The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a spectacular mountain amphitheatre surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks in the Himalayas.
The journey begins in Kathmandu before continuing to Pokhara and the trailhead. From there, the route passes through traditional mountain villages, terraced fields, dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls and trails lined with stone staircases.
As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually changes from green valleys and forested slopes to rugged mountain terrain. The trail passes through settlements such as Bamboo, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres.
At base camp, the surrounding mountains create a dramatic panorama, with Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli among the prominent peaks in the sanctuary. The return journey follows the mountain trails back towards the roadhead before continuing to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Although the trek does not involve technical climbing, it requires good physical fitness and the ability to manage repeated ascents and descents, long stone staircases and changing weather conditions. Proper preparation and a steady walking pace are important for completing the journey comfortably.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will be met by the team and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore Kathmandu.
Trekking: No trekking planned.
Overnight: Kathmandu.
After breakfast, travel to Pokhara by tourist bus. The journey passes through river valleys, terraced hills and rural settlements, offering views of Nepal’s countryside. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Road distance: Approximately 200 km.
Driving duration: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Trekking: No trekking planned.
Overnight: Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara towards Matkyu, the designated trailhead for this itinerary. Begin trekking towards Jhinu Danda, following village trails and sections of the mountain path.
Jhinu Danda is known for its natural hot springs, which may be visited if time permits and conditions allow.
Road transfer: Approximately 60 km.
Driving duration: Approx 3 Hours.
Trek distance and duration: Approx 3 Hours.
Overnight: Jhinu Danda.
Continue along forest trails through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The route includes ascents and descents, stone steps and sections of dense vegetation as you progress deeper into the valley.
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 7–9 km.
Walking duration: Approximately 5–7 hours.
Overnight: Bamboo.
Continue through bamboo and rhododendron forests, passing sections of the trail surrounded by steep valley walls and cascading streams. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and the terrain increasingly mountainous.
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 9–11 km.
Walking duration: Approximately 6–8 hours.
Overnight: Deurali.
Begin the ascent towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail passes through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), approximately 3,700 m, before continuing towards Annapurna Base Camp.
As the route enters the sanctuary, the landscape opens into a spectacular mountain amphitheatre surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. On reaching ABC, take time to enjoy the views, weather permitting.
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 7–9 km.
Walking duration: Approximately 5–7 hours.
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp.
After enjoying the morning mountain views, begin the descent from base camp. Retrace the route through the sanctuary, passing Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continuing down the valley towards Himalaya.
The descent can be demanding on the knees, particularly along rocky sections and stone steps. Maintain a steady pace and use trekking poles if needed.
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 11–12 km.
Walking duration: Approximately 6–8 hours.
Overnight: Himalaya.
Continue descending through the forested valley before following the trail towards Chhomrong. The route includes a mixture of uphill and downhill sections, with stone staircases and views of the surrounding hills and villages.
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 12–13 km.
Walking duration: Approximately 7–9 hours.
Overnight: Chhomrong.
After breakfast, descend along the established trail towards Matkyu, following the confirmed return route. At the roadhead, meet the vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure near Phewa Lake.
Trek distance and duration: Approx 4 hours.
Driving duration: Approx 3 Hours
Overnight: Pokhara.
After breakfast, board the tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for relaxation or shopping.
Road distance: Approximately 200 km.
Driving duration: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Trekking: No trekking planned.
Overnight: Kathmandu.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your Annapurna Base Camp journey concludes with memories of the mountain villages, forest trails and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Accommodation
2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at a 4-star-category hotel on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara at a 3-star-category hotel on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
Best-available teahouse accommodation during the trek on a twin-sharing basis, wherever possible.
Meals During the Trek
All meals during the trekking period: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Standard-menu meals are included. Additional food orders beyond the standard menu will be charged separately.
Transportation & Transfers
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
Tourist bus transfers between Kathmandu and Pokhara, as per the itinerary.
Ground transportation between Pokhara and the trek start/end points, as specified in the itinerary.
All other necessary ground transfers expressly mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
Trekking Permits & Documentation
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Applicable trekking permits and local entry fees included in the package.
Applicable government taxes and administrative charges, as specified in the package.
Guide, Porter & Trek Support
Experienced, English-speaking trekking guide, including salary, accommodation, meals and insurance.
Porter support for carrying personal luggage, with an allowance of up to 10 kg per participant, subject to the package terms.
Insurance coverage for Nepali trekking staff.
Drinking Water During the Trek
Access to tap water at teahouses along the trekking route.
Participants are advised to carry a suitable water-purification method, such as a filter bottle or purification tablets.
Additional Services
Trek coordination, logistics management and operational support from the Boots & Crampons team.
Exclusive participant discounts on Fast&Up nutrition products, subject to the current partnership terms.
International Travel & Visa
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fee, where applicable.
Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except for any meal specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Insurance & Emergency Expenses
Mandatory personal travel insurance covering:
High-altitude trekking.
Emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue.
Medical treatment and hospitalisation.
Emergency evacuation costs, including helicopter rescue if required.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses include:
Bottled water, beverages and alcoholic drinks.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and specialty drinks beyond the standard meals included in the package.
Snacks, desserts and personal food purchases.
Phone calls, internet usage, battery charging and laundry.
