Explore diverse landscapes, Flora, and Fauna of the Annapurna sanctuary
Enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful environment
Get connected with nature and people
Experience high-altitude trekking
Visit the traditional Gurung and Magar villages
Peaceful trails of Annapurna Sanctuary
Sunrise view from Poon-Hill
Jaw-dropping view of the world's 7th-highest mountain, Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), and 10th-highest Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft).
Overnight stay at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft)
Sunset and Sunrise views from Annapurna Base Camp.
Hot-Spring bath at Jhinu Danda
Trip Overview
You know that 12-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp? It’s one of those trips that just gets you. It’s not just about slogging it out on a trail. You're wandering, right? Through these landscapes that are just wow. You pop into these old-school villages, full of so much character, and then the mountains, Annapurna and Machapuchare, just hit you. Takes your breath away, for real. If you want a proper adventure, something that lets you feel Nepal? This is the one.
For those 12 days, your whole world shrinks down to the basics in the best possible way. Wake up, pull on your boots, walk, eat dal bhat, marvel at a mountain, and sleep. That’s it. Just to move through this ridiculously beautiful landscape. You hear the crunch of your boots on the path, the jingle of a mule train bell coming up behind you, and the constant roar of a river in the valley below.
And the people. You see the life they live, carrying insane loads up and down these hills, and they still have the most genuine, welcoming smiles you’ll ever see. It’s not just a "hello"; it's a "Namaste" that comes from deep down. The way a teahouse owner’s face would light up when you just sat and talked for a minute, or how they’d make sure you had an extra blanket without you even asking. It makes you check yourself a little, you know?
It wasn't a walk in the park. There were days your legs were screaming, and you were wondering what I’d gotten myself into. But then you’d round a corner. You’ll be trudging up a hill, staring at your feet, convinced you can’t take another step, and you force yourself to look up. And there it is. Fishtail Peak, the Annapurna range, and Hiunchuli are just cutting the sky in half. And suddenly, you’re not tired anymore. You just stand there, breathless for a whole different reason.
It’s more than a vacation. It’s like hitting a reset button you didn't even know you needed. You leave a little piece of yourself there on those trails, but I swear, the part you bring back is better.
Route Description
Alright, so you land in Kathmandu, and it's just a proper sensory overload, but the good kind. Ancient temples rubbing shoulders with shops blasting music, the smell of incense and street food everywhere. After a quick hop on a little plane over to Pokhara, you’re soon enough hitting the actual trail. Boots on the ground, that's when it starts. You’re walking through these rhododendron forests; honestly, if they're blooming, it's like walking through a dream, past little villages where everyone’s smiling, up towards Ghorepani. And you have to drag yourself out of bed when it's still properly dark for Poon Hill, but then that sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri just blows your mind. Seriously. Then it's through misty woods to Tadapani and a bit of an up-and-down to Chhomrong, this cool village just stuck on a ridge, and Fishtail Mountain is just there, massive.
Then it gets wilder. Through bamboo thickets, and the air gets thin and crisp as you head up to Deurali, things feel seriously alpine. And then, boom, Annapurna Base Camp. You're standing in this massive bowl, with these giant snowy peaks all around you. Makes you feel tiny, but in an amazing way. Another sunrise there; that's one for the mental scrapbook. Coming back down, your legs are probably screaming, but then you hit Jhinu Danda and those natural hot springs. It’s pure heaven for tired muscles. Quick drive to Pokhara, flight back to Kathmandu, and you’re done.
It's not just the photos, though. You come back with this feeling. Like you’ve seen something properly epic, done something tough, and it just sticks with you. A bit of awe, a bit of 'hell yeah, I did.'
Short Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,355m/4,446ft), Duration: 20-25 minutes drive.
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara (822m/2,697ft) for 25 minutes, and drive to Banthati (2,210m/7,250ft) for 3 hours, then Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m/9,383ft), Distance: 6.3km/3.9 miles, Duration: 3-4 hours.
Day 03: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,628ft), Distance: 11.1 km/6.8 miles, Duration: 5-6 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,119ft), Distance: 8.6 km/5.3 miles, Duration: 5 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Bamboo (2,317m/7,601ft), Distance: 7.6 km/4.7 miles, Duration: 4 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Deurali (3,200m/10,498ft), Distance: 7.1 km/4.4 miles, Duration: 5 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft), Distance: 9.3 km/5.7 miles, Duration: 5 hours.
Day 08: Trek Down to Bamboo (2,317m/7,601ft), Distance: 16.4 km/10.1 miles, Duration: 6-7 hours.
Day 09: Trek Down to Jhinu (1,780m/5,840ft) for 5 hours, (Trek Distance: 9.6km/5.9 miles) and Drive Back to Pokhara (822m/2,697ft), Distance: 55.1 km/34.1 miles, Duration: 3 hours.
Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu (1,355m/4,446ft), Duration: 25 minutes flight and 20-25 minutes drive.
