendron blankets the hillside in bright red, turning the entire stretch into something that feels almost like a fairytale setting on the way toward the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 6: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m / 10,525ft), then trek to Tadapani (2,630m / 8,630ft) 6 hours.

An early wake-up call kicks off this day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal, with a hike up to Poon Hill timed for one of Nepal's most celebrated sunrise views. The hill takes its name from the Poon Magar community who have long called this area home.

From the top, the sunrise casts golden light over some of the world's highest peaks — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and the striking Machhapuchhre — a moment worth savoring before the descent back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

From there, the trail continues through a mix of uphill and downhill terrain, winding through dense rhododendron forest and rolling hills on the way to Tadapani. Compared to other stretches of this journey toward the Annapurna Sanctuary, today's walk is a relatively easy one, offering a welcome pace after the early start.

Day 7: Trek from Tadapani (2,630m / 8,630ft) to Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft) 6/7 hours

After breakfast, we will continue this day also with initial descend for almost three hours and climbing uphill before getting to the village of Chhomrong, situated in the valley leading to Annapurna sanctuary.

Chhomrong valley will be on our way where we will have our lunch, with a stunning views of Annapurna south and Machhapuchchhre. After lunch we will start uphill for some hours and short descending finally bring us to a beautiful Gurung village called ‘Chhomrong’. Chhomrong is specially loved by trekkers for its really nice bakery there. Overnight stay in Chhomrong

Day 8: Trek from Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft) to Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft) 7/8 hours

We will start another day with powered up breakfast in the morning. Initial trail will be very steep, prepare yourself for steady and balanced walk downhill, with thick jungle and rhododendron forest. Lush cliffs and river around us throughout. We will pass by Sinuwa and then the route will take us up a steep sided valley with Machhapuchchhre just towering above us on one side of the valley and Hiuchuli will be on another side.

Waterfalls, over logged bridges, swinging bridges through bamboo forest and climbing & counting more stone steps until Doban. Continuing our hiking through the side of the River leads us to Hotel Himalaya. Overnight stay in Hotel Himalaya.

Day 9: Trek from Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft) to ABC (4,130m / 13,550ft) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp, 6 hours

This is the day the entire Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal has been building toward. After an energizing mountain breakfast, the trail crosses glacier and moraine terrain through an old avalanche zone, with the valley narrowing dramatically as the mountains rise higher on either side — walking through what feels like a towering natural gorge.

A small suspension bridge crossing leads to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), where stunning views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli open up in every direction. From here, roughly two more hours of climbing through shimmering glacier terrain finally bring you to Annapurna Base Camp itself — long regarded as the sacred abode of Goddess Annapurna.

Standing at ABC is an experience that's hard to put into words. Even for those who wouldn't call themselves particularly spiritual, there's something about this place that feels genuinely overwhelming — a moment many trekkers describe through tears rather than words.

After days of walking, this is the destination you set out for, and the rest of the day and night at ABC is simply about letting that feeling settle in.

Day 10: Trek from ABC (4,130m / 13,550ft) to Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) 7 hours

After exploring world’s 10^th highest mountain in the world ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Annapurna Base Camp’, this is the day we trek back to Bamboo. Today’s journey will be really very interesting.

As we pass through the reserve forest we will encounter varieties of flora and fauna including alpine vegetation, further down cross through tall grass and then to a dense forest. This trail is perfect to observe the local’s lifestyle & habitation. As we are walking to the elevation downward you have to keep yourself fit enough to balance your body weight. Overnight stay will be in Bamboo.

Day 11: Trek from Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs 6/7 hours

After breakfast, we will continue on our trail of almost 8.5km for today exploring on our way a picturesque Fishtail, Annapurna south and Hiuchuli as well as flora & fauna, detailed information of vegetation, lifestyles and culture of Gurung ethnic community. Most of the walking trail will be ups and downs which passes through the forest of bamboo, rhododendron, oak and hamlets.

As you reach Jhinu Danda you might have already been exhausted but don’t worry the place will take all your tiredness away from you. Jhinu Danda is a popular for nearby situated natural hot springs ‘Tatopani’ where you can have a relaxed and pleasurable bath over there, destress yourself. People believe that bathing over here will heal all kinds of skin related diseases. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.

Day 12: Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) and drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul

Today is the last day of your entire trek and we will cover comparatively shorter distance by walk downward to Modi River valley as it is going to be pleasant hike along the Modi River.

We will say good bye to our entire trails and carry with us a tremendous lifetime experience of those days. Then we drive to Pokhara via Nayapul. We will spend our night in beautiful city called ‘Pokhara’.

Day 13: Guided Pokhara City Tour

A leisure day? Or would like to explore Pokhara valley? Pokhara is the most beautiful tourist attraction in Nepal. Certainly you don’t want to miss this chance. If so your guide will take you through major tourist attractions in Pokhara valley. Enjoy the beautiful day with beautiful city and views.

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft) 205 km /127 miles) - 6-7hrs. Or you will have option to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu/30 minutes (flight charge extra)

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you get refreshed in your Hotel and you will be invited to participate to the farewell dinner with live cultural performance in the evening.

Day 15: Final Departure

As your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nepal comes to an end, our office representative will be on hand to see you off at the airport, ensuring a smooth departure. From the sunrise over Poon Hill to standing at the base of Annapurna itself, we hope this journey stays with you long after you've returned home. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for your next Himalayan adventure!