‘adventure within scenic and beautiful sanctuary in the heart of Annapurna Himalaya’
Overview
Annapurna base camp trekking, one of the most accessible trekking destinations within a period of a week or more, which leads you to the heart of beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary with mind-blowing scenery of mountains and landscapes.
Probably Annapurna base camp trekking is the only adventure destination in all Himalaya where you can find the comfort of nice and cozy lodges with rooms facing views of high mountains, truly a great place to be in once in your lifetime, and experience the hospitality of local Gurung villagers with immense culture of great interest.
At Sanctuary views of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft), Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Tharpu Chuli / Tent Peak (5,663 m), Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft), and Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft) to Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish-tail) and more.
Starting this fabulous journey from the capital Kathmandu, taking an interesting drive to scenic Pokhara, blessed with the natural beauty of the high Annapurna Himalaya, with the magnificent peaks Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’ that reflects on its calm Phewa and Begnas Lakes.
From Pokhara, a short drive to begin our adventure, where the walk leads to charming traditional villages of Gurung people interwoven with Buddhism religion with impressive culture and custom, as the walk continues higher, entering into the cool shade of alpine woodland of tall rhododendron, magnolia, pines, and oak trees.
Daily grand views of Annapurna peaks as the walk progresses towards higher areas and within picturesque and scenic Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp at a height of above 4,130 m with a sweeping panorama of peaks.
After a grand and glorious time at Annapurna Base Camp trekking, heading back to Pokhara, taking an alternative scenic trail with superb moments and fond memories of the adventure on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking with the great services of Marson Wilderness Trek and its friendly, cheerful guides.
Highlights
- “In the heart of massive Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks within picturesque sanctuary Glorious panorama of snow clad mountains in the comfort of nice and cozy lodge at base camp Walking into serene cool forest lined with rhododendron-magnolia-pines-oaks and fir trees Exploring hills villages of Gurung ethnic tribes interwoven with old sect of Buddhism culture Walking from low paddy fields to green hills and towards great fields of ice and glaciers”
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,345 ,m and transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing, and preparations.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820 m - 06 hrs journey (via flights 30 mins on air).
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and beyond to Siwai and trek to Ghandruk village(1940m)- 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Chomrong 2,170 m - 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Dovan 2,600 m - 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to MBC 3,700 m (Machhapuchare Base Camp) - 06 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to ABC 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp) - 03 hrs.
Day 09: Trek from ABC to Bamboo 2,310 m - 06 hrs
Day 10 Trek to Jhinu village 1,780m with Hot Spring - 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Tolka 1,700 m via Landruk villages 1,565 m - 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Dhampus 1650 m (04 hrs) then drive back to Pokhara 820 m - 01 hr.
Day 13: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotel.
Day 14: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries.
Pokhara Extension Activities:
For people with more time in Nepal, we have various adventure activities from Para-Gliding, Kayaking, Kayak Clinic, boating, short hike, cultural tours, to Zip Flyer, Ultra Light Flights on small single-engine aircraft.
On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be received by our guides and staff and then transferred to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city.
After getting refreshed, join in with other members of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking,g where our guide will brief you regarding trekking, do’s and don’ts, Nepalese culture, lodge on route trek with full information to make your stay with us enjoyable and memorable, evening welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with folk-cultural program as entertainment during dinner.
Morning by 9 a.m. after breakfast for sightseeing tour within heart of Kathmandu around old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, of historical importance includes Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess) Kastamandap Temple where Kathmandu name derived from, a temple built with the wood of a single tree, tour of old palace during the reign of Malla and late Shah kings.
The tour leads to the famous landmark of Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, more than 2,500 years old, a Buddhist Chaitya or Stupa with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Afternoon visit the holy Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, adorned with silver doors and golden tiers roofed pagoda, a popular and famous temple where thousands of pilgrims visit every year in the month of February on Shiva Ratri (Lord Shiva's birth anniversary). From Pashupatinath, a short drive to Bouddhanath with Asia’s largest domed Stupa with four cardinal eyes of Buddha surrounded by prayer wheels and a small market with interesting stores, shops, and restaurants, the place is also known as Little Tibet due to the stronghold of Tibetan influenced tribe and people.
After an interesting and exciting tour of world heritage sites, return to the hotel for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking preparation and a last-minute briefing from our guides and staff.
Morning, starting our adventure to Annapurna base camp trekking, taking a comfortable coach or in a Big Tourist Bus, heading towards Nepal Mid West at scenic Pokhara, a beautiful spot in the entire Himalaya range of warm sub-tropical temperatures with close views of Annapurna Himalaya with Mt. Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’.
On reaching Pokhara, transfer to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake with views of mountains, and afternoon at leisure for short walks around the lakeside.
