Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
9 Days
Max Altitude:
4,130 m
Activities:
Trekking and hiking
Region:
Annapurna Region
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Moderate
Group Size:
1 to 10 pax
Accomodation:
Teahouses, hotel
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek 9-Days
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 9-day journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin lying about 40 km north of Pokhara and enclosed by a ring of mountains, most of them over 7,000 m (Wikipedia: Annapurna Sanctuary, retrieved 2026-06-17). It is the most direct trek to the foot of an 8,000 m peak in Nepal, climbing from subtropical river valleys and Gurung villages to the natural amphitheatre at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in just four trekking days.
The reward at the top is a 360-degree wall of ice and rock. From base camp you stand below Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world and the very first 8,000 m peak ever climbed, summited on 3 June 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal (Wikipedia: Annapurna, retrieved 2026-06-17). To one side rises Machapuchare (6,993 m), the “fish tail” peak that is sacred to local people and closed to climbers, so no one has ever officially stood on its summit (Wikipedia: Machapuchare, retrieved 2026-06-17).
The whole route runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, at 7,629 km² the largest protected area in Nepal, established in 1992 (Wikipedia: Annapurna Conservation Area, retrieved 2026-06-17). The trail passes terraced farmland, oak and rhododendron forest, the warm Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, and the riverside hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way back. Because it tops out at 4,130 m rather than the 5,000 m-plus of higher routes, the altitude risk is lower, which makes this trek a strong first Himalayan adventure.
If you have more time or want a higher challenge, the same region offers the longer Annapurna Circuit Trek over the Thorong La pass, the remote Manaslu Circuit Trek, or the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Spade Himalaya runs all of them with licensed Nepali guides. For Annapurna Base Camp, our guides handle the permits, set a safe pace, carry a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter, and read the daily weather so you can focus on the mountains.
Trips Highlights
- Stand at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), in a glacial amphitheatre ringed by 7,000 m peaks
- Gaze up at Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain and the first 8,000 m peak ever climbed
- See Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993 m) up close, a sacred peak that has never been officially summited
- Reach the base of an 8,000 m mountain in one of the shortest itineraries in Nepal
- Take the short scenic flight between Kathmandu and lakeside Pokhara
- Walk through the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, with their stone houses and mountain views
- Climb through oak and rhododendron forest in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent
- Watch sunrise light the ring of peaks from Annapurna Base Camp
- Enjoy daily fresh fruit and an itinerary built for first-time Himalayan trekkers
Route Details
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → fly to Pokhara (820 m) → drive to Nayapul (1,050 m) → Ghandruk (1,940 m) → Chhomrong (2,170 m) → Himalaya (2,920 m) → Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m) → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) → Bamboo (2,350 m) → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m, hot springs) → Nayapul → drive to Pokhara → fly to Kathmandu.
Short version: from Pokhara the trail climbs through Ghandruk and Chhomrong into the Modi Khola valley, follows the river up past MBC to Annapurna Base Camp, then descends the same valley to the hot springs at Jhinu Danda before the drive and flight back to Kathmandu.
Trips Itinerary
Walking: none · Max altitude: 1,400 m A Spade Himalaya representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You meet your guide for a pre-trip briefing, where the team checks your gear, completes the ACAP and TIMS paperwork, and answers your questions. The evening is free to rest or explore Thamel. Bring your passport, passport photos, and a copy of your insurance.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 1,940 m A short scenic flight takes you to lakeside Pokhara with mountain views along the way. From there you drive to the trailhead at Nayapul and begin walking through terraced fields and small villages. A steady climb brings you to Ghandruk, a large and picturesque Gurung village with classic views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 2,170 m The trail rolls through forest, farmland, and stone-paved villages, with a descent and a climb that warm up the legs. Chhomrong is the last permanent village before the sanctuary and the gateway to the upper trail. Its terraces look straight across at Annapurna South and the Fishtail, and its lodges make a comfortable, scenic overnight.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 2,920 m From Chhomrong you descend to the Chhomrong Khola, then climb steadily into the narrowing Modi Khola valley through bamboo and rhododendron forest. You pass Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan before reaching the small settlement called Himalaya. The valley walls close in and the air cools as you gain height toward the sanctuary.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 4,130 m The big day. You climb through alpine meadow to Machapuchare Base Camp, then continue gently up the glacial basin to Annapurna Base Camp. Walking into the amphitheatre, with a wall of peaks rising on every side, is the emotional high point of the trek. Arrive in time for the afternoon light, and wake for sunrise over Annapurna I the next morning.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 4,130 m After sunrise at base camp you retrace the valley, descending past MBC, Deurali, and Himalaya into the forest. Losing altitude quickly makes the walking easier and the air richer. Bamboo, set among dense green forest beside the river, is a peaceful place to spend the night after a long but satisfying day on your feet.
