Trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m, ringed by Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). Thirteen days from Kathmandu through Gurung villages, the Chhomrong stone staircase, and Jhinu Danda hot springs. From USD 975.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural amphitheater formed by a ring of peaks above 6,000 and 7,000 meters, with a single narrow entrance at the Modi Khola gorge. Once inside, ice and rock surround you on every side. Base camp itself sits on a flat moraine shelf at 4,130 meters, the point from which Annapurna I's 8,091-meter south face is visible in full, rising more than 4,000 vertical meters directly overhead, one of the largest single mountain faces viewable from any trekking trail in Nepal.
Ghorepani (2,800m) sits on the ridge most trekkers use as a base for the Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint, a short pre-dawn climb rewarded with a clear line of sight to Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre before the day's cloud builds. Rhododendron forest along this stretch blooms pink and red from March into May, thick enough in places to close the trail into a tunnel of canopy. Trekkers who want the Poon Hill sunrise on its own can book it as a standalone trip, but combined with the push to base camp it becomes one continuous high-altitude journey rather than two separate trips.
Chhomrong is the gateway village to the Sanctuary, perched on a ridge with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South filling the skyline to the north. Below the village, a long stone staircase drops to the Chhomrong Khola and climbs straight back up the far side toward Sinuwa, a stretch every guide on this route treats with respect regardless of the exact step count, which sources put anywhere from roughly 1,800 to 2,500 or 3,000 depending on who counted. Trekking poles earn their keep here more than almost anywhere else on the trek.
Past Chhomrong, the trail runs through Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya, climbing through dense bamboo forest that thins into open, rockier ground above 3,000 meters. The valley narrows toward Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), where Fishtail Peak dominates the sky close enough that photographs struggle to capture the scale. From MBC, a two to three hour walk the next morning brings trekkers into the Sanctuary proper and onto the moraine shelf at Annapurna Base Camp itself.
Most trekkers wake before dawn at base camp to watch first light hit Annapurna South, then sweep across the full sanctuary wall, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and the Annapurna III ridge, in sequence. The cold before sunrise at 4,130 meters is sharp, but the payoff, an entire ring of 7,000 and 8,000-meter peaks turning gold within a few minutes, is the single most-cited reason trekkers give for choosing this route over a lower viewpoint trek.
On the descent, a detour off the main trail leads to Jhinu Danda, where natural stone-built pools fed by mineral hot springs sit directly on the bank of the Modi Khola. Most groups stop here on the way down rather than the way up, when the legs actually appreciate it after days of stone steps in both directions and after several nights above 3,000 meters, see our altitude sickness guide for what those nights typically feel like. It is a genuinely rare feature among Nepal's major treks, a hot spring soak built into the itinerary instead of just a long bus ride back to town.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a 13-day route from Kathmandu into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 meters, the natural amphitheater at the heart of the Annapurna massif. The trail climbs from Pokhara through Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong before dropping into the gorge that leads to base camp itself, surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Gangapurna (7,455m). Unlike Everest Base Camp, there is no flight risk and no domestic airstrip involved, the whole route is reachable by road and on foot from Pokhara. For the full route and logistics breakdown, our Annapurna Base Camp Trek complete guide covers planning details this listing does not have room for.
From Pokhara, the trail climbs stone steps through Tikhedhunga (1,440m) toward Ghorepani (2,800m), a village built around the Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. From Ghorepani the route continues through Tadhapani (2,650m) and down into Chhomrong (2,117m), the last proper settlement before the Sanctuary gorge narrows. Some operators route this trek directly through Ghandruk instead of over Ghorepani, a genuine choice rather than a single fixed path. Trekkers weighing that decision, or comparing it against a standalone Poon Hill trip or Mardi Himal, can read our Poon Hill versus Mardi Himal versus ABC comparison before choosing. Ours goes via Ghorepani for the Poon Hill option and the rhododendron forest along that ridge.
