Annapurna Base Camp Teahouse Trek
- 14 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you through rhododendron forests and deep river gorges to the foot of Annapurna I at 4,130 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek takes us deep into the sanctuary ringed by towering Himalayan peaks. We follow stone staircases carved into the hillsides, ascending through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests that line the Modi Khola river valley. As we gain altitude, the dense canopy gives way to alpine scrub and towering granite walls.
This route suits trekkers with previous mountain walking experience who are comfortable with consecutive days of uphill and downhill walking on stone steps. We spend our nights in local teahouses run by Gurung and Magar families, sharing communal dining rooms warmed by wood stoves and eating traditional dal bhat alongside trekkers from around the world.
We pace our ascent carefully to allow our bodies to adjust to the thinning air above 3,000 m. Our lead guides monitor daily health indicators while sharing their knowledge of local flora, fauna, and mountain history. From terraced farming villages in the lower foothills to the glacial amphitheater of the Annapurna sanctuary, every stage of the journey is supported by our experienced Kathmandu operations team.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna Sanctuary
We stand inside a high glacial basin surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre.
Modi Khola Valley
We walk beneath dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo echoing with river water.
Poon Hill Sunrise
We watch morning light hit Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range from 3,210 m.
Gurung Villages
We visit traditional mountain settlements like Chhomrong with slate-roofed houses.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use the afternoon to check your trekking gear and conduct a full trip briefing with your lead guide.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private vehicle for the drive west along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers through terraced foothills. After reaching Pokhara, we rest by the shores of Phewa Lake.
Day 3
Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Meals: B / L / D
A short morning drive brings us to Nayapul where our trail begins. We walk along the Modi Khola riverbank through small farming hamlets before climbing gently to Tikhedhunga for the night.
Day 4
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Today presents a rigorous climb up the stone staircases known as Ulleri steps, totaling over 3,000 stone steps. We enter dense rhododendron forests before arriving at the ridge village of Ghorepani.
Day 5
Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn with a steep climb to Poon Hill at 3,210 m to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. Returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we then trek along a forested ridge to reach Tadapani.
Day 6
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail drops steeply through oak and rhododendron woods before crossing a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. A steady uphill pull brings us to the large Gurung settlement of Chhomrong.
Day 7
Chhomrong to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chhomrong to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
We descend stone steps out of Chhomrong and cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge. Climbing back up through bamboo thickets, we continue deeper into the narrow Modi Khola gorge to reach Bamboo.
Day 8
Bamboo to Deurali
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Bamboo to Deurali
Meals: B / L / D
The valley widens slightly as we pass through the forested zones of Dovan and Himalaya. We climb past avalanche chutes and waterfalls, entering high alpine terrain where the air turns noticeably cooler as we reach Deurali.
Day 9
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We make our final push past Machhapuchhre Base Camp into the wide glacial basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, we arrive at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.
Day 10
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Meals: B / L / D
After watching the morning light strike the south face of Annapurna I, we retrace our steps down the valley. Descending rapidly through the gorge, we lose altitude and return to Bamboo for the night.
Day 11
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
We climb back up to Chhomrong before taking a diverging path that drops steeply toward the Modi Khola riverbed. By afternoon, we reach Jhinu Danda where natural hot springs invite us to soak our tired muscles.
Day 12
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our final day of walking follows the lower Modi Khola valley past terraced farmlands and sub-tropical fields to Nayapul. Our vehicle meets us for the return drive to Pokhara.
Day 13
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Pokhara in the morning for the drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner hosted by our team.
Day 14
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 14
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our staff transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home, concluding our service.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Licensed local guide and porter support
- TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Twin-share teahouse rooms during the trek
- Three meals a day while on the trail
- All ground transportation between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trailheads
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude mountain rescue
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
We ascend gradually to ensure safe adaptation to decreasing oxygen levels, peaking at 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. Our lead guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor each team member daily.
Teahouse accommodation
We stay in family-run mountain lodges offering twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Toilets and washing facilities are generally shared and located outside the main dining hall.
Meals on the trail
Three meals a day are included while trekking, ordered directly from teahouse menus featuring dal bhat, noodles, soup, and seasonal vegetables. We advise drinking bottled or purified water throughout the journey.
Physical preparation
This trek involves 5 to 7 hours of daily walking over uneven stone steps and steep mountain terrain. We recommend starting cardiovascular and leg-strengthening exercises several months prior to departure.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for temperatures below freezing at base camp.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Crucial for protecting knees on stone descents.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets can be thin at higher elevations.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for pre-dawn starts like Poon Hill.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating local tap water.
Valid passport and travel insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude rescue coverage.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired entry permit for all trekkers entering the Annapurna region.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitMandatory registration card tracking trekker safety across Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest altitude we reach on this trek?
We reach a maximum altitude of 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Previous multi-day hiking experience and good physical fitness are recommended due to the steep stone staircases and consecutive days of walking.
Are charging facilities and Wi-Fi available in the teahouses?
Most teahouses offer device charging and Wi-Fi for a small hourly or per-device fee, though availability decreases at higher altitudes.
What kind of footwear should I bring?
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and broken-in soles are essential for the stone-paved trails.
How heavy is the pack I will carry?
You only carry a daypack with water, layers, and camera equipment. Our porters carry the main duffel bag containing your primary gear.
Is emergency evacuation covered?
Emergency helicopter rescue is not included in our package cost and must be covered by your personal travel insurance policy.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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