The Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days with TrekkingKey is the most complete version of this legendary Himalayan journey — combining the iconic Annapurna Sanctuary experience with two of Nepal’s most celebrated highlights: the unforgettable Poon Hill sunrise and the beautiful Gurung heritage village of Ghandruk. Nestled deep within the Annapurna Conservation Area — the largest protected area in Nepal — this expanded itinerary gives you the time to truly absorb every landscape, culture, and mountain moment along the way.
Over 13 thoughtfully paced days, you will trek through terraced rice fields, ancient Gurung villages, lush rhododendron forests, and roaring glacial rivers before stepping inside the legendary Annapurna Sanctuary — a vast glacial amphitheatre ringed by giants including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. The dramatic Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) rewards you with a sunrise panorama stretching from Dhaulagiri to the entire Annapurna massif, while the hilltop village of Ghandruk offers an authentic window into traditional Gurung life.
Whether you are a first-time Himalayan trekker or a seasoned adventurer seeking the definitive Annapurna experience, this 13-day itinerary with TrekkingKey will leave you humbled, inspired, and profoundly alive.
QUICK FACTS
| Duration | 13 Days |
| Max Altitude | 4,130m / 13,549ft (Annapurna Base Camp) |
| Poon Hill | 3,210m / 10,531ft (Sunrise Viewpoint) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | ~95 km / 59 miles (total) |
| Daily Walking | 3–7 hours |
| Start / End | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Transport | Drive Kathmandu–Pokhara (7 hrs) + jeep/drive to trailhead |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
| Accommodation | Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara + Teahouses on trail |
| Group Size | Min. 1 — private & group departures available |
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1-12 people
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4130
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1-30
- Stand inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m — one of the most dramatic mountain amphitheatres on Earth
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp with Annapurna I, Machapuchhre, and Hiunchuli towering overhead
- Experience the legendary Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) — a panoramic wall of peaks from Dhaulagiri to the full Annapurna range
- Explore Ghandruk — one of Nepal’s finest Gurung heritage villages with sweeping Himalayan views
- Trek through the lush Annapurna Conservation Area — Nepal’s largest protected wilderness
- Soak in the famous natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after days on the trail
- Walk through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests alive with Himalayan birds and wildlife
- Marvel at panoramic views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Fishtail
- Visit Chhomrong — a beautiful Gurung hilltop village with commanding Himalayan views
- Experience the warm hospitality of teahouse owners and mountain communities along the trail
- Pass through Ghorepani — a classic trekking village set in ancient rhododendron forest
- Enjoy a moderate, well-graded extended trek ideal for all fitness levels with solid preparation
Welcome to Kathmandu — Nepal's ancient, vibrant capital! A TrekkingKey representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Thamel. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring Thamel's lively streets, gear shops, and local restaurants. In the evening, your TrekkingKey trek leader will brief you on the full itinerary, gear requirements, permits, and safety procedures. End the night with a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel | Meals: Welcome Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, board a comfortable tourist bus for the scenic 7-hour drive to Pokhara — Nepal's adventure capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region. The route winds through lush river valleys and terraced hillsides, offering a fascinating first glimpse of rural Nepal. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and settle into your hotel near the famous Phewa Lake. The Annapurna, Machapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges tower spectacularly above the valley. Enjoy free time to explore the lakeside area.Drive: ~200 km / 7 hours | Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul — the classic trailhead for the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit. Begin trekking through Birethanti, climbing steadily through oak and rhododendron forests, passing the charming villages of Hile and Ulleri — famous for its long stone staircase — before arriving at Ghorepani. Set high on a forested ridge at 2,860m, Ghorepani is one of the most atmospheric teahouse villages in the Annapurna region, surrounded by ancient rhododendron trees.Drive: ~1.5 hours | Walking: ~5–6 hours / 12 km | Accommodation: Teahouse | Meals: All included
Rise before dawn for the pre-sunrise climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) — one of the most celebrated viewpoints in all of Nepal. As the first golden light sweeps across the sky, the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges emerge in a breathtaking wall of peaks: Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak. After soaking in this extraordinary panorama and returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, descend through dense rhododendron forest to the iconic Gurung village of Ghandruk.Walking: ~6–7 hours / 14 km | Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk | Meals: All included
Begin the morning with a leisurely exploration of Ghandruk — one of the largest and most beautifully preserved Gurung villages in Nepal. Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the community's rich cultural heritage, military traditions (including the famous Gurkha regiments), and traditional way of life. Admire the sweeping views of Annapurna South and Machapuchhre from the village terraces before trekking onward to Chhomrong — another magnificent Gurung hilltop settlement perched above the Modi Khola gorge with commanding views of the Himalayan giants ahead.Walking: ~4–5 hours / 9 km | Accommodation: Teahouse | Meals: All included
Descend from Chhomrong on stone-paved steps and cross the Chhomrong Khola River before climbing through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. The trail enters the Annapurna Sanctuary corridor, flanked by towering cliffs on either side. Pass through the small settlements of Sinuwa and Bamboo as the vegetation thickens and the valley narrows dramatically. Arrive at Dovan — a tiny cluster of teahouses deep inside the gorge — where the roar of glacial rivers and the silence of the forest create a world apart from everyday life.Walking: ~6 hours / 11.3 km | Accommodation: Teahouse | Meals: All included
The trail climbs steadily through increasingly dramatic scenery as you ascend deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Trek through Himalaya Hotel and Hinku Cave, where the vegetation transitions from dense jungle to open alpine terrain. The walls of the Sanctuary close in around you with towering ridges of Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the great Machapuchhre rising dramatically above. Arrive at Deaurali — perched on a high saddle within the Sanctuary — with extraordinary mountain views from your teahouse window.
