A moderate 14-day trek from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m, with Poon Hill sunrises, rhododendron forest and a glacial basin ringed by Himalayan peaks.
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
4,130 m / 13,549 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
Max 8 trekkers
Region
Annapurna Region, Nepal
Best Season
Spring · Autumn
Accommodation
Teahouse & hotel
Meals
All meals on trek
Transport
Coach / jeep / flight
Dates & Prices
Choose your date
All dates are guaranteed departures — we never cancel for low numbers. Book online or send a quick enquiry.
YearMonth
11 departures · 2026
Aug
11
Aug 11, 2026 — Aug 24, 2026
Guaranteed departure — from 2 trekkers
Available
USD1,120
per person
Aug
25
Aug 25, 2026 — Sep 7, 2026
Guaranteed departure — from 2 trekkers
Available
USD1,120
per person
Sep
8
Sep 8, 2026 — Sep 21, 2026
Guaranteed departure — from 2 trekkers
Available
USD1,120
per person
Sep
22
Sep 22, 2026 — Oct 5, 2026
Guaranteed departure — from 2 trekkers
Available
USD1,120
per person
Oct
6
Oct 6, 2026 — Oct 19, 2026
Guaranteed departure — from 2 trekkers
Available
USD1,120
per person
Can’t find a suitable date? We run private departures on any date with as few as 2 trekkers.
Trip Overview
About the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 14-day lodge-to-lodge trek to a glacial basin at 4,130 m (13,549 ft), ringed by the peaks of the Annapurna massif in north-central Nepal. Trekkers call this basin the Annapurna Sanctuary, and it sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's first and largest protected area at 7,629 km², roughly five percent of the country.
Annapurna I anchors the skyline at 8,091 m, the tenth-highest mountain on earth and long regarded as its deadliest 8,000-metre peak. The massif is not a single mountain but a 55 km range of thirteen summits above 7,000 m and sixteen more above 6,000 m, among them Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the unclimbed Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) at 6,993 m. The conservation area shelters 1,226 species of flora and fauna, including 195 mammals and 518 birds.
The route climbs from the subtropical valleys near Pokhara through Gurung villages and the rhododendron forests above Ghorepani, pauses for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill (3,210 m), then follows the Modi Khola into the Sanctuary itself. It is a moderate trek with no technical climbing, but it has several long days of stone-step ascent and a high point where altitude matters.
A licensed guide is mandatory in Nepal as of 2023, and no prior trekking experience is required; a month of cardio beforehand is enough for most people. The sections below cover difficulty, permits, seasons, food and everything else to settle before you go.
Last updated June 2026
Trip Highlights
Highlights
1
Reach the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m, ringed by 7,000 and 8,000-metre peaks
2
Watch sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
3
Walk through Nepal's largest rhododendron forest above Ghorepani
4
See the unclimbed Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), 6,993 m, up close
5
Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way down
6
Trek the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's first and largest protected area
Day by Day
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary: 14 Days
Tap any day to expand — altitudes, walking times, meals, and overnight details for every stage of the journey.
Your trek begins at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Swotah representative meets you and drives you to your hotel by private car. Once you have settled in, your guide runs a pre-trek briefing, checks your gear and answers any last questions. The rest of the day is free to rest before the early start.
Sleep at 1,400 m
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
An early drive heads west on the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, 200 km from Kathmandu and 6 to 8 hours by road, or a 25-minute flight as an upgrade. Pokhara, the City of Lakes at 822 m, is the gateway to the Annapurna region and sits beside Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre skyline. The lakeside has cafes and boats for the evening once you arrive.
Sleep at 822 mBreakfast
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
A two-hour drive on the Baglung Highway reaches the trailhead at Birethanti (1,039 m) near Nayapul. The walking starts here, following the Bhurungdi Khola through Tikhedhunga before the long stone staircase up to Ulleri (2,050 m), a Gurung and Magar village of slate-roofed houses. The day covers about 9 km with a 1,000 m climb, around 3 to 4 hours of trekking.
9.0 km~4.0 h walkingSleep at 2,050 mBreakfastDinner
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
From Ulleri the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron and oak forest, passing the small settlements of Banthanti and Nangethanti. Ghorepani (2,860 m) is an old trading post turned trekking hub on a forested ridge, named for the horse-watering stop it once was. The 6 to 7 hour day opens up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri. Overnight in Ghorepani.
