Babarmahal-11, Kathmandu (Near King's College)
9869730777 | 9709139250 | 9709139260
lalitpurholidays@gmail.com
Babarmahal-11, Kathmandu (Near King's College)
Walk into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary - a natural amphitheatre of peaks at 4,130m surrounded by thirteen Himalayan giants. Guided, fully arranged and operated from Kathmandu.
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m inside the Annapurna Sanctuary - a natural glacial basin enclosed on all sides by Himalayan peaks.
From the base camp the full Annapurna massif is visible - Annapurna I (8,091m), the tenth highest mountain in the world, rises directly above. Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Hiunchuli (6,441m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) complete the extraordinary cirque of peaks.
The experience of standing inside this natural amphitheatre, surrounded on all sides by giants - is one of the most powerful in all of mountain trekking.
Machhapuchhre - the Fishtail Mountain at 6,993m, is the defining peak of the Annapurna region. Its distinctive twin-summit profile is visible from Pokhara and from almost every point on the ABC trek approach.
The mountain is considered sacred and has never been officially summited, climbing permits are permanently closed by the Nepal government. This sacred status adds a spiritual dimension to the entire trek.
As you approach the Sanctuary the trail passes directly beneath Machhapuchhre - the mountain filling the entire sky above the Modi Khola gorge.
The classic ABC route passes through Ghandruk, the traditional Gurung village at 1,940m that serves as the cultural gateway to the Annapurna foothills.
Stone-paved lanes, the Gurung Museum, tea gardens and extraordinary sunrise views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre make Ghandruk a destination within the destination.
Trekkers who pass through Ghandruk on the way to ABC often wish they had planned more time here.
Chhomrong at 2,170m is the last major settlement before the Annapurna Sanctuary begins. The village sits on a dramatic ridgeline with extraordinary views down the Modi Khola valley and up toward the sanctuary.
The stone staircase ascent through Chhomrong is one of the most photographed sections of the entire trek and one of the most demanding single sections of the route.
Between Chhomrong and the sanctuary entrance the trail passes through one of the most beautiful forest sections on any Nepal trek.
Dense rhododendron forest, spectacular in spring bloom, gives way to bamboo groves and then to the dramatic Modi Khola gorge where the valley narrows to a passage barely 50 metres wide.
This gorge section - Dovan to Machapuchre Base Camp is one of the most atmospherically dramatic sections of any Himalayan trail.
On the descent from ABC, the classic route passes through Jhinu Danda where natural hot springs sit beside the Modi Khola river.
After days of trekking at altitude the hot springs at Jhinu Danda are one of the most genuinely pleasurable experiences on any Nepal trek. The combination of exhausted legs, warm thermal water and mountain air is something trekkers talk about long after returning home.
Less demanding than EBC in terms of altitude. One of the best moderate treks for the level of reward.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is the most photographed mountain amphitheatre in Nepal. Every angle is extraordinary.
The rhododendron forest below 3,000m in March and April is extraordinary. One of Nepal's finest spring nature experiences.
ABC is many trekkers' first serious high altitude Himalayan experience. The infrastructure is good, the reward is immense.
Romantic and visually extraordinary. The Sanctuary is a uniquely intimate mountain experience.
Shorter 7–9 day versions may be available depending on route, transport and traveller fitness. Ask us to customise the itinerary.
Annapurna Base Camp
Ghandruk
Chhomrong
Annapurna Sanctuary
Drive or fly to Pokhara ~ 6-7 hours by road or 25 minutes by domestic flight.
Afternoon: Pokhara lakeside free time.
Evening: Trek briefing and gear check.
Overnight: Pokhara hotelDrive to Nayapul (1,070m) - approximately 1.5 hours.
Trek begins at Nayapul.
Trail climbs through Birethanti and Kimche.
Ascent through rhododendron forest to Ghandruk.
Trek: 4-5 hours Overnight: Ghandruk tea houseDescend from Ghandruk to Kimche.