Today is the defining highlight of the entire trek — the day you step inside the legendary Annapurna Sanctuary. Trek up through Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700m, where the iconic sacred pyramid of Machapuchhre dominates the skyline. Continue the final ascent to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) — a vast glacial bowl surrounded by a complete ring of Himalayan peaks: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Hiunchuli, and the glorious Machapuchhre. Spend the evening watching the peaks glow in alpenglow as the sun sets over the Sanctuary.Walking: ~5 hours / 9.2 km | Accommodation: Teahouse at ABC | Meals: All included
Rise before dawn for one of the great sunrise experiences in the Himalayas — watching the first golden rays of light fall upon the massive faces of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machapuchhre from inside the Sanctuary. After soaking in this unforgettable moment and a hearty breakfast, begin the long descent retracing the trail through Deaurali and the deep Annapurna Sanctuary corridor. Descend all the way to Bamboo, where the warm forest air and lower altitude offer welcome relief for your body.Walking: ~7 hours / 15 km | Accommodation: Teahouse | Meals: All included
Continue your descent through the bamboo and rhododendron forests back to Jhinu Danda. Before boarding your waiting jeep, take time to soak tired muscles in the famous natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda — a truly blissful reward after days of high-altitude trekking. The warm mineral waters, surrounded by mountain scenery, are one of the most memorable moments of the entire journey. Transfer by jeep back to Pokhara. Celebrate your achievement with your TrekkingKey guide over a well-deserved farewell trek dinner.Walking: ~5 hours / 11.7 km | Drive: ~1.5 hours | Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel | Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in beautiful Pokhara — Nepal's most relaxed and scenic city. Spend the morning on a peaceful boat ride across Phewa Lake towards the Tal Barahi Temple on its island, with the Annapurna range reflected in the calm waters. Visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the history of Himalayan exploration, or take a short hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for sweeping views of the lake and the mountains you have just trekked through. Enjoy Pokhara's vibrant lakeside restaurants and cafes at your own pace.Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast
Board your return tourist bus for the scenic 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Watch the mountain landscapes gradually give way to the rolling hills and river valleys of central Nepal. Arrive back in Kathmandu in the evening and transfer to your hotel for a hot shower and rest. TrekkingKey will host a celebratory farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest Nepali restaurants — a fitting conclusion to your Annapurna adventure, complete with warm stories, shared memories, and the quiet satisfaction of a great trek completed.Drive: ~200 km / 7 hours | Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel | Meals: Breakfast + Farewell Dinner
Your final morning in Nepal. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time for last-minute shopping in Thamel — local handicrafts, Thangka paintings, Pashmina shawls, and Himalayan souvenirs make wonderful reminders of your journey. TrekkingKey will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with plenty of time before your onward flight. We bid you farewell with warm memories, stunning photographs, and the deep satisfaction of having stood inside one of the world's most extraordinary mountain sanctuaries — and witnessed the sunrise from Poon Hill.Meals: Breakfast | Airport Transfer Included
Includes
- ✦ All airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- ✦ 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, Bed & Breakfast)
- ✦ 3 nights hotel in Pokhara (3-star, Bed & Breakfast)
- ✦ Tourist bus tickets: Kathmandu–Pokhara and return
- ✦ Jeep/drive transfers to and from trailheads
- ✦ All teahouse accommodation during the trek (8 nights)
- ✦ All meals during the trek — breakfast, lunch & dinner
- ✦ Experienced, English-speaking licensed TrekkingKey guide
- ✦ Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✦ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- ✦ TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- ✦ Poon Hill entry fee
- ✦ TrekkingKey duffel bag for use during the trek
- ✦ First aid kit and emergency oxygen supply
- ✦ Government taxes and all administrative fees
- ✦ Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✦ 24/7 TrekkingKey support
Excludes
- ✦ International flights and Nepal visa fees
- ✦ Personal travel and medical/evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- ✦ Personal trekking gear and equipment
- ✦ Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except included meals)
- ✦ Tips for guides and porters (recommended: $80–$100 guide / $50–$70 porter)
- ✦ Personal expenses — hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging
- ✦ Optional hot spring entry fee at Jhinu Danda
- ✦ Alcoholic beverages
- ✦ Extra nights due to delays or personal extension
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
DIFFICULTY & FITNESS
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days is rated moderate — accessible to fit beginners and rewarding for experienced trekkers alike. The additional Poon Hill and Ghandruk days add variety and cultural depth without significantly increasing the physical challenge. Daily walking times range from 4 to 7 hours, with the longest day being the descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo on Day 9.
