Into the sanctuary, ringed by seven-thousanders
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A 10-day trek through Gurung villages and rhododendron forest into the glacial amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
10 days / 9 nights, privately guided
Share your dates and we’ll shape this itinerary around your pace, interests, and comfort level — usually within one working day.
Plan this trekNo deposit required to start planning.
The journey
Overview
The Sanctuary is a natural amphitheatre barely a few kilometres wide, walled by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. Getting there takes you up stone staircases through terraced farmland, into rhododendron forest that turns crimson each spring, and finally through the narrow Modi Khola gorge. The 360-degree view at Base Camp is unlike anything else in Nepal.
What stays with you
Highlights
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Overnight in Gurung villages with mountain views from the lodge window
- The narrow Modi Khola gorge leading into the Sanctuary
- Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, encircled by peaks on every side
- Available as a 12-day North Annapurna Base Camp variant — a remote route along the 1950 French expedition trail, on request
Day by day
Itinerary
8 days mapped out — every one of them adjustable.
- 1
Pokhara to Tikhedhunga
Drive to the Nayapul trailhead and walk in through riverside villages and rice terraces.
- 2
The Ulleri staircase to Ghorepani
A steep 3,000-step climb rewarded by an afternoon in the ridge village of Ghorepani.
- 3
Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Head-torch start for the classic sunrise viewpoint, then a forest trail traverse to Tadapani.
- 4
Chhomrong via Ghandruk
Pass through the largest Gurung village on the route, with Machapuchare directly ahead.
- 6
Annapurna Base Camp
Climb the gorge past Machapuchare Base Camp and arrive at ABC in time for sunset on Annapurna I.
- 7
Descend to Jhinu Danda
Long descent out of the Sanctuary, ending at the riverside hot springs below Jhinu.
- 9
Return to Pokhara
Walk out to the roadhead and drive back to the lakeside for a well-earned rest day.
- 10
Onward journey
Transfer to Kathmandu, or continue with another leg of your Nepal itinerary.
What’s included
- ACAP permit and TIMS card
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter support
- Teahouse accommodation and all meals while on trek
- Private transfers to and from the trailhead
- First-aid kit and evacuation coordination
Not included
- Travel to and from Pokhara
- Hot showers and device charging on the trail
- Personal trekking equipment and travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and porters
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