~7.0 h walkingSleep at 2,860 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
A pre-dawn climb of about an hour reaches Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, the finest viewpoint of the trek. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, the trail crosses forested ridges through Banthanti to Tadapani (2,630 m), 5 to 6 hours of up-and-down walking under dense oak and rhododendron.
~6.0 h walkingSleep at 2,630 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The trail drops from Tadapani through forest and the Gurung village of Gurjung, crossing the Kimrong Khola on a suspension bridge before a steep climb to Chhomrong (2,170 m). This large Gurung village sits at the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, with close views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. About 6 hours of walking, with a long staircase to finish.
~6.0 h walkingSleep at 2,170 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
From Chhomrong the route descends to the Chhomrong Khola, then climbs through Sinuwa, Bamboo and Dovan into the Modi Khola gorge, where moss-draped trees and waterfalls line the trail. The forest thins toward Himalaya (2,920 m), a small cluster of lodges beneath steep walls. A long 7 to 8 hour day of steady gain. Overnight at Himalaya.
~8.0 h walkingSleep at 2,920 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The trail climbs out of the forest past Hinku Cave to Deurali (3,200 m), then up the open glacial valley to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and on into the Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, the high point of the trek. The peaks ring the basin on all sides. About 6 to 7 hours, with the air noticeably thinner. Overnight at ABC.
~7.0 h walkingSleep at 4,130 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp lights up Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, the reward for the climb. After breakfast the trail retraces the valley past MBC and Deurali, dropping back through rhododendron and bamboo forest to Bamboo (2,310 m). A long descent of about 7 to 8 hours.
~8.0 h walkingSleep at 2,310 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The trail continues down the Modi Khola through Sinuwa and below Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), 6 to 7 hours of mostly downhill walking. A short, steep path below the village reaches the natural hot springs on the riverbank, a welcome soak after the high days (a small entry fee applies). Overnight in Jhinu.
~7.0 h walkingSleep at 1,780 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
An easy 4 to 5 hour walk follows the Modi Khola down through terraced fields and villages to the road head at Syauli Bazaar (1,220 m), where the trek ends. From here a jeep drives to Pokhara, joining the highway for the last stretch, about 3 to 4 hours in all. The evening is free by the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.
~5.0 h walkingSleep at 822 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
A morning drive returns to Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway, about 200 km and 6 to 8 hours through the hills along the Trishuli River, with stops for lunch. The rest of the day is free in the city. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfast
Tonight’s stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
A free day for the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the temple of Pashupatinath, the great stupa of Boudhanath, and the old royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan or Bhaktapur. The evening is yours in the Thamel district. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfast
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
Your trek ends today. A Swotah representative transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. If you would like to extend your stay or add another trip, we are glad to help arrange it.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfast
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
What’s included
What's included
Every cost on the trail is broken out below — no hidden fees, no surprises at the trailhead.
Included
11 items
Airport transfers
Medical kit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card and all necessary paperwork
All applicable government tax
Available accommodation during the trek
All meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu from a professional guide
Transportation as per the itinerary, as per the number of pax
Deluxe rooms in standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin/double sharing with breakfast
Authorized English-speaking guide with porters (one porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 20-25 kg)
All expenses for staff: meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, and transportation.
Not included
9 items
Travel and rescue insurance
Entrance fee(s) during sightseeing
International flights; Nepalese visa fee
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Excess baggage charge(s) for the domestic flight
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
Private vehicle upgrades: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu: $200 for 3 pax (Flight Upgrades: $260 pe person roundtrip)
How Hard Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded moderate. There is no technical climbing, but long days on stone steps and a high point of 4,130 m make altitude the main challenge.
▲Moderate. 5-7 hr days, max altitude 4,130 m. No experience needed; a month of cardio helps. The gradual profile keeps altitude-sickness risk lower than the Annapurna Circuit.
Overall Rating
4
Moderate
out of 10 · physical effort scale
Walking hours/day~6.4 hrs
Max altitude4,130 m
Trekking days9 days
Total distance~9 km
Trip Details
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Permits, Food, Accommodation & Safety
In-depth guides on accommodation, food, permits, insurance and special considerations — tap any topic to expand.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded moderate: there is no technical climbing, but the route gains and loses height all day and tops out at 4,130 m (13,549 ft), where thinner air becomes the main challenge. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the body's reaction to low oxygen at altitude, and it can begin above roughly 2,500 m with headache, broken sleep, loss of appetite and nausea.
