Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre at 4,130m ringed by peaks on every side, via Poon Hill and Gurung villages.
A glacial bowl at 4,130m with Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre on every side
NTB-licensed guides from the Annapurna region — all permits and logistics handled for you
Dawn over Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m, one of Nepal's best viewpoints
Natural thermal springs on the Modi Khola — a real reward after 8 days of climbing
This is 14 days of trekking from Pokhara through Gurung villages, stone staircase climbs, rhododendron forest, and high alpine terrain to a glacial base camp at 4,130m. The trail goes via Ghorepani and Poon Hill before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary through Chhomrong. Daily walking runs 5 to 7 hours. The teahouse network is good throughout.
It is rated Challenging because the climbing is relentless, particularly the stone stair sections below Ghorepani and the 13km push to base camp on Day 8 above 3,700m. The altitude tops out below the level where serious problems typically develop, but physical preparation matters. Budget 6 to 8 weeks of regular cardio before you arrive.
If you are comparing this trek with the Annapurna Circuit, our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide breaks down the differences in detail.
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is free to rest, walk the neighbourhood, or sort any last gear. In the evening your guide runs a pre-trip briefing covering the full itinerary, what to expect on trail, and any questions before you leave for Pokhara in the morning.
The tourist bus departs Kathmandu early morning and follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to Pokhara. The journey takes 6 to 7 hours with a rest stop midway. Arrive in Pokhara by early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours — walk the lakeside, sort any final gear, and withdraw all the cash you will need for the trek. There are no reliable ATMs after Pokhara.
A private jeep from Pokhara drops you at Nayapul in roughly 1.5 hours. From here the trek begins along the Modi Khola river through Birethanti before the trail climbs steeply to Ulleri via hundreds of stone steps. It is a short but honest first day on trail. Your legs will know about it by the time you reach the teahouse.
A steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest with the trail gaining elevation consistently throughout the day. The stone staircase sections continue but the forest cover makes it cooler than yesterday. Ghorepani is a busy teahouse village with good food and clear mountain views on a clear day. Get to bed early — you are up before dawn tomorrow for Poon Hill.
Wake at 4am and climb one hour to Poon Hill at 3,210m for sunrise over Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Nepal and earns the early start. After breakfast back in Ghorepani the trail continues through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani, with mountain views opening and closing through the trees all day.
The trail descends steeply to Kimrong Khola before climbing back up to Chhomrong, a large Gurung village perched on a ridge with direct views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Chhomrong is the last permanent settlement before the Sanctuary. Stock up on snacks, charge your devices, and withdraw nothing — there are no shops beyond here worth mentioning.
A steep descent from Chhomrong crosses the Chhomrong Khola before the trail climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forest past Sinuwa and Kuldi. The vegetation gets denser and the valley narrower as you push deeper into the Sanctuary. Himalaya Hotel sits at the point where the forest starts giving way to alpine terrain. The mountains feel noticeably closer by the time you arrive.
The biggest day of the trek. The trail climbs through Deurali and past Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m before the final push into the Sanctuary. The terrain above MBC is exposed and can carry snow at any time of year. When the valley opens at Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre rise on every side. Take your time here.
After sunrise over the Annapurna massif, the descent begins back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali. The views on the way down are different from the climb you see the full scale of the Sanctuary walls more clearly going out than coming in. The trail follows the Modi Khola river down through alpine terrain back into forest. Dovan is a small, quiet stop after a big two days.
A long descent through bamboo and rhododendron forest following the Modi Khola back to Chhomrong. The legs are tired by this point but the trail is familiar and the elevation loss makes it manageable. Chhomrong feels like a different place on the way back — quieter, more settled. Good food, hot shower, and an early night before the final push to Jhinu tomorrow.
A steep descent from Chhomrong brings you to Jhinu Danda in about 2 hours. The natural hot springs sit on the bank of the Modi Khola and are exactly what 8 days of climbing deserves. Soak for as long as you like before the jeep picks you up for the 2 to 3 hour drive back to Pokhara. Arrive in time for a proper lakeside dinner.
A full free day in Pokhara after 8 days on trail. Sleep in, get a massage, walk the lakeside, or take a boat out on Phewa Lake with Annapurna South reflected in the water on a clear morning. The World Peace Pagoda is a worthwhile hour if your legs are up for one last climb. Most people just eat well and do very little. Both are correct.
