Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN NEPAL
You will depart the UK for your Annapurna adventure! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today
DAY 2: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU
Free day to relax and explore Kathmandu.
DAY 3: DRIVE TO POKHARA
After breakfast we drive a winding road along a beautiful valley, passing the Trisuli and Seti rivers. The main feature of Pokhara is Phewa Tal (lake); the second-largest lake in Nepal. You’ll get to see panoramic views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east.
DAY 4: GHANDRUNG (1940M)
We will leave Pokhara at 7 am and drive a gradually ascending, winding road to Kade and Lumle, before the descent to Nayapul (1100m), about a 90-minute drive from Pokhara. Nayapul is situated on the bank of the Modi River. After making loads for the porter we’ll walk to Birenthati (1025 m) and climb gradually to Syauli Bazar. The trail then continues to climb to Ghandrung. This village is vibrant with government offices and many lodges; it also has excellent farmland. Many generations of the youth of this village have served in British and Indian armies in their Gurkha regiments.
Trekking time: approximately 6 hours
DAY 5: CHHOMRONG (2165M)
After breakfast the trek continues to Jhinu Danda where you’ll find Jhinu Hot Springs. You can visit these on the way back down on Day 11. From here it’s another hour uphill to Chhomrong. At Chhomrong, towering above the villages, is the magnificent peak of Annapurna South, with Machhapuchhare facing it across the valley.
Trekking time: approximately 6 hours
DAY 6: DOVAN (2714M)
You walk through the forest to Kuldighar. The track winds steeply up through deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to the village of Dovan.
Trekking time: approximately 6 hours
DAY 7: DEURALI (3171M)
Today the trail takes you up through the rhododendron forest along the banks of the Modi Khola to the Himalaya Hotel (2920m), stopping for lunch along the way. We may stop at the Hinku Cave, which used to be a storage depot and camp for the earlier Annapurna I expeditions. The trail then continues uphill along the jungle trail to Deurali (3200m).
Trekking time: approximately 4 hours
DAY 8: MACHHAPUCHHARE BASE CAMP (3537M)
The trek through the narrow Modi Khola valley will bring you to Machhapuchhare Base Camp. Here you’ll spend the day admiring the snow-covered peaks above and the beauty of the landscape around.
Trekking time: approximately 6 hours
DAY 9: ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4130M)
We have an early morning walk to Annapurna Base Camp, with its breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Himalayan range. Though the clouds roll in early, the curtain often lifts at sunset to reveal radiant, glowing peaks.
Trekking time: approximately 6 hours
DAY 10: TREK TO BAMBOO (2345M)
We’ll retrace our footsteps and descend 1700 metres to the bank of the Modi Khola, then continue to Bamboo at 2345 metres where there are teahouses and lodges. We’ll stay overnight at Bamboo.
Trekking time: approximately 5 – 6 hours
DAY 11: JHINU DANDU (1780M)
We once again retrace our footsteps and head to Chhomrong. Just past Kuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail then heads through rhododendron and bamboo fields and descends very steeply to the Jhinu Hot Springs, where we can bathe in the therapeutic natural hot springs and rest our weary muscles. There are panoramic mountain views of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna South and Annapurna II along with the Dhaulagiri mountain range. The unique Gurung and Magar cultures can also be observed.
Trekking time: approximately 6 – 7 hours
DAY 12: POTHANA (1890M)
After a hot spring wash and a good rest, we head to Pothana, another beautiful small Gurung village. Rhododendron slopes adorn this village from mid-April and there are many beautiful birds.
Trekking time: approximately 4 – 5 hours
DAY 13: DESCEND TO PHEDI AND RETURN TO KATHMANDU
We finish our trek today with a short hike down to Phedi. The trail descends through woods, villages and terraced fields, before meeting the road at Phedi. The drive back to Pokhara takes about 30 minutes. Our scheduled flight time back to Kathmandu is in the afternoon and is around 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel.
DAY 14: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU
Free day to relax and explore more of Kathmandu.
DAY 15: DEPART KATHMANDU
This marks the end of our Nepali adventure...alternatively, you could continue your adventure with a 3-day add-on to Chitwan National Park!
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 13 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 14 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 15 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Food on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is simple, hearty and designed to keep you fuelled for long days on the trail. Most meals are served in teahouses along the trekking route — cosy, family-run establishments that offer a taste of local Nepali hospitality as well as nourishing food.
Breakfast usually includes items like porridge, eggs, toast or chapati, along with hot tea or coffee to warm you up before you set off. Lunch and dinner often feature dal bhat (a traditional lentil and rice dish served with vegetables and pickles), vegetable curries, noodles or pasta, and occasionally meat for those who want it. Nepali food tends to be mild rather than spicy, wholesome and filling — just what you need after a big day of trekking.
Snacks like biscuits, chocolate, fruit and energy bars are readily available on the trail and make great refuelling between meals. Hydration is key at altitude, so plenty of tea, hot lemon or boiled water is recommended throughout your trek.
Overall, the food is modest, nourishing and comforting — not fine dining, but perfectly suited to the rugged terrain and altitude of the Annapurna region, and often a highlight of the shared teahouse experience with fellow trekkers.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is The Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is widely regarded as moderately challenging, and we usually rate it as Challenge Level 3.
This trek involves multiple consecutive days of walking, typically between 5–7 hours a day, across varied mountain terrain, including steep ascents and descents, uneven stone paths and high-altitude trails. The highest point you’ll reach is around 4,130 metres (13,550 ft) — high enough that altitude and thinner air will make the walking feel more demanding than at lower elevations.
The trek does not require technical climbing skills or specialised mountaineering equipment, but it does demand a good level of fitness, trekking experience and comfortable stamina. It’s important to prepare before you go with regular hill or stair training, and to allow time for proper acclimatisation in places like Pokhara and lower elevations on the route, so your body has time to adjust to the altitude.
You’ll carry a daypack, while porters can carry your main duffel, and the teahouse accommodation helps you rest and recover each evening. Experienced local guides lead and support you throughout, tailoring the pace to the group and helping with altitude management.
In short: the ABC trek is challenging but achievable for anyone who trains ahead of time, stays active, and is comfortable hiking for several hours over rugged mountainous terrain. The reward — a close-up view of the Annapurna Sanctuary and soaring Himalayan peaks — makes every step worthwhile.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes everything you need for a fully supported journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
- All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All transport within Nepal as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Experienced local trekking guides throughout the trip
- Porters to carry group equipment and supplies during the trek
- All included activities and excursions listed in the itinerary
- All meals during the trekking days, freshly prepared and provided at teahouses along the route
- All required trekking permits and national park entry fees
- A fully planned itinerary, including acclimatisation and rest days
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
International flights
Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover high-altitude trekking up to 4,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, charging devices, hot showers, Wi-Fi in teahouses and any optional activities.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Do I need a trekking permit?
You will – we will ask you for any necessary supporting documents/information and arrange it for you. The permit price is included in the base cost of the trip.
Can I drink the tap water?
No; we would also recommend you use treated/bottled water for teeth brushing. We recommend Water-to-Go for filtered water bottles.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