Walking: 5 to 6 hrs · Max altitude: 2,350 m A descent through forest and terraced fields, with a short climb back toward Chhomrong, leads to Jhinu Danda. The highlight here is the natural hot springs a short walk below the village, beside the Modi Khola. A long soak is the perfect reward for the legs after five days of trekking. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Walking: 6 to 7 hrs · Max altitude: 1,780 m The final trekking stretch follows the trail through villages and terraces back to the road at Nayapul. From there you drive to Pokhara, rest briefly, then take the short flight back to Kathmandu, where you are transferred to your hotel. The evening is yours to celebrate the journey.
Walking: none Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours to shop or explore Kathmandu. When it is time, a Spade Himalaya representative transfers you to the international airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Trips Include
- All international and domestic airport transfers by private vehicle
- 2 nights' hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, twin share, with breakfast)
- Return flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Pokhara to Nayapul and return ground transport by car or jeep
- All teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, plus daily seasonal fresh fruit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- A licensed, government-registered English-speaking trekking guide (assistant guide for groups of 8 or more)
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (pay, insurance, meals, lodging, equipment)
- Use of a Spade Himalaya duffel bag, sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking poles (returned after the trek)
- Pulse oximeter for twice-daily oxygen and heart-rate checks
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory; must cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, bottled water, snacks, and desserts on the trail
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging at teahouses (a small fee each)
- Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- Personal expenses and any costs arising from early departure or itinerary changes
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (provided by Spade Himalaya for use, returned after the trek)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket (provided by Spade Himalaya for use, returned after the trek)
- Duffel bag (provided by Spade Himalaya, carried by the porter, returned after the trek)
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Warm hat or beanie that covers the ears
- Neck gaiter, buff, or scarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen (SPF 35 to 60) and lip balm
- Technical base-layer tops (long and short sleeve)
- Fleece jacket or wool pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal base-layer trousers
- Comfortable trekking trousers
- Casual or sport trousers for the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated shell outer gloves
- Light gloves for using walking poles (optional)
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- 4 to 5 pairs of warm wool socks and sock liners
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings and the hot springs
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Thermal underwear set for cold nights
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a kit, medication, and a pulse oximeter, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.)
- Assorted adhesive and butterfly bandages
- Blister treatment cream and antiseptic ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain relief
- Altitude medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox), only if advised by your doctor
- Insect or anti-itch ointment
- Water-purification tablets
Others
- Passport, 4 passport-size photos, and a copy of your insurance and flight details
- Reusable water bottle and a water filter or purifier
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper, hand wipes, and soap
- High-energy snacks (bars, nuts, dried fruit)
- Swimwear for the Jhinu Danda hot springs
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and electronics
Optional
- Trekking poles (your own, if you prefer them; otherwise provided)
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera with memory cards, charger, and spare batteries
- Music player and earphones
- Book or cards for the evenings
Good to Know
Before you go
- Permits and ID. Bring your passport, four passport photos, and a readable copy of your insurance to the pre-trip meeting so Spade Himalaya can arrange your ACAP and TIMS card. Both are checked at stations along the trail.
- Money. Carry enough Nepalese rupees in cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara for drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers, and tips. ATMs exist in Pokhara but not on the trail.
- Fitness. Build up to hiking 5 to 7 hours with a daypack on consecutive days. The trail has long staircases, so hill and stair training pays off.
Since 1 April 2023, Nepal has required foreign trekkers in TIMS areas, including the entire Annapurna region, to trek with a licensed guide booked through a registered agency, and the rule is still in effect in 2026 (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). The aim is trekker safety and faster response in emergencies. Spade Himalaya is a registered agency with licensed Nepali guides, so your permits, logistics, and emergency cover are handled from start to finish.