Most trekkers feel it mildly or not at all, because the profile climbs gradually and you sleep lower than the highest point reached each day. Two rarer and serious forms exist: HAPE affects the lungs and HACE the brain, and both need immediate descent. Days run 5-7 hours on stone steps and valley trail, so a month of cardio (running, cycling or hill walking) makes the trek far more comfortable. Swotah guides set an acclimatisation pace, watch for symptoms and carry a first-aid kit; drinking 3-4 litres of water a day is the simplest prevention.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two peak seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, bracketing the summer monsoon and the cold winter. Spring brings stable weather, dry trail and the rhododendron bloom that fills the forests below Ghorepani, with daytime highs at altitude rising from about 4°C in March to 14°C in May.
Autumn follows the monsoon with the clearest skies of the year and the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, though trails and lodges are busy and prices climb. The summer monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain, leeches, slippery trail and clouded peaks. Winter (December to February) brings snow, quiet trails and sharp cold, with night temperatures below -14°C and some Sanctuary teahouses closed. The season cards above give month-by-month temperature ranges.
Two permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and both are checked at posts along the trail. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, costs NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and the fee funds conservation inside the protected area.
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, run by the Nepal Tourism Board, costs NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC and NPR 1,000 for SAARC trekkers and records who is on the trail for safety; an electronic version, E-TIMS, now exists. Both are issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Swotah arranges them for you once you send a passport copy and photos, so bring a passport valid for at least six months. Exact rupee amounts shift slightly with the exchange rate.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the teahouse, a family-run trekking lodge with twin rooms and a shared dining hall. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you choose from comfortable to luxury hotels; on the trail one rule holds, that the higher you climb, the more basic and the pricier the room.
Lower villages have hot showers and both Asian and European toilets, while near Annapurna Base Camp only a handful of lodges operate, with simple twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Swotah books twin-share rooms for trekkers on our tours, and because rooms fill fast in peak season we reserve ahead. Camping is possible but unnecessary on this route, since lodges sit at every stage, though we can arrange a camp at the Sanctuary on request.
Food on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is teahouse cooking, and dal bhat (lentil soup, rice and vegetable curry) is the staple because it is fresh, refillable and built for trekking. Menus also run to Thakali sets, fried rice, noodles, momos, pasta, pancakes and porridge, with hot drinks from masala tea to mustang coffee.
Meat is best avoided high up and is forbidden inside the Sanctuary, where the Gurung community holds the valley sacred. Swotah includes three meals a day while trekking. For water, aim for 3-4 litres a day to help prevent altitude sickness, and treat it rather than drinking untreated stream water: boiled water is sold at every teahouse, and purification tablets, a filter or a UV pen all work. Carry a reusable bottle to cut plastic waste on the trail.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins with the 200 km road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the lakeside city that is the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara a 2-3 hour drive reaches the trailhead near Birethanti and Nayapul, where the walking starts.
Swotah runs this leg on a customisable basis: a standard tourist coach, an upgrade to a private jeep, or a 25-minute domestic flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara for trekkers short on time or prone to motion sickness. Mountain roads in Nepal are slow and exposed to monsoon landslides and ongoing repair, so we plan realistic drive times. The new Pokhara International Airport adds another arrival option that folds into the itinerary.
A licensed guide is mandatory on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, a rule the Nepal Tourism Board introduced in spring 2023. Swotah's guides hold trekking licences from the Ministry of Tourism, have completed Nepal Mountaineering Association training, and have years of trail experience reading weather and altitude.
A porter is optional but makes the trek lighter and safer. One porter carries 20-25 kg (44-55 lb), and we cap loads at that weight because porters face the same altitude as trekkers. Portering is also the entry route into guiding, so the support staff on the trail are often guides in training. Swotah provides a free 100 L duffel that porters carry, while you walk with a 25-30 L daypack holding water, snacks, documents and a layer.
Mobile coverage reaches most of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which is a commercial eco-tourism route rather than a remote one. Two carriers cover the trail: Nepal Telecom (NTC), the state operator, tends to hold signal best at higher elevations, while Ncell, the main private network, is stronger lower down.
Both sell tourist SIMs with 4G for about USD 1-6 plus a data plan, and Swotah provides a SIM to trekkers. Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi, free or for a small charge, though the shared bandwidth runs slow up high. Electricity is available at every overnight teahouse, and charging a phone or camera costs a few rupees per device higher up; a power bank or small solar charger is a useful backup for cold nights, when batteries drain fast.
