12-day Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek in Nepal

On the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will normally walk 8–15 km (5–9 miles) per day, taking approximately 5–7 hours.

The average daily altitude gain is around 400–700 metres (1,300–2,300 feet). Some days may involve more climbing and descending because the trail includes many stone steps and rolling mountain terrain.

The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres (13,550 feet). Our itinerary follows a comfortable pace, allowing enough time for rest, acclimatization, photography, and enjoying the beautiful Himalayan scenery.

No previous trekking or mountaineering experience is required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, you should be reasonably fit, comfortable walking for 5–7 hours per day, and prepared for steep trails, stone steps, and changing mountain weather.

We recommend regular walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, or cardio training for at least 6–8 weeks before the trek. Practising on hills and carrying a small daypack will make the journey more comfortable.

it can be suitable for active children and older travellers who are healthy and comfortable with multi-day hiking. There is no strict age limit—fitness, health, motivation, and proper acclimatization are more important than age.

Children should enjoy long walks and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older travellers, or anyone with heart, lung, knee, or other medical conditions, should consult their doctor before booking. We can also adjust the pace and itinerary or add extra rest days when needed.

We will meet you at your hotel in Kathmandu or at the Scenic Nepal Treks office. Transportation to the trailhead will be arranged according to your itinerary.

The exact meeting time, location, and travel instructions will be provided closer to your departure date.

Accommodation will be provided in local mountain teahouses. Rooms are generally on a twin-sharing basis, although dormitory-style accommodation may be necessary at higher elevations, depending on availability.

Meals can be selected from the teahouse menu, which usually includes a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and basic Western dishes. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Yes. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and other required trekking permits will be arranged by Scenic Nepal Treks. You will need to provide a copy of your passport and passport-sized photographs before the trek.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should cover trekking up to at least 4,500 metres, medical treatment, trip cancellation, and emergency helicopter evacuation.

No specific vaccination is normally required to enter Nepal, but routine vaccinations should be up to date. Please consult your doctor or a travel-health clinic before travelling, as recommendations depend on your health and travel history. Also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

The best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months generally offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions.

Spring is especially beautiful because of the blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn normally provides crisp skies and excellent visibility.

The trek is also possible during winter, but temperatures are much colder and heavy snowfall may occasionally affect the higher trails. The summer monsoon season brings frequent rain, clouds, muddy paths, and leeches at lower elevations.

Yes, you can join one of our scheduled group departures. It is a great way to meet other travellers and share the trekking experience.

If no group matches your preferred dates, we can also arrange the trek privately for you, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends. Contact us with your preferred travel dates, and we will recommend the best option available.

Your safety is always our priority. If bad weather affects the trail, our guide will assess the conditions and adjust the walking schedule, route, or accommodation when necessary.

In cases of heavy rain, snowfall, landslides, or unsafe trail conditions, we may delay the trek or change the itinerary. Any additional expenses caused by weather-related delays—such as extra accommodation, meals, or transportation—are normally the traveller’s responsibility. Therefore, we recommend comprehensive travel insurance and keeping at least one buffer day in your travel schedule.

Most travellers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Complete the arrival form, submit your passport, pay the visa fee, and proceed to the immigration counter.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have a blank visa page. You can also apply through a Nepalese embassy or consulate before travelling.

Visa eligibility, fees, and entry requirements can change, so please confirm the latest information with Nepal’s Department of Immigration before departure. Some nationalities must obtain a visa in advance.

You will normally walk for approximately 5–7 hours per day, covering around 8–15 km (5–9 miles). The exact distance and walking time vary depending on the day’s route, altitude, trail conditions, and your pace.

Some days may be shorter, while the journey to Annapurna Base Camp can be longer and more challenging. We maintain a comfortable pace with regular breaks for rest, meals, photography, and acclimatization.

Altitude sickness is possible above 2,500 metres. Our itinerary follows a gradual pace, and our guides monitor trekkers closely. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, rest well, and immediately inform your guide if you experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or unusual tiredness.

One porter is usually shared between two trekkers and carries a maximum combined weight of approximately 25 kg. We recommend packing only the essential items needed during the trek.

Charging is available at most teahouses, although an additional fee is usually charged. Electricity may be limited at higher elevations, so carrying a power bank is recommended.

Wi-Fi and mobile coverage are available in some villages but may be slow or unreliable. Teahouses usually charge an additional fee for Wi-Fi access.

Temperatures depend on the season and elevation. At Annapurna Base Camp, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing, particularly during early spring, late autumn, and winter.