The full picture.
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) sits in a natural glacier bowl — a 360° amphitheatre of Himalayan peaks that trekkers call 'the sanctuary'. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna surround you completely.
The trail climbs through Gurung and Magar villages, bamboo and rhododendron forest, and the steep walls of the Modi Khola gorge before opening dramatically into the sanctuary. The transition from forest to glacier world in a single afternoon is genuinely unforgettable.
At a max altitude of 4,130m, this is one of Nepal's most accessible high-altitude treks — no acclimatisation rest days required, suitable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and no high-altitude experience.
What you'll experience.
The trail in pictures.
The climb, day by day.
Full itinerary.
Fly or take a tourist bus to beautiful lakeside Pokhara (25-min flight or 6-7 hr drive). Evening briefing with your guide.
Drive to Nayapul (1 hour) and begin the trek along the Modi Khola. First Gurung villages, terraced fields, and great views of Annapurna South ahead.
A demanding ascent — 3,000+ steps through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. Hard day, huge reward. The village sits in a clearing with views in all directions.
4:30 AM for the famous Poon Hill (3,210m) sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Then descend to Tadapani through the finest rhododendron forest on the trail.
Trek to Chhomrong, the last large Gurung village before the sanctuary. Spectacular viewpoint above the Modi Khola gorge. Permit check here for the sanctuary entry.
Descend steeply to Chhomrong Khola then climb into the Modi Khola gorge. The trail enters bamboo and rhododendron forest — the sanctuary atmosphere begins.
The gorge closes in around the trail. Pass through Himalayan (2,920m) and Hinku Cave before emerging at Deurali, where the first glacial views appear.
The moment the valley opens into the sanctuary. The walls fall away and suddenly Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre fill your entire field of vision. Walking into base camp is a genuinely emotional experience.
Wake early for sunrise in the sanctuary — alpenglow on all ten surrounding peaks. Then begin the long descent back down the Modi gorge to Bamboo.
Descend through Sinuwa and Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda — home to natural hot springs on the Modi Khola riverbank. A perfect end to the trek.
Final short walk to Nayapul, then drive back to Pokhara. Celebration dinner on Phewa Lake this evening.
Morning in Pokhara, then travel to Kathmandu. Optional Pokhara activities — paragliding, boating on Phewa Lake, or simply resting.
Airport transfer from Kathmandu. 13 days, 115km, the Annapurna Sanctuary — and a view you'll describe for the rest of your life.
The trail map.
What's included.
✓ Included
- ✓All teahouse accommodation
- ✓Breakfast and dinner on the trail
- ✓Licensed English-speaking guide
- ✓Porter service
- ✓ACAP permit + TIMS card
- ✓Kathmandu/Pokhara transfers
- ✓First aid + altitude meds
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Nepal visa
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Lunches
- ✕Personal teahouse expenses
- ✕Tips
- ✕Personal gear
What to pack.
🧥 Clothing
- Down jacket
- Rain jacket
- Thermals ×2
- Fleece
- Warm hat & gloves
👟 Footwear
- Waterproof boots
- Camp shoes
- Wool socks ×3–4
- Trekking poles
🎒 Essentials
- Daypack 25–30L
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Sunglasses
- Water purification
- Cash NPR
