Photos taken at base camp (4,130 m)Photos taken at base camp (4,130 m)

Annapurna Base Camp Hike 9 days

Quick Facts
  • Trip Duration9 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude 4,130 m/13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp)
  • Activity Trek
  • Starts/Ends Syauli Bazzar/Ghandruk Phedi
  • Group Size 1-16
  • Transportation Drive Kathmandu-Pokhara
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Why You'll Love This Trip
  • Trek to the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna
  • A moderate trek in Nepal that suits both beginners and experienced trekkers
  • Travel in the Himalayas on foot through lush forests, beautiful villages, and glacial moraines
  • Explore the beauty of the western Himalayas and witness breathtaking mountain panorama
  • Come across a wide range of flora and fauna along the trail
  • Intimate encounters with villagers and getting to see their daily lifestyle and culture
  • Witness diverse landscapes throughout the hike
  • Spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp
  • Enjoy natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda
  • Explore Phewa Lake and Lakeside Market in Pokhara

Annapurna Base Camp hiking is an adventurous journey in Nepal. It is a 9-day program that suits both beginners and experienced trekkers. Annapurna Base Camp is the lap of Mount Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft). It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world. The Annapurna Base Camp hike is all about traveling in the Himalayas on foot through lush forests, beautiful villages, and glacial moraines. 

Annapurna Base Camp hike is not an easy journey. The hike demands good physical fitness and endurance. It is also not that challenging, so people of all ages can do this hike. Also known as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the journey takes you to the depth of the western Himalayas, where you will be surrounded by towering peaks and lush hills.   

During the Annapurna Base Camp hike 9 days, you will get to witness a wide range of flora and fauna. The trail is packed with vegetation. Likewise, you will also get to witness views of mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/ 26,040 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), etc along the way. 

Starting the Annapurna Base Camp hike from Kathmandu, you will drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar via Nayapul. Syauli Bazar is the starting point of our hike. From here, we will trek through small villages and lush forests to Ghandruk village (1,940 m/6,365 ft). The trail then ascends to Chhomrong (2,170 m/7,119 ft) via lush rhododendron forests. 

We will continue trekking from here to the Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m/9,580 ft). The trail crosses the Chhomrong Khola and passes by Sinuwa, Khuldigar, and Bamboo before reaching the Himalaya Hotel. The trail from the Himalaya Hotel follows a narrow gorge and continues along the Modi Khola glacier valley. You will trek past Hinku Cave and enter Annapurna Sanctuary. 

Further, follow a steep, rugged track hike past Machhapuchhre Base Camp to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft). Spend a night at the base camp and trek back to Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft), retracing the path. From Bamboo, you will descend through the forested path to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/6,393 ft). Here, you can enjoy natural hot springs. Further, trek down to Siwa (1,150 m/3,770 ft), where the trek ends and drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara. 

Last-minute Annapurna Base Camp hike booking

 For last-minute bookings, we require a non-refundable full payment of the Annapurna Base Camp hike package cost. This allows us to make all the necessary reservations and obtain permits on your behalf. As last-minute bookings are quite chaotic, we do our best to help foreign travelers have their best time in Nepal. For more information, kindly talk to our representative. 

Annapurna Base Camp hike cost

Annapurna Base Camp's hike cost ranges from USD 950 to USD 1,550. The package cost varies as per itinerary and services included during the trek. We have different Annapurna Base Camp trek packages with different prices that will allow you to pick the one that suits your budget best. Moreover, you can get in touch with us and share your budget. We will do our best to design an Annapurna Base Camp hike around it. 

Benefits of doing Annapurna Base Camp hike with us

We offer a comprehensive Annapurna Base Camp hike package at the best cost. Trekking with us in Nepal will let you travel freely, as our team will take care of all the trek arrangements. You will not be liable for any hidden cost or policies, as we are quite transparent. 

Likewise, our team is very reliable and experienced, so we assure you of a safe trekking venture. We, Nature Excursion, offer the Annapurna Base Camp hike cost and Annapurna Base Camp hike guide in the market.

