The 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp is a popular trek in Nepal. This trek offers you a splendid time at the base of the world’s tenth highest peak, Annapurna- I. The trek is an integration of the diverse terrain, wildlife, vegetation, and culture.
The cascading waterfalls and the beautiful villages add beauty to the ABC trek. Also, you will come across the natural hot water spring at Jhinu Danda.
During the trek, you will get so close to people of different ethnicities. Most of the people you meet at popular villages like Chhomrong, Ghandruk are Gurungs. The locals are always cheerful and are ready to serve you always.
Poon Hill is the best vantage point of sunrise and sunsets over the Himalayan ranges on 13 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary. You can enjoy brilliant views of sugar-coated mountains during the trek. Rejoice the panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Trust me! the Himalayas are enchanting!
Annapurna region is famous for trekking. The entire region welcomes lots of traffics in peak seasons. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is the most popular treks in the region. These days, there are lots of trekkers who choose Annapurna Circuit Trek and Khopra Ridge Trek too.
Note: If you have lesser time, but still want to trek to the Annapurna Base camp, we have an offer to make. You can join our Short Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Also, if you are willing to explore the entire Annapurna region, you can go for our Annapurna Complete Trek.
Trip Highlights of 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- The Annapurna Base Camp itself.
- The soaring vistas of Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and the other Himalayas.
- The beautiful sunrise over the Dhaulagiri Himal is remarkable.
- Diverse ethnicity along the trail.
- The Trek to Poon Hill for an admirable sunrise view.
- The Gurung village, Ghandruk.
- Jhinu Danda, the house of natural hot spring.
- The streams, rivers, and waterfalls along the trekking trail.
- The Machhapuchhre Base Camp
When is the Best Time for the 13 days Abc Trek?
The time from mid-September, October, November (Autumn) and March, April, May (Spring) is the best time for 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp.
Autumn is the peak season for ABC Trekking. It occurs right after the monsoon ends. Thus the environment is dirt-free and clear. It brings the vegetation back to life. The clean and green nature is the merit of trekking now.
The Annapurna trek in Spring passes through the blooming Rhododendron forests. The trek becomes more cheerful.
Trekking in the best time means you will have a warm and suitable temperature. Wildlife en route will be more active. The sky will be clear. And the surrounding vistas will be magical.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp is absolutely doable in any time of the year. But Monsoon and Winter treks to ABC can be more challenging. The weather change is frequently changing during these times.
Elevation and Altitude Profile for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The highest point on the ABC trek is at the Annapurna Base Camp itself. The Base Camp is at an altitude of 4130 meters. We trek to the Annapurna Base Camp via the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, 3700 meters.
The lowest elevation in the trek is 900 meters at Pokhara. Starting at Pokhara, we trek to Ghorepani 2750m – Tadapani 2590m – Chhomrong 2340m – Dobhan 2600m- MBC and finally to ABC.
From the base camp, we descend to Bamboo – Jhinu Danda – Nayapul – Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu within 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary.
Trek Difficulties
This is a moderate level trek. The trek demands a certain level of physical fitness. There are some portions of the Annapurna Base Camp trek that are quite challenging.
Here are some of the difficulties during your ABC trek.
- If it’s your first time trekking at altitudes, the trek can be hard for you. You will be gaining altitudes every day. Be cautious! You might even get altitude sickness if the altitude transition is sharp.
- The trek can be exhausting to someone who isn’t used to doing long treks.
- Watch out for Weather and Temperature at Annapurna Base Camp before you decide to go. Trekking to Annapurna Sanctuary during Monsoon and Winter is much harder.
- Trekking for 13 days around the remote places of Annapurna region can be difficult. During the trek, you must be able to walk for 4 to 8 hours a day. Walking continuously for such a long duration can be exhausting to some.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer your hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Free and arrangement day.
Day 03: Drive (6 HRS) to Pokhara by Tourist bus.
Day 04: Pokhara to Thike Dunga.
Day 05: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani.