The tourist bus departs Pokhara early morning for the 6 to 7 hour return journey to Kathmandu. Arrive mid-afternoon with time to clean up and rest before the farewell dinner in the evening. MountainKick hosts a traditional Nepali meal with your guide — a good moment to reflect on the trek before your departure tomorrow.
Your guide transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you have time before your flight, a final walk through Thamel is worth it. Allow at least 3 hours before departure for check-in and immigration.
ABC GUESTHOUSE
Twin-sharing rooms throughout. A comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on city nights, traditional Gurung-run teahouses on the trail — warm, simple, and well positioned for each day’s walking.
ABC GUESTHOUSE
Meals on the trail are pay as you go. Teahouse menus cover dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, momos, porridge and ginger tea. Dal bhat is always the right call — cooked fresh, refillable, and the most reliable option at any altitude. Above Chhomrong avoid meat as freshness cannot be guaranteed. Prices increase with altitude as everything is carried in by porter.
| Meals on trail | $25 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Wifi where available | $1 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $2 |
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The ABC trek is rated Challenging. You will walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 10 days on terrain that includes sustained stone stair climbs, river crossings, and high alpine paths above 3,700m. There is no technical climbing — no ropes, no ice axe. The difficulty is the relentlessness of it, particularly the stone steps between Nayapul and Ghorepani and the long push to base camp on Day 8.
The altitude tops out at 4,130m, which is well below EBC, but it still requires preparation. Anyone in good cardiovascular health who trains consistently for 8 to 10 weeks before the trip can complete this trek. Our trek difficulty guide shows where ABC sits against other Nepal routes.
When you book through a registered agency like MountainKick, a licensed guide is included and required. The Nepal government has moved toward mandatory guide regulations across major trekking routes since 2023, and enforcement at checkpoints has increased each season. Beyond the rules, a guide from the Annapurna region makes a genuine difference — they know the trail, monitor your health at altitude, and handle logistics so you can focus on walking.
Your MountainKick package includes a licensed, NTB-certified guide for the full 14 days.
One permit is required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs approximately $25 per person. MountainKick arranges this as part of your package. You will not need to queue at any permit office. TIMS is no longer actively enforced in the Annapurna region but we carry documentation regardless. Permits are checked at Birethanti on Day 3 and at several points as you ascend.
For current 2026 fees and permit rules read our Nepal trekking permits guide.
You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day with a daypack of 3 to 5kg. The stone stair climbs below Ghorepani and the long Day 8 to base camp are the hardest tests. Fitness does not prevent altitude sickness, but it makes every hour on trail easier.
Start training 8 to 10 weeks before departure. Build cardio through hiking, running or cycling three to four times a week. Include leg and core strength work twice a week and complete at least three practice hikes of 4 to 6 hours with a loaded pack. Stair climbing is the most specific preparation you can do for this route.
Altitude sickness can begin above 2,500m and ABC goes to 4,130m. The symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual fatigue. The main rules: ascend slowly, drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if symptoms appear. Descending even 300 to 500m brings fast relief.
Unlike EBC, the ABC itinerary does not include a dedicated acclimatization day, so pacing on Day 7 and Day 8 is important. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Our guides are trained in altitude recognition and carry an oximeter throughout the trek. For a full breakdown read our altitude sickness guide.
The two best seasons are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn brings stable weather, clear skies and sharp mountain views. Spring is warmer with rhododendron forests in full bloom between Ghorepani and Tadapani, making it the most visually striking season on this particular route.
Winter (December to February) is cold but quiet, with good visibility and far fewer trekkers. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended. Trails are muddy, leeches are active on the lower sections, and landslides occasionally close sections of the route.
MountainKick’s ABC trek starts at $820 per person for groups of 2 to 3. This covers your guide, porter, ACAP permit, all accommodation, tourist bus both ways, airport transfers, jeep to and from the trailhead, farewell dinner, and a duffel bag. Meals on trek are not included — budget $30 to $40 per day for food at teahouses.
On top of the package price budget for your international flights, Nepal visa ($50 for 30 days), travel insurance, personal gear and tips for your guide and porter. For a full breakdown read our Annapurna Base Camp trek cost guide.
Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and two nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara, both with private bathrooms and breakfast included. On the trail you stay in teahouses throughout — twin-sharing with shared facilities. Teahouses are simple, warm and run by local Gurung families.
Standards are comfortable from Nayapul to Chhomrong and more basic above Sinuwa. Expect shared bathrooms and thinner blankets the higher you go. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least minus 10 degrees regardless. Single supplement is available on request.
