Are permits and licensed guides mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek – The Classic 10-Day Sanctuary?

Yes. Under Nepal Tourism Board regulations enacted April 1, 2023, every international trekker in the Annapurna Conservation Area must be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide. ACAP permits and group TIMS are 100% handled and included by ABC Trek in Nepal.

What is the physical difficulty and training required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek – The Classic 10-Day Sanctuary?

This trek requires moderate cardiovascular fitness with daily walking legs of 4 to 6 hours on stone staircases and mountain trails. We recommend 4 to 6 weeks of stair climbing, brisk hill walking, and cardio training prior to departure.

What is the accommodation and food standard along this route?

Accommodation consists of vetted family-run teahouses offering twin-share rooms with warm hospitality. Hearty mountain meals feature unlimited-refill Dal Bhat, eggs, porridge, noodle soup, seasonal vegetables, and hot tea.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek – The Classic 10-Day Sanctuary Expedition

The Sanctuary Experience

Why This 10-Day Route Is the Benchmark

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural high-altitude amphitheater surrounded by a continuous ring of 10 Himalayan peaks, dominated by the formidable south face of Annapurna I (8,091m) and the iconic holy horn of Machhapuchhre (6,993m).

Unlike rushed 6-day or 7-day itineraries that push trekkers recklessly up the steep Modi Khola gorge, our 10-day pacing ensures your body acclimatizes gradually through the subtropical rhododendron forests, Gurung stone villages, and subalpine bamboo zones before sleeping at Deurali (3,230m) and advancing into Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).

Planning a September Trek?

Read our comprehensive seasonal dossier on late-monsoon trail clearing, weather transitions, and packing requirements: Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September: Weather, Trails, Costs & Itinerary →

Seeking the Ultimate High-Pass Horseshoe Loop?

If you prefer a complete trans-Himalayan circuit crossing 5,416m Thorong La Pass rather than an out-and-back sanctuary trek, explore our flagship: 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek: Full Itinerary, Cost & Map →

Pressed for Time? Consider the 5-Day Fast Direct Route

If you have limited vacation days and solid cardiovascular fitness, our direct route starts at Samrung, bypasses the Poon Hill detour, and reaches the sanctuary in 5 days: Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek (5 Days): Fast Direct Route, Map & Pricing →

360° Mountain Amphitheater

Unobstructed views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Machhapuchhre Sunrise

Dawn light hitting the unclimbed sacred Fishtail Mountain at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m).

Gurung Heritage Villages

Immerse in the stone craftsmanship, hospitable teahouses, and culture of Chhomrong.

Jhinu Natural Hot Springs

Therapeutic hot water baths beside the rushing Modi River on your descent.

Day-by-Day Field Schedule

Complete 10-Day Expedition Itinerary

Click any day to view trail telemetry, terrain notes, and lead guide field recommendations.

Depart Pokhara Lakeside after breakfast in our private Scorpio 4WD vehicle. Arrive at Nayapul and pass through the official ACAP permit checkpoint at Birethanti. Follow the sub-tropical river valley along the Modi Khola before starting the gentle stone staircase ascent toward Tikhedhunga.

Lead Guide Field Note

Prepare your legs for stone stairs. Maintain an easy, rhythmic pace and stay hydrated with at least 2.5 liters of water today.

Ascend the famous 3,300 stone steps of Ulleri village in the cool morning air. Continue climbing through towering rhododendron and oak moss forests. Arrive at the high Magar village of Ghorepani with spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) and Annapurna South.

Lead Guide Field Note

Ghorepani is cold in the evening. Layer up before sunset and avoid cold wind in the mountain pass.

Pre-dawn 45-minute hike up to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) to witness one of the most celebrated sunrises on earth across the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Return to Ghorepani for hot breakfast, then trek east through forested ridges and river valleys to Tadapani.

Descend through terraced corn and barley fields down to the Kimrong Khola river, cross the suspension bridge, and climb up to the premier Gurung village of Chhomrong. Chhomrong sits directly opposite the dramatic south face of Machhapuchhre.

Descend 2,500 stone steps to cross the Chhomrong Khola, then ascend steeply through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests through Sinuwa into the narrow, towering canyon of the Modi Khola.

The trees disappear as we climb past Hinku Cave into the alpine scrub zone. Pass Deurali (3,230m) where the valley opens into the gateway of the Sanctuary. Arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) surrounded by towering granite and snow walls.

Lead Guide Field Note

Daily SpO2 pulse oximeter checks are conducted this afternoon. Drink plenty of garlic soup and hot lemon ginger tea.

A gentle, awe-inspiring 2.5-hour climb through the glacial moraine basin. As you walk, the vast mountain amphitheater opens completely: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Gangapurna surround you in a complete 360-degree ring. Sunset and sunrise over the south face of Annapurna I are unforgettable.

Witness the first golden rays of sunlight illuminate the summit of Annapurna I. After a warm breakfast, begin the long, oxygen-rich descent back through the Modi Khola canyon down to Bamboo.

Climb back up to Chhomrong for lunch, then descend the scenic southern ridge to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, walk 20 minutes down to the natural hot spring pools along the banks of the Modi Khola to soothe tired muscles.

Cross the famous long suspension bridge of Jhinu Danda and walk through sub-tropical valleys to our awaiting private 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Pokhara Lakeside for a well-deserved celebration dinner.

Price Integrity

Transparent Inclusions & Exclusions

We eliminate fine-print surprises. Here is an exact accounting of everything included.

Included in $890 Package

All Conservation Permits: ACAP entry permits and official government checkpoint registrations.
Licensed Mountain Guide: Fluent English-speaking Sherpa/Gurung guide certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Insured Porters (IPPG Standard): 1 porter per 2 trekkers (20kg max cap), full high-altitude gear and insurance.
All 9 Nights Teahouse Lodging: Hand-vetted twin-share rooms in clean mountain lodges.
All 3 Daily Meals on Trail: Fresh breakfasts, lunches, and dinners plus hot morning tea.
Private 4WD Transport: Pokhara to Nayapul and return via Scorpio jeep.

Exclusions & Incidental Budget

International Flights & Nepal Visa: $30 (15 days) or $50 (30 days) paid on arrival at KTM airport.
Emergency Travel Insurance: Mandatory policy covering trekking up to 4,500m and helicopter rescue.
Teahouse Incidentals: Hot gas showers (NPR 300–500), battery charging, and Wi-Fi cards.
Personal Gear: Down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bag (all rentable in Pokhara for ~$2/day).
Crew Tips: Discretionary gratuity for guide and porters (customarily $10–$15/day total).

Annapurna Base Camp Trek – The Classic 10-Day Sanctuary

Why This 10-Day Route Is the Benchmark

Trail Altitude Progression

Complete 10-Day Expedition Itinerary

Transparent Inclusions & Exclusions