EARLY BIRD! Moderately Challenging Nepal
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a guided tea house trek in Nepal that leads you into the Annapurna Sanctuary and up to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. Over 8 days, you will trek through mountain villages, forest trails, and dramatic Himalayan scenery with a carefully designed itinerary, hand picked lodges, permits, and full support from the Life Happens Outdoors team. With time in Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as the trail itself, this trip combines one of Nepal’s most iconic treks with the structure, service, and community experience that help you come back different.
TRIP TYPE
Trekking
DURATION
8 Days
DESTINATION
Nepal
1
A guided Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal with hand picked tea houses, well paced routes into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and rewarding extras including Jhinu Hot Springs, Pokhara, and time in Kathmandu
2
Trip photography is included, so standout moments from your journey are captured by your LHO Team Leader and team for you to relive long after you return home.
3
Led by an LHO Trekking Coordinator and experienced local guides, this trek is built around safety, strong group support, and full backup from Base Camp throughout the journey.
2026
DATE & STATUS
PRICE
TEAM LEADER
AVAILABILITY
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP
DAY 1: WELCOME TO KATHMANDU
Kathmandu is wild, vibrant, and full of energy, and it is where our Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we are met by an LHO representative and transferred to our hotel in the city. Once checked in, there is time to settle in, recover from the journey, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
If we arrive early, there is space to get our first taste of Kathmandu, from its markets and cafés to its temples and street life. Our Team Leader is on hand to help with recommendations, answer questions, and make sure everything is in place before we head into the mountains. In the evening, we come together for our first official event of the trip, a welcome dinner hosted by our LHO Team Leader and local lead guide. It is our first chance to meet the group, hear about the route ahead, and begin this journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary together.
DAY 2: TRAVEL TO THE ANNAPURNA REGION AND START THE TREK
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins early. After breakfast, we transfer to Kathmandu airport for the short flight to Pokhara, then continue by road to the trailhead above the Annapurna river. From here, we begin trekking into the Annapurna region, following a rewarding route through forest, fields, and mountain villages.
The trail climbs steadily towards Chhomrong, one of the key gateway villages on the route into the Annapurna Sanctuary. This first trekking day is all about settling into the rhythm of the journey, finding a sustainable pace, and getting our first real feel for life on the trail in Nepal. Dinner is served at the tea house.
DAY 3: TREK HIGHER INTO THE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY
Distance: 12.6 KM | Ascend: 1300 M | Descend: 678 M | Max Altitude: 2,720 M
Today is one of the longest and most varied days of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We descend from Chhomrong, cross the river, and begin the climb back up through changing terrain as the route takes us deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Villages gradually give way to quieter tea houses, thicker forest, and a stronger sense that we are now properly in the mountains.
Along the way, we pass through places such as Upper Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan before continuing on towards Himalaya, our stop for the night. The scenery becomes more dramatic as the valley narrows and the atmosphere turns more remote. By the time we arrive, the sense of progression is real. Dinner is served at the tea house.
DAY 4: REACH ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
Distance: 9 KM | Ascend: 1800 M | Descend: 505 M | Max Altitude: 4,130 M
This is the day we reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. Leaving Himalaya, we continue through the upper valley towards Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, with the landscape opening wider and the high mountain setting becoming more dramatic with every step. The route is less about technical challenge and more about steady movement, altitude awareness, and staying consistent as the environment becomes harsher and more exposed.
After Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we make the final approach into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Surrounded by giant Himalayan walls, Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most striking trekking destinations in Nepal. Once we arrive, we settle into the tea house, take in the panorama, and head out to enjoy the evening light over the mountains. Dinner is served at the tea house.
DAY 5: SUNRISE AT ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP AND BEGIN THE DESCENT
Distance: 14 KM | Ascend: 572 M | Descend: 2380 M | Max Altitude: 4,130 M
An early wake up is worth it this morning. Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp is one of the defining moments of the trek, with first light spreading across the surrounding peaks inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. After breakfast, we begin the descent, retracing our steps past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and down through the valley.