Withdraw all the cash you need in Pokhara before the trek begins. There are no ATMs on the trail. Budget $30 to $40 per day for meals, $3 to $5 for hot showers, $2 to $3 for device charging, and $1 to $3 for wifi where available. For a 10-day trek budget around $350 to $450 in cash plus a buffer.
Carry small denomination notes as change can be limited in higher teahouses.
Yes, and it is compulsory. Your policy must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 5,500m. A helicopter from the Annapurna region costs $2,000 to $4,000 and without proper insurance you pay that yourself. Make sure your policy also covers high-altitude trekking specifically — many standard policies exclude altitudes above 4,000m.
Print a hard copy and carry it on the trail. For a full guide on what to look for read our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking.
Budget $30 to $40 per day for meals during the trekking section (Days 4 to 12), approximately $350 for the full trek. Prices increase with altitude. Breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most teahouses are cash only so withdraw sufficient funds in Pokhara before the trek starts.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JUNE 2026 | ||||
| 13 Jun 2026 14 days | 26 Jun 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 20 Jun 2026 14 days | 3 Jul 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 27 Jun 2026 14 days | 10 Jul 2026 | available | $820 | |
| SEPTEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Sep 2026 14 days | 17 Sep 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 11 Sep 2026 14 days | 24 Sep 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 18 Sep 2026 14 days | 1 Oct 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 25 Sep 2026 14 days | 8 Oct 2026 | available | $820 | |
| OCTOBER 2026 | ||||
| 2 Oct 2026 14 days | 15 Oct 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 9 Oct 2026 14 days | 22 Oct 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 16 Oct 2026 14 days | 29 Oct 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 23 Oct 2026 14 days | 5 Nov 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 30 Oct 2026 14 days | 12 Nov 2026 | available | $820 | |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 6 Nov 2026 14 days | 19 Nov 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 13 Nov 2026 14 days | 26 Nov 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 20 Nov 2026 14 days | 3 Dec 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 27 Nov 2026 14 days | 10 Dec 2026 | available | $820 | |
| DECEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Dec 2026 14 days | 17 Dec 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 11 Dec 2026 14 days | 24 Dec 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 18 Dec 2026 14 days | 31 Dec 2026 | available | $820 | |
| 25 Dec 2026 14 days | 7 Jan 2027 | available | $820 | |
| MARCH 2027 | ||||
| 2 Mar 2027 14 days | 15 Mar 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 9 Mar 2027 14 days | 22 Mar 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 16 Mar 2027 14 days | 29 Mar 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 23 Mar 2027 14 days | 5 Apr 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 30 Mar 2027 14 days | 12 Apr 2027 | available | $820 | |
| APRIL 2027 | ||||
| 6 Apr 2027 14 days | 19 Apr 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 13 Apr 2027 14 days | 26 Apr 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 20 Apr 2027 14 days | 3 May 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 27 Apr 2027 14 days | 10 May 2027 | available | $820 | |
| MAY 2027 | ||||
| 4 May 2027 14 days | 17 May 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 11 May 2027 14 days | 24 May 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 18 May 2027 14 days | 31 May 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 25 May 2027 14 days | 7 Jun 2027 | available | $820 | |
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1280 |
| 2-3 | $820 |
| 4-9 | $760 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof hiking boots, high-ankle | 1 pair | Well broken in before arrival. Ankle support matters on the stone stair sections. |
| Hiking socks, merino wool | 4 to 5 pairs | Never cotton. Merino regulates temperature and resists odour across long days. |
| Camp sandals or flip flops | 1 pair | Essential for teahouse evenings. Your feet need a break after stone stairs all day. |
| Lightweight gaiters | 1 pair | Keeps mud, dust and light debris out of boots on the lower trail sections. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal base layer tops, merino or synthetic | 2 | Wear one, keep one dry. Never cotton at any altitude. |
| Thermal base layer bottoms | 1 to 2 | One set for sleeping, one for trekking in cold sections. |
| Fleece jacket or mid-layer | 1 | Primary warmth layer for evenings and cool mornings. |
| Down jacket, 600 fill or higher | 1 | Essential above Chhomrong. Worn every evening above 3,000m. |
| Waterproof jacket with hood | 1 | Used daily once above Ghorepani. Gore-Tex or equivalent. |
| Waterproof pants | 1 | Doubles as windproof layer on exposed sections above Deurali. |
