Lopchan Treks · Trip notes
Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill
Two classic Annapurna walks in one: the Poon Hill sunrise from Ghorepani, then across to Chhomrong and up into the Annapurna Sanctuary to sleep at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
- Duration
- 12 days
- High point
- Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
- Grade
- Moderate to challenging
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- Start / end
- Pokhara / Pokhara
- Stay
- Teahouse lodges, twin-share rooms
- Group size
- 1–8 people
- Price
- From US$1,070 per person
Route
Altitude
Itinerary
| Day | Route | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara Most of the day on the road. Night in Pokhara. | – |
| 2 | Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri | 2,010 m |
| 3 | Trek to Ghorepani | 2,860 m |
| 4 | Sunrise on Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani Sleep at Tadapani. | 3,210 m |
| 5 | Trek to Chhomrong | 2,170 m |
| 6 | Trek to Bamboo | 2,310 m |
| 7 | Trek to Deurali | 3,230 m |
| 8 | Trek via Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m |
| 9 | Descend to Bamboo | 2,310 m |
| 10 | Trek to Jhinu Danda and its hot springs | 1,720 m |
| 11 | Trek down and drive to Pokhara | – |
| 12 | Tourist bus back to Kathmandu | – |
Included
- Licensed trekking guide
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
- Two hotel nights in Pokhara, before and after the trek
- Teahouse accommodation on the trek
- All meals on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Hotel nights in Kathmandu
- Porter (we can add one; ask us for the price)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Tips for guides and porters
Is it for me?
- No climbing or technical skills needed. If you can walk uphill for several hours with a light pack, day after day, you can train for this.
- Expect long stone staircases, especially around Chhomrong, where the trail drops to a river and climbs back up the other side.
- Train with hill walks or stair sessions two or three times a week for six to eight weeks before you go.
- You sleep at 4,130 m on one night. The climb is gradual, but anyone can get altitude sickness, so read our safety approach before you go.
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
- TIMS card (arranged by your trekking agency): NPR 2,000 (SAARC nationals NPR 1,000)
Spending on the trail
- Hot shower: On request
- Wi-Fi: On request
- Phone or battery charging: On request
- Boiled or filtered water (1 litre): On request
- Dal bhat (set meal): On request
Questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
It's a moderate to challenging walk with no climbing skills needed. The hard parts are the long stone staircases around Chhomrong and the climb from Deurali into the Sanctuary, where you sleep at 4,130 m. Good general fitness and some training beforehand make a big difference.
Can a beginner do it?
Yes, if you're reasonably fit and train for six to eight weeks with hill walks or stairs. It needs no flights and doesn't go above 4,130 m, which makes it a good first trek at altitude. For something shorter and lower, see our Poon Hill trek.
Do I need a guide?
Since 1 April 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a licensed guide. See our [guide rules explainer](/journal/do-i-need-a-guide-nepal/) for the details and sources; we confirm the current position when you book.
What permits do I need?
An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Your guide arranges it and the fee is part of your quote. See the permits guide for current fees.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and late September to November. Spring brings rhododendrons in bloom; autumn has the clearest skies. Winter is possible but cold at the top, and the monsoon (June to September) brings rain, cloud and leeches.
Will I get altitude sickness?
You might. Altitude sickness can start above about 2,500 m and affects people regardless of fitness. The itinerary climbs gradually, and the most important rule is simple: if you feel unwell, don't go higher. Tell your guide straight away.
What is the accommodation like?
Teahouses: simple family-run lodges with twin rooms, blankets and a shared dining room. Rooms are basic and unheated, so bring a warm sleeping bag.
Is there Wi-Fi and phone charging?
Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi and charging for a small fee. Both get slower and less reliable the higher you go, so bring a power bank.
Can I drink the water?
Don't drink untreated tap or stream water. Buy boiled water at teahouses or bring a filter or purification tablets, which also cuts down on plastic bottles.
Is there avalanche risk?
The section between Deurali and Machapuchare Base Camp can be exposed to avalanches after heavy snow, mostly in winter and early spring. Guides check conditions locally and won't cross when it isn't safe.
What travel insurance do I need?
Insurance that covers trekking up to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation. Check the altitude limit in the policy wording, not just the summary.