As we lose altitude, the air feels richer and the landscape begins to change again. The challenge today is not reaching high ground but managing a long descent well and moving carefully to protect the knees and stay fresh. By the time we reach Bamboo, we have come a long way in a single day and earned a well deserved evening at the tea house.
DAY 6: JINHU HOT SPRINGS AND RETURN POKHARA
Distance: 9.2 KM | Ascend: 595 M | Descend: 1191 M | Max altitude: 2,300 M
Our final full trekking day begins with more descent through the Annapurna region as we work our way towards Jhinu Danda. This part of the route can still feel demanding, especially with the last big stair sections still to come, but the reward at the end is one of the most memorable extras on the whole trip.
After reaching Jhinu, we head to the hot springs beside the river for a well earned soak in one of the most beautiful recovery spots in Nepal. Later, we say farewell to the trekking team, transfer back to Pokhara, and check into our hotel. In the evening, we come together for a celebration dinner and the first proper return to comfort after days on the trail.
DAY 7: POKHARA TO KATHMANDU
With the trail behind us, we return to Kathmandu today. After time in Pokhara, we transfer to the airport for the flight back to the capital and then continue to our hotel. The afternoon gives us space to rest, explore, shop for souvenirs, or simply take in the contrast between the mountains we have just left and the energy of the city.
In the evening, we come together for a final team dinner to close out the journey. It is a chance to reflect on the week, celebrate what we have achieved together, and enjoy one last evening before departures begin.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU
Today is departure day. Breakfast at the hotel is included, and airport transfers are arranged according to the departure information shared with our team. If any details change before the end of the trip, they should be passed on to the Team Leader so the final transfer plans can be updated smoothly.
This brings our Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal to a close, with support continuing right through to the airport.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone involved in our services receives a fair living wage in their respective countries. We invest in our team members, fostering upward mobility within the adventure travel industry, expanding educational opportunities, and offering support wherever we can. By joining an LHO adventure you are directly impacting the incredible people and the remote communities that make these life-changing experiences possible.
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HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
We do our best to ensure your wellbeing on LHO adventures. That's why the facilities we use throughout our trips are required to meet our health and safety standards. We also follow the laws and protocols of every country that hosts our adventures. This extends to national regulations requiring Covid-19 testing, vaccination certificates, mask wearing or any other local guidelines that may apply. Contact us for the most up to date protocols related to your destination.
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I joined LHO on a trek to Annapurna Base Camp last Fall. The Himalayas are of course amazing; but the best part was the people I met on that trip. Everyone on the team was amazing! We shared laughs and unforgettable moments. Whether its for reaching the summit at 6:00 am or bathing in hot springs after days of strenuous trekking, I am thankful for this trip that has reconnecting me with nature.
I joined LHO on a trek to Annapurna Base Camp last Fall. The Himalayas are of course amazing; but the best part was the people I met on that trip. Everyone on the team was amazing! We shared laughs and unforgettable moments. Whether its for reaching the summit at 6:00 am or bathing in hot springs after days of strenuous trekking, I am thankful for this trip that has reconnecting me with nature.
EXPANDKarim Zaatari
I had an amazing experience with LHO from the moment we landed in Kathmandu to the very end of the trip. The organisation is superb, all staff members are wonderful to interact with and very helpful with everything one needs. The trek itself was gorgeous, and the amount of knowledge and expertise shared by our Team Leader Rami was very rich and generous. You feel that the team altogether from expedition leader to the supporting staff member genuinely care about your experience and want to make it as awesome as possible. I certainly felt I was getting the best there is out this trek. I enjoyed every second of it with everyone on the group! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!! Thank you to each member of LHO for making this happen despite all odds. I look forward for our next experience!!
I had an amazing experience with LHO from the moment we landed in Kathmandu to the very end of the trip. The organisation is superb, all staff members are wonderful to interact with and very helpful with everything one needs. The trek itself was gorgeous, and the amount of knowledge and expertise shared by our Team Leader Rami was very rich and generous. You feel that the team altogether from expedition leader to the supporting staff member genuinely care about your experience and want to make it as awesome as possible. I certainly felt I was getting the best there is out this trek. I enjoyed every second of it with everyone on the group! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!! Thank you to each member of LHO for making this happen despite all odds. I look forward for our next experience!!
EXPANDHened Choueiry
It was an amazing trip with an amazing group! Perfect way to challenge myself & discover a new culture. Couldn’t have asked for a better team leader, thank you so much LHO. Ending it at the Hot Springs was a perfect touch!
It was an amazing trip with an amazing group! Perfect way to challenge myself & discover a new culture. Couldn’t have asked for a better team leader, thank you so much LHO. Ending it at the Hot Springs was a perfect touch!
EXPANDGhenwa Tarabay
There are no words to express the joy this trip with LHO has given me. I expected nothing less from this ABC trip as my previous experience to Kilimanjaro has proven how dedicated LHO is to providing us with once in a lifetime adventures.
There are no words to express the joy this trip with LHO has given me. I expected nothing less from this ABC trip as my previous experience to Kilimanjaro has proven how dedicated LHO is to providing us with once in a lifetime adventures.
EXPANDMarwan Oueida
So starting from having a tiny thought of joining an expedition LHO Team, specifically Elie takes care of every single question, hesitation, detail, explanation, nagging, ignoring and headache that I might have caused at the initial stages.
So starting from having a tiny thought of joining an expedition LHO Team, specifically Elie takes care of every single question, hesitation, detail, explanation, nagging, ignoring and headache that I might have caused at the initial stages.
EXPANDMariz Doss
I loved this trek / experience with LHO, it was very well organized and prepared. Bader (the guide) had the whole appropriate experience and knowledge to lead this trek. Thank you LHO for this, and of course thanks Bader for this amazing time.
I loved this trek / experience with LHO, it was very well organized and prepared. Bader (the guide) had the whole appropriate experience and knowledge to lead this trek. Thank you LHO for this, and of course thanks Bader for this amazing time.
EXPANDOmar SAAD
Last one for the books. Thank you all for an incredible journey, I really enjoyed every bit of it, the good, the bad, and the ugly 😂 special thanks to Ranwa for your good vibes, genuine care, and for forcing us to eat even when we didn’t want to 🍕we couldn’t have asked for a better lead! It was a pleasure going through this experience with all of you! Till our next trip inshallah 😊
Last one for the books. Thank you all for an incredible journey, I really enjoyed every bit of it, the good, the bad, and the ugly 😂 special thanks to Ranwa for your good vibes, genuine care, and for forcing us to eat even when we didn’t want to 🍕we couldn’t have asked for a better lead! It was a pleasure going through this experience with all of you! Till our next trip inshallah 😊
EXPANDFikrat
It was such a pleasure meeting everyone😁 this has been an amazing adventure with wonderful people😍, thank you LHO and thank you soooo much Ranwa for being such an amazing team leader 😍😍
It was such a pleasure meeting everyone😁 this has been an amazing adventure with wonderful people😍, thank you LHO and thank you soooo much Ranwa for being such an amazing team leader 😍😍
Lojain
I wanted to say thank you, to the LHO team for organizing an amazing trip and bringing us to ABC camp and back safely and with great memories I shall carry w me.🫰 Also I would like to shout out Ranwa for being an amazing team leader and she is such a wonderful person the LHO team is lucky to have her. InshAllah to more future trips 🤿👀
I wanted to say thank you, to the LHO team for organizing an amazing trip and bringing us to ABC camp and back safely and with great memories I shall carry w me.🫰 Also I would like to shout out Ranwa for being an amazing team leader and she is such a wonderful person the LHO team is lucky to have her. InshAllah to more future trips 🤿👀
EXPANDOmar
Thank you for your wonderful friendship and support. It was the wonderful team leader, my amazing superstar Sherpa Kebin and the entire team of Sherpas especially Solan and not to forget Raj! Each and everyone of you made it possible for me to make it to the Annapurna Base Camp safely. Sending you all so much love and best wishes! I am sure our paths will cross again soon! 🙏🥰🏔️🇳🇵
Thank you for your wonderful friendship and support. It was the wonderful team leader, my amazing superstar Sherpa Kebin and the entire team of Sherpas especially Solan and not to forget Raj! Each and everyone of you made it possible for me to make it to the Annapurna Base Camp safely. Sending you all so much love and best wishes! I am sure our paths will cross again soon! 🙏🥰🏔️🇳🇵
EXPANDNilofar
How do I get to the start of the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Most trekkers travel via Kathmandu and then continue to Pokhara before heading toward the trail network that leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The exact route depends on your itinerary and where your trek begins. At Life Happens Outdoors, we take care of all of this for you so that you can just focus on enjoying every single moment of this life changing experience.