From Pokhara, we drive to Kimche via Nayapul and Syauli Bazaar, where the trek begins. The trail passes through terraced farms, forests, and scenic mountain terrain before reaching Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village with monasteries and the Gurung Museum. From Ghandruk, enjoy stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
After an early morning cup of tea, we begin our hike from Ghandruk with a steep descent to the Kimrong River, followed by a steady ascent to Chomrong. Along the way, we are rewarded with stunning early-morning views of Annapurna South and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), which look truly heavenly at sunrise. Chomrong lies on a hillside at the base of the mighty Annapurna.
From Chomrong morning walk leads to a short downhill over terraced farm fields to reach at Chomrong river, after crossing the bridge an uphill for an hour to Sinuwa-Danda a small spot with few lodges offering great views of the surrounding landscapes and rolling green hills, from this place walking through cool dense forest till a place called Bamboo is reached, located by the Modi River in the middle of bamboo, rhododendron and oaks forest. From here, an hour walk on the gradual up trail to Dovan for an overnight stop, situated in the middle of the forest, in the Modi River gorge.
After a pleasant overnight stop at Dovan, from here onward, vegetation and tree lines drop for high altitude alpine bushes and shrubs. Our route climbs following the raging Modi river upstream, right up to its source at base camp. The walk gets better in some sections, and then with the last steep climb to reach Machhapuchare Base Camp for an overnight stay. This place with few good lodges located beneath the North Face of Mt. Machhapuchare.
Here onward into Annapurna Sanctuary, afternoon relax or short excursion around this tranquil wilderness with views of Annapurna South-Huinchuli, Singu Chuli / Fluted peak as well as Annapurna I with Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang) towards North West.
With wonderful morning views of the Annapurna mountain range, today, a short walk up to base camp, our morning trek leads on a grassy hill slope to reach higher level ground as the walk advances towards Annapurna Base Camp, with stunning views of Annapurna peaks that encircle the sanctuary, facing the giant wall of Mt. Annapurna I.
After a good scenic walk reaching Annapurna Base Camp, a magnificent spot with a few large lodges, offering tremendous and awesome scenery of snowcapped peaks that encircle the lovely spot at base camp, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the mountain views.
Annapurna area was first explored by the British adventurer Col. James O.M. 'Jimmy' Roberts in the year 1956 and was exposed to the world as the 'Sanctuary of Gods'. The Sanctuary has been christened as "Annapurna Sanctuary" ever since.
After a great and enjoyable time at Annapurna Base Camp and the sanctuary, a long walk downhill to lower areas, as the morning leads to a descent to Deurali past Machhapuchare Base Camp, then with a few short ups and downs following a gradual winding trail back into a green forested area to Bamboo for the overnight stay.
A nice and pleasant spot, a temporary settlement with lodges to cater to the needs of the trekkers, located by the Modi River in a gorge within green bamboo and rhododendron forest.
From Bamboo, a short steep climb up to Khuldi Ghar, then on a winding downhill path into dense forest to Sinuwa-Danda, and then our walk descends to Chomrong Khola. After crossing the bridge, an uphill walk for less than an hour to reach Chomrong village for a short rest or lunch stop, after Chomrong a short up for half an hour reaching the top of Chomrong ridge, from here our route descends to Jhinu-Danda for an overnight stay, this place offers refreshing hot springs just 20 minutes’ walk downhill near the Modi river.
After a lovely stop at Jhinu, enjoying refreshing hot springs, the morning leads to a long descent all the way to Modi Riveri, crossing a long suspension bridge, a nice walk into farm areas with a short climb to a large village, Landruk.
From here, a few hours of gentle winding walks bring you to Tolka village with views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli.
Our last day walk of the adventure ends today at Dhampus village. Morning walks lead into the cool shade of the forest and then climb up to Deurali, a place on the route in the Mardi Himal area, which offers grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya.
From here on downhill into green forested areas past the nice Potana village with a gradual walk to reach Dhampus village, located on a high ridge facing a panorama of mountains.
At Dhampus, where an hour drive brings you back to Pokhara by the Phewa Lake side after completing a grand adventure Annapurna base camp trekking.