Hot showers and other personal comfort services at teahouses.
Personal Equipment & Gear
Personal trekking equipment includes:
Sleeping bag.
Down jacket.
Trekking shoes and clothing.
Personal trekking equipment and accessories.
Gear can be hired upon request, subject to availability and additional charges.
Tips & Staff Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for trekking guides, porters, drivers and other support staff. Tips are Mandatory.
Additional & Unforeseen Expenses
The following situations may incur additional costs and are not included:
Additional hotel stays in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to transport delays, weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Additional transportation costs arising from itinerary changes or personal requests.
Room upgrades, early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
Costs arising from early departure from the trek due to personal reasons or medical evacuation.
Additional porter services or luggage carrying beyond the included allowance.
Any deviation from the planned itinerary initiated by the participant.
Expenses resulting from natural disasters, adverse weather, political disturbances or other unforeseen events.
No refunds will be provided for unused services once the trek has commenced, subject to the applicable booking terms and conditions.
General Clause
Any service, activity or expense not explicitly mentioned in the Inclusions section will be considered excluded.
Physical Fitness
Prior trekking experience is helpful, although fit beginners can undertake this trek with adequate preparation. Exercise regularly for at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, stair climbing and uphill hikes to improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
Strength & Endurance
Focus on building lower-body and core strength through exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups and planks. Practise walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs, as the route includes sustained ascents, descents and long stone staircases.
Mental Preparation
The trek involves consecutive walking days, changing weather and basic accommodation in mountain villages. Maintain a steady pace, be prepared for physically demanding sections and follow the trek leader’s instructions throughout the journey.
Acclimatisation & Altitude Awareness
Annapurna Base Camp lies at 4,130 metres. Walk at a comfortable pace, stay hydrated and allow your body time to adjust as you gain altitude. Inform your guide immediately if you experience a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not continue ascending if you develop symptoms that may indicate altitude sickness.
Clothing & Equipment
Carry appropriate trekking clothing for changing temperatures and weather conditions. Essential items include comfortable trekking boots, thermal layers, a warm insulated jacket, waterproof outerwear, gloves and suitable headwear. Break in your trekking boots before the trip.
Personal Essentials
Carry personal medication, a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, toiletries and reusable water bottles. Bring a suitable water-purification method and keep your travel documents and insurance details accessible.
Final Preparation
Before departure, confirm the itinerary, equipment requirements, travel documents and insurance coverage with the Boots & Crampons team. Ensure your travel insurance covers trekking to 4,130 metres and emergency medical evacuation, including helicopter rescue where available.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded Moderate. It involves several hours of walking each day, steep stone staircases, uphill sections and long descents. Good physical fitness and preparation are essential.
Annapurna Base Camp is located at approximately 4,130 metres above sea level. The route also passes Machhapuchhre Base Camp, at approximately 3,700 metres, before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The main trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring offers flowering rhododendron forests at lower elevations, while autumn often provides clear mountain views. Weather conditions can change, and the trek requires additional caution during winter and the monsoon.
This Boots & Crampons itinerary is planned for 11 days, including travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, trekking, and return transfers. The exact schedule depends on the confirmed route and prevailing conditions.
Prior experience is helpful but not compulsory for participants who are physically fit and adequately prepared. You should be comfortable walking for several consecutive days on uneven terrain, including steep ascents and descents.
The trail includes forest paths, stone staircases, suspension bridges, terraced villages and rocky mountain terrain. Higher up, the route becomes more exposed, and conditions can be cold and snowy depending on the season.
The package includes hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, along with teahouse accommodation during the trek. Teahouse facilities become more basic at higher elevations, and attached bathrooms may not be available at every stop.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trekking period as specified in the package. Breakfast is included with the stated hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Lunch and dinner in these cities are excluded unless specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Participants should carry or arrange a suitable sleeping bag and insulated jacket unless these are specifically included in their package. Rental equipment may be available through Summit Yak, subject to availability and additional charges.
Yes. Personal travel insurance is mandatory and should explicitly cover high-altitude trekking up to at least 4,130 metres, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, including helicopter rescue where available. Review the policy conditions before travelling.
Water is available at teahouses along the route. Participants should carry reusable water bottles and use an appropriate purification method before drinking untreated water. Bottled or boiled water may be available for an additional charge.
The package lists the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and applicable trekking permits under Inclusions. Confirm the exact documentation and current requirements with the Boots & Crampons team before departure.
Mobile network and Wi-Fi availability varies along the route. Some teahouses provide Wi-Fi and charging facilities for an additional fee, but connectivity may be limited or unavailable in certain locations.
Carry sufficient Nepalese rupees for personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, tips and other services not included in the package. Keeping a reserve for unforeseen expenses is also recommended.
Yes. Weather, trail conditions, accommodation availability and participant health may require itinerary adjustments. The trek leader will make decisions based on prevailing conditions and the group’s safety.
Yes, selected trekking equipment may be available for hire through Summit Yak. Contact the Boots & Crampons team in advance to confirm availability, rental charges, sizing and collection arrangements.
No. It is a high-altitude trek that follows established mountain trails and does not normally require technical mountaineering skills. However, the altitude, terrain and weather conditions still require suitable preparation and responsible decision-making.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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