Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

A journey to the heart of the Himalayas.

11 days

4130m

2 - 10

Moderate

Spring/ Autumn

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Tea house

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most complete and inspiring trekking experiences in Nepal. A carefully designed route that combines wild nature, living mountain culture, and a safe, gradual altitude progression, leading to one of the most spectacular high-mountain sanctuaries in the world.

This is not just a trek.

It is a deep immersion into the Himalayas.

Highlights

annapurna-base-camp-trekking-11
A unique natural sanctuary

Spend the night in the heart of the Annapurna amphitheater, surrounded by peaks rising above 7,000 and 8,000 meters — an
experience difficult to match anywhere in the Himalayas.

annapurna-base-camp-trekking-9
Ever-changing landscapes

In just a few days, the scenery transitions from subtropical terraces and rhododendron forests to alpine terrain and glacial valleys,making every day visually different and rewarding.

annapurna-base-camp-trekking-10
Balanced and accessible pace

A well-designed trek, ideal both for first-time Himalayan trekkers and for experienced mountain lovers seeking a deep yet non-technical adventure.

annapurna-base-camp-trekking-5
Authentic local culture

The route passes through traditional Gurung villages and mountain communities where hospitality and daily life remain closely connected to the land.

Itinerary

1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to the hotel.

1400 m
BB basis
2
Kathmandu → Pokhara (Flight or Jeep depending on weather)

Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
In case of bad weather or flight cancellation, transfer by jeep via road as an alternative.

Free time in Pokhara.

Evening Trek Briefing Dinner
Official presentation of the trekking program, route overview, safety briefing, and final equipment check with the guide team.

Flight: 25–30 min
Jeep (alternative): 6–8 hours
Altitude: 820 m

Hotel
3
Pokhara → Jhinu Danda (Jeep) → Chhomrong

Drive by jeep to Jhinu Danda.
Start trekking to Chhomrong.

Distance: ~7 km
+600 m / −300 m

2170 m
tea house
4
Chhomrong → Dovan

Descend to the Modi Khola and ascend through bamboo and rhododendron forests to Dovan.

Distance: ~10 km
+700 m / −500 m

2600 m
5
Dovan → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)

Distance: ~7 km
+800 m

3700 m
6
Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Final ascent to Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by Himalayan giants.

+400 m

4130 m
7
Annapurna Base Camp → Bamboo

Long descent back through the valley.

Distance: ~13 km

2310 m
8
Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

Trek back to Jhinu Danda and relax in the natural hot springs.

Distance: ~9 km
+600 m / −900 m

1780 m
9
Jhinu Danda → Siwai / Ghandruk Phedi → Pokhara

Final trekking day followed by a drive back to Pokhara.

Distance: ~6 km
−500 m

Drive: 2–3 hours

820 m
10
Pokhara → Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu.
Driving time: 6–8 hours

1400 m
11
International Departure

Transfer to the airport for international departure.

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ International flights

🛂 Nepal entry visa

🛡️ Mandatory travel insurance with mountain rescue coverage

🍽️ Meals not specified in Kathmandu

🚿 Hot showers in tea houses

📶 Wi-Fi during the trek

🔌 Electricity for charging devices (when available, extra cost)

🥤 Additional drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, specialty coffees)

💰 Tips for guides, porters, and staff

🎒 Personal trekking equipment

📦 Any service not explicitly mentioned in “What Is Included”

Included

🚐 VIP Transportation
Private airport transfers, private vehicles, and 4×4 jeeps throughout the program.

🛫 Domestic transportation
Internal flights and/or road transfers depending on weather and operational conditions.

🍽️ Full board during the trek
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included from Day 2 to Day 10 with menus adapted to high-altitude trekking.

🏨 Carefully selected accommodation
Hotel in Kathmandu and mountain tea houses chosen for comfort, safety, and local standards.

💧 Hydration included
1 liter of drinking water per person per day during trekking days.

🧭 Professional mountain team
Certified guides and experienced porters.

