Combine the Poon Hill sunrise with a full push into the Annapurna Sanctuary on this 12-day trek. Expect steep stone steps, rhododendron forests, teahouse stays and a summitless reward at ABC (4,130 m).
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning mist parts over terraced fields as your legs find rhythm on a stone stair—this is the cadence of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. From the lowland bustle of Pokhara you move into chest-high rhododendron and oak, then into the thin, sharp air above Deurali as massive faces of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre loom closer.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Should be in good cardiovascular shape—used to full days of hiking (4–8 hours) and comfortable on uneven, stepped terrain; ability to carry a daypack.
Wildlife
History
The trail passes through ancestral lands of Gurung and Magar communities; the Annapurna Conservation Area, established in the 1980s, balances tourism with traditional livelihoods.
Conservation
ACAP manages permits and trekking rules—pack out waste, use designated toilets where available, and hire local guides and porters to support the regional economy.
Reserve your spot on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize on schedule
Build slow ascents and include the Poon Hill morning and an easy day after Deurali to reduce altitude risk; don’t rush to ABC.
Footwear for stone steps
Wear well-broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support—the trail is mostly stone steps and uneven terrain.
Carry cash and small change
Teahouses accept cash only in many places; bring smaller notes for food, drinks and tips along the route.
Water and filtration
Refill at villages but bring a lightweight filter or purification tablets—boiled or treated water is safest at altitude.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for steep stone steps and uneven paths.
Down jacket (warm layer)
Nights at teahouses and ABC get very cold; a compressible down jacket is crucial.
winter
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and provide balance on rocky sections.
Water purification (filter/tablets)
Ensures safe drinking water when refilling along the trail.