For the clearest step by step logistics guide, use Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide: How to Get There.
What does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost and what is included?
Annapurna Base Camp trek cost varies depending on whether you book a basic guide only option or a fully supported package that includes logistics, accommodation, meals, and staff. Our approach is designed to remove hidden add ons so you can plan with confidence and focus on the trek itself. For a full breakdown of inclusions, logistics, and how our itinerary is structured, see the inclusions section above.
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The classic Annapurna Base Camp trek is often 10 to 12 days on the trail, but shorter itineraries are possible depending on routing, pacing, and logistics. We built an efficient version for people with limited annual leave while still delivering the full Annapurna Sanctuary experience. For a detailed breakdown of timelines and what changes between shorter and longer options, read Annapurna Base Camp Trek: How Long.
How high is Annapurna Base Camp and will altitude affect me?
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 metres, which means altitude can affect anyone, even fit trekkers. The key is steady pacing, good hydration, strong sleep habits, and speaking up early if symptoms appear. For a focused breakdown of what the altitude means in real terms, read How High is Annapurna Base Camp.
Is Annapurna Base Camp hard for first timers?
Most people find the Annapurna Base Camp trek moderately challenging. The difficulty comes from consecutive long days, sustained climbing, lots of stone steps, and cumulative fatigue rather than technical terrain. For a deeper explanation of what makes it feel hard and how to prepare properly, see Is Annapurna Base Camp Hard.
Is Annapurna Base Camp harder than Everest Base Camp?
They are challenging in different ways. Everest Base Camp is generally longer and often higher for longer, while Annapurna Base Camp can feel more intense day to day because of steep stair sections and concentrated elevation change. If you are choosing between the two, this comparison will help you decide: Is Annapurna Base Camp Harder Than Everest Base Camp.
How should I train for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Training should focus on hiking endurance, leg strength for stairs and descents, and consistency over hero workouts. The best prep includes weekly long hikes, back to back training days, and step ups or stair work to match the trail demands. Use this plan as your reference: How to Train for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you train and choose the right itinerary structure, especially for pacing and recovery. Many first timers do best when they build confidence with progressive hikes and then step up to a supported high altitude trek. If you want good stepping stone ideas, read The Best Beginner Hikes in Nepal.
What's the temperature like on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek??
Temperatures during the day are usually between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. At night it can dip to single digits and may even reach 0. Above Machupucchare Base Camp and at Annapurna Base Camp temperatures can drop below zero and sometimes reach as low as -10.
Are there showers on the trail? How much do they cost?
Hot showers in the tea houses on the trail cost between 200-500 Rupees. Hot water is not always guaranteed because the boilers in some of the more remote areas operate solely on solar power. Usually, this is only an issue on one or two nights throughout the trek.
For how many hours are we trekking per day on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The longest day on this trail is around 9 hours long when we reach Annapurna Base Camp. All other days are around 6 hours long.
What's the accommodation like on the Annapurna Base Camp trail?
For the nights spent in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we use carefully selected accommodation that blends international standards and local tradition. You can expect a good level of general comfort including private toilets, comfortable beds, garden areas, easy access to main markets and walking areas, front desk, concierge, restaurant, and breakfast area.
For the nights spent on the trail, we stay in tea houses. These are basic family-run accommodations that are very much part of the experience when trekking in the Himalayas. They consist of shared bathrooms, showers, and a restaurant.
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
FROM £2,250
£2,070
on selected dates only
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