Day 06: Ghorepani- Poon Hill to Tadapani
Day 07: Tadapani to Chhomrung.
Day 08: Chhomrung to Dovan or Himalaya Hotel.
Day 09: Dovan/Himalaya to Machhapurchhe Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary).
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo.
Day 11: Bamboo to Chhomrung.
Day 12: Chhomrung to Ghandrung.
Day 13: Ghandrung to Pokhara.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to your Hotel in Kathmandu.
This is your first day of 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary. You are here in Nepal as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our hotel representative will receive you. They will transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
Get some rest. You will have an individual room for yourself with good services. You can walk around your hotel in the evening.
Most of the tourists visit Thamel. It is a busy tourist hub in Kathmandu. There are lots of cafes where you can stay reading books. There are nightclubs and pubs where you can enjoy live music.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Free and Arrangement Day
On the second day of Annapurna Base Camp 13 Days Itinerary, you can visit some of the tourist destinations in Kathmandu. There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You can go with us to our Kathmandu Valley Tour as you have a free day today.
You can stay in your hotel by preparing for the other day. If you need some trekking accessories, you can go and get them. There are various shops in Thamel. They sell and rent trekking accessories at feasible prices.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara by Tourist Bus
Travel Duration: 6 Hours
Travel Distance: 204 km
Max Altitude: 1400m, Kathmandu
Our guide or representative will receive you at your hotel early on the third morning of 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Itinerary. We will get you to the bus station. From there, we will catch a tourist bus to Pokhara.
The tourist bus is well facilitated. They have comfortable seats and wide windows. The bus stops twice in the 6 hours duration. At the stops, we will have lunch. Get some snacks if you need them.
We will reach Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. We will check into a well-facilitated tourist hotel in Lakeside Pokhara.
We can enjoy around the lakeside in the evening. There are lots of tourists in Pokhara. Most of them stay in the lakeside area.
A cozy overnight in Pokhara.
Day 04: Pokhara to Tikhe Dunga
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Trek Distance: 13 km from Nayapul
Max Altitude: 1480m, Tikha Dunga
On the fourth day of 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary, we begin the trek by riding on a private vehicle to Nayapul from Pokhara. Reaching Nayapul takes around half an hour from Pokhara.
The real trek now starts as we reach Nayapul. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy. From Nayapul, we start walking along the banks of Modi Khola. After following the riverbank for nearly 15 minutes, we reach Birethanti.
Birethanti is a big village. There are many shops, lodges, and teahouses in Birethanti. We follow the trekking trail. Continuing our walks through the villages, we will reach Bhurungdi Khola.
We will follow the trail along the northern bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. Now, the trail ascends slowly to Hille.
From Hille, Tikhe Dhunga is only a short climb on rock staircases. Finally, we will reach the village of Tikhe Dhunga. Overnight in Tikhe Dhunga.
Day 05: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 10.3 km
Max Elevation: 2874 m, Ghorepani
Today is the fifth day of the 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary. After having a nice breakfast in the morning, we begin to trek towards Ghorepani village.
The trek begins with a gentle climb towards the steep climb on rock staircases to Ulleri. Ulleri is a big village of Magar inhabitants. We will see admirable views of Himchuli and Annapurna South from there.
From Ulleri, we take a gentle uphill climb through Rhododendron and Oak Jungles. On the way to the Ghorepani village, we walk through the villages at Banthati and Nangethanti.
Walking for several hours, we finally reach Ghorepani village. Ghorepani village is a large village that sits on the top of a hill. From the village, we can get a marvelous vista of both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 06: Ghorepani- Poon Hill to Tadapani
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 14 km
Max Altitude: 2610m
Today is a long day on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days Itinerary. We will start very early in the morning. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking is a famous trek in the Annapurna region.
We will take a short one hour hike to Poon Hill. Situated at an elevation of 3,210 m, Poon Hill is one of the best vantage points. We can enjoy the magnificent Himalayan dawn.
The unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas from Poon Hill is astounding. We will see a complete Himalayan range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We will get a sight of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and many others.
We will spend about an hour at Poon Hill and will return back to Ghorepani. After breakfasting at Ghorepani, we will begin our day hike. Today can be one of the most exciting days on our 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary.
From Ghorepani, we will make a climb along the ridges. Crossing the Pine and Rhododendron forests, we reach Deurali.
From Deurali, the trail descends to Banthanti and finally to Tadapani. Overnight in a local guesthouse at Tadapani village.
Day 07: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 7.6 km
Max Altitude: 2170m
From Tadapani, the trail descends down through Rhododendron forest on seventh day of Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary 13 Days. This is quite a continuous descent of about an hour. The trail drops down through beautiful terraced fields. After descending, we meet at Kimrong Khola. We cross over the suspension bridge at Kimrong Khola.
The descending portions are now done. The remaining part of the trail is an ascent uphill and a straight walk to Chhomrong. We walk through the beautiful Chule village. On following the trekking trail further, we will reach Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is a densely populated village. The village comprises Gurung communities. The people are very calm, cheerful, and friendly.
Above the Chhomrong village, we will see some peaks like Mt. Annapurna south, Himchuli, and the Virgin Peak. The peaks are so close and so real!
Overnight in Chhomrong.
Day 08: Chhomrong to Dovan or Himalaya Hotel
Trek Duration: 6 hours.
Trek Distance: 8.6 km
Max Altitude: 2600m, Himalaya Hotel
We start after a hot breakfast in Chhomrong. The trail descends down to Chomrong Khola. We will cross the suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. We will then continue our walk uphill to a place called Khuldi Ghar. The trail passes through a dense and dark forest of Rhododendron and Oak.
From Khuldi Ghar, the trek route has a deep steep into a long, steep, and slippery stone staircase. We trek deep into bamboo and rhododendron forests. Alongside the trail, we will see large fern species.
The last part of the trek completes with a 2-hour ascent to Dovan. Overnight in Dovan on eighth day of 13 Days Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary.
Day 09: Dovan - (Machhapuchhre Base Camp) or Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary)
Trek Duration: Dovan- MBC: 3 hours, MBC to ABC: 2 hours
Trek Distance: 15 km
Max Altitude: 4130m, Annapurna Base Camp
After early morning breakfast, we will trek to Deurali. We will take a short break at Deurali and will start again towards Hinko Cave.
Before arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp, we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, 3700 meters. Lots of trekkers stop here for an overnight stay.
We will walk further towards Annapurna Base camp, our ultimate destination. With full power and excitement, we reach Annapurna Base Camp, 4130m. The base camp sits between the mountains. Thus some call it Annapurna Sanctuary.
The base camp area is majestic. It offers spectacular vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas so clear, and so near. The Himalayan range includes Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli Peak, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal and Barah Shikhar.
Overnight at the base of Annapurna, the Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 10.7 km
Max Altitude: 4130m, Annapurna Base Camp
The trail from Annapurna Base Camp descends down to Bamboo via MBC and Dovan on the tenth day of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking 13 Days Itinerary. Trekking from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan takes nearly 7 hours. We trek down to Bamboo by following the earlier trail.
Be extra careful while descending through rugged sections. Overnight in Bamboo.
Day 11: Bamboo to Chhomrong
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 8 km
Max Altitude: 2400m, Chhomrong
From Bamboo, we follow the same trail back to Chomrong. Enjoy the walk and the lovely surroundings.
The trek goes uphill from Bamboo to Kuldi. From Kuldi, the trek takes a descending section along the Chhomrong Khola.
From Chhomrong Khola, we climb through the dense forest of rhododendron and pines. We will now follow the stone steps to Chomrong.
After we reach Chhomrong, we will descend to Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is the place where there is the famous natural hot water spring.
Relax your tight muscles in the hot water. Enjoy the bath in a natural hot spring.