Below Chhomrong the trail drops on a long stone staircase to the Chhomrong Khola and climbs straight back up the far side, a stretch locals and guides alike treat as the hardest single push on the trek, regardless of how many actual steps it is, estimates vary depending on who is counting. From there the route runs through Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya (2,800m), climbing through bamboo and rhododendron forest that thins as the valley narrows. Above Himalaya the trail passes Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before opening into the Sanctuary itself and reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), where the trek overnights before an early walk out to watch first light hit the surrounding wall of peaks. Our full Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty guide breaks down every one of these stretches hour by hour.
The section between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp deserves a straight answer rather than a marketing one. It has a real, documented avalanche history, most notably in 2001 and again in 2020, both in the same narrow stretch near Hinku Cave. Thousands of trekkers pass through here every season without incident, but this is exactly why a licensed guide who checks current snow and weather conditions matters more here than a fixed itinerary followed on autopilot. Our guides make the call on pace and timing through this section based on the day's actual conditions, not a script. Read our altitude sickness guide before you go, regardless of how fit you are.
Our 13-day package starts from USD 975 per person, covering Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel nights, teahouse accommodation and full board meals on the trail, a TAAN-licensed guide, porter, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Budget an extra $15 to $25 a day beyond that for wifi, hot showers, device charging, and bottled or boiled water, all of which rise in price the higher up the valley you go. Tipping your guide and porter at the end is customary in Nepal's trekking industry, not a fixed fee, and most trekkers build it into their overall trip budget rather than treating it as an afterthought. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost guide itemizes every one of these line items in detail.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is mandatory and checked at checkpoints along the route, Birethanti being the main one on this trek. Since April 2023, a licensed guide is legally required for all foreign trekkers inside Nepal's conservation areas, which ends any solo, independent version of this trek. TIMS card status is genuinely unsettled right now: Nepal Tourism Board's own guidance still lists it as required for this route, while several 2026 operator reports describe it as unenforced on the ground, with checkpoints checking ACAP only in practice. We process a TIMS card as part of your package regardless, since it is inexpensive and helps rescue coordination if anything goes wrong. Full permit requirements are on our trekking permits page.
October gives the clearest skies and is the single most recommended month, with April a close second for rhododendron blooms along the Ghorepani ridge. Monsoon (June to August) turns the lower valley green but buries the mountain views in cloud, and winter brings real cold and occasional trail closures after heavy snowfall. Our best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp guide covers month-by-month detail. Rated Moderate, the trek asks for 5 to 7 hours of walking most days on ground that is rarely flat, stone staircases more than technical difficulty. No climbing skill is required, and trekkers from their teens into their late 60s and 70s regularly complete it, though anyone on either edge of that range should get a doctor's clearance first.
On the return trail, a short detour off the main path leads down to Jhinu Danda, where natural mineral hot springs sit on the bank of the Modi Khola. A small local fee covers pool upkeep, the exact current amount varies and is best confirmed with your guide on the day rather than assumed in advance. Most trekkers visit on the way down, when tired legs actually want the soak, and it is one of the few treks in Nepal that ends with a hot spring rather than just a bus back to town. Our founder Prem Pandit has walked this stretch more times than he can count and still stops at Jhinu every time.
Trekkers short on time can look at the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, which reaches the Sanctuary in 10 days. For a longer, higher circuit around the whole Annapurna massif, the Annapurna Circuit Trek crosses Thorong La at 5,416m over 12 to 18 days, our Annapurna Circuit complete guide has the full breakdown. Trekkers who have already done the Manaslu Circuit and want a bigger multi-week trip sometimes ask about combining routes, worth a separate conversation with our team. Compared with Everest Base Camp, this route is shorter, cheaper, and carries no Lukla flight risk. Our full EBC versus ABC comparison breaks down the tradeoffs in more depth.
13 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,345m) and transfer to your hotel. Use the afternoon for a trek briefing covering the route, altitude profile, and permit paperwork, and a final gear check before heading to Pokhara tomorrow. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara (865m), approximately 6 hours along the Trishuli river valley with foothill views for much of the route. Afternoon free by Phewa Lake with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre visible across the water on a clear day. Overnight at hotel.
