Sachin Lama
Founder & Lead Expedition Leader
NIM Advanced Mountaineering (Grade A) · Wilderness First Responder · guiding since 2013
NEPAL JOURNEY STANDARD
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
A teahouse trek through rhododendron forest and terraced villages to the amphitheatre of peaks at Annapurna Base Camp.
Reply within 24 hoursNo payment to enquireWritten quote before you pay
Starts fromKathmandu
Altitude4,130 m
Duration11 Days
SeasonMarch – May & September – November
GradeModerate
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
Who the Annapurna Base Camp Trek suits
A considered Himalayan journey for trekkers who want strong acclimatisation, clear logistics and support shaped around the route.
What you need to join
- Previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude.
- Good endurance for 6–8 hour walking days, several in a row.
- A signed medical fitness certificate before your booking is confirmed.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking above 5,000 m and emergency evacuation.
THE ROUTE
Annapurna Base Camp Trek route overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 11-day high-altitude teahouse trek in Nepal that reaches 4,130 m. Kailasa grades it Moderate. The best time to go is March – May & September – November.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the sharp summit of Machapuchare. It is one of the most rewarding moderate treks in Nepal.
From Pokhara, the trail climbs through Gurung villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong, then through bamboo and rhododendron forest into the open alpine valley below the base camp. The final day to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) opens into a full circle of snow peaks.
Teahouse lodges are available at every stop, so you carry only a day pack. The itinerary is shorter and lower than Everest Base Camp, which makes it a good choice for first-time Himalayan trekkers who are reasonably fit.
| Region | Kathmandu, Nepal |
|---|---|
| Starts from | Kathmandu |
| Highest point | 4,130 m |
| Duration | 11 Days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best season | March – May & September – November |
DAY BY DAY
11 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary
Tap a day to see the route, distances and camps. The schedule can change with acclimatisation, weather and team safety.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
9-day option
Annapurna Base Camp in 9 days / 8 nights from Pokhara
A high-altitude trek into the sanctuary of the 10th highest mountain on Earth, surrounded by 8,000 m massifs, ancient rhododendron forests and soothing natural hot springs. Duration 9 days / 8 nights. Maximum altitude 4,130 m (13,550 ft). Trek distance about 70 km. Grade: moderate.
Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara. Arrive at Pokhara International Airport or by overland drive. Meet the Kailasa Treks team for gear check, trip briefing and permit validation. Overnight stay in a Pokhara hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Kliyu/Siwai and trek to Jhinu Danda. Scenic morning drive from Pokhara to Kliyu (trailhead). Begin trekking through terraced farm fields and mountain hamlets towards Jhinu Danda. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Day 3: Trek to Bamboo / Dovan. Ascend along stone staircases through dense rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, with sweeping views of Hiunchuli. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Day 4: Trek to Deurali. Climb steadily along the Modi Khola river valley. As the tree line gives way to sub-alpine terrain, keep a disciplined pace to support acclimatisation. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Day 5: Trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC, 12,200 ft). Enter the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary at the foot of Machhapuchhare ("Fishtail Peak"). Enjoy dramatic 360-degree panoramas of Annapurna South and Gangapurna. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Quotation
Annapurna Base Camp quotation, inclusions and exclusions
Indian citizens: ₹41,500 + 5% GST. Foreign / OCI nationals: USD $580. Both are all-inclusive of teahouses, meals, permits and transfers.
Standard inclusions: Stay is 2 nights in a Pokhara hotel and 6 nights in mountain teahouses. Meals are included during the trek (Kliyu to Jhinu) plus a farewell lunch. Permits cover the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permit and TIMS card. Transport is private ground transfers Pokhara to Kliyu and back. The guide team is a certified Himalayan trek leader with local mountain guides. Safety cover is a first-aid kit, pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen protocols.
Standard exclusions: Mandatory travel and medical insurance with high-altitude coverage. Personal porter charges for carrying personal duffel bags. Meals in Pokhara (except breakfast and the farewell lunch). Personal lodge expenses such as hot showers, WiFi, device charging and bottled water. Emergency evacuation or medical rescue charges.
To book or ask a question, email info@kailasatreks.com or call +91 7351523841.
