Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Ghandruk

Highlights of the Trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Scenic Drive to Pokhara: Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the way.
• Ghandruk Village: Delve into the culture and traditional architecture of Ghandruk, home to the Gurung community.
• Chhomrong: Stop at Chhomrong, a beautiful village that offers stunning views of Machapuchare.
• Annapurna Base Camp Sunrise: Experience a breathtaking sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp, highlighting the snow-capped peaks of the region.
• Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda: Relax in the soothing natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, perfect for easing sore muscles.
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: Walk through vibrant rhododendron forests, a spectacular sight especially during the spring bloom.
• Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC): Visit MBC, nestled under the majestic Machapuchare.
• Local Hospitality: Engage with locals and sample traditional Nepali cuisine at the teahouses along your route.

The 12-day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a profound journey through the heart of the Annapurna region in Nepal, offering a blend of stunning natural scenery and deep cultural engagement. Starting in Kathmandu and traveling to the lively city of Pokhara, trekkers pass through charming villages, lush rhododendron forests, and rugged mountain terrain, leading up to the majestic Annapurna Base Camp.

The trek features visits to significant landmarks like Ghandruk, a village renowned for its traditional stone houses and the warm hospitality of the Gurung community. As you ascend to higher elevations, you're greeted with crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring landscapes. The trek's pinnacle is the early morning ascent to Annapurna Base Camp for a sunrise that illuminates the surrounding peaks, showcasing the beauty of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Staying in teahouses along the way offers a unique opportunity to experience local life. The trek is not just physically challenging but also provides a rich cultural experience, making every step memorable. From soaking in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda to enjoying panoramic views of towering mountains, the trek is filled with moments of beauty and tranquility.

Detailed Overview of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and rewarding Himalayan journeys renowned for its accessible difficulty level, exceptional landscape diversity, and the rare opportunity to walk into a natural 360° amphitheater of Himalayan giants. Unlike longer and more remote treks, the ABC route offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, scenic forest trails, high-altitude adventure, and comfortable teahouse accommodation, making it suitable for first-time trekkers as well as seasoned hikers.

The trek begins in Kathmandu, transitions to the lakeside city of Pokhara, and enters the mountains from Nayapul before ascending through charming Gurung villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong. These villages are cultural heartlands of the region, offering insight into traditional stone-built homes, local cuisine, and the warm hospitality that defines the Annapurna region.

From Chhomrong onward, the trail follows the dramatic valley of the Modi Khola, climbing gradually through bamboo forests, waterfalls, and lush canyons before entering the high alpine zone near Deurali. As the valley narrows and the peaks rise dramatically overhead, the terrain shifts from forested sections to rocky glacial paths offering a sense of progression and anticipation as trekkers approach higher elevations. The final approach through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) opens into the legendary Annapurna Sanctuary, a rare geological bowl surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. Unlike the Everest region, where base camp sits below the mountains, the Annapurna Sanctuary embraces trekkers from all sides creating a powerful panoramic experience that many describe as the highlight of their journey in Nepal.

The trek culminates at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), where the sunrise paints the peaks of Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Tent Peak, and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) with dramatic golden light. The emotional impact of standing inside this natural amphitheater is profound often described by trekkers as both humbling and unforgettable. The ABC Trek is considered moderate, with daily walking durations of 5–7 hours and steady altitude gain. Its well-established teahouse infrastructure ensures comfortable accommodation, hot meals, and access to basic amenities throughout the journey. Because the trail ascends gradually, and because altitude profiles are predictable, the trek is widely regarded as one of Nepal’s safest and most beginner-friendly high-altitude adventures.

Permits are simple to arrange, the route is open year-round, and logistical support is reliable. This makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek a top choice for travelers seeking a balanced Himalayan experience that combines adventure, culture, natural beauty, and high-altitude achievement without requiring technical skills or extreme endurance. Whether your goal is photography, cultural exploration, physical challenge, or personal transformation, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek delivers a complete, accessible, and deeply rewarding Himalayan journey one that stays with trekkers long after the trail ends.

Quick Facts: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Explore Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via Ghandruk

The 12-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk offers a blend of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. This route is especially popular for its stunning views and the opportunity to immerse in the local Gurung culture.

Discover Ghandruk and Beyond

Starting with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the journey continues to the picturesque village of Ghandruk. Known for its traditional stone houses and welcoming locals, Ghandruk provides captivating views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain).

Enjoy the Hospitality

Teahouses along the route offer warm hospitality and a chance to enjoy traditional Nepali meals. The trek not only exposes you to stunning landscapes but also allows meaningful cultural exchanges with the local communities.

What are the benefits of booking your Annapurna Base Camp trek with Recreation Holidays?

• Complimentary Airport Transfers: We offer free pickup and drop-off services at the international airport for your convenience.
• Exclusive Gear: Receive a complimentary Recreation Holidays duffle bag to use during your trek.
• Trekking Map: Get a free map of the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route to help you navigate and plan.
• Medical Kits: Access to medical kits for emergencies during the trek.
• Luggage Storage: Store any excess luggage at our office free of charge while you're on the trek.

