Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek

12 Days | Fixed Departure 2026/2027 | Peace Nepal Treks

The Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek is Nepal's most rewarding beginner-to-moderate trek — a 12-day journey that climbs through subtropical forests, terraced villages, and rhododendron hillsides into the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary, standing face-to-face with Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (the sacred Fishtail peak), and Annapurna South. Compared to high-pass treks like Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit, ABC tops out at a lower, gentler 4,130m — no high-altitude pass crossing required — making it one of the most accessible Himalayan treks for first-timers.

Joining one of Peace Nepal Treks' scheduled fixed departure dates means you share your guide, porter, and transport costs with fellow trekkers on the classic Ghorepani Poon Hill route, famous for its sunrise viewpoint over the entire Annapurna range, before continuing on through Chhomrong and the Modi Khola valley into the Sanctuary itself.

Quick Facts

Why Join a Group for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

ABC doesn't require a minimum group size, but a fixed-departure group is still the most popular and cost-effective way to trek it, because it means:

• Lower cost per person — guide, porter, and jeep transport fees are split across the group
• A great first Himalayan trek — no technical high-pass crossing, so joining a group with an experienced guide keeps the trip low-stress for beginners
• A social, guided experience — trek alongside travelers from around the world on a confirmed schedule
• A confirmed departure date without needing to line up your own trekking partner first

Peace Nepal Treks runs guaranteed ABC fixed departure dates through spring, autumn, and into early winter — we do not cancel or merge groups last-minute for low headcounts.

Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek Itinerary (12 Days)

This is our standard fixed-departure itinerary via the classic Ghorepani Poon Hill route. Overnight stops may adjust slightly for trail or weather conditions — your guide will always prioritize safe acclimatization over the printed schedule. Prefer a faster route? Ask us about the shorter Nayapul–Jhinu Dada option, which skips Poon Hill and can shave 2–3 days off this itinerary.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, evening welcome briefing with your Peace Nepal Treks guide.

Day 02: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) Scenic overland drive (or short flight) to the lakeside city of Pokhara; free evening by Phewa Lake.

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) — 4–5 hrs Short drive to the trailhead, then a gentle first trekking day through riverside villages and terraced fields.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m) — 6–7 hrs A steady climb through pine and rhododendron forest into the popular hilltop village of Ghorepani.

Day 05: Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m), then trek to Tadapani (2,630m) — 5–6 hrs Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for one of the best panoramic sunrise views in Nepal, before descending and continuing to Tadapani.

Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m) — 5–6 hrs Descend through forest and cross the Kimrong Khola before climbing into Chhomrong, gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 07: Trek to Himalaya/Deurali (2,860–3,230m) via Bamboo and Dovan — 6–7 hrs Enter the narrowing Modi Khola gorge, walking through bamboo and rhododendron forest deep into the Sanctuary approach.

Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp — 5–6 hrs The trek's highlight — arrive at ABC surrounded by an amphitheater of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks, with an unforgettable sunset view.

Day 09: Trek down to Bamboo (2,310m) — 6–7 hrs Early sunrise views at ABC before a long descent back down the valley.

Day 10: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) — 5–6 hrs Descend further with the option of relaxing in Jhinu's natural hot springs at the end of the day.

Day 11: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara — 4–5 hrs Final trekking day back to the roadhead, then a drive back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.

Day 12: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu; final departure Return to Kathmandu and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Optional extension: combine this trek with the Mardi Himal Trek or a short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek add-on if you have extra days in the region.

Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek Cost

Final price depends on group size, season, and departure date — larger fixed-departure groups reduce the per-person cost.

What's included:

• All ground transport (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Nayapul–Pokhara–Kathmandu)
• 3 meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Teahouse/guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek
• Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• All permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
• First-aid kit and emergency oxymeter carried by your guide
• Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off

What's excluded:

• Nepal entry visa fee
• International flights
• Kathmandu/Pokhara hotel (unless specified in your package)
• Personal travel insurance (mandatory — see our Travel Insurance guide)
• Tips for guide and porter
• Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, hot springs entry at Jhinu, battery charging, bottled water/snacks on trail)

Annapurna Base Camp Permits

Like the Annapurna Circuit, the ABC trek requires only two documents — both handled for you by Peace Nepal Treks as part of your group-join package:

All foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide, arranged through a registered trekking agency — independent, unguided trekking is not permitted in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Fixed Departure Dates 2026/2027

Don't see a date that fits? Contact Peace Nepal Treks — we can also open a new fixed departure once 2 or more trekkers confirm a preferred date.

