Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek via Poon Hill and Ghandruk is one of the most scenic and diverse trekking routes in Nepal. It combines the breathtaking sunrise views of Poon Hill (3,210 m), the cultural richness of Ghandruk Village, and the ultimate highlight—Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), surrounded by a natural amphitheater of towering peaks including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
The trek begins from Pokhara and passes through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, terraced farmlands, and charming Gurung and Magar villages. Poon Hill offers one of Nepal’s most famous panoramic Himalayan sunrises, while Ghandruk showcases traditional Gurung hospitality, culture, and lifestyle. From there, the trail gradually ascends through Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali before reaching Annapurna Sanctuary, where trekkers experience 360° views of snow-capped giants.
This trek is a moderate adventure, suitable for beginners with good fitness and experienced trekkers alike. It beautifully blends cultural immersion, Himalayan scenery, and diverse landscapes, making it one of the most rewarding short-to-moderate treks in Nepal.
Highlights
- Trek through lush forests, bamboo and rhododendron valleys
- Witness sunrise from Poon Hill with panoramic views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks
- Experience hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Explore traditional Gurung villages: Chomrong, Ghandruk, Dhampus
- Panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal
- Comfortable accommodation in guesthouses and lodges along the trail
- Well-planned itinerary for safe trekking and proper acclimatization.
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Annapurna Base Camp
- 17 days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Guests house Lodges during trek, Hotels in KTM & Pokhara
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- 4,130 m
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Best Season
Autumn (September – November) → BEST Clear skies after the monsoon, giving the sharpest mountain views (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli). Pleasant temperature: Warm days (12–20°C lower altitude, 5–10°C higher altitude), cool nights. Stable weather with very low chances of rain/snow. Festive season in Nepal (Dashain, Tihar) adds cultural charm. Most popular season → lodges may be crowded, especially Ghorepani & ABC. Spring (March – May) → SECOND BEST Rhododendron forests in full bloom, especially around Ghorepani, Tadapani & Chomrong → incredibly colorful trek. Long daylight hours → more time to walk and enjoy. Clear mornings and evenings, though afternoons may bring some haze. Warm temperatures at lower altitudes. Slightly higher chance of pre-monsoon showers. Winter (December – February) Very clear skies (crisp mountain views). Fewer trekkers → peaceful lodges. Cold temperatures, especially at ABC (down to -15°C at night). Risk of heavy snowfall blocking trails at Deurali–MBC–ABC section. Monsoon (June – August) Fewer tourists, green landscapes, waterfalls everywhere. Not recommended: muddy trails, leeches, landslide risk, clouds hide mountain views.
Inclusions
Tour Plan
- Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.
- Airport pickup and transfer to hotel.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Not included
- Highlight: Welcome and briefing
- Rest day / optional sightseeing or final trekking preparation.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Not included
- Drive (6–7 hrs) or Fly (25 min) from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Lakeside walk, view of Fishtail and Annapurna range
- Drive to Nayapul.
- Trek along Modi Khola and cross Birethanti.
- Overnight: in Tikhedhunga
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Lush forest and river valley
- Climb steep stone steps through Ulleri and Banthanti.
- Overnight: in Ghorepani
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Rhododendron forest, Annapurna South view
- Sunrise from Poon Hill – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre views.
- Trek through pine forests to Tadapani.
- Overnight: in Tadapani
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Panoramic views, alpine forest trail
- Descend and ascend via Kimrong Khola.
- Overnight: in Chomrong
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South
- Trek through Bamboo and rhododendron forest.
- Overnight: in Dovan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Waterfalls, narrow valley trail
- Ascend past Hinku Cave and Deurali.
- Overnight: in MBC
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Gangapurna
- Easy walk to the amphitheater of ABC.
- Overnight: in ABC
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli
- Retrace steps downhill to Dovan.
- Overnight: in Dovan
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Glacier and forest trail descent
- Optional hot spring soak in the Modi Khola below Jhinu.
- Overnight: in Jhinu Danda
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Natural hot springs
- Descend to Modi River, then climb to Ghandruk village.
- Overnight: in Ghandruk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Traditional Gurung village, cultural museum
- Scenic ridge walk and farmlands.
- Overnight: in Dhampus
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Lamjung Himal
- Drive from Phedi to Pokhara.
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlight: Relax at lakeside
- Morning flight to Kathmandu.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Highlight: Farewell dinner optional
- Transfer to airport 3 hrs before your flight.
- Meals: Breakfast