Drive from Pokhara to the trailhead and begin trekking toward Tikhedhunga (1,440m), approximately 5 hours through Birethanti, where your ACAP permit is checked, and along terraced farmland beside the Bhurungdi Khola. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ghorepani (2,800m), approximately 6 hours, climbing the stone staircase through Ulleri before rhododendron and oak forest takes over for the final stretch. Ghorepani is the base for tomorrow morning's Poon Hill sunrise, weather permitting. Overnight at teahouse.
Optional early walk up to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre, then trek on to Tadhapani (2,650m), approximately 5 hours through dense rhododendron forest. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Chhomrong (2,117m), approximately 6 hours, descending through forest before the final climb into the village. Chhomrong is the gateway to the Sanctuary, with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South filling the skyline. Overnight at teahouse.
Descend the long stone staircase below Chhomrong to the river, then climb back up through Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan to Himalaya (2,800m), approximately 6 hours through thick bamboo and rhododendron forest. This is one of the longer, more relentless days on the trek. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), approximately 6 hours via Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where Fishtail Peak dominates the skyline directly overhead. Arrive at base camp with time to settle in before sunset. Overnight at teahouse.
Wake before dawn to watch sunrise sweep across the Sanctuary wall, then trek back down through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Himalaya to Bamboo (2,400m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m), approximately 6 hours back through Chhomrong, with time for a soak in the natural hot springs on the bank of the Modi Khola before dinner. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek down to Nayapul, approximately 3 hours, then drive back to Pokhara, approximately 1 hour. Afternoon free to rest by Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m), approximately 6 hours. Evening free for a final look around Thamel. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.
Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and teahouse accommodation throughout the trek.
A government-licensed, TAAN-registered English-speaking trekking guide, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card processing, where still applicable, handled by our office.
Surface transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara and to and from the trailhead.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and a four-season sleeping bag for use during the trek, returned afterward.
A general first aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide throughout the trek.
All applicable government taxes, tourist service charge, and VAT.
A pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu covering the route, altitude, and what to expect day by day.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel insurance, compulsory and should cover high-altitude evacuation.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, wifi, hot showers, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment not listed under includes.
Tips for your guide, porter, and driver.
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees, and any other cost not listed under includes.
We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$70 per person per night for a single room and US$40 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
The Annapurna Sanctuary closes around you like a wall. You walk through a single narrow gorge at the Modi Khola and the trail opens into a basin ringed by peaks over 7,000 meters, with Annapurna I's south face rising more than 4,000 meters straight off the valley floor above base camp itself.
Gurung villages along the route, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Chhomrong, still run on dal bhat, wood stoves, and slate roofs rather than souvenir shops. Chhomrong in particular has some of the best lodge food and mountain views of any village on this trek.
Jhinu Danda's hot springs sit on the bank of the Modi Khola on the way down, a natural soak after days of stone steps. Few treks in Nepal hand you a hot spring at the end instead of just a bus ride.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want to stand inside an 8,000-meter amphitheater without Everest Base Camp's altitude. ABC tops out at 4,130m, more than 1,200 meters lower than EBC's 5,364m, so acute mountain sickness risk is meaningfully lower here, though it is not zero and should still be taken seriously.
You can walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 10 trekking days on ground that is rarely flat. The descent from Chhomrong to the river and straight back up to Sinuwa is one of the more punishing single stretches on any Nepal trek, and tired knees on the way down deserve real respect, not just trekking poles.
You are comfortable with a legal requirement, not a personal choice: since the 2023 government rule, foreign trekkers cannot legally walk this route without a licensed guide. Our package includes one, so this only matters if you had solo trekking in mind.
You want village culture along the way rather than a straight climb to a viewpoint. Ghorepani, Tadhapani, and Chhomrong are lived-in communities, not just overnight stops, and the trail rewards trekkers who slow down for a cup of tea on a lodge porch.
You are open to peak-season crowds. October fills the teahouses at Chhomrong and near base camp fast, and rooms are not always guaranteed without an agency holding them ahead of a group. If solitude matters more than clear October skies, late November or March thins the trail out considerably.