Best Time to Trek Annapurna Base Camp

• Autumn (September–November): Peak season — clearest skies and best mountain visibility of the year.
• Spring (March–May): Second-best season — warmer days and spectacular blooming rhododendron forests along the trail.
• Winter (December–February): Possible and increasingly popular — colder, occasional snow near ABC itself, but clear skies and far fewer crowds.
• Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended — heavy rainfall, leeches on the lower forested sections, and clouded mountain views.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The ABC trek is graded easy to moderate, making it one of the most beginner-friendly treks in Nepal:

• 4–7 hours of daily walking, mostly on stone-stepped trails through forest and terraced villages
• No high-altitude pass crossing and no technical terrain
• A steady, gradual altitude gain that rarely causes serious altitude sickness, though basic acclimatization awareness still matters above 3,000m
• A good first Himalayan trek for reasonably fit beginners, and equally rewarding for experienced trekkers short on time

For a longer, more demanding alternative in the same region, see our Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek, which crosses the high Thorong La Pass (5,416m).

Essential Packing List (Summary)

• Comfortable, broken-in trekking boots + camp shoes
• 3-season sleeping bag (teahouses provide blankets, but a liner or light bag is recommended)
• Fleece and light down jacket for cold evenings at higher elevations
• Trekking poles (helpful on the steep stone staircases near Chhomrong and Ghorepani)
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
• Headlamp with spare batteries (for the pre-dawn Poon Hill hike)
• Swimwear (optional, for the Jhinu Danda hot springs)
• Valid travel insurance document

A full, printable packing list is provided at your pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu.

Why Choose Peace Nepal Treks for Your Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek

• Locally owned and operated — our guides live and trek in these regions year-round
• Guaranteed fixed departures — we don't cancel or merge groups last-minute for lower headcounts
• Full permit handling — ACAP and TIMS arranged before you land in Kathmandu
• Beginner-friendly guidance — our guides are experienced at pacing mixed-ability groups safely
• Transparent pricing — no hidden costs beyond what's listed in your exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek cost? A 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek with Peace Nepal Treks starts from USD 750 per person, including permits, guide, porter, teahouse accommodation, and meals on the trail. A shorter 9-day version starts from USD 595.

How many days does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek take? Most group-join itineraries run 9–14 days depending on the route. The classic Ghorepani Poon Hill route takes about 12 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu; the shorter Nayapul–Jhinu Dada route can be done in as few as 7–9 days.

Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek good for beginners? Yes — ABC is one of the most beginner-friendly treks in the Nepal Himalaya. There's no high-altitude pass crossing, the trail is well-established, and daily altitude gain is gradual. Reasonable fitness is still recommended.

Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? Yes, a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency is required to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Group-joining is the most affordable way to meet this requirement.

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card — the same two permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Both are arranged for you as part of your Peace Nepal Treks package.

What is the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp? September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring) offer the clearest skies and best mountain views. Winter (December–February) is also possible and increasingly popular for its quieter trails.

How is Annapurna Base Camp different from the Annapurna Circuit? Annapurna Base Camp is a shorter, out-and-back trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary with a maximum altitude of 4,130m and no high-pass crossing. The Annapurna Circuit is a longer loop trek that crosses the 5,416m Thorong La Pass and descends into the dry Mustang region — more demanding, but with more varied terrain and landscapes.

Can I combine Annapurna Base Camp with another trek? Yes — Peace Nepal Treks can combine ABC with a short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek extension or the nearby Mardi Himal Trek for trekkers with extra time in the Annapurna region.

Related Treks from Peace Nepal Treks

• Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek — the longer, higher-altitude loop trek crossing Thorong La Pass
• Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek — a remote, restricted-area alternative crossing Larkya La Pass
• Mardi Himal Trek — a shorter, less-crowded trek in the same Annapurna region
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek — a standalone shorter version of the first half of this itinerary
• Trekking Guide Hire in Nepal — for travelers who prefer a private guide instead of a fixed group departure

Book Your Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek

Ready to join the next fixed departure? Contact Peace Nepal Treks today to confirm your spot on the Annapurna Base Camp Group Join Trek, check current availability, or ask about the shorter route or a trek combination.