Below are some of the benefits you will get by trekking with Nature Excursion:

  • 24/7 support
  • No hidden costs
  • Free airport pickup and drop-off
  • free farewell dinner
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Budget-friendly trekking packages
  • Duffel bag and company t-shirt (you have to return the duffel bag at the end of the trek and keep the t-shirt with yourself)
  • Fixed departure
  • Native guides & porters
Annapurna Base Camp Hike 9 days pictures and video
Annapurna Base Camp Trek /ABC-2023/ Annapurna Sanctuary
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Itinerary

Day1

We have a half-day ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara today. We will leave Kathmandu in the morning hours and follow the Trishuli river. The highway goes along the rolling green hills, offering soothing landscapes. Once we reach Kathmandu, we will see mountains, uncovering them one by one. The guide will drop you at the hotel. Spend the evening exploring your surroundings and the beautiful Phewa Lake.

  • Max. Altitude:822 m
  • Meals:Breakfast & lunch
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:6-7 hours
Day2

We will begin trekking today. First, we will take a short drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar. On the way, we will drive past Nayapul. The trail starts from Syauli Bazar and goes through small villages and lush forests to Ghandruk village. We will witness beautiful mountain scenery and the daily lifestyle of the mountain people along the way.

Ghandruk is a popular village with beautiful mountain views and locals. Most of the world-famous Gurkhas are from Ghandruk village. Our time in Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages will let us see the lifestyle and practices of the locals. We will visit a Gurung Museum here.

 

  • Max. Altitude:1,940 m/6,365 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:2-3 hours drive & 3 hours trek
Day3

Ghandruk to Chhomrong trail is quite remote and wild. Enjoying the views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli mountains, we will trek towards Chhomrong. The trail passes by a few small settlements and lush rhododendron forests. 

We will cross suspension bridges on the way and also come across lovely waterfalls. The interactions with locals along the way and the peaceful surroundings make trekking enchanting, even though we will get very tired by the end of the day. 

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,170 m/7,119 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:5-6 hours
Day4

We will go deeper into the forests as the trail progresses. From Chhomrong, the trail goes to the Himalaya Hotel. It's a small stop on the way to Annapurna Base Camp. We will trek through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. The trail goes past Sinuwa and Khuldigar. Enjoying beautiful mountain views, we will ascend to Bamboo and continue to the Himalaya Hotel.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,920 m/9,580 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:6/7 hours
Day5

The trail from the Himalaya follows a narrow gorge and continues along the Modi Khola glacier valley. We will then trek via alpine forests and pass by a large overhanging rock. It is also known as Hinku Cave. The trail then enters the Annapurna Sanctuary. We will follow a steep, rugged track and reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. 

From here, the trail gets narrow, steeper, and rocky to Annapurna Base Camp. Upon reaching the Annapurna Base Camp, we will find ourselves surrounded by snow-covered mountains and glaciers. We will spend the night at the Annapurna Base Camp. 

  • Max. Altitude:4,130 m/13,550 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:5 hours
Day6

From today onwards, our return trek begins. Saying goodbye to Annapurna Base Camp, we will retrace the trail back to Bamboo. We will steeply descend to Machhpuchhre and get out of Annapurna Sanctuary. Further, the trail follows lush forests and goes along the Modi river valley to Bamboo. 

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,310 m/7,578 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:6 hours
Day7

The trail from Bamboo is different. We will follow a new route that leads to Jhinu Danda. The trail descends to Kimrong Khola and from here continues via forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. The tranquility of the trail and the earth smell of the forests make the day fantastic. And not only that, we will end the day enjoying natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda. 

 

  • Max. Altitude:1,780 m/6,393 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:4-5 hours
Day8

Today is our final day of trekking. The day begins with a simple but delicious breakfast. We will leave Jhinu Danda and trek towards Siwa. The trail descends following a dusty trail. On the way, we will follow Modi Khola and further trek through lush forests to Siwa. From here, we will descend to Nayapual and drive back to Pokhara. Enjoy the evening in Pokhara. Boat on Phewa Lake and explore the vibrant Lakeside Market. 