After a wonderful time in the high mountains and hills, take a morning driving journey back to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu after 5-6 hours of a nice, interesting drive, transfer to respective hotels with an afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts. (Options by air: 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu with great views)
Last day in Nepal, in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable time on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking with amazing experience, as per your international flight time, our staff transfers you tothe airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.
includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner/one main course) as per the local teahouse menu during the trek
- • Seasonal fruits served every evening during the trek
- • Water purification tablets or drops for safe drinking water on the hike
- Transportation
- • Private airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- Ground transportation (PKR-Siwai-PKR) and Tourist bus for (KTM-PKR-KTM)
- Guide, Assistant & Porter
- • Friendly, experienced, first-aid-trained, government-licensed, English-speaking MWT guide
- • One assistant guide for groups larger than 6 people
- • One porter for every two trekkers (maximum 20 kg per porter; 10 kg per trekker)
- • All guides’ and porters’ wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and required equipment
- Trekking Permits & Fees
- • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- • All local and government taxes and official fees
- Accommodation
- • Two nights at a best available 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (one night before and one night after the trek), including breakfast
- • Two night at a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- • Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
- Luggage Storage
- • Free and secure storage of non-essential luggage at MWT’s office or hotel in Kathmandu
- Farewell & Certification
- • Certificate of Appreciation upon completion of the trek
Cost Excludes
- • Nepal entry visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport:
- o USD 30 for 15 days
- o USD 50 for 30 days
- o USD 125 for 90 days)
- • Extra accommodation and meals due to delays or changes from the planned itinerary
- • All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), including tea, coffee, and soft drinks
- • Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging batteries, bottled water, and additional helpers
- • Travel insurance (must cover emergency rescue and evacuation up to 6,000 meters)
- • Personal trekking/hiking gear and equipment
- • Tips for trekking staff and drivers
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is generally very good. Most offer facilities such as Western-style toilets, hot showers (often available for an additional charge), and an extensive menu with a wide variety of food options. Rooms are typically furnished with two separate beds, complete with mattresses, pillows, blankets, and bed sheets. Most teahouses are family- or community-run, giving them a warm, cosy atmosphere and making them feel like an extended home.
This is one of the easier treks in the Annapurna region. Each day involves walking for around 4–5 hours, making it suitable for anyone with a normal level of fitness. In fact, it is one of the best trekking options for families seeking an adventurous yet comfortable experience.
Altitude sickness can occur on the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, but most trekkers do not experience serious problems if they trek properly and acclimatize well.
Why ABC is relatively safe
- Maximum altitude: ~4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp)
- Gradual ascent: The ABC route gains altitude slowly compared to many high-altitude treks
- Good infrastructure: Regular villages and teahouses allow proper rest and acclimatization
When to be cautious
You should be careful above 2,500 m, especially after Chomrong–Bamboo–Deurali–MBC–ABC, where altitude gain increases.
Common mild symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
How to reduce the risk
- Walk slowly and take regular breaks
- Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Follow the rule: “climb high, sleep low” when possible
- Include acclimatization days in your itinerary
- Inform your guide immediately if symptoms appear
When it becomes serious (descend immediately)
- Severe headache that doesn’t improve with rest
- Vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty walking
- Shortness of breath at rest
Bottom line
You don’t need to worry excessively, but you should be prepared and cautious. With a proper itinerary and a sensible pace, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered safe for first-time trekkers.
The required permits for this trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) fee.
If you decide to do something beyond the planned itinerary during the trip, our team will be happy to assist wherever possible. Depending on time, logistics, and local conditions, we can help arrange additional activities or destinations.
And if you want it a bit more casual or more reassuring, here are two quick alternatives:
More casual:
If you feel like doing something extra beyond the itinerary, just let us know. We’ll do our best to arrange it based on time and feasibility.
More reassuring / customer-focused:
If you wish to explore beyond the planned itinerary, we’ll gladly help make it happen whenever possible, subject to time, weather, and local conditions.
Tipping is not compulsory, but it is a meaningful way to express gratitude to those who contributed to your holiday experience. The amount is at your discretion and based on your level of satisfaction. As a general guideline, many clients offer approximately 8–10% of the total tour price.
We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Having the right insurance cover gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy a worry-free holiday. In the event of illness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency medical treatment and evacuation can be significant. For this reason, travel insurance is essential for anyone joining our trips.
When choosing a policy, please read the fine print carefully, as some insurance providers place restrictions or exclusions on adventure travel. Before purchasing insurance, ensure that your insurer is fully aware of your travel itinerary and confirms coverage for all planned activities. For example, if you are trekking or participating in a mountaineering expedition in the Himalayas, your policy must include coverage for emergency air ambulance or helicopter rescue, as well as medical expenses. For group tours in urban areas, air ambulance or helicopter rescue coverage is not mandatory.
When booking a trip with us, you will be required to provide a copy of your insurance policy (such as your insurance certificate) or carry it with you when you arrive for the trip.
High-altitude sickness can be prevented or minimized with careful planning:
- Ascend gradually: Avoid gaining more than 300–500 meters per day above 2,500 m and include rest days.
- Stay hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily; avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat light and nutritious meals: Focus on carbohydrate-rich foods for energy.
- Pace yourself: Walk slowly, take breaks, and listen to your body.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both reduce oxygen levels.
- Medications (optional): Some travelers use acetazolamide (Diamox) under a doctor’s guidance.
- Know the symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are early signs. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.