| Trekking pants, quick-dry | 1 to 2 pairs | Quick-dry only. Jeans are never appropriate on this trail. |
| Lightweight t-shirts, moisture-wicking | 2 to 3 | For lower altitude trekking days where thermals are too warm. |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV is strong on open sections above Tadapani. Wide brim or cap both work. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | For the 4am Poon Hill start and cold evenings above 3,000m. |
| Liner gloves, touchscreen compatible | 1 pair | For phone and camera use without removing gloves on cold mornings. |
| Insulated gloves or mittens | 1 pair | Liner gloves alone are not enough above Machhapuchhre Base Camp. |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 1 to 2 | Protects against wind, dust and cold. Doubles as ear warmer or face cover. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack, 25 to 35L with rain cover | 1 | Rain cover is non-negotiable. This stays with you all day, every day. |
| Sleeping bag rated to minus 10 degrees | 1 | Teahouses provide blankets but a proper bag is needed above Chhomrong. |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Adds warmth and keeps rental bags cleaner throughout the trek. |
| Trekking poles, collapsible | 1 pair | Saves your knees on the stone stair descents. This is the most important item on this list. |
| Headlamp with extra batteries | 1 | For the Poon Hill pre-dawn start and power outages in teahouses. |
| Polarized sunglasses, Cat 3 | 1 | UV intensity increases significantly above 2,500m. |
| Water purification tablets or UV purifier | 1 | Saves money and reduces plastic. Teahouses sell boiled water cheaply. |
| Dry bags | 2 | One for electronics, one for documents inside your duffel. |
| Power bank, 10,000mAh minimum | 1 | Charging costs $2 to $3 per device at teahouses. A power bank saves money and stress. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Personal first aid kit | 2 | Include blister treatment, second skin, pain relief and any personal medication. |
| Water bottle, 1L wide-mouth | 1 to 2 | Handles boiling water from teahouses. Reduces plastic on trail. |
| Electrolyte powder sachets | 10 to 15 | Hydration at altitude is harder than it feels. Mix into water daily from Day 3. |
| High protein snacks | As needed | Trail mix, protein bars and nuts. Teahouse food is carb-heavy and portions shrink above Chhomrong. |
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 1 | Reapply every 2 hours on open sections. UV damage accumulates fast above 2,500m. |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Lips crack within 2 days above 3,000m without protection. |
| Insect repellent | 1 small | For lower trail sections between Nayapul and Chhomrong, particularly in warmer months. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry microfiber towel | 1 | Teahouses do not provide towels. |
| Pillowcase | 1 | Teahouse pillows are shared. A personal pillowcase is basic hygiene. |
| Hand sanitizer | 2 small | Use before every meal and after shared facilities. |
| Biodegradable wet wipes | 2 packs | Your main cleaning method above Sinuwa where showers are scarce. |
| Toilet paper | 2 to 3 rolls | Teahouses can run out. Carry your own and pack out used paper. |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 each | Travel size. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months minimum | 1 | Keep a photocopy stored separately from the original. |
| Passport photos | 2 extras | Occasionally required at permit checkpoints. |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover helicopter evacuation to 5,500m. Print a hard copy and carry it on trail. |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | Budget $30 to $40 per day for meals plus buffer for showers, wifi and charging. |
| Trek permit copies | 1 set | We handle the ACAP permit. Carry your copies at all times. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Ice cleats or Yaktrax | For icy sections above Deurali and around base camp after overnight frost. |
| Extra thermal base layer | A third set for the coldest nights at Annapurna Base Camp. |
| Balaclava | Full face protection for sub-zero wind chill on exposed sections above MBC. |
| Heavier insulated gloves | Upgrade from standard insulated gloves for temperatures below minus 10. |
| Hand warmers | Single-use packets for the Poon Hill pre-dawn start and base camp mornings. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty rain jacket and pants | Your standard waterproof jacket is not enough in sustained monsoon rain. |
| Leech socks | Essential from Nayapul to Chhomrong. Leeches are active on the lower forested sections. |
| Gaiters, full-length | Upgrade from lightweight gaiters for mud and river crossings. |
| Dry bags, extra | Waterproof everything — electronics, documents, spare clothes. |
| Insect repellent, full-size | More active insects throughout the lower trail in monsoon months. |
| Trekking poles with mud baskets | Standard rubber tips sink in mud. Mud baskets give grip on slippery sections. |
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel or Pokhara Lakeside. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A MountainKick duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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