UNDERSTAND THE PRICE
What the price includes
Here is what the price covers and what it does not. Your written quote confirms the final amount for your dates and nationality.
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop in Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Lodge and teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All standard meals during the trek — breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Nepal Government licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porters for luggage (one porter per two guests, luggage below 25 kg)
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance and equipment for all staff
- Required trekking permits and national park entry fees
- First aid kit and oxygen for emergencies
- Certificate of achievement upon return from the trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card
Not included
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
- Any extra flight booking amount should be paid on actuals by the participant
- Mandatory travel and rescue insurance covering the route’s maximum altitude
- International flights and Nepal visa fee (Indian citizens do not need a visa)
GETTING THERE
How do you reach the start of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The expedition starts in Kathmandu. Day 1 of the itinerary: Day 01 – Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
- Fly into Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport, KTM). Indian citizens do not need a visa; most other nationalities can get a visa on arrival.
- The transfer from Kathmandu to the trailhead, by road or on a short mountain flight depending on the route, is part of the itinerary.
Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed in your trip briefing.
PACKING LIST
What should you pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Teahouses provide beds and blankets; a warm sleeping bag still makes the high nights far more comfortable.
Clothing
- Base layers (synthetic or merino), top and bottom
- Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and trousers
- Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves
- Warm hat, buff or neck gaiter, sun cap
- Trekking socks and warm wool socks (3–4 pairs)
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp sandals
Warmth & carry
- Down jacket
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C
- 40–50 litre backpack with rain cover
- Trekking poles
Personal
- Sunglasses (UV400, category 3–4) and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two 1-litre water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Quick-dry towel, toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Original photo ID and copies of permits and insurance
WHO CLIMBS WITH YOU
Led by people who live in these mountains
Every Annapurna Base Camp Trek team is led by certified Kailasa guides. You meet your assigned expedition leader at the technical briefing three weeks before departure.
Pasang Sherpa
Sherpa & fixed-rope team leader
22+ years on Himalayan expeditions · 16 Everest summits · Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri
CANCELLATION
What happens if you need to cancel?
What you get back depends on how long before the start date you cancel. You can take a refund or a credit for a future Kailasa trip, valid for one year.
| Before start | Refund | Future credit (same participant) | Future credit (another participant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 85% | 100% | Not stated |
| 60 to 30 days | 70% | 85% | 75% |
| 30 to 10 days | 40% | 70% | 65% |
| Less than 10 days | No refund | 50% | 40% |
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Annapurna Base Camp Trek questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
It is a moderate trek. The days are long with many stone steps, and the last two days are at altitude, but no technical skills are needed. A good level of fitness and some previous trekking experience help.
What is the highest point on the trek?
Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m is the highest point.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and September to November are the best seasons. Spring brings rhododendron blooms, and autumn has the clearest skies.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. An Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card are required, and Kailasa Treks arranges them as part of the package.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. You need travel and rescue insurance that covers trekking up to 4,500 m and emergency evacuation.
YOUR EXPEDITION STARTS HERE
Speak to the team before you decide.
Share your preferred dates, nationality and climbing history. Kailasa can assess route fit, then confirm the current itinerary, field support, permits, equipment and final amount in writing.
- STEP 1Share your plansSend your preferred dates and climbing history on WhatsApp or email.
- STEP 2Readiness call & quoteThe team checks route fit and sends the final amount in writing.
- STEP 3Confirm your seatBook once you have read the quote and the booking terms.
Reply within 24 hours · No payment to enquire · Written quote before you pay. Review the cancellation, privacy and booking terms before paying.
KEEP EXPLORING
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THE KAILASA STANDARD
A serious mountain deserves
a serious plan.
No blind checkout. No one-size-fits-all promise. Your enquiry begins with the route, your experience and the questions that matter before you commit.
Start a private planning conversationFit before booking
Your climbing history and readiness are discussed before the team recommends a route.
Safety before summit
Acclimatisation, conditions and field decisions take priority over a fixed summit promise.
Clarity before payment
Ask for the current itinerary, inclusions, equipment plan and written final quote.
Team around the objective
Confirm your expedition leader, support team and departure-specific safety arrangements.