Annapurna Base Camp tops out at 4,130 m, lower than many Himalayan treks, but altitude still deserves respect. The itinerary climbs gradually, your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks you daily, and you should drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, walk slowly, and avoid alcohol higher up. Tell your guide at the first sign of a headache, nausea, or dizziness. Descending is the most effective treatment.
- Accommodation. Simple teahouses, with shared multi-bed rooms common on the upper trail in peak season.
- Food. Dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soups, and Tibetan bread, with vegetarian meals easy to find and fresh fruit provided daily.
- Weather and avalanche awareness. Temperatures swing from warm afternoons low down to freezing nights up high, so pack layers. After heavy snow there can be avalanche risk on the upper Modi Khola, and your guide will adjust timing or route for safety.
- Connectivity. Wi-Fi and charging are available at many teahouses for a small fee, less reliable the higher you go.
The Annapurna region is the homeland of the Gurung people. A smile and a “Namaste” go a long way, ask before photographing people or religious sites, and walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens. Small courtesies are warmly received and make the cultural side of the trek richer.
Trips Reviews
Smooth and flexible itinerary in winter
Strong safety management in harsh conditions
Excellent organization on a demanding winter route
Trips FAQs
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
It is graded moderate. There is no technical climbing, but you walk 5 to 7 hours a day with some long stone staircases and a top altitude of 4,130 m. Anyone with a basic fitness level who can hike for several hours on consecutive days can complete it. A little cardio and hill training beforehand makes the steeper sections much easier.
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 m (13,550 ft), lower than the 5,000 m-plus of Everest or the Annapurna Circuit, so the altitude risk is real but more manageable. The itinerary gains height gradually, your guide carries a pulse oximeter, and drinking plenty of water and pacing slowly keep most trekkers comfortable. Tell your guide early if you feel headachy or unwell.
Base Camp is shorter (9 days), tops out at 4,130 m, and walks you into a glacial amphitheatre below Annapurna I. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is longer, crosses the Thorong La pass at over 5,400 m, and circles the whole massif. Choose Base Camp for a shorter, lower first Himalayan trek, and the Circuit for a bigger, higher journey.
Permits, Guide & Insurance
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal requires every foreign trekker in the Annapurna region to hire a government-licensed guide through a registered agency and carry a TIMS card, and the rule remains in force in 2026 (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). Solo trekking without a registered guide is not permitted. Spade Himalaya provides the licensed guide and arranges your permits.
You need two: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), about NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, and the TIMS card, about NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC trekkers (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). Both are arranged by Spade Himalaya before you start. The ACAP funds conservation in Nepal’s largest protected area, and the TIMS card supports trekker safety and tracking.
Yes, it is mandatory. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation, since standard travel insurance often excludes adventure activities. Arrange it in your home country before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the pre-trip meeting so the team can respond quickly if an emergency arises.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the prime seasons, with stable weather, clear skies, and the best mountain views. Winter (December to February) is cold and quiet but doable with warm gear, and there is some avalanche risk on the upper trail after heavy snow. The summer monsoon brings rain, cloud, and leeches. For winter conditions in this region, see our Annapurna winter guide.
Accommodation & Facilities
You stay in teahouses with simple twin rooms lower down. On the upper trail (Himalaya, Deurali, MBC, ABC, Bamboo), rooms are often shared with 4 to 5 beds during peak season, as private rooms are rarely available there. Meals are filling and varied: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soups, and Tibetan bread, with vegetarian options easy to find.
Yes. Jhinu Danda, your overnight stop on Day 7, has natural hot springs a short walk below the village beside the Modi Khola. After several days of trekking, a long soak in the warm pools is a genuine highlight and a fine way to ease tired muscles before the final day back to Pokhara.
Trek Highlights & Views
Yes. Annapurna Base Camp is the best viewpoint on the trek. You stand directly below Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world, with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the sacred Fishtail peak of Machapuchare (6,993 m) ringing the basin. Sunrise, when the first light hits the summits, is the moment most trekkers remember most.