Layering is the core principle for packing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, because you cross from subtropical valley to near-freezing nights at 4,130 m on a single route. The essentials are thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer, a down jacket and a waterproof, windproof shell, plus broken-in trekking boots, several pairs of wool and liner socks, and trekking poles for the long stone descents.
Add a four-season sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen for the strong mountain sun, a warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter, and a basic first-aid and blister kit. Wool hats, gloves and sweaters are cheap to buy in Thamel before you leave. Swotah supplies a free 100 L duffel for the porter, so keep your daypack to documents, water, snacks, a charger and one warm layer.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek suits a wide range of trekkers, from first-timers to families, because the route is moderate, lodge-based and free of technical climbing. No previous trekking experience is required, though a month of cardio beforehand helps on the long step days.
Older trekkers complete the route regularly with sensible pacing, the right team and careful acclimatisation. Children over the age of two can trek with extra care around altitude and safety, while under two is not advised. Nepal is among the safer destinations in the region for solo and women trekkers, and the Annapurna trail in particular sees a steady flow of female trekkers and positive reports. Nepal also legally recognised same-sex marriage in 2023, and Swotah welcomes all trekkers.
Responsible trekking keeps the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's first protected area, intact for the communities who live inside it. Carry a reusable bottle and treat your own water rather than buying plastic, respect the meat ban inside the Sanctuary, and follow your guide's lead at sacred sites and around Machhapuchhre, the peak the Gurung community holds holy and keeps unclimbed.
Tipping is customary though not mandatory: a common guideline is 10-15% of the trip cost, shared among the guide, porter and driver who work the season. Tips go directly to the workforce that makes the trek run and help keep trained guides in the country. Booking with a registered operator like Swotah also means permits, staff insurance and fair porter loads are handled properly.
What to pack
What to pack
The full kit list. Anything we loan (sleeping bag, down jacket) is called out — bring everything else.
✓100L duffel bag (carried by porter)
✓Daypack (25-30L)
✓Dry bag or rain cover
✓Packing cubes
Meet The Team
Our Guides for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Experienced local guides who know every trail, village, and viewpoint on this route.
Everything trekkers ask before booking. Don't see yours? Tap Enquire — we usually reply within a few hours.
Yes, solo travellers are welcome. As of 2023 a licensed guide is mandatory for trekking in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, so you trek with a Swotah guide rather than entirely alone, but you do not need to bring your own group. Solo trekkers either join a scheduled departure or trek privately with their own guide and porter.
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is moderately difficult, but walking 5-8 hours a day can be somewhat strenuous. However, anyone with little trekking experience and adequate stamina and determination can complete this trek.
Yes, anyone with few hiking experiences and decent endurance and stamina can do this trek.
No, Annapurna Base Camp is not harder than Everest Base Camp, considering the evident difference in elevation; Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), and Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, resulting in low risks of altitude sickness.
Definitely. Annapurna Base, a life-altering experience between the dominating peaks, quaint little villages, and diverse ethnic groups, becomes worth it.
Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 4,130 meters (approximately 13,550 feet).
It depends on altitude and season. At Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), spring and autumn days are mild but nights commonly fall to around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, and winter nights are colder. Lower villages such as Ghorepani and Chhomrong stay milder. Bring a warm down layer and a sleeping bag rated to about -10 degrees Celsius for the high nights.
The two best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings stable weather and the rhododendron bloom below Ghorepani; autumn follows the monsoon with the clearest skies of the year. The June to August monsoon brings rain and leeches, and winter (December to February) is cold with snow on the upper trail and some Sanctuary teahouses closed.
Autumn, from late September to November, has the clearest mountain views and the most stable weather, with October the single most popular month. Spring (March to May) is the next best window and adds the rhododendron bloom. Both avoid the summer monsoon and the deep winter cold.
The journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, continuing to Birethanati, where the trek officially begins.
Trekking is a tiresome activity that requires a lot of physical movement so pack your active wears and trekking pants for at lower altitudes. Weather at high altitude is unpredictable so carry a lightweight waterproof jacket along with thick down jacket, pant, and thermal innerwear t to escape the severe cold. Needless to say that, Good shoes are very important for trekking in rough and snowy terrain, so invest on good quality shoes or rent it from us at a minimum price. As you are trekking in remote village try to wear modest clothes to quickly gel up with the local people without hesitation.
Insurance is highly recommended when trekking through unpredictable Himalayas and rugged terrain, with minimal healthcare resources,
To confirm your booking, a deposit of 15% of total trip amount is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made between 100-364 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip. If payment is made between 99-60 days, 25% of the total trip amount will need to be paid and if booked between 59-30 days, 50% of the total trip amount needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 29 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.