Outline Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Are You Ready for the 12-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

• Trek Duration: Up to 8 hours of walking daily across challenging terrains at altitudes over 4000 meters, heightening the risk of altitude sickness.
• Preparation: Essential to engage in physical and mental conditioning prior to the trek to ensure readiness.
• Accommodations: Basic facilities provided in teahouses or trekking lodges.
• Electrical outlets may incur additional fees.
• Hot water may not be consistently available.
• Wi-Fi available in some locations but often unreliable.
• Gear Requirements: Varies with the season; proper preparation is crucial.
• Popularity: Expect to encounter many other trekkers and groups on the trail and at the teahouses.
• Weather Considerations: Tour operation may be reduced during high-risk weather conditions due to the nature of outdoor activities.

Price of Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk

Discover the amazing Annapurna Base Camp with Recreation Holidays, where local Nepali experts and Sherpas guide you through breathtaking trails. We’re excited to offer you our Annapurna Base Camp Trek at a great price of USD 680 per person, perfect for two people traveling together. If you’re trekking solo, we have a special deal just for you too.

Our 12-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp includes everything you need: cozy places to stay, tasty food during the trek, a knowledgeable guide, your trekking permit, all the required ground transportation, and any local taxes.

Need something different? We also have individual services like hiring a mountain guide, getting a porter, booking hotels, and helping with trekking permits. We promise great prices for these services too.

Get in touch with us for a personal quote and learn why Recreation Holidays is a top choice for trekkers going to Annapurna Base Camp.

Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Right for You? (Difficulty, Fitness Level & Trekker Suitability Guide)

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk is designed to be safe, accessible, and rewarding for a wide range of trekkers. With a gradual altitude profile, well-maintained teahouse infrastructure, and predictable terrain, ABC is suitable for:

✔️ Beginners With Good Fitness

Comfortable walking 5–6 hours per day, managing stone steps, and maintaining steady pace.

✔️ Intermediate Trekkers

Those who’ve completed hikes around 3,000–4,000m will find ABC perfectly paced and enjoyable.Compared to high-altitude crossings on the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek, the ABC route involves lower maximum elevation and no technical passes, making it more approachable for first-time trekkers.

✔️ Experienced Trekkers

Ideal for acclimatization, off-season trekking, or as preparation for higher Himalayan summits.

✔️ Solo Trekkers

Safe, sociable route with teahouse communities and professional guide support.

✔️ Senior Trekkers

Achievable with proper pacing, early starts, and gradual altitude gain.

✔️ Photography & Culture Travelers

Perfect for those wanting diverse scenery, Gurung heritage, and the Annapurna Sanctuary’s 360° panorama.

Trekker Segmentation for Annapurna Base Camp (Beginner → Advanced Profiles)

Fit Beginner

• Walks 5–6 hrs/day

• Comfortable with gradual altitude

• Prefers well-marked trails

• Best Fit: 10–11 day ABC itinerary

• Confidence: 90%

 Intermediate Trekker

• Trek experience up to 3,500–4,000m

• Handles stone steps & ridge trails

• Best Fit: Standard 10-day route

• Confidence: 95%

 Experienced Trekker

• Strong endurance & altitude experience

• Capable of longer daily distances

• Best Fit: 9–10 day fast-paced ABC

• Confidence: 93%

 Senior / Mature Hiker

• Prefers relaxed pacing

• Likes early starts + flexible walking hours

• Best Fit: 11-day ABC itinerary

• Confidence: 85%

 Solo Female Traveler

• ABC route is safe, sociable & well-supported

• Female guide available (placeholder)

• Best Fit: 10–11 day itinerary

• Confidence: 92%

Top 5 Reasons to Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Sanctuary Highlights)

 1. The Famous Annapurna Sanctuary Panorama

Annapurna Base Camp sits at the center of a natural 360° amphitheater featuring Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and more a rare Himalayan landscape found nowhere else.

2. Exceptional Landscape Diversity in a Compact Itinerary

In just 10–11 days, you experience:

• Terraced valleys

• Rhododendron forests

• Rugged alpine terrain

• Glacier-carved landscapes

Few treks offer such variety in such a short timeframe.

 3. Rich Cultural Immersion in Ghandruk & Chhomrong

Walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, explore stone houses, engage with local culture, and enjoy warm hospitality and authentic regional cuisine.

 4. Safe, Gradual Altitude Profile: Ideal for Beginners

The ABC trek is known for its gentle ascent curve, which reduces altitude risk while maintaining a rewarding sense of progress.

 5. Reliable Teahouse Infrastructure & Easy Logistics

Comfortable teahouses, hot meals, filtered water, and year-round trail access make ABC one of Nepal’s most dependable and beginner-friendly high-altitude treks.

Best Weather & Seasonal Guide for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Understanding seasonal weather helps optimize your trek planning.

