Follow a 12‑day trail from Pokhara through terraced villages, rhododendron forests and thermal springs to the moraine bowl of Annapurna Base Camp. This trek combines rich local culture, clear mountain views and serious high‑altitude hiking—plan for altitude, permits and layered gear.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning sun pries at the ridge above Pokhara and the trail empties into a living map of stone, terraced fields and rattling rivers. You move uphill past village tea houses, through rhododendron forest that hums with birdsong, and into the thin, bright air at Annapurna Base Camp where icy shoulders of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre loom close enough to touch.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
11–12 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and ability to hike 4–7 hours a day with a daypack; previous multi‑day hiking experience is helpful.
Wildlife
History
The Annapurna massif has long been home to Gurung and Magar communities whose terrace agriculture and trade routes shaped the valley; modern trekking expanded after ACAP formation in the 1980s.
Conservation
ACAP enforces permits and waste rules to protect fragile ecosystems—minimize impact by carrying out trash, using refillable bottles and following teahouse guidelines.
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 deliberately
Add a rest day or slow your ascent above 2,500 m—altitude sickness is the biggest risk on ABC; monitor symptoms and descend if they worsen.
Pack water treatment
Carry a filter or purification tablets—tea houses sell boiled water, but treating your own reduces risk and plastic waste.
Good boots and ankle support
Trail surfaces switch between stone steps and scree; sturdy, broken‑in trekking boots reduce blisters and ankle injury.
Carry cash and small notes
Tea houses accept cash only; carry Nepali rupees for meals, tips and incidentals in villages along the route.
Insulated down jacket
Compressible warmth for cold nights at high altitude above 3,000 m.
winter
Sturdy waterproof trekking boots
Support and traction for stone steps, wet forest trails and scree slopes.
Water filter or purification tablets
Treat stream or tap water to avoid gastrointestinal illness and reduce plastic waste.
summer
Lightweight sleeping liner and headlamp
Extra warmth and reliable light during early starts and power outages in teahouses.
spring