Walk to Chhomrong for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Chhomrong to Ghandrung
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 9.8 km
Max Altitude: 2170m, Ghandrung
On this day, we will trek to the beautiful Gurung village, Ghandrung village.
Overnight in Ghandrung.
Day 13: Ghandrung to Pokhara
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Trek Distance: 8.6 km
The way back to Pokhara is the trek through Birethanti to Nayapul and a bus ride from there. After having breakfast at Ghandrung, we will walk to Birethanti. The walk is a three hours walk.
We will rest for some time at Birethanti and will start to trek again. On trekking further for an hour (aapx.), we will reach Natyapul.
We will catch a bus from Nayapul to Pokhara. Getting back to a town after many days feels different.
Enjoy your overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara on final day of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking 13 Days Itinerary.
Did you like our Annapurna Base camp trek itinerary? If you have any confusions, you can contact us.
Trip Cost US$ 825 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Pick up from the airport and Final drop to the airport by private vehicle.
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- All your standard meals like, Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner, during the trek with A cup of tea or coffee during the breakfast.
- Seasonal fruits
- Tea house Accommodations during the trek.
- equipment like the Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be returned after trip completed).
- All ground transportation.
- Well, English speaking guide, friendly, experienced, with government license holder. insured.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- Monastery fees.
- Emergency helicopter rescues arrangement if in case, pay by your travel insurance company.
- Insurance of Guide.
- A trekking route map.
- Annapurna conservation area fee.
- TIMS (trekkers’ Information Management System.)
- Two-night standard accommodation on B/B in Pokhara Before and After the trek.
- First aid kit box, Normal medical supplies, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
Cost Excludes:
- All kind’s of Drink’s like Mineral water, beer Juice, Coke, fanta, other alcoholic hard drink’s, ETC.
- Sweet things like chocolate and others
- Your personal expenses.
- Extra hotel night in Kathmandu.
- Activities in Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Departure Dates
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Where is Annapurna Base Camp located?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It takes to the heart of Himalayas in the western part of Nepal. You will pass through Pokhara following the Kali Gandaki River, it is also one of the deepest gorges in the world. Mountain ranges like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri surround this Annapurna region. Machhapuchhre/Fishtail is a trademark of this region. It continuously follows you throughout the journey.
What are the highlights of Annapurna Base Camp?
- Explore the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and surrounding.
- Observe Gurung culture and
- Trek through lush forests of Oaks and Rhododendron.
- Cross and pass-through various rivers and suspension bridges.
- Famous Jhinudanda natural hot spring.
- Panoramic view of Annapurna and other nearby mountains.
- Enjoy local Nepali food.
How long is Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The time and duration usually depend on where you start and end this trek. The length of the trail can be anywhere from 160 to 230 km. You can complete this trek from 12 days to 25 days. Basically there are two routes, short version, and full route. The shorter version takes you 12 to 15 days whereas the full route takes you 18 to 25 days.
Here are a few examples of routes:
Chame to Jomsom, approx. 10 days
Jagat to Tatopani, approx. 12 days
Besisahar to Jomsom, approx. 13 days (flight/jeep to Pokhara)
Besisahar to Tatopani, approx. 15 days (bus/jeep to Pokhara)
Besisahar to Birethanti, approx. 17 days
Besisahar to Nayapul, approx. 18-21 days (full route)
What is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?
There are two seasons that are the best for trekking in Nepal. Autumn and Spring are those seasons. September to November is the best period to travel to Nepal and Annapurna region.
It is the beginning of the winter season and the climate/temperature is moderate. The skies are clear and the environment is clean. Views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhhre and surrounding mountains continue to astound you.
March to May, Spring season adds color to the whole surrounding. Beautiful Rhododendron spreads the smell and color all over the trekking trails. The days are warmer and in the lower region, you may also feel the humidity. You may also experience some rains but as you move higher than 3500m it becomes cooler.