 

  • Max. Altitude:822 m
  • Meals:Breakfast & lunch
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:3 hours trek and 2 hours drive
Day9

On this day, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The highway is the same as before. Like last time, we will witness beautiful views of hills, rivers, and waterfalls. Soon, we will reach Kathmandu, and the guide will drop you at the hotel. The rest of the day in Kathmandu is leisure. Relax, explore, and shop. In the late evening, our team will meet you for a farewell dinner.

  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & farewell dinner
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:6/7 hours
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Cost Details
Includes
  • Free airport pickup and drop-off services during the arrival and departure dates
  • All ground transportation Kathmandu-Pokhara-Syauli Bazzar-Ghandruk Phedi 
  • All meals during the trek in the Himalaya (7 breakfast, 8 lunches, and 7 dinner)
  • Tea houses and lodges during the trek
  • Hotel in Pokhara, 2 night
  • Government-licensed, English-speaking, experienced Nature Excursions native guide with his meals, salary, transportation, insurance and all necessary equipment. An assistant guide group of 6 or more trekker
  • Strong Sherpa/porter to help your luggage; 1 porter for two trekker (luggage weight limit is 10 kg per trekker)
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) fees
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
  • All government, local taxes and official expenses
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag as per your request (has to return after the trek completion)
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruit every day
  • The first-aid kit box carried by the guide
  • Company t-shirt
  •  Farewell dinner in kathmandu at cultural restaurant (complimentary)
Excludes
  • International flight fare
  • Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), 15 days: $ 25
  • All hotels and meals in Kathmandu except farewell dinner
  • Hotel in pokhara due to late departure or early return from the trek than schedule itinerary
  • Personal expenses, such as- tea/coffee, hard and soft drinks, shopping, boiled water, hot bag, internet, hot shower, laundry, extra porter, etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • All the cost and expenses which are not listed in the included section
  • Travel insurance, which has to cover emergencies high-altitude rescue and evacuation
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, like- landslide, itinerary modifications due to safety concern, weather conditions, illness, changes of government policies and strikes
  • Tips for guide and porters

Clients Reviews

Write a review

  • Only the best

    This was my first hiking trip in Nepal and I was so glad to have Raju and Emmanuel as our guide and the other team members as porters. It was worry-free, and everything was handled flawlessly and professionally. Communication with Raju was also seamless and he is quick to respond. We had briefings every night for the next day.

    Safety was prioritised throughout the trip. During the hike both the guides and porters ensured that we were safe, helped us in crossing streams and choosing a safer path to take. They have great commitment to their work and service. It was exemplified by settling us into our meals, taking care of members who were unwell, accompanying the last person. They went above and beyond what was expected.

    It was also exceptionally fun to have them accompany us. From listening to Nepali and Hindi songs, to playing cards, and having felt like a superstar as we had a photographer/ videographer digitise our trip. The whole team worked well together and their spirits were high. It lifted us up during steep sections!

    They made the whole trip so memorable and fun. I would definitely recommend them and have them on my trip next time!

    Tien Hui
    Tien HuiMalaysiaMay 16, 2024
    Google

  • Only the best

    This was my first hiking trip in Nepal, and I was so glad to have Raju and Emmanuel as our guides and the other team members as porters. It was worry-free, and everything was handled flawlessly and professionally. Communication with Raju was also seamless and he is quick to respond. We had briefings every night for the next day.

    Safety was prioritised throughout the trip. During the hike, both the guides and porters ensured that we were safe, helped us in crossing streams and choosing a safer path to take. They have great commitment to their work and service. It was exemplified by settling us into our meals, taking care of members who were unwell, accompanying the last person. They went above and beyond what was expected.

    It was also exceptionally fun to have them accompany us. From listening to Nepali and Hindi songs, to playing cards, and having felt like a superstar as we had a photographer/ videographer digitise our trip. The whole team worked well together and their spirits were high. It lifted us up during steep sections!

    They made the whole trip so memorable and fun. I would definitely recommend them and have them on my trip next time!