Day 11: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 12: Farewell
Trip Itinerary
So you finally land in Kathmandu. Someone from Nepal Intrepid Treks, usually grinning, will find you, yell "Namaste!" and sling a flower garland over your head. Then it’s a bit of a wild, beepy ride to your hotel in Thamel. Thamel’s bonkers, shops everywhere selling knock-off North Face, prayer flags flapping, little temples squeezed in. You can chill, or if you’re buzzing, wander about. Later, we’ll have a quick natter about the trek, and we will introduce you to your trekking guide.
After the briefing, we offer Nepal Intrepid Treks' duffle bag, a t-shirt, and a trekking map, and we can go over the packing list and suggest, if there's indeed anything. Furthermore, you can explore Thamel and purchase some needed essentials. You can exchange Nepali rupees or swipe a card at the ATM for your personal needs during the trek. Foreign currency or card payment is not available on the trekking route.
Max. Elevation:1,355m
Duration:20-25 minutes
Distance:Approximately 6 kilometers ( Airport to Hotel )
Included/Excluded
The price is per person based on two bookings. Solo travelers can book, but if no group is available for your date or you prefer a solo departure, a $230 single surcharge applies, payable upon arrival. We’ll inform you about group availability at booking.
All ground transportaion including airport pick up and drop.
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and 1 nights accommodation Pokhara in a 3 star category hotel on BB basis.
Kathmandu city tour all entry fee, tour guide and private vehicle
Transportation Kathmandu-Pokhara and Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
Daily three time meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with a cup of tea during the trek
Best available twin sharing basis lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
Required documentation Trekking TIMS and Permit costs to enter into Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
Highly experienced english speaking guide and porter (1 porter will be available to two persons). including their food, salary, accommodation and insurance etc
Seasonable fruits during the trek
Required first aid medical kit with provision of Oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat
Government taxes and office service charge during travel.
Nepal entry visa fee
International airfare
Travel insurance
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
All cold drinks, water, and any beverages are not included in your trip price.
We provide such service with an extra charge.
(Note: – Our option excursions are culture trip, Festival trip, monastery meditation with Lama and Monks, Bird watching, Farming trip other things as per the client's interest).
Trekking Equipment:
(Note: Clients have to arrange personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles.).
Tips for drivers, guides, and porters are not included in the cost of your package.
Others:
1. Personal expenses such as phone calls, Internet, laundry, bar bills, and extra porters. 2. Costs arising out of landslides, roadblocks, rescue of any form, cancellation of flights, or reasons beyond our control. 3. Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the price include section.
Dates & Prices
Group Discount Available
1 Person
US$ 1240
2 - 4 Person
US$ 1190
5 - 8 Person
US$ 1140
9 - 14 Person
US$ 1090
15 - 20 Person
US$ 1040
Good to Know
Why Trek in the Annapurna Region?
One day you’re sweating buckets walking past rice paddies down low, then, boom, you’re in these insane rhododendron forests; if they’re blooming, it’s like walking through some psychedelic painting. Before you know it, you’re up in these wide-open alpine meadows, grass waving, and then, bam again, you’re staring into these massive, icy glacier basins. All that in just a few days on your own two feet!
And the mountains! Annapurna is just this absolute beast, over 8,000 meters tall. Then you’ve got Machhapuchhre – Fishtail, everyone calls it. It’s just so damn iconic, like it’s watching over you. Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, these aren’t just little bumps on the horizon; they’re right there, filling up the sky, making you feel properly tiny in the best way possible. It’ll properly take your breath away.
The people are amazing. You’re wandering through these little villages, and the folks, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, some with a real Tibetan vibe, they’re just so warm. Always a smile, a "Namaste!" You’ll be drinking endless cups of chiya (tea) and trying their local food, and that dal bhat will become your best friend, trust me. It’s just a whole different pace of life, and they’re happy to share a slice of it.
For such an epic part of the world, it’s pretty well sorted for trekkers. You’re not slogging it out in a tent every night unless you want to. There are these teahouses all along the main trails, little lodges, like. You get a bed (might be basic, but it’s a bed!), hot food, and a chance to chinwag with other hikers from all over. Makes it way more comfortable and easier to get into than some of the super remote, hardcore treks.
Honestly, it’s way less of a headache than some other big mountain areas. You need a couple of permits, the ACAP one for the conservation area and a TIMS card, but it’s pretty straightforward. No endless faffing about with loads of complicated bureaucracy, which is always a relief when you just want to get walking.
Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderately difficult. The paths are mostly decent, you’re not going crazy high, and the teahouses where you sleep are pretty comfortable. It's a brilliant way to see some epic views without needing to be a super-athlete. Then you’ve got the Annapurna Base Camp trek. That's a step up, for sure. You’re hiking for longer each day, and you get properly up there, over 4,000 meters. So yeah, you need to be reasonably fit and have a bit of grit. But, and this is important, even if you’ve never been that high before, it’s doable if you just take it steady and let your body get used to the thin air.