✔ 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
✔ Maximum porter load: 15 kg per person

🎟️ Official permits
All required permits included (TIMS and ACAP).

🩺 Health & safety
Daily oxygen saturation monitoring and a complete first aid kit.

Trek details & Safety

Essentials

Difficulty level

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate high-altitude trek suitable for participants with good physical fitness.

No technical climbing skills are required. Trekkers should be comfortable hiking 5–7 hours per day on mountain trails with sustained ascents, descents, and sections of stone stairs.

The trek reaches Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), where altitude and consecutive trekking days add to the overall challenge.

Altitude Awareness

This trek reaches elevations of up to 4,130 m, where altitude may begin to affect some trekkers.

The itinerary follows a gradual ascent, with guidance on proper hydration, steady pacing, and rest to support effective acclimatization.

Mild symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or shortness of breath may occasionally occur. Our Sherpa guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey to ensure safety and wellbeing.

Guide & Sherpa support

All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

Packing list

Recommended Packing List for High Altitude Trekking

Below is a recommended packing list for high altitude trekking in the Himalayas (up to approximately 5,500 m). Temperatures can be very cold, especially in the early morning and at night, so it is important to bring layered clothing suitable for cold, wind, and changing mountain weather conditions.

Clothing

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2–3)
  • Lightweight trekking shirts (1–2) – preferably merino wool or synthetic fabrics
  • Fleece jacket or warm insulating layer
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants (2 pairs) – at least one wind-resistant
  • Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
  • Thermal leggings
  • Underwear (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm hat or beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Technical mountain gloves for cold temperatures
  • Buff or neck gaiter

Footwear

  • Hiking boots (already used and comfortable, Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Comfortable shoes or sneakers for the lodge
  • Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
  • Warm socks (2 pairs)

Trekking Gear

  • Daypack (30–40 L)
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Sunglasses (UV protection – Category 4 recommended)
  • Water bottles (minimum capacity of 1 liters)
  • Thermal bottle
  • Rain cover for backpack
  • Rain jacket or waterproof shell
  • Dry bags / waterproof bags for protecting clothing and equipment
  • Optional: gaiters (useful in snow or muddy conditions)

Personal Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (minimum rating -15°C recommended, warmer is also fine)
  • Personal basic first aid kit
  • Water purification tablets or portable water filter
  • Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Lip balm with sun protection
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bag for personal waste

Personal First Aid (Recommended)

  • Personal medication
  • Pain relief tablets
  • Blister treatment
  • Diamox (only if prescribed by your doctor)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Rehydration salts - Electrolytes

Documents & Money

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and helicopter rescue
  • Copies of passport and insurance documents
  • Cash for the trek (ATMs and card payments are not available in many trekking regions)

Optional Items

  • Mobile phone
  • Camera
  • Power bank / portable charger
  • Earphones / headphones
  • Personal journal or book
  • Snacks or energy bars

Important Notes

  • Each participant should carry a daypack with essential personal items during the trek.
  • The rest of the luggage will be transported by porters or yaks depending on the itinerary.
  • Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly – always keep warm layers and rain protection in your daypack.

Safety Measures

Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.

Oximetry monitoring

First aid kit

Emergency oxigen

Travel insurance requiered

Important travel information

Important travel information

Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Crest Summit Treks always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.

More information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

Explore more trips

50 Days Himalayan Expedition

The Forbidden Kingdom of the Himalayas

High-Altitude Mountaineering in the Nar–Phu Valley

The Ultimate Everest High Passes Adventure

Everest Region Peak Expedition

Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Expedition

What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

Wayne Storey

Island Peak Climbling

Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills.

Otávio Marcacini

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!

Martin legault

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

Professionnal guide
Big experience
Have a respect every place during the treck
Everything is on control with Pasang.
I recommended a 150%

Stephen Tindall

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what ever trip you plan with him you will not be disappointed.

Jesen Lodge

Island Peak Climbling

Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. Pasang Tendi was our guy. One of the nicest and hard working blokes you’ll ever meet. Awesome guide! Porters aside!