 Spring (March–May)

• Pleasant days, clear skies

• Flowers bloom along the trail

• Slight afternoon clouds possible as monsoon approaches later in May 

 Autumn (September–November)

• Best visibility and mountain views

• Stable weather and moderate temperatures

Winter (December–February)

• Crisp days and freezing nights at higher altitudes

• Some teahouses may temporarily close

Monsoon (June–August)

• Green and lush, but frequent rain

• Slippery sections at lower elevations

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance & Daily Breakdown

• Total Distance: ~80–100 km round trip

• Typical Daily Walk: 7–18 km per day

• Average Walk Time: 5–7 hrs/day

• Moderate trail gradients with varying steps and rocky sections

ACAP Permit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek (2026 Update)

Required Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). ACAP is essential to trek through the Annapurna region and helps fund conservation and community projects in the area. 

Permit Details

• ACAP Fee: ~USD 25 (NPR 3,000) for foreign nationals

• Where to Get: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu or Pokhara)

• Documents Needed: Valid passport copy + photo

• Checkpoints: Nayapul, Chhomrong, and others on the trail

Note: TIMS was previously required but may no longer be mandatory; travelers should verify current requirements with local authorities or your trek operator before departure. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Tips

• Collect your ACAP permit in Pokhara or Kathmandu to avoid delays.
• Carry permit copies with your passport on the trail.
• Local entry huts will check permits during the trek.

What’s Included in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package

Your package is professionally designed to offer a smoother, safer, and more comfortable trekking experience from start to finish.

Complimentary Airport Transfers

• Private airport pick-up and drop-off on your arrival and departure days.

Hotel Accommodation

• 2 nights in Kathmandu (breakfast included)

• 2 nights in Pokhara (breakfast included)

• 7 nights in mountain teahouses/lodges during the trek (shared rooms)

Meals During the Trek

• All meals while trekking:

  • 10 breakfasts

  • 6 lunches

  • 6 dinners

• Fresh fruit served after dinner daily.

Permits & Paperwork

• ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)

• TIMS Card

• All related documentation handled on your behalf.

Transport Between Cities

• Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara travel via tourist bus (comfortable tourist coach)

Professional Guide Services

• Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with:

  • All meals

  • Accommodation

  • Salary

  • Insurance

  • Equipment

Emergency Support

• Coordinated helicopter evacuation in emergencies
  (evacuation costs covered by your travel insurance  mandatory)

Trekking Gear Provided

• Sleeping bag

• Duffle bag

• Down jacket
  (All provided on loan and must be returned after the trek)

Added Comfort & Extras

• Souvenir trekking T-shirt

• Annapurna Base Camp trekking map

• Farewell dinner after trek completion

 Health & Safety Equipment

• First-aid kit with oximeter for daily oxygen-level monitoring

Taxes & Service Charges

• All government taxes and administrative expenses included

What’s Not Included in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package?

A clear breakdown of items not covered, so you can budget confidently.

International Travel

• Nepal visa fee

  • USD 30 (15 days)

  • USD 50 (30 days)

  • USD 125 (90 days)

• Bring two passport photos for visa processing

• International airfare

Personal Expenses

• Alcohol & beverages

• Tea/coffee, mineral water

• Hot/cold drinks

• Extra snacks

• Showers: USD 5–8 per use

• Wi-Fi, device charging: small fees apply

Porter Service (Optional)

• Porter cost: USD 200 per porter (15–18 kg carrying capacity)

Costs Due to Unforeseen Circumstances

• Natural disasters

• Weather delays

• Flight cancellations

• Accidents

• Personal decisions to shorten or change the trek
  (These costs are non-refundable and not covered by the package)

Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included

• Applies also during early returns or late departures

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory and must be purchased independently

• Must include helicopter evacuation coverage

Gratuities

• Tips for guide and porter are appreciated and customary

Other Services Not Listed

• Any service not clearly included in the Services Includes list is not covered

• For clarification on any item, please contact us directly

What to Pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Complete Gear Checklist)

Clothing Layers (Essential for Varying Temperatures)

• 2–3 moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket (–10°C rating recommended)
• Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
• Trekking pants (2 pairs)
• Thermal leggings
• Waterproof trousers
• Lightweight gloves + warm insulated gloves
• Sun hat + warm beanie

Footwear & Accessories

• Well-broken-in trekking boots (high ankle recommended)
• Lightweight sneakers for teahouses
• Trekking sandals (optional)
• 3–4 pairs of wool socks
• 2 pairs of synthetic socks
• Microspikes (optional for early spring/winter)

Gear & Equipment

• 30–40L backpack (with rain cover)

• Sleeping bag (–10°C; can be rented)

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp (extra batteries recommended)

• Sunglasses (UV-protective)

• 1–2L water bottle or hydration bladder

• Quick-dry towel

Personal Items & Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Sunscreen (SPF 40+)

• Lip balm (SPF 20+)

• Wet wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Soap sheets

• Deodorant

• Toilet paper

First Aid & Medications

• Diamox (for altitude) consult physician

• Ibuprofen / paracetamol

• Bandages, blister care, tape

• Antiseptic wipes

• Electrolyte powder

• Personal medication list

 Documents

• Passport + photocopies

• Insurance details (must include helicopter evacuation)

• Extra passport photos (for permits if needed)

 Optional Items

• Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)

• Solar charger

• Camera + extra batteries

• Gaiters (useful in snow)

• Energy gels & snacks