We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.
We contact the lodge/guest house owner for reservation of the room before trekking on a particular day. On other days, porters will reach the destination on advance and book the rooms for you. But there are always going to be exceptions. Even in those cases, we may have to be flexible about very basic sleeping arrangements. We always try to make sure that we have everything well arranged.
If you need extra day to complete the trekking, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guides' schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.
We customize the trip according to your preference but if you need to change plan during the trek consult the guide.
Yes, our representative will be there to greet you at the airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep.
Yes, there is going to be a small orientation/briefing program before we embark on our adventure by the tour manager, leader/guide.
For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, on their request.
ABC is very popular trekking region among the trekkers hence this region provides a wide range of delicious western meals like Pasta, noodles, pizzas, bread, soup etc. potatoes grown in this region are very delicious which is loved by all the trekkers. Dal Bhat (Rice, Lentils and Vegetables) are a great way to gain energy for the strenuous trek.
The teahouse you're staying in provides hot/cold shower facilities.
Obviously, tea houses and guest houses have toilets, and there are only a few toilets along the trails.
We use private car for sightseeing inside the Kathmandu Valley and transfer to Pokhara can be arranged either on a car or jeep or in deluxe bus with A/C depending on the size of the group. We also arrange the drop off and pick up from the starting and ending point of the trek on private a car or a jeep.
All our Guides are trekking experts holding license from Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Government. They are the most valuable assets of the company. Guides know the trekking route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety in the mountains.
You carry a light daypack with water, snacks, documents and a layer, and a porter carries the rest. One porter serves two trekkers and carries up to 20-25 kg, and Swotah provides a free duffel for the load. Keep valuables, camera and medication in your own daypack.
Trekking days run about 5 to 7 hours, with the longest days being the climb to Himalaya and the push to Annapurna Base Camp. The exact time depends on your pace, rest stops and conditions, and your guide sets a steady acclimatisation pace rather than rushing.
While trekking in higher lands you need to pay for charging the electronics upon request to the owner. The best idea always is to bring your power bank with you. It's easier and cheaper.
Teahouses along the trail have charging stations; in most cases, they are free, but some might charge extra. For convenience, it is recommended to carry a personal power bank.
While trekking in ABC you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly.
Yes, Nepal can proudly boast as one of the safest countries in South Asia for women, you will find people very friendly and respectful especially towards women. Annapurna is one of the most visited trekking areas in Nepal and in the world. In general, locals are very respectful and welcoming.
The Annapurna trail is well travelled and Nepal is among the safer trekking destinations in the region. Your licensed Swotah guide stays with the group throughout, knows the route and handles any issue on the trail. Keep valuables in your daypack and lock your teahouse room at night as a sensible precaution.
Yes. Your guide is trained to spot altitude sickness and other problems early and to act quickly. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking to at least 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation is required; in a serious case the guide arranges a helicopter rescue and transfer to hospital in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Carry your policy number and an emergency contact with you.
Do not drink untreated tap or stream water on the trek. Boiled water is sold at every teahouse, and purification tablets, a filter or a UV pen all make water safe to drink; carry a reusable bottle to cut plastic waste. Aim for 3 to 4 litres a day, which also helps prevent altitude sickness.
No vaccinations are mandatory for Nepal, but a travel clinic usually recommends being up to date on hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Malaria is not a risk at trekking altitude (it only concerns the lowland Terai). See a travel health professional four to six weeks before you fly.
Why Travel with Swotah
Why Book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Swotah
Most Nepal operators look the same from the outside. Here's what actually makes the difference.
Born in Nepal
100% locally owned since 2016. Trek profits stay with the mountain families and village schools along your route.
Guaranteed Departures
Every date on our calendar runs — no minimum group size. You never pay to be cancelled.
Certified Guides
Government-licensed, WFR-certified, English-speaking. Most were born within two valleys of the trail.
Small Groups
Small groups, never more than 8 trekkers. You get a real experience, not a convoy.
Gear Included
Sleeping bag and down jacket loaned at no extra charge — both rated to –20°C.
Flexible Payment
Deposit from 10% to confirm, balance before departure or in cash on arrival. Reschedule up to 30 days prior.
24/7 Support
Kathmandu office and dedicated WhatsApp emergency line. We answer at 2am if needed.
Hall of Fame
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2023, 2024 and 2025. Hundreds of verified five-star reviews.
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