Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packages – Cost, Itinerary & 9 or 12 Day Options – 9 Days & 12 Days

Activity: Airport pickup, hotel transfer, and evening pre-trek briefing

Your Himalayan journey begins the moment you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Our representative will greet you outside the terminal and arrange a smooth private transfer to your hotel. After checking in and refreshing, you will join your licensed trekking guide for an essential evening briefing.

Here, we double-check your gear, review the trail maps, distribute your Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits, and discuss high-altitude safety protocols. We wrap up the evening with a traditional welcome dinner introducing you to authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Early in the morning, we board a comfortable tourist bus for a scenic overland drive to Pokhara. The journey takes you along winding highways carved into lush river valleys, offering beautiful glimpses of cascading waterfalls, terraced farms, and traditional roadside villages.

Flight Upgrade Option: Available exclusively on private trips, if you prefer to maximize your time, you can choose to upgrade to a quick, incredibly scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, showcasing spectacular aerial views of the Langtang and Annapurna ranges (available at an extra charge).

Upon arriving in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, the rest of your afternoon is free. You can stroll along the peaceful shores of Phewa Lake, rent a colorful wooden boat, pick up any last-minute trekking gear in the local shops, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a lakeside restaurant under the shadow of the Annapurna range.

We begin with an energetic, scenic morning drive from Pokhara to Samrung near Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 5,840 ft) via a private 4WD Jeep. Leaving the vehicle behind, the walking starts with a descent down a massive stone staircase consisting of roughly 2,500 downward steps to the suspension bridge at Jhinu Danda.

After crossing, we begin a steady uphill climb through the beautiful terraced farmlands of Chhomrong, stopping for lunch before making a final push up the valley side to the forest clearing of Sinuwa.

The trail plunges into dense, moss-draped bamboo (2,310 m / 7,579 ft), oak, and rhododendron forests. We descend briefly to the hamlet of Bamboo and climb steeply past Dovan (2,505 m / 8,215 ft).

As we approach Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), the forest canopy begins to clear, revealing steep, sheer canyon walls and cascading waterfalls on either side of the Modi Khola. We reach Deurali by mid-afternoon, where the temperature begins to drop noticeably.

Today is the crown jewel of your trek. Leaving Deurali, you will follow a path that hugs the Modi Khola riverbed before climbing steeply through a dynamic, raw river canyon. The landscape opens up spectacularly as you reach the high alpine meadows of Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). We stop here for a warm, energizing lunch surrounded by the towering walls of Fishtail, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South.

After lunch, the final push to ABC is a gentle, jaw-dropping glacial walk. Because of the high altitude, we maintain a slow, steady, and deliberate pace. As you hike along the lateral moraine, the trail unfolds into the legendary Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Standing at 4,130 meters, you are placed squarely in the center of a monumental 360-degree mountain amphitheater, completely encircled by vertical faces of rock, ice, and snow.

Your guide will wake you early to step out into the crisp, freezing morning air. Watching the very first golden rays of sunlight strike the 8,091-meter peak of Annapurna I is a spiritual, unforgettable Himalayan moment. After capturing photos and enjoying a hearty breakfast, it is time to turn around.

Because you are heading downhill into oxygen-rich air, your descent is remarkably fast and energizing. You will retrace your steps back through the wide glacial bowl of MBC, drop down the rugged canyon past Deurali, and wind your way back through Himalaya and Dovan. By late afternoon, you will drop nearly two vertical kilometers, arriving back in the lush greenery and warmer climate of Bamboo for a well-deserved rest.

Drive Duration: 2.5–3 hours

The trail leaves Bamboo, climbing out of the valley forest and heading back up the stone steps to Sinuwa. From here, you make a final descent down to the river and climb back toward the ridges, branching off to the village of Jhinu Danda.

Once at Jhinu, you can take a short 20-minute side trail down to the edge of the Modi Khola river to soak in the natural, riverside thermal hot springs. It is the ultimate way to soothe your tired leg muscles after days of trekking. After your soak, you will cross the breathtakingly long Jhinu suspension bridge to meet our private 4WD jeep, wrapping up the day with a scenic drive back to the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara.

We return to Kathmandu via the same overland route along the Prithvi Highway. As we reach the bustling capital, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the final evening to pick up souvenirs in Thamel, enjoy one last wood-fired pizza or craft beer, and celebrate your successful journey to the foot of the world's 10th-highest peak.

Activity: Airport drop-off via private vehicle

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your international flight departure time, you can complete any last-minute packing or city walks. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby in a private vehicle and transfer you smoothly to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring you arrive three hours before your flight home.

Activity: Airport pickup, hotel transfer, and evening welcome reception

Your ultimate Nepalese expedition kicks off the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Our airport representative will warmly welcome you outside the arrival gate and transfer you to your hotel via a private vehicle. Once checked in, take the day to rest and shake off your jet lag. In the evening, gather for a traditional welcome dinner introducing you to authentic local flavors while meeting your trekking team.

Activity: Guided UNESCO World Heritage city tour & pre-trek equipment check

While our team finalizes your national park permits and ACAP, you will embark on a fully guided cultural tour of Kathmandu's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the ancient architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square, watch the sacred rituals along the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath Temple, and marvel at the sweeping city views from the hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

Spend your evening packing, organizing your gear, and attending an essential pre-trek briefing with your licensed lead guide.

We depart early in the morning via a comfortable tourist bus, traveling along the winding Prithvi Highway. The journey offers beautiful views of rural villages, terraced farms, and the flowing Trishuli River.

Note: If you want to skip the drive, a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is available for an extra charge.

Arriving in Pokhara by afternoon, you can check into your hotel near the lake. Spend the evening walking around Lakeside, shopping for any last-minute trekking items, and enjoying the peaceful views of Phewa Lake under the shadow of the mountains.

Drive Duration: 1.5 hours to Nayapul / Hile

After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul (1,070 m / 3,510 ft) or Hile (1,430 m / 4,692 ft), depending on current road conditions and the chosen itinerary. The trek begins through terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and lush green hills, following a gradual ascent toward Tikhedhunga (1,570 m / 5,151 ft).

The day's biggest challenge is the legendary Ulleri staircase, where more than 3,000 stone steps climb steeply to the Magar village of Ulleri (2,050 m / 6,725 ft). Although demanding, the climb rewards you with increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

Beyond Ulleri, the trail becomes gentler as it winds through cool oak and rhododendron forests, especially vibrant during the spring bloom. After a final gradual ascent, you arrive at the picturesque mountain village of Ghorepani (2,874 m / 9,429 ft), known for its colorful lodges, blue-roofed houses, and panoramic Himalayan scenery.

Before sunrise, we begin an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft), one of Nepal's most celebrated viewpoints. As dawn breaks, watch the first golden rays illuminate the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, while the sky transforms into brilliant shades of pink, orange, and gold. On a clear morning, you'll also enjoy spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and several other Himalayan peaks.

After soaking in the panoramic scenery, we descend to Ghorepani (2,874 m / 9,429 ft) for a hearty breakfast before continuing the trek. The trail climbs gently through dense pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, follows scenic ridgelines, and descends into peaceful, mist-covered valleys before a final uphill section leads to Tadapani (2,630 m / 8,630 ft). Surrounded by lush forest, this tranquil mountain village rewards trekkers with magnificent close-up views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) and the surrounding Annapurna peaks.

Today's trek marks the transition from the scenic Ghorepani Poon Hill route to the classic Annapurna Base Camp trail. After breakfast, we leave Tadapani (2,630 m / 8,629 ft) and descend through dense rhododendron and oak forests to Gurjung (1,950 m / 6,398 ft), crossing a suspension bridge over the Modi Khola.

From the valley floor, the trail climbs steadily to Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,119 ft), the largest Gurung settlement on the Annapurna Base Camp route and an excellent place to stop for lunch while enjoying magnificent views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

After lunch, we descend the village's famous stone staircase to the Chhomrong Khola (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), cross another suspension bridge, and tackle the final uphill climb through forested trails to Sinuwa (2,360 m / 7,743 ft). This peaceful ridge-top village marks the gateway into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

After breakfast, we leave Sinuwa (2,360 m / 7,743 ft) and enter a tranquil forest of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron. The trail descends gently to Bamboo (2,310 m / 7,579 ft) before beginning a gradual ascent through the narrow Modi Khola valley.

Continuing uphill, we pass the small settlements of Dovan (2,505 m / 8,215 ft) and Himalaya (2,920 m / 9,580 ft), where waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and dense forests create a peaceful mountain atmosphere. As the elevation increases, the forest gradually gives way to alpine shrubs and rocky terrain, offering the first real sense of the high Himalayas.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Deurali (3,230 m / 10,595 ft), nestled beneath towering cliffs and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The noticeably cooler air and thinner vegetation are clear reminders that you are approaching the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Today is the highlight of the trek as we enter the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Leaving Deurali (3,230 m / 10,595 ft), the trail follows the upper Modi Khola through a dramatic alpine valley surrounded by towering cliffs, glaciers, and avalanche-carved slopes. As the trees disappear, the landscape transforms into a rugged, high-mountain wilderness.

After a gradual climb, we arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), where we stop for lunch while enjoying breathtaking close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. From MBC, the trail continues gently across glacial moraine and wide alpine meadows. With the thinner air at higher elevation, we maintain a slow, steady pace until we finally reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130 m / 13,550 ft).

Standing beneath the towering face of Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), you'll be rewarded with one of Nepal's most spectacular mountain panoramas. The 360-degree amphitheater of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and icefalls makes this an unforgettable destination and the perfect place to spend the night.

Wake up early to witness an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise as the first golden light illuminates Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and the surrounding glaciers. After enjoying breakfast against this incredible backdrop, we begin our descent from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,550 ft).

Retracing our steps, we pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), Deurali (3,230 m / 10,595 ft), and Himalaya (2,920 m / 9,580 ft) before continuing into the lush bamboo and rhododendron forests. With increasing oxygen levels and mostly downhill terrain, the descent feels noticeably easier than the ascent. By late afternoon, we reach the peaceful settlement of Bamboo (2,310 m / 7,579 ft) for a well-earned rest.

Drive Duration: 2.5–3 hours

After breakfast, we continue descending from Bamboo (2,310 m / 7,579 ft) through Sinuwa (2,360 m / 7,743 ft) and Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,119 ft) before reaching Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 5,840 ft). A short walk down the hillside brings us to the famous Jhinu Natural Hot Springs, located beside the Modi Khola, where you can relax in warm mineral-rich pools and soothe tired muscles after days of trekking.

Following your relaxing soak, we cross the impressive Jhinu Suspension Bridge to meet our private 4WD jeep. From here, enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills of the Annapurna region back to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft). After checking into your lakeside hotel, the evening is yours to relax, enjoy a hot shower, or stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake.

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft) and travel along the scenic Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft). The drive follows the Trishuli River, passing terraced hillsides, traditional villages, and beautiful countryside along the way.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping around the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, join your guide and fellow trekkers for a traditional Nepali farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure.

Activity: Private airport transfer

After your final breakfast in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft), enjoy some free time for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing if your flight schedule allows. At the appropriate time, our representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring you arrive at least three hours before your international departure.

We hope your journey through the Annapurna Sanctuary leaves you with unforgettable memories, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for another Himalayan adventure.