The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the very heart of the Annapurna massif, to an amphitheatre ringed by frosty peaks piercing into a sapphire sky. The trek also takes you past the very foot of the endlessly fascinating “fish-tail” peak of Machhapuchhare.

This 13-day trek is an extension of the 9-day version, offering hikers a chance to start the trek in lush subtropical forests, stop over at Poon Hill for a more panoramic view of the entire Annapurna range, and explore colourful local villages and terraced fields along the way.

Day 1: Arrive in Nepal’s bustling capital of Kathmandu

The vast majority of visitors from around the world fly into Kathmandu, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or a company representative who will drive you to your hotel. After finalising your itinerary with your guide at the hotel and answering any remaining questions you might have, you are free to go explore the warrens of colourful alleyways and tourist attractions in downtown Kathmandu. Restaurants, bars and shops open till late during peak tourist seasons.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Tatopani (1110m)

It is a day-long drive – and a dramatic change of scenery – from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the subtropical forests of Tatopani (1110m/3642ft), a quiet township by the banks of the Kali Gandaki, a river from the north that cuts through the Himalayas to form one of the deepest gorges in the world.

After a satisfying dinner and before retiring for the night, visit a natural hot spring near your hotel for a soak.

Day 3: Trek from Tatopani to Shikha (1935m)

Setting off from Tatopani, trekkers will encounter a steep, 20-minute ascent of stone steps wedged into the hillside of Gharkola. The climb continues for another hour through dense forests, eventually leading to the top of a ridge: Durbindara. The views here are both stunning - and rewarding as trekkers look back down at the progress they have made and also look ahead, where Ghara sits higher up, and Shikha higher still. Fortunately, the inclined slope gently eases from this point, and trekkers will be able to enjoy the scenic climb with the Dhaulagiri massif to the west of the Annapurnas ever-present in the distant background. Finally, trekkers emerge into the large village of Shikha (1935m/6348ft).

Day 4: Trek from Shikha to Ghorepani (2830m) 

Setting off from Shikha, trekkers will notice as they climb a series of stone steps that many teahouses sit perched on higher elevations, offering glorious morning views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range blanketed in a halo of warm, golden light. Leaving Shikha proper, the ascent is gentle all the way through Phalate and into Chitre. Then, for the next 3-4 kilometres, it will be a steep climb all the way to Ghorepani (2830m/9285ft), accompanied by nothing but the quiet serenity of lush rhododendron forests and Dhaulagiri peeking through the canopy. Huffing and puffing, trekkers will eventually spot the welcoming gates of “Ghorepani Poon Hill” — one of the busiest villages on the entire circuit due to its world-class scenic views. Should one arrive before sunset, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhere are best viewed at this time.

Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani (2640m)

Day 5 will be the longest for trekkers, starting with a 1-hour trek to Poon Hill's summit (3210m/10532ft) in the wee hours of the morning. Headlamps are a must! This popular morning window offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri and the Annapurna massif. On a clear morning, even Manaslu is visible in the distance. Thus, trekkers will be able to admire three of the 10 highest peaks on earth: Annapurna I (10th-highest), Manaslu (8th) and Dhaulagiri I (7th). After summiting Poon Hill, we begin our long descent to Tadapani (2700m/8858ft). Thankfully mostly downhill, trekkers enjoy a pleasant walk through dense rhododendron and birch forests till Deurali comes into view, after which the trail drops quite sharply all the way to Banthanti. The final uphill to Tadapani takes roughly 40 minutes, which might feel particularly tough at the close of a long day. 

Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) 

Today's trail descends steeply through thick forests for roughly 2 kilometres, levelling out as trekkers approach Chuile (2300m/7546ft), then Siprong (1950m/6398ft), followed by Gurjung (2050m/6726ft), visible on the opposite slope below. From here, the path slopes upwards, passing waterfalls and beautiful terraced fields till Chhomrong (2170m/7119ft) comes into view.

Day 7: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m)

Past the terraced slopes of Chhomrong, trekkers now face the daunting ravine between Chhomrong and Sinuwa. To cross, trekkers first enter dense bamboo forests, before descending 260m and ascending 370m, arriving at Lower Sinuwa. Reaching Upper Sinuwa (2340m/7677ft) is a short 150m uphill hike, where Dovan and even Deurali may be seen in the far distance on a clear day. The forests beyond this point fall into the protection of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), thus it is important to be mindful of the diverse flora and fauna of the area. We then trek uphill through dense oak and rhododendron trees till we reach Kuldhigar (2540m/8333ft), where there is an ACAP check post. Finally, trekkers descend through lush bamboo forests and down stone steps, trailing into the aptly named Bamboo (2310m/7579ft).

Day 8: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3200m) 

The trail narrows into thick forests as trekkers navigate the path, gradually ascending the 2 kilometres to Dovan (2600m/8530ft). Trekkers then proceed through a lush rhododendron forest, where they will pass the Baraha Temple dedicated to the local god of the land, believed to be the protector of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Up ahead, lies Himalaya (2900m/9514ft). From here on out, the forest falls away to reveal a rockier terrain, and a few sections require careful footing and navigation. Eventually, Hinku Cave comes into view, a massive rocky overhang that marks the final point before the precarious crossing to Deurali; this trail isn't just rocky, it's also overrun by streams, so trekkers are advised to proceed over the small bridges with care. Finally, we arrive at Deurali (3200m/10500ft). 

Day 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)

This section of the trail is particularly exciting — with steep trails and avalanche-prone areas. Through Bagar and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), trekkers are flanked by Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and the Machhapuchhre massif, as though entering an entirely different world in the lap of the Himalayas. Trekking to MBC (3700m/12140ft) takes about 1.5 hours, after which over the course of another 2 hours, trekkers would have successfully made it to the highlight of this trek — Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13550ft). With this first close look at the staggering Annapurna massif. Standing small under the gaze of towering peaks offers a particular connection to nature that cannot be meaningfully described in words, only felt.

Day 10: Explore Annapurna Base Camp, then trek down to Dovan (2600m)

Before beginning the long descent, trekkers may admire the stunning morning views of the Himalayas from this high vantage point. Then, we will retrace our steps back to Dovan. Although a relatively undemanding walk, sections of slippery, rocky terrain might prove slightly difficult heading downhill.

Day 11: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda (1760m) to enjoy some hot springs

The descent continues, retracing our steps back through Bamboo, Sinuwa, and eventually Chhomrong. The back-tracking ends here, however, as we branch off at Taulung to Jhinu Danda (1760m/5774ft), known for their hot springs (a brisk 20-minute walk away), a worthy objective at the close of an unforgettable trek.

Day 12: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Syauli Bazar, then drive to Kathmandu

The most relaxing day by far as trekkers slowly descend to the charming village of Syauli Bazar (1140m/3740ft) where they will be driven back to Kathmandu.

Day 13: Goodbye – for now

Bid farewell to your guide or even travel mates as you are being driven to the airport for your departure from Nepal. We look forward to your return some day!