Re-ascend via Syauli Bazaar to Chhomrong.
The Chhomrong staircase - famous and demanding.
First views of Annapurna South from the trail.
Trek: 5-6 hours Overnight: Chhomrong tea houseDescend from Chhomrong through Sinuwa.
Enter the rhododendron and bamboo forest.
Trail begins to follow the Modi Khola upstream.
Trek: 4-5 hours Overnight: Bamboo tea houseThe summit day - longest trekking day on the route.
Trail narrows through the Modi Khola gorge — dramatic rock walls on both sides.
Pass through Deurali at 3,200m - last stop before the sanctuary.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700m — the mountain filling the entire sky above.
Final push to ABC - 430m above MBC.
Trek: 7-8 hours total Overnight: ABC tea houseEarly morning ABC sunrise — Annapurna I in first golden light.
Breakfast at ABC.
Begin long descent - body recovers quickly.
Pass through MBC and Deurali.
Trek: 6-7 hours descending Overnight: Bamboo tea houseDescend through Sinuwa and Chhomrong.
Arrive Jhinu Danda - hot springs afternoon.
Trek: 4-5 hours Overnight: Jhinu Danda tea houseTrek down to Nayapul via New Bridge.
Drive to Pokhara - 1.5 hours.
Afternoon free time at Pokhara lakeside.
Trek: 3-4 hours then drive Overnight: Pokhara hotelMorning: Phewa Lake boat ride (optional — own cost)
Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Bindabasini Temple, World Peace Pagoda.
Afternoon: Free time or rest.
Overnight: Pokhara hotelDrive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Trek officially concludes.
This is our standard 10-day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary. The route and daily schedule may be adjusted when necessary due to weather, trail conditions, accommodation availability or other local conditions. Contact us if you would like to discuss a customised itinerary.
Day 5 involves a gain of approximately 1,820m from Bamboo to ABC in one day.
This is a long and demanding day. Pace yourself from the morning. Aim to reach ABC by early afternoon for the best light and weather conditions.
| Day | Location | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu → Pokhara | 1,400m → 822m |
| Day 2 | Ghandruk | 1,940m |
| Day 3 | Chhomrong | 2,170m |
| Day 4 | Bamboo | 2,310m |
| Day 5 | Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130m |
| Day 6 | Bamboo (descent) | 2,310m |
| Day 7 | Jhinu Danda | 1,760m |
| Day 8 | Pokhara | 822m |
| Day 9 | Pokhara | 822m |
| Day 10 | Kathmandu | 1,400m |
Inside the Annapurna Sanctuary - Annapurna I above
Sacred Fishtail Mountain directly above
Traditional Gurung village - cultural highlight
Last major village - dramatic ridgeline views
Spring bloom - stunning April approach trail
Dramatic narrow gorge - most atmospheric section
Natural thermal pools - descent reward
Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, temples - start and end
Rhododendron bloom, clear mornings, best for flowers
Clearest visibility, best mountain views, stable
Heavy rain and leeches in lower sections. Poor sanctuary visibility. Possible for experienced trekkers with proper gear. Not recommended for most trekkers.
Cold, possible snow on approach, fewer trekkers
Spring is the season of choice for many ABC trekkers - the rhododendron forest between Ghandruk and Chhomrong is at its most extraordinary in late March and April.
Autumn offers the clearest mountain views, the Annapurna Sanctuary after monsoon is crisp, clear and photographically stunning.
Monsoon brings leeches in the lower forest sections and significantly reduces visibility in the sanctuary. It is not recommended for most trekkers.
Annapurna I in golden first light from ABC camp, the full cirque of peaks turning from grey to gold to brilliant white in sequence. This is one of the finest mountain sunrises accessible on any standard trekking route in Nepal. Set an alarm for 30 minutes before sunrise.
The sacred Fishtail Mountain framed by the Modi Khola gorge walls, from the trail between Deurali and MBC. This perspective, directly below the twin summits - is unlike any view of Machhapuchhre from Pokhara.
The stone lanes of Ghandruk with Annapurna South glowing in late afternoon or morning light above. The classic Annapurna village shot - one of Nepal's most photographed cultural landscapes.
The long stone staircase ascending through Chhomrong village, trekkers with packs against the backdrop of the valley below. Best from the bottom of the stairs looking up. Wide angle for the full compression effect.
Trekkers soaking in the natural hot springs with the Modi Khola river rushing below and mountain ridges above - one of the most relaxed and human moments on the trek. Golden hour light makes this exceptional.
The tunnel of pink and red rhododendron blooms along the trail in April - Nepal's national flower in its full mountain habitat. Filtered forest light creates extraordinary soft photography conditions.
Annapurna Base Camp trek pricing depends on:
Group size - private or shared departure
Season - spring and autumn have different permit and accommodation availability
Transport preference - drive or fly to Pokhara
Porter service - included or own arrangement
Package customisation – additional services or itinerary adjustments requested before departure
WhatsApp us for a complete current NPR quote based on your group size, dates and preferences.
9869730777Full itemized package price sent within 24 hours.
While lower than the Everest Base Camp trek, ABC reaches 4,130m, significant altitude where AMS can affect unprepared trekkers.
Altitude sickness is less common on ABC than on EBC given the lower maximum altitude - but it remains a genuine risk above 3,000m. Never underestimate altitude regardless of the trek.
Day 5 involves gaining 1,820m in one day - from Bamboo (2,310m) to ABC (4,130m). This is a demanding day that requires a steady pace and consistent hydration.AMS can affect anyone above 3,000m.
During and immediately after monsoon season (June to September) the lower forest sections below Chhomrong have leeches - small bloodsucking invertebrates that attach to exposed skin.
They are not dangerous but are unpleasant. Leech socks or gaiters and regular checks are strongly recommended for anyone trekking in this season.
Send a message to 9869730777 .
Pay 30% advance via NepalPay QR to confirm.
We arrange permits, porter and accommodation.
Full payment before departure.
Pre-trek briefing at Babarmahal office.
ABC reaches a lower maximum altitude than many Everest Base Camp itineraries and can be completed without relying on a Lukla flight. Both treks still require good preparation, several days of walking and proper altitude awareness. ABC takes trekkers into the enclosed Annapurna Sanctuary, while EBC offers a very different high-altitude journey through the Khumbu region. The better choice depends on your available time, fitness and trekking goals. See Everest Base Camp Trek.
Moderate fitness and some prior walking experience is recommended. ABC is not recommended for complete beginners with no fitness preparation. Day 5 is demanding - 1,820m altitude gain.
For a preparation trek consider: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Langtang Valley Trek.
Permit requirements can change. Lalitpur Holidays will confirm and arrange the required trekking permits for your departure. Bring a valid citizenship card or passport as advised during booking.
Yes, in the lower forest sections below Chhomrong during monsoon and immediately post-monsoon. Spring and autumn trekkers rarely encounter them. Leech socks or gaiters are recommended for June to September trekking.
Not recommended for most trekkers. Heavy rain, leeches in lower sections and poor visibility in the sanctuary make monsoon a challenging and unrewarding season for ABC. Spring and Autumn are strongly preferred.
Jhinu Danda hot springs are natural thermal pools beside the Modi Khola river - approximately 2 hours below Chhomrong on the descent. After days of altitude trekking the hot springs are one of the most genuinely enjoyable experiences of the entire ABC trek. Entry fee is its own cost - paid at the springs.
The standard ABC Trek approaches from the south via Ghandruk and Chhomrong - a well-established tea house route in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The North ABC Trek approaches from the north via Beni and includes the Pancha Kunda five sacred lakes. Completely different routes and experiences. See North ABC Trek.
WhatsApp