You are carrying proper travel insurance rated for high-altitude evacuation and treating the TIMS card and ACAP permit seriously, even though on-the-ground enforcement of TIMS specifically is inconsistent right now. We carry it anyway and recommend every trekker do the same.
You accept that some days will be genuinely tiring rather than scenic strolls. The Bamboo-to-Himalaya push and the final approach to base camp both run long, and nobody who has done this trek describes every single day as easy.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)
Daypack
Down Jacket (Company also nice and clean down jacket provide)
Sleeping bag 4 season ( also provide )
Hiking pants
Waterproof jacket
Full, sleeves shirt
Jumper or pile jacket
T, shirts
Trekking boots (Water proof)
Camp shoes/Sandal
Polypropylene/wool socks
Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)
Sun hat
Beanie
Gloves
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or sunglasses
Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)
Insulated pants
Water bottle
Sewing kit
Flash light ( with spare batteries)
Walking stick. (company also provide or you can buy in Kathmandu)
Camera ( don’t forget to buy the spare film and batteries to go with it before you leave.)
Personal towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Reviews from trekkers who have walked this exact route.
Hi Prem, Badri and the team, Thank you for all of your help and support. We had a fantastic trek to annapurna base camp. You were very professional and helpful and will certainly be happy to recommend your company to our friends and family. We will remember this wonderful trip forever. Thank you. Martin and Tom Beanland, Nick Cook, Rod Poxon, David Reynolds, Peter Addlem, John Denny
Verified reviews from Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang treks.
The service was very good by the team. This was my fifth trip to Nepal and I have always used Prem for my trekking expeditions.
I know for sure that I will be back in Nepal soon, and mountain hawk trek would be the first company I would contact. I fell in love with trekking and Nepal.
It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. A reliably amazing journey.
Fantastic trek to ABC, made exceptional by Prem the main guide. A friendship was built up over the days of the trip. We had a lot of laughs!
He is great company, very knowledgeable and really made my trip. He took one look at me and made sure I reached base camp safely. I couldn't recommend him more.
Prem's company is truly professional and most importantly flexible. They specialise in small groups which allow you to go at your own pace.
Prem's attention to detail is fantastic, as is his knowledge of the area. I can highly recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking for your trip to Nepal.
Their local knowledge, advice and assistance made our trek to EBC very enjoyable. The professionalism extended onto the trek.
Extremely professional, polite and an honest company. You shouldn't have any issues with your trek if you book with Mountain Hawk.
The 12-day trek felt like a luxury trek with Prem and his team constantly ensuring all accommodation, food and logistics were taken care of in advance.
His knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna, health and well-being was outstanding. I will definitely be going back and won't even consider looking elsewhere.
Mountain Hawk Treks took care of everything from sleeping bags to flights and accommodation. I would definitely recommend them again.
Prem's invaluable experience of the mountains and his thoughtfulness made this trip an incredible, memorable experience. Best in class!
We were looked after well with the guides and they went out of their way to do anything for us, always with a smile on their faces.
We have memories to last a lifetime and friends in Prem and Badri to last a lifetime. I would recommend Mountain Hawk Trekking again and again.
The experience was as close to perfect as real life can get. Prem and Min are extremely kind and pleasant people with whom it is a pleasure to spend time.
After 2 weeks in Nepal, everyone at Mountain Hawk felt like family. Prem and Badri are wonderful!
As a family of differing ages and fitness levels, Prem went out of his way to help us individually so we all achieved our goal of reaching Everest Base Camp.
Unlike other trekkers we passed along the way, we did not get sick at all as Prem took exceptional care of us. Our holiday planning was effortless.
Mountain Hawk trekking company was very professional and prompt. At last minute Prem arranged 3 wonderful days in Chitwan for our family.
Prem and his staff took care of everything. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to anyone considering trekking in Nepal.
His ever smiling and ever helpful nature made our trip the most memorable. This was my second time with Mountain Hawk.
His experience and relationships are evident. There is no way we would have gotten as much out of our trip if it wasn't for Prem.