    Tien
    TienMalaysiaMay 16, 2024
    TripAdvisor
Useful Information

Annapurna Base Camp hike difficulty

Annapurna Base Camp hike is a moderate journey in the western Himalayas of Nepal. The trail gets steep and rugged at the upper elevation, which makes the trek a bit difficult. Regardless of that, anyone in fit condition can do Annapurna Base Camp hiking. The trekking route ascends and descends through forests, crossing streams and rivers. As you enter Annapurna Sanctuary, the terrain gets rocky and steep. 

Annapurna Base Camp hike distance

On average, the distance covered during the Annapurna Base Camp hike is approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles). As per the itinerary, it may vary. You will trek 9 to 11 kilometers daily, which means 6 to 7 hours a day. 

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness during the Annapurna Base Camp hike is common and easily manageable. Not all trekkers suffer from altitude sickness, but some do. You never know how your body is going to react to daily increase in elevation. Whatever the case, our guide will be there for you to help you with any medical needs. Drink lots of water during trekking and take ample rest. It will help you avoid altitude sickness. 

Accommodation & meals during the Annapurna Base Camp hike

We use simple lodges along the trail to spend the night during the Annapurna Base Camp hike. The trekkers will get twin-shared rooms, and the washroom can be shared or private. If you are uncomfortable sharing the room with another trekker, we can arrange a single room, but please give us prior notice. Pack all your toiletries, including soap, toilet paper, etc, for the trek. 

For meals, you will have a nice variety of options. For breakfast, there is usually toast, jam/butter, eggs, sausage, porridge, thukpa, soups, paratha, roti tarkari, sandwiches, etc. Likewise, for lunch and dinner, you can have dal bhat, momo, thukpa, pasta, burgers, curries, rice, chapati, steak, mashed potatoes, etc. It is better to avoid meat during trekking because most of it is frozen.

Best time to do Annapurna Base Camp hike

The best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp hike is in the spring and autumn seasons. These two are pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons with stable weather and mild climate. Spring, from March to May, welcomes hundreds of flowers and decorates the entire trail with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The mountain views are excellent because of the perfect visibility.

Similarly, autumn—September to November—is another great time to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The weather remains stable during this season, too. However, unlike the flowers in spring, autumn is the season of festivals. If you are at the right time, you will get to experience some of the craziest festivities around Nepal. The views, climate, and environment are fantastic in autumn, which makes Annapurna Base Camp trekking phenomenal. 

Summer/monsoon: June to August and winter: December to February are off time for the Annapurna Base Camp hike. The trail condition is not that great, and the visibility is also poor in these two seasons. Still, some trekkers do trek in these two seasons as well. Do note that you have to take extra precautions while trekking during the off-season. 

Annapurna Base Camp hike tips

  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is non-negotiable. You have to get it to join Annapurna Base Camp hiking. Get proper travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation and medical bills. As the Annapurna Base Camp trail is remote and has no transportation access, we use travel insurance to provide you with quick rescue in case of any emergency.
  • Passport & Visa: To do the Annapurna Base Camp hike, you will enter Nepal, and for that, you will need a passport with six months of validation from the day you enter the country and a Nepali travel visa. Both documents are essential, and travelers are responsible for acquiring them on time for the trip. Check out Nepali visa details, as there are different ways you can easily obtain it. 
  • Trek Group: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp with us in a group or solo as per your wish. We organize both group and private treks in Nepal. Trekking in a group lets you enjoy a lower per-head package cost. Likewise, trekking privately (solo) gives you the flexibility to customize the itinerary and departure date as you want. Choose which option will suit you the best and get in touch with our team for further processing. 
  • Luggage: We have a luggage limit for the Annapurna Base Camp hike 9 days. During the hike, you will use two luggages. A duffel bag will be your main big luggage, which is carried by porters and a backpack will be with you throughout the trek that you can use to pack essential items like money, documents, water bottles, lip balm, sunscreen, snacks, charges, etc. You can pack up to 10 kg in a duffel bag and 5 kg in a backpack. 
  • Charging & Internet: Charging and internet services are available in the lodges at additional cost. These services are not covered in our Annapurna Base Camp hike package cost, so carry enough Nepali cash with you during trekking to get services like this. Get a tourist Nepali sim and use data to connect to the internet. It is a much more economical and efficient option. 
  • Tips: Tip is less talked about but an essential part of trekking in Nepal. At the end of the trek, our guide and porter may approach you for a tip. If you are happy with their service, tip them as a thank-you gesture. It is highly appreciated. Budget some money for tips. 
  • Personal Expenses: There are many things not covered by our Annapurna Base Camp hike cost, such as international flights, travel insurance, tips, shopping, personal expenses during trekking, etc. You have to budget money for these expenses and also keep some emergency funds aside.
Equipments

HEAD

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Winter hat, insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
  • Headlight with extra battery

FACE

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglass with UV protection
  • Face and body wipes

HANDS

  • Lightweight gloves
  • Lightweight winter gloves

BODY

  • Hiking shirt
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Hooded rain jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Lightweight cotton trousers
  • T-shirt (bring lightweight wool)
  • Polypropylene underwear
  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
  • Sweater
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

FOOTWEAR

  • Hiking boots
  • Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick wool socks)

ESSENTIAL GEAR

  • Backpack or day back (size depends on whether you take a porter or not)
  • Thermal bottle
  • Water purification (water tablets or ultraviolet light)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag (-15 degrees sleeping bag is best in high altitude trekking)

TOILETRIES

  • Medium-size drying towel
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap bar
  • Nail clippers

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES

  • Money
  • Watch
  • Cell phone
  • Camera

EXTRA ITEMS

  • First aid kit
  • Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars

Annapurna Base Camp Hike 9 days FAQs

  • Annapurna Base Camp hike goes from one week to 12 days. Our itinerary is 9 days long and starts from Kathmandu. You can customize a short Annapurna Base Camp hike with us or extend the journey to other parts of the Annapurna region as per your wish.

     

  • Climbing to Annapurna Base Camp is difficult but doable for anyone with good health and fitness. The terrain is rugged, and you have to compromise a lot during the trek when it comes to accommodation and meals because of the remoteness of the region.

  • Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp hike is for beginners. As the trail is well-marked and has adequate tea houses and lodges to cater the travelers, the Annapurna Base Camp is an ideal trek for first-time trekkers. 

     

  • The highest point during the Annapurna Base Camp hiking is the base camp itself. It is suitated at 4,130 meters (13,549 ft) from sea level.

     

  • Hiking to Annapurna Base Camp is not harder than Everest Base Camp. The Annapurna Base Camp hike involves low elevation rise, but the terrain is more rugged comparatively. Both are moderate/difficult level treks. 

     

  •  

    Annapurna Base Camp hiking starts from USD 850 per person and can go up to USD 1,550 per person. We have a wide range of Annapurna Base Camp trek packages with different costs.

     

  •  

    For the Annapurna Base Camp hike, you have to be fit enough to walk 6 hours a day and should be able to understand the limitations of the region and adjust to available things. With good health, the travelers also have to be mentally strong and determined to complete the trek. There will be points during the trek when you may want to leave the trek in the middle, and at times like that, your resilience will push you forward.

     

  • All ages can do the Annapurna Base Camp hike. However, hiking with kids below 10 years old requires extra precaution and fitness assessment, especially if this is the first time for your kid.

  • No, you cannot do the Annapurna Base Camp hike alone. Hiking alone is now banned in the Annapurna region. The best possible option for you is to do a private trek with a company like ours if you wish to travel alone. 

     

  • You will get blankets in the lodges along the Annapurna Base Camp trail. If you are sensitive to cold, then you can carry a sleeping bag for extra warmth. Moreover, you will also have a more comfortable space to sleep. 

     

Price per personUS$599US$990(All-inclusive price)
We offer group price
  
1 paxUS$799
2 paxUS$720
3 - 5 paxUS$650
6 - 10 paxUS$599
11 - 16 paxUS$570
  • Guaranteed Best Value
  • Local Expert Knowledge
  • Trusted Service and Safety
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