How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

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 too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

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.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

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.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

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 the offseason. 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.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek

Accomodation

Teahouses
Maximum Altitude

4,130 meters
Best Season

Autumn and Spring
Tour type

Trekking
Meals

All Meals During the Trek
Fitness Level

Medium
Transportation

Domestic Flights
Walking Hours

5-6 Hours

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek combines two of the Annapurna region's most popular walks into one journey. You'll first climb through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then continue toward Chhomrong and follow the Modi Khola into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, beneath the towering peaks of the Annapurna range.

The trail passes through Gurung villages including Ghandruk and Chhomrong, where traditional stone houses, terraced fields, temples, and teahouses are part of everyday life. Chhomrong is the last permanent village on the route to Annapurna Base Camp, with smaller settlements such as Bamboo, Dovan, and Deurali further into the sanctuary.

The first part of the trek follows forested hills toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill, one of the region's best-known viewpoints. From Poon Hill, you can see a wide panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The route then climbs and descends through forest and mountain valleys before following the Modi Khola upstream toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here, the trail enters the open Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.

The trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, with rhododendron, bamboo, oak, and pine forests supporting Himalayan wildlife. You may encounter Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and Himalayan monal, although sightings are never guaranteed.

From the sunrise at Poon Hill to the mountains surrounding Annapurna Base Camp, the trek brings together village life, forest trails, and some of the finest mountain scenery in the Annapurna Himalayas.

Highlights

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp and spend a night in the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary.
Watch the sunrise from Poon Hill, with panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Trek through Ghorepani, surrounded by beautiful rhododendron forests.
Visit the traditional Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
Stay at Machhapuchhre Base Camp beneath the iconic Mt. Fishtail.
Enjoy close-up views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
Relax in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda after the trek.
Explore the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and wildlife of the Himalayas.
Experience the best of the Annapurna region, with mountains, forests, villages, culture, and classic Himalayan trails.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,310 meters)

Your adventure begins with touchdown at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Once you clear immigration and collect your bags, our airport representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and drive you to your hotel.

Your hotel is in the historic heart of Patan, on the southern side of the Kathmandu Valley, near Patan Durbar Square. Known for its temples, courtyards, artisans, and traditional Newari craftsmanship, Patan offers a quieter introduction to Kathmandu than the busy tourist areas.

Once you reach the hotel, check in and take some time to freshen up and recover from your journey. Later, your guide will meet you for a trek briefing that covers the route, accommodations, meals, walking hours, altitude, and other practical details for the days ahead.

In the evening, meet the rest of your trekking group for a welcome dinner at a local Nepali restaurant, with traditional food and cultural performances. If you arrive early, take a short walk around nearby streets and explore some of Kathmandu Valley's historic neighborhoods.

Overnight: Heritage/Boutique Hotel, Patan
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 :

Exploring Patan: Heritage, Food, and Trek Preparation (1,310 meters)

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a half-day walking tour through Patan's historic streets. Your morning begins at Patan Durbar Square, where you explore its temples, palace courtyards, and traditional Newari architecture.

From the main square, you'll head into the quieter parts of the old city, discovering hidden courtyards, bahals, bihars, shrines, and small temples tucked between narrow lanes. Patan is also renowned for its long tradition of metalwork, woodcarving, stone carving, and other Newari crafts. As you walk, you'll see artisans at work and catch a glimpse of the craftsmanship that has shaped the city for centuries.

After the heritage walk, you'll go on a local food tour. Rather than a single sit-down meal, you'll visit a few local spots around the old city to enjoy traditional Newari dishes, snacks, and sweets. After lunch, return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. Use the time to pack, shop, rest, or make your final preparations for the trek. If you need to buy or rent trekking gear, let your guide know. They can take you to a reliable outdoor shop and help you get everything sorted before you leave Kathmandu.

Overnight: Heritage/Boutique Hotel, Patan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 :

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 meters) - Duration: 25 Minutes

You'll begin the day with a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. On clear days, you'll enjoy majestic views of green hills and the Himalayan ranges stretching across the horizon.

Pokhara sits beneath the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) rising prominently above the city. The calm waters of Phewa Lake and the surrounding green hills give Pokhara a very different feel from Kathmandu.

After landing, your guide will transfer you to your hotel near Lakeside. Check in, freshen up, and take some time to settle in. The rest of the day is yours to explore the lakeshore, browse local shops and cafés, or simply relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 :

Drive to Hille and Trek to Ulleri (2,070 meters) - Duration: 6 Hours

Your first day on the trail begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara toward the foothills of the Annapurna region. The road winds through green hills, small settlements, and terraced farmland before reaching Hille. You'll leave the vehicle, assemble the trekking crew, and begin a gradual walk toward Ulleri.

From Hille, you'll climb steadily through hillside villages and farmland. The trail mostly follows stone staircases through dense rhododendron forests. As you gain altitude, the air grows cooler, and the views across the surrounding hills open up.

After several hours of walking, you'll reach Ulleri, a traditional hillside village nestled among forests and terraced fields. Settle into your teahouse and enjoy your first evening in the mountains.