Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2026 | 11 Days Itinerary & Cost

Overview

Into the Heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is a compact Himalayan classic that combines warm Gurung hospitality, lush rhododendron forests, and one of the most dramatic mountain amphitheatres on earth. Over 11 carefully planned days, you ascend from the lakeside city of Pokhara to the glacier-carved bowl of the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m.

Trip Facts

Group Size	2–12 Persons
Accommodation	Teahouses / Lodges
Meals	B, L, D included
Transportation	Private Vehicle / Jeep
Max Elevation	4,130m (ABC)
Difficulty	Moderate

Highlights

Why You'll Love This Trek

Lush Modi Khola Valley
Follow the glacial Modi Khola river from terraced lowlands into a narrowing gorge draped in fern and bamboo.
Rhododendron Forests
In spring, the forests above Ghandruk and Chhomrong explode in red and pink rhododendron bloom beneath snowy peaks.
Gurung Village Culture
Stay in friendly Gurung villages, learning about their traditions, stone architecture, and terraced farming lifestyle.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Reach the foot of the sacred Fishtail peak and watch evening alpenglow spill over the surrounding ridges.
Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp
Stand at 4,130m surrounded by a 360° wall of peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Optional Jhinu Hot Springs
Soak tired legs in natural riverside hot springs on your way back toward Pokhara valley.
Photography Paradise
Capture iconic shots of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from every angle throughout the trek.
Apple Pie & Hot Drinks
Enjoy surprisingly good bakery items and warming ginger lemon honey tea in high-altitude teahouses.
Safe & Accessible
A well-trodden trail with excellent facilities, making it perfect for first-time Himalayan trekkers.

Daily Route

11 Days Itinerary

01 Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu where a BESTTREKSNEPAL representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening, meet your guide for a detailed trek briefing, gear check, and welcome dinner.

02 Kathmandu to Pokhara

A scenic 6–7 hour drive (or optional short flight) takes you west to Pokhara, Nepal’s laid-back lakeside city. Stroll along Phewa Lake, enjoy views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, and make any last-minute gear purchases. Overnight in Pokhara.

03 Nayapul to Ghandruk

After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. Follow the Modi Khola upstream via Birethanti and climb gradually through terraced fields and small hamlets to reach the charming Gurung village of Ghandruk, famous for its stone houses and mountain views. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

04 Ghandruk to Chhomrong

The trail contours through forest and terrace before dropping to the Kimrong Khola and then climbing steep stone steps to reach Chhomrong — the last major Gurung village before the Sanctuary. Enjoy spectacular sunset views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the village ridgeline. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

05 Chhomrong to Bamboo

Descend the long stone staircase to the Chhomrong Khola, cross a suspension bridge, then climb steadily through thick forest toward Sinuwa and into the narrow Modi Khola gorge. The day ends at Bamboo, a peaceful settlement surrounded by dense bamboo stands. Walking time: ~5 hours.

06 Bamboo to Deurali

Continue up the valley through Dovan and the sacred area of Hinku Cave, where woodcutting and animal slaughter are prohibited. As you gain elevation, the vegetation thins and views of Machhapuchhre become more impressive. Overnight at Deurali, where the valley opens slightly. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

07 Deurali to ABC

A memorable day as the trail climbs gradually along the river bed and then onto open alpine meadows. Reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) for a rest and stunning views of the fishtail-shaped peak before continuing gently upward into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp, ringed by towering peaks on all sides. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

08 ABC to Bamboo

Rise before dawn to watch the sun paint the surrounding summits gold and pink — one of the Himalaya’s most iconic panoramas. After breakfast, begin a long but mostly downhill day retracing your steps through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan back to the forests of Bamboo. Walking time: ~6–7 hours.

09 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Climb back up toward Sinuwa and Chhomrong before descending steeply to the ridge-top village of Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, walk down to the nearby natural hot springs on the riverbank to soak aching legs and relax. Walking time: ~5 hours.

10 Jhinu to Pokhara

Follow the Modi Khola downstream through scattered villages and farmland until you reach the roadhead near Nayapul. From here, a private vehicle takes you back to Pokhara. Enjoy a hot shower, celebratory dinner, and an evening by the lakeside. Walking time: ~5–6 hours.

11 Pokhara to Kathmandu

Depending on your schedule, take a short morning flight or scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your international flight or extend your stay with additional sightseeing, white water rafting, or a safari in Chitwan. Your BESTTREKSNEPAL team will assist with onward travel arrangements.

Trip Cost

From $750 / person

What's Included

Professional local trekking guide and porter
ACAP permit and TIMS card
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accommodation in teahouses / lodges during trek
3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek
2 nights hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara
Basic first aid kit and trekking map

What's Excluded

International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, etc.)
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and bottled drinks on trek
Tips for guide, porter, and driver
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Gallery

Visions of the Sanctuary

Sunrise at ABC

Fishtail Peak

Stone Steps

Himalayan Amphitheatre

Into the Wild

Base Camp Views

Common Questions

Annapurna Base Camp FAQs

Essential info for your trek into the sanctuary

How difficult is the ABC trek?

ABC is considered a moderate trek. While it involves many stone steps (especially near Ulleri and Chhomrong), the trails are excellent and the maximum altitude (4,130m) is lower than EBC or Thorong La. It is accessible to anyone with good fitness and determination.

What is the best season for ABC?

The best times are Spring (March-May) for rhododendron blooms and Autumn (September-November) for the clearest mountain views. Winter is possible but can be very cold with heavy snow, while Monsoon (June-August) brings rain and leeches.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

Yes, any trek above 3,000m carries a risk of AMS. However, our 11-day itinerary includes gradual ascent and "climb high, sleep low" principles to ensure proper acclimatization before reaching the Base Camp at 4,130m.

Are there natural hot springs on the ABC trail?

Yes, there are natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, which we visit on the way back from Base Camp. It's a perfect way to relax and soothe your muscles after several days of trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek