Trip Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal, renowned for its spectacular Himalayan scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Among the region’s many trekking routes, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a favorite for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without committing to a high-cost trekking package.
The 13 Days Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek is designed for travelers looking for an affordable and enjoyable way to explore the Annapurna region. The trek combines beautiful mountain scenery, traditional villages, lush rhododendron forests, terraced hillsides, and warm local hospitality while staying in comfortable teahouse lodges along the route.
The journey begins from Pokhara and follows the scenic trekking trails toward Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130 meters. Depending on the itinerary, the trail passes through traditional villages and beautiful forests before reaching Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The early-morning sunrise from Poon Hill is one of the highlights of the trek, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
From Ghorepani, the trail continues through forests and mountain villages toward Chhomrong and eventually to Annapurna Base Camp. As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes from lush green hills and forests to rugged alpine terrain surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks in the Annapurna Himalayas.
One of the advantages of the Budget ABC Trek is that accommodation is provided in local teahouse lodges along the trekking route. These lodges offer simple and comfortable rooms and provide an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle while keeping the overall trekking cost reasonable. Choosing a budget trekking package does not necessarily mean sacrificing the essential services and support needed for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Another memorable experience is visiting the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after the trek. The hot springs provide a relaxing opportunity to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. According to local Hindu belief, bathing in the sacred hot spring is associated with spiritual purification and the washing away of sins.
The 13 Days Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience one of Nepal's classic Himalayan trekking routes. With spectacular mountain views, diverse landscapes, traditional villages, rhododendron forests, Poon Hill sunrise, Annapurna Base Camp, and Jhinu hot springs, this trek offers a rewarding Himalayan experience at a comparatively affordable cost.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-time visitor to the Nepal Himalayas, the Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek provides an opportunity to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the Annapurna region while keeping your trekking expenses manageable.
The 13 Days Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an affordable and rewarding journey through the spectacular Annapurna region of Nepal. This classic trek combines beautiful Himalayan scenery, traditional mountain villages, lush rhododendron forests, terraced hillsides, and the unforgettable experience of reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara before continuing by road to Nayapul, where the trekking journey starts. The trail passes through traditional villages and beautiful forests, gradually ascending toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The sunrise from Poon Hill offers magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and is one of the highlights of the journey.
From Ghorepani, the trail continues through rhododendron forests and mountain settlements to Tadapani, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Deurali before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks, Annapurna Base Camp provides an unforgettable mountain experience.
The return journey follows a different section of the trail through Bamboo and Chhomrong before descending to Jhinu Danda. Here, you can relax at the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola River. According to local Hindu belief, bathing in these sacred hot springs has spiritual significance and is associated with purification.
Accommodation throughout the trekking portion is provided in local teahouse lodges, offering a simple and comfortable experience while helping keep the overall cost affordable. The trek is designed for travelers who want to experience the Annapurna Base Camp route while maintaining a reasonable budget.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After checking in and refreshing, you will receive a short briefing about the trek and the necessary preparations.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not included
Today, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. The journey covers approximately 200–210 km and generally takes around 6–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
After arriving in Pokhara, you will have free time to relax or explore the Lakeside area around Phewa Lake. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, walk along the lakeside, or explore some of Pokhara's popular attractions.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take a short private vehicle ride from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek.
After completing the necessary preparations, the trail begins with an easy walk toward Birethanti along the Modi Khola. After the required trekking permit and conservation-area formalities, the trail continues through beautiful countryside and traditional villages.
The route follows the Bhurungdi Khola through peaceful rural landscapes before reaching Tikhedhunga.
Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Tikhedhunga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is one of the more challenging uphill sections of the trek. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail climbs steeply toward Ulleri, mainly through a long series of stone steps.
From Ulleri, the trail continues through beautiful rhododendron forests and gradually climbs toward Ghorepani. During spring, the forests can be particularly beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
Ghorepani is situated on a scenic mountain ridge and offers impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Ghorepani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early in the morning, you will hike to Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Annapurna region. The viewpoint is particularly popular for sunrise, when the first light illuminates the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
After enjoying the mountain views and taking photographs, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The trek then continues through beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests toward Deurali before following the trail toward Tadapani.
