About This Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a diverse and rewarding journey that begins in the lush foothills of Nepal, gradually ascending through terraced fields, dense rhododendron forests, and charming mountain villages. The trail passes through Chhomrong and into the Annapurna Sanctuary, where the landscape transforms into a dramatic alpine basin surrounded by towering peaks.
Along the way, trekkers experience a mix of cultural immersion and natural beauty, with steady altitude gain allowing for proper acclimatisation. As you approach Machapuchare Base Camp and eventually Annapurna Base Camp, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and awe-inspiring, offering close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. The return journey follows the same route, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the terrain and a gradual descent back into warmer, greener landscapes.
Why Trek This With Karan
This isn't a conveyor-belt Nepal trek where you're assigned to a batch of 30 and handed to a local agency. Every departure I lead is a custom group — your people, your dates, your pace. I manage the Nepal side end-to-end: logistics, permits, teahouse bookings, and a local support team I trust.
I lead this trek personally, with the same safety-first approach I bring to Himalayan expeditions — WFR trained, acclimatisation managed carefully, and zero pressure to summit if someone isn't ready. The Annapurna Sanctuary is beautiful, but it's still a high-altitude environment that deserves respect.
Who Is This For
- First-time Nepal trekkers with good fitness and some prior hiking experience
- Groups of 4–12 who want to experience Nepal together at their own pace
- People who want the Nepal high-mountain experience without technical climbing
- Anyone who has done Indian Himalayan treks and is ready for Nepal
You should be comfortable walking 5–8 hours per day over varied terrain. No technical climbing skills required. Prior high-altitude experience (3,000m+) is helpful but not mandatory.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then begin trekking through villages and forests to Ghandruk — a traditional Gurung village with sweeping views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
Trek through forested trails with increasingly impressive views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Chhomrong is the last major village before the Sanctuary — a good place to re-stock before the upper trail.
Descend steeply to the Chhomrong Khola river, then climb back up through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. The trail enters the Annapurna Conservation Area proper — fewer teahouses, more wilderness.
Gradual ascent through bamboo and alpine forest. The vegetation thins as you gain altitude, and the scale of the surrounding peaks begins to assert itself. Deurali marks the entrance to the upper Sanctuary.
The defining day. Pass through Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) and continue into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre enclosed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the iconic Machapuchare. Standing at ABC is one of the most extraordinary moments in Himalayan trekking.
Begin the descent, retracing the route through the Sanctuary. The mountain views shift perspective as you descend — equally spectacular from below. Overnight at Bamboo.
Continue descending through forest to Jhinu Danda. Optional stop at the natural hot springs — a well-earned reward after days at altitude. Last night on the trail.
Final trail day through villages and farmland to Nayapul, then drive back to Pokhara. Trek ends. Celebrate with a lakeside dinner.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Trek leadership by Karan (throughout)
- Local guide & porter support
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals on trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit & TIMS
- First aid kit & emergency oxygen
- Airport / hotel transfers in Pokhara
- Pre-trek briefing & kit guidance
Excluded
- International / domestic flights to Pokhara
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high altitude)
- Hotel in Pokhara (pre/post trek)
- Personal snacks, beverages, tips
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
Important Notes
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory
- This is a pre-monsoon window — expect some afternoon cloud and occasional rain; mornings are typically clear
- Minimum fitness: comfortable with 5–7 hour hiking days, carrying a day pack (5–7kg)
- Group size: 4–10 people (private departures)