TrekkingKey recommends beginning physical preparation 6–8 weeks before departure with regular hiking, jogging, cycling, and cardiovascular training. Children aged 10 and above with good stamina are welcome on this trek. The 13-day pace gives your body additional time to adapt to altitude, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to experience the Annapurna Sanctuary.
ACCLIMATIZATION & SAFETY
The 13-day itinerary is carefully designed to ascend gradually, with acclimatization built naturally into the route. The additional days at lower altitude in Ghorepani and Ghandruk (Days 3–5) allow your body to adapt progressively before entering the high-altitude Sanctuary corridor. All TrekkingKey guides are trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness recognition, and carry emergency oxygen on every trek.
Travel and medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for all TrekkingKey trekkers. We strongly advise consulting your doctor before departure regarding altitude medication (Diamox).
AMS Prevention Tips:
- Drink at least 3–4 litres of water daily throughout the trek
- Ascend slowly and steadily — never rush the climb to ABC or Machapuchhre Base Camp
- Avoid alcohol and smoking at altitude
- Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure — take at the first sign of AMS
- Eat regular, nutritious meals and rest properly each evening
- Descend immediately if severe headache, vomiting, or confusion develop — your guide will assist
POON HILL — THE GREAT ANNAPURNA SUNRISE
At 3,210m above sea level, Poon Hill is one of the most celebrated sunrise viewpoints in the entire Himalayan range. Reached by a 45-minute early-morning climb from Ghorepani, the hilltop observation tower offers a 180-degree panorama of extraordinary breadth — from Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) in the west to the full Annapurna massif in the east, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and the sacred Machapuchhre (Fishtail).
The sunrise itself is a spectacle of light and colour that few trekking experiences in the world can match. As dawn breaks over the Himalayan horizon, the peaks emerge from darkness in a slow golden glow — alpenglow sweeping across glaciers and ridgelines that stretch as far as the eye can see. Poon Hill is the moment on the 13-day itinerary that reminds you why Nepal is called the roof of the world.
GHANDRUK — HEART OF GURUNG CULTURE
Ghandruk is one of the largest, most beautifully preserved, and most culturally significant Gurung villages in Nepal. Perched on a hillside at 1,940m above the Modi Khola gorge, the village commands extraordinary views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchhre — peaks that feel close enough to touch from the stone-paved lanes and traditional courtyard homes of the settlement.
The Gurung Museum in Ghandruk offers a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of this remarkable mountain people — from their ancient Bon-influenced Buddhist practices and unique festivals to their legendary military service in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. Ghandruk’s stone houses, terraced fields, traditional dress, and warm family-run teahouses make it one of the most authentic cultural experiences on any Annapurna trek.
BEST TIME TO TREK
- Spring (March – May): Rhododendron forests burst into spectacular bloom along the Ghorepani and Ghandruk trails, painting the hillsides red, pink, and white. Poon Hill is at its most colourful. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, and mountain visibility is outstanding.
- Autumn (September – November): Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, delivering the best mountain photography of the year. October is the finest month for both Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp, with crisp air and exceptional visibility across the full Himalayan panorama.
Winter (December–February): Quiet trails, clear skies, and cold temperatures — especially at Poon Hill and ABC. Suitable for well-equipped cold-weather trekkers. Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended due to heavy rainfall, leeches on lower trails, and reduced mountain visibility.
WHY TREK WITH TREKKINGKEY?
- Local Expertise — TrekkingKey guides have deep knowledge of every trail, village, and peak in the Annapurna region
- Safety First — first-aid-equipped guides, altitude briefings throughout the trek, and emergency oxygen carried at all times
- Transparent Pricing — no hidden fees; all permits, transport, meals, guides, and accommodation are clearly included
- Small Groups — intimate group sizes ensure personalised attention and a richer cultural experience on the trail
- Flexible Itineraries — TrekkingKey can further customise your 13-day trek to add Mardi Himal or extend into the Annapurna Circuit
- Responsible Tourism — fair wages for all local staff, Leave No Trace practices, and strong support for Annapurna Conservation Area communities
- Established Since 2023 — TrekkingKey was founded with a commitment to delivering safe, authentic, and life-changing Himalayan experiences
- 24/7 Support — our Kathmandu office and on-trail guides are available around the clock for any need