Our guide went above and beyond to ensure all our needs were met. It was a pleasure doing business with Mountain Hawk and we hope to come back again.
Prem is one of the most informative and educated guides I have ever run into. He is a genuine, kind man that truly enjoys sharing his expertise.
Absolutely fantastic. Prem had everything under control. He is very informative and fun. This is your guy.
If you are finding it difficult to choose between a trekking company, stop thinking and book with Mountain Hawk. You won't be disappointed.
We were 100% happy with the service Mountain Hawk provided and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trekking.
Without hesitation we recommend Mountain Hawk as a trekking company. The staff is excellent and they know what they are doing.
On the mountain he was guide, mentor, motivator and best of all a good friend. We will go back to Nepal and will be using Mountain Hawk and Prem again.
His knowledge of the area and having trekked this region for over 20 years made our experience second to none.
We highly recommend Mountain Hawk without reservation for a great Nepal adventure. We hope to see Prem again in the future.
An excellent, safe and challenging adventure organized by Prem Pandit and his team at Mountain Hawk Trek. Overall, very much recommended.
We were very well looked after by our guide Badri who helped us along the journey. I would definitely recommend Mountain Hawk.
With just the three of us travelling together it was really important that he was such a wonderful travelling companion. We can thoroughly recommend the Mountain Hawk experience.
Thank you so much Prem, Min and Sanjay for everything. My heart is so full after this trip. God bless you all!
Prem and his staff are first class on all aspects. Trekking with them you feel you are with family members.
He designed the trek entirely around our schedule and the overall organisation was superb. Prem and his team were a great laugh along the route.
Prem and his team are super awesome. So personalized and caring.
If you are planning to trek in Nepal, do yourself a really huge favour and use Mountain Hawk Trekking. We highly recommend them.
Fantastic day hike with Prem Pandit to Nagarjun Hill. Beautiful views, great stories, wonderful snacks and good humour throughout.
Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk were the complete package: knowledgeable, enormously helpful, and amazingly friendly.
Excellent trip with Mountain Hawk team. My wife enjoyed the trek and the care given by the staff. I will come back to Nepal.
Mountain Hawk made my first ever trekking experience to EBC an awesome, beautiful and memorable experience. I will not hesitate to use their services again.
They care for your health and safety as a number one priority. We always felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek.
Our guide Badri was not only a great guide but also a fun, caring, super nice travel companion who made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout.
Prem and his team were brilliant in taking care of all of us. We all made it to Gokyo Ri and came back safe.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Prem and his team. Mountain Hawk Trek is the best choice when planning any adventure in Nepal.
Prem and his team organised the trip to the finest detail. MH is an experienced operator ensuring an almost 100% success rate.
Best trekking company ever. With many years of experience and over 100 climbs to Everest Base Camp, we felt in good hands.
I'm very happy to recommend Mountain Hawk for anyone going trekking in Nepal. I loved the experience.
Mountain Hawk looked after us from the time we landed in Kathmandu right to the time we left for London. Service with a personal touch!
Extraordinary effort was made in the planning of our itinerary, hand tailored to our needs. Can't speak highly enough of Mountain Hawk expeditions.
From the second I arrived in Kathmandu airport and saw Badri with my name on the Mountain Hawk board, I knew I was in safe hands.
Prem was more another member of our group rather than a tour guide. He allowed custom changes to visit more remote, less tourist-oriented places.
Prem is the master of trekking logistics and management. I have known Prem since 2007 and whenever I come to Nepal he is the only one I want to guide me.
Prem, Badri and the team were instrumental in providing assistance all the way. I would highly recommend Mountain Hawk to any trekker visiting Nepal.
Hi Prem, Badri and the team, Thank you for all of your help and support. We had a fantastic trek to annapurna base camp. You were very professional and helpful and will certainly be happy to recommend your company to our friends and family. We will remember this wonderful trip forever. Thank you. Martin and Tom Beanland, Nick Cook, Rod Poxon, David Reynolds, Peter Addlem, John Denny