How difficult is a trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
It falls under the category of neither easy nor difficult trek. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek that does not involve much technical climbing. You can use your previous experience of trekking or hiking here in this trek. There is frequent change in trails and roads as you ascend upward. If you are traveling here in the rainy season then there is a possibility you see muddy roads/trails on the way. As your altitude increases, you feel the lack of oxygen in the air. Do not neglect the fact that acclimatization is an important part of this trek.
Is there any chance of getting altitude sickness?
There will be a risk of getting altitude sickness whenever you cross the 3500m altitude. You may be fit and have experience in the mountains but still get altitude sickness. The different human body reacts differently in given conditions. So, it is better to have some knowledge about altitude related sickness and their remedy. You should know the symptoms and solve them as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might affect your whole trip.
How expensive is Annapurna Base Camp trek?
You will save money because there is no flight on this journey. You can complete this trek in fewer days, due to these reasons Annapurna Base Camp trek is less expensive. The cost also depends upon which package you choose and what comes under it. It does not pass through the restricted area so there is no extra cost on you.
Where can I start the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The traditional route starts from Besisahar and ends at Nayapul. It may be the longest option but through this option, you will fully enjoy the Annapurna region. The landscape, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forests and different climatic zones will hypnotize you. This is the reason why ABC trek is often termed as the best trekking destination in Nepal.
If you have less time you can choose another option. You can take a jeep to skip the trekking part to Chame. Flying from Jomsom to Pokhara could be another option for you. It may cost you more so it is better if you use a bus/jeep ride to Pokhara.
What are the foods and accommodation available during this trek?
Annapurna Base Camp route consists of various tea houses and lodges. They provide you local food and good lodging facilities. Local people expect you to eat at the same place where you stay.
Rooms are clean and you may also get a private restroom in some places. There are few recently opened homestays and community lodges. They provide you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food items are available according to the menu which includes rice, pulses, vegetables, meats, pickles and few more. You may also get some western varieties like pasta, burgers, and pizza.
What types of communication facilities are available during the trek?
As the altitude increases, there may be some network issues. It is common in high mountain places but in someplace you can get the network coverage of NTC or Ncell. A satellite phone is quite popular in this region, you can carry one. Your traveling agency may also provide you with this phone.
Most of the trekking routes have the solar system and hydroelectricity system. Charging your camera and phones may cost you extra charge. Most of the tea houses provide the wifi facilities, some may charge you on an hourly basis. Don’t expect high internet speed, you will be offline from your virtual world for some time. It will be a confounding experience.
Do I need permits?
Yes, you need a few permits. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System Card (TIMS). You can receive these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
ACAP is NPR 3000 for foreigners, 1000 for SAARC nationals and 100 for Nepalese citizens per person. TIMS card fees for group trekkers are NPR 1000 and 2000 for Individual trekkers, per person. For SAARC nationals NPR 300 (group trekker) and NPR 600 (individual trekker).
Are there any ATMs available during this trek?
You will get various ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara valley. Once you start the trekking towards Annapurna Base Camp there are few banks and ATMs. It is better if you take enough cash from the valley itself. You can also exchange your currency either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Should I hire a porter/guide?
It is not compulsory to hire a porter/guide. You can complete the trek without a porter or guide. If you are a beginner then it is better to hire a porter/guide. It allows you to enjoy the environment rather than thinking about those heavy bags.
Is travel insurance necessary during this trek?
Though it is not mandatory, it is better if you have travel insurance. It should cover your medical treatment, evacuation, and trip cancelation.
Is there any age limit to this trek?
No, there is no age limit for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking. It would be your advantage if you prepare yourself physically and mentally for this trek.
What should you include in your packing list?
Your packing list must include the following items;
- Trousers
- Set of thermals
- Waterproof jackets
- Pair of crocs
- Lightweight trekking boots
- Pair of gloves
- Insulating and fleece-lined jackets
- Lightweight sweaters.
- Sun hat/scarfs
- Sleeping bag
- Torch/maps
- Water bottles
- Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Your favorite snacks, books, etc