The main thing to remember, no matter which trek you pick, is the altitude. You have to go at your own pace, drink tons of water, and listen to what your body’s telling you. Honestly, if you do a bit of planning and get yourself sorted, Annapurna’s got something for pretty much everyone. Whether you just want a beautiful escape with amazing scenery or you’re after a proper physical test that you’ll be buzzing about for ages, you’ll find it there.
Best Season to Trek in Annapurna
Most trekkers will tell you autumn (think September, October, November) is the golden ticket. The monsoon's cleared off, skies are usually super crisp, and those mountain views are just out of this world. It's popular for a reason, so it can be a bit busier.
Your other top bet is spring (March, April, May). That's when the rhododendrons explode in color, which is pretty spectacular. The weather's warming up, and the views are generally solid too.
Meals and Accommodation on Trek
When you're trekking in the Annapurnas, your digs for the night will be these "teahouses," simple, cozy little lodges run by local families. Expect a twin room, nothing fancy, just beds and blankets. Lower down, you might even snag an attached bathroom, but as you climb, it's more likely shared loos down the corridor, and bringing your sleeping bag for extra warmth is a solid plan. The best bit is usually the communal dining room, where everyone gathers around a wood stove, sharing stories and getting warm. It’s got a real good vibe.
As for grub, it’s all about keeping you going. Dal Bhat, rice, lentils, and vegetables, is king, and you can usually get endless refills, which is brilliant. But they’ll also have noodles, soups, fried rice, maybe some pasta, eggs, and those ace Nepali dumplings called momos. Pancakes are a breakfast staple. You'll drink a ton of tea (ginger lemon honey is a lifesaver!) and can buy snacks. The food choices get a bit more basic and pricier the higher you go, because everything has to be lugged up there. Filtered or boiled water is usually available, but having your purification method is smart. It’s all pretty hearty and a big part of the whole adventure.
Why Choose Nepal Intrepid Treks for Annapurna Base Camp?
They're Proper Locals:
Your guides aren't just reciting facts; they know these mountains like the back of their hand. Think hidden gems, the best dal bhat spots, and real chats with other locals, not just a script.
Got Your Back on Safety:
You want folk who know what they’re doing if things get a bit wobbly. They’ll be clued up on altitude, first aid, and generally making sure you’re alright, so you can just focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
No Faffing with the Details:
They sort all the annoying bits, permits, airport pickups, and where you’re kipping. You just turn up, lace your boots, and get on with the epic views and the walking.
Feels More Like Trekking with Mates:
Often, it’s a more personal vibe. They're genuinely stoked to show you their backyard, not just treat you like another number. Makes a big difference.
Good Eggs, Doing it Right:
Likely means they lookafter their porters (super important!), care about not trashing the beautiful trails, and try to make sure the local communities actually see some benefit from you being there. It’s about more than just profit.
Packing Essentials
Packing for ABC is all about layers, being comfy, and not lugging stuff you don't need. Here’s the stuff you want to have in your bag:
Base Layers
Trekking Tops
Fleece Jacket
Puffy Jacket
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket AND Trousers
Trekking Trousers
Comfy Trousers/Leggings
Socks
Underwear
Hats
Gloves.
Buff or Neck Gaiter
Proper, Broken-In Hiking Boots.
Comfy Shoes for the Teahouse
Decent Daypack (25-35 litres)
Sleeping Bag rated for at least -10°C comfort
Sleeping Bag Liner
Trekking Poles
Headtorch/Headlamp & Spare Batteries
Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder
Water Purification Tablets/Filter/Steripen
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (High SPF) & lip balm with SPF
Your Own First-Aid Kit
Toiletries
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes
Passport & Visa (and photocopies)
Cash (Nepali Rupees)
Travel Insurance Details
Book, Kindle, Cards
Camera & Spare Batteries/Charger
Power Bank/Portable Charger
Favourite Snacks from Home
Earplugs & Eye Mask
Dry Bags or Plastic Bags
General Faqs
Think autumn – September to November-ish. Skies are usually bang on clear. Spring (March to May) is ace too, especially with all the rhododendrons blooming like mad.
I joined Wildman's tour to Nepal for ABC trekking at the end of March, and during the trekking we were taken well care of by Nepal Intrepid Treks and Expedition. The local guides are professional, friendly and always know what we need before we ask for help, and the porters are honest and reliable. I believe that without their hard work, it is impossible for me to complete this amazing journey. A month has passed, the towering mountains, the blooming azaleas and the guides and porters’ dedication to their work are still vivid in my memory and it seems like only yesterday. Highly recommended!
Amazing Experience!
We had a pleasant journey during 8-day trekking from Poon Hill to ABC with Nepal Intrepid Treks and Expedition. All their staffs are friendly and helpful through always.Highly recommended!
ABC trekking - unforgettable adventure
ABC, quite a journey. This is my second time enjoying the services of Nepal Intrepid Treks—their attention, camaraderie, and commitment make these experiences unforgettable. Highly recommended. Thank you for the excellent service.