The route includes several ascents and descents, making this another scenic and rewarding day of trekking.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Tadapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The day begins with a descent through the forest toward the Kimrong Khola. After crossing the river, the trail continues through beautiful mountain scenery toward Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is one of the major villages on the Annapurna Base Camp trail and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. From Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply before continuing toward Sinuwa.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Sinuwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you will continue along the trail through lush forests toward Bamboo and Dovan. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley and gradually gains altitude.
Continuing through the forest and mountain valley, you will pass Himalaya before reaching Deurali. As you gain altitude, the surrounding landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Deurali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is the highlight of the trek as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp.
The trail continues through the Modi Khola valley toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), also known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp. After a short rest, you will continue toward Annapurna Base Camp.
As you approach the sanctuary, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering Himalayan peaks surrounding the trail. Upon reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, you will have time to enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama.
The walking pace will be adjusted according to your condition, particularly because of the increasing altitude.
Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge at Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early to enjoy the spectacular mountain surroundings before beginning the descent.
The trail retraces the route through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali before continuing downhill through the forest. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation gradually becomes greener.
You will continue along the Modi Khola valley before reaching Bamboo for the overnight stay.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Bamboo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, the trail continues toward Sinuwa before descending and ascending through the forest toward Chhomrong.
After passing through Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply toward Jhinu Danda, a popular stopping point on the Annapurna Base Camp route.
After checking into the lodge, you can walk approximately 15–20 minutes downhill to the natural hot springs beside the river. The warm water provides an excellent opportunity to relax after several days of trekking.
The hot springs also have cultural and religious significance for local people. According to Hindu belief, bathing in the sacred water is associated with spiritual purification.
After enjoying the hot springs, you will return to the lodge for the night.
Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Jhinu Danda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, you may have another opportunity to visit the hot springs, depending on your preference and the day's schedule.
You will then continue trekking toward Nayapul. From Nayapul, a private vehicle will take you back to Pokhara.
After arriving in Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the evening around the Lakeside area.
Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Today, you will return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. The journey generally takes around 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
After arriving in Kathmandu, you will have free time to relax or explore Thamel.
In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell Nepali dinner accompanied by a traditional cultural performance.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is the final day of your Nepal adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time until your departure.
Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your international flight.
Meals: Breakfast
The 13 Days Budget Annapurna Base Camp Trek package includes the following services:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) required for the trek.
TIMS card and administrative support for the required trekking documentation.
Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
Private vehicle transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul, the trekking starting point.
Private vehicle transportation from Nayapul to Pokhara after completing the trek, as applicable to the itinerary.
Accommodation in teahouse lodges during the trekking portion of the journey.
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara as specified in the itinerary.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as specified in the itinerary.
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking journey and as specified in the itinerary.
Three cups of tea or coffee per day during the trekking portion of the journey.
Seasonal fresh fruit during the trekking portion of the journey, where available.
Experienced, licensed, English-speaking trekking guide throughout the trek, including the guide's salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
Poon Hill viewpoint entry fee.
Transportation within Pokhara required for the scheduled connection between the hotel and tourist bus station, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation from the Kathmandu tourist bus station to the hotel upon returning from Pokhara.
Trekking completion certificate issued upon successful completion of the trek.
Government taxes, applicable VAT, and official service charges related to the included services.
International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees.
Bottled water and bottled beverages, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Hot showers, Wi-Fi/internet, and battery charging fees at teahouses and lodges, where applicable.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing, including trekking boots, jackets, sleeping bags, backpacks, and other personal gear.
Personal expenses not specifically mentioned under the included services.
Travel and trekking insurance, including emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitude and emergency evacuation.
Tips for the trekking guide and other personal service gratuities. Tipping is a customary and appreciated practice in Nepal and is entirely at the discretion of the traveler.
Any additional expenses caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as flight or road delays, natural disasters, landslides, strikes, political disturbances, weather-related disruptions, or changes to the itinerary requested by the traveler.
This is a budget trekking package designed to provide the essential services required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek at a reasonable cost. Accommodation is provided in local teahouse lodges, and facilities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging may be available at an additional charge depending on the lodge.
The itinerary may be adjusted when necessary due to weather, trail conditions, local circumstances, or the safety and well-being of the trekkers.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking