A 13-day, classic Himalayan trek that climbs through rhododendron forests and high alpine cirques to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Expect tea-house nights, panoramic sunrises at Poon Hill, and steep stone staircases — prepare for altitude and variable mountain weather.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks cold and thin as you climb the stone stairs out of a rhododendron forest, breath visible in the rising light. The valley opens and, beyond the pines, a ring of white peaks presses close — Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre’s fish-tail profile and Dhaulagiri dominating the skyline. You move through villages where smoke curls from tin roofs and tea houses ring with teapot clatter.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
13 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with trekking endurance; comfortable with repeated uphill and downhill days and carrying a daypack.
Wildlife
History
The Annapurna Sanctuary has long cultural significance to local Hindu and Buddhist communities and was closed to foreigners until the 1950s, opening to trekking in the latter half of the 20th century.
Conservation
Trekking occurs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area under ACAP regulations; stick to marked trails, minimize single-use plastics, and use lodge water/services to reduce local waste.
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 Slowly
Schedule gradual altitude gains and consider an extra night at Ghorepani or Poon Hill to reduce risk of AMS.
Sturdy Footwear
Wear broken-in hiking boots with ankle support — many sections are steep stone steps and muddy in wet weather.
Permits & Fees
Carry your TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area permit copies; guides usually handle these but keep backups.
Water & Purification
Refill at lodges and treat water with tablets or a filter — boiled water is often available but can incur a fee.
Layered Insulation (down jacket + midlayer)
Cold nights and exposed high-altitude viewpoints require a warm, compressible insulated layer.
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Support and grip for long days on stone steps, rocky trails, and wet sections.
Trekking Poles
Reduce knee stress on long descents and steady you on muddy or icy sections.
Water Purification (tablets or filter)
Safe hydration between lodges where bottled water may be expensive or unavailable.