Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a Photographer

Snow-covered Annapurna Base Camp lodges beneath Himalayan peaks in golden morning light

Nepal

Country

14 days

Duration

Trekking

Format

Moderate

Difficulty

Basic fitness

Preparation level

About the program

Annapurna Base Camp sits in a vast mountain amphitheatre surrounded by Himalayan peaks. To reach it, we will follow the Modi Khola valley through Nepalese villages, green terraces, and rhododendron and bamboo forests. Each day we will climb a little higher, with the forests gradually giving way to the rugged high mountains.

First we will reach Machapuchare Base Camp, then climb to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m the following day. Here we will be surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. It is the sort of place where you want to stop and simply look at the mountains. That is why we will stay overnight: we will have time to explore, take photographs and enjoy another morning among these Himalayan giants.

Our journey lasts 14 days, with seven days on the walking trail. We will stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in lodges in the mountains. Domestic flights connect Kathmandu and Pokhara. This is a straightforward trek, but it includes long walking days and nights at altitude. The itinerary includes reserve days in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Important. Walking, driving and flight times are approximate. The itinerary depends on weather, road and trail conditions, flight operations and the wellbeing of the group. Reserve days allow for possible delays. A visit to the hot springs is possible if time and local conditions permit.

Guides on the program

Vladimir Kotlyar

Mountain guide, co-founder of Sauvage Adventure

Traveller and mountaineer. I call myself a Wanderer. I have been guiding in the mountains since 2010.

16 years experience250+ ascents

Natalya Zanina

Guide, travel organizer

Guide and travel organizer with seven years of experience. First sports rank in mountaineering, high-altitude and technical routes up to Russian grade 5B, four ascents of Lenin Peak and an ascent of Khan Tengri.

7 years experience

Alexander Romanenko

Photographer

Professional photographer since 2013, specialising in action sports and reportage. Photographs mountain expeditions around the world.

Route by day

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Please arrive in Kathmandu before lunch on the first day of the programme, local time. We meet you at Tribhuvan Airport, transfer to the hotel and check in. There will be time to rest after the journey. In the evening, we get to know the team and discuss the adventure ahead: the route, preparation, equipment and safety. We round off our first day with a welcome dinner. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. The welcome dinner is included.

Day 1Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 mThe welcome dinner is included.

Day 2

Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

After breakfast, we head to the airport and fly to Pokhara. In good weather, we may get our first glimpse of the Himalayas from the aircraft window. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is unhurried: time to relax or stroll around the Lakeside area by the lake. Flight time: approximately 25–30 minutes. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m. Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 2Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m.820 mBreakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 3

Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and trek to Chhomrong.

After breakfast, we take a private jeep or Hiace minibus to the start of the walking route. Villages, green slopes and farmland terraces pass by outside. At Jhinu Danda, we leave the vehicle and begin our trek. Following a trail through lush vegetation and mountain settlements, we climb to Chhomrong. Here we check into a lodge for the night. Overnight in a lodge at 2,170 m. Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included; lunch and dinner on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 3Overnight in a lodge at 2,170 m.2170 mBreakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included; lunch and dinner on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 4

Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan.

Today we head deeper into the Annapurna valley. First we descend to the Chhomrong Khola river and cross it on a suspension bridge. Then we start climbing again, this time through rhododendron and bamboo forests. We pass Sinuwa and Bamboo on the way. By the end of the day's walk, we reach Dovan, where we stay overnight. Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge at 2,600 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 4Overnight in a lodge at 2,600 m.2600 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 5

Trek from Dovan to Deurali.

Today we continue up the Modi Khola valley. Through dense forest and small settlements, we make our way to Himalaya and then Deurali. As we gain altitude, the views of the surrounding mountains open up. At the end of the walk, we reach our lodge, where we can rest before the next stage. We stay here for the night. Overnight in a lodge at 3,230 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 5Overnight in a lodge at 3,230 m.3230 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 6

Trek from Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp.

We climb higher up the Modi Khola valley. The forest falls behind us, vegetation becomes sparser, and views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli unfold around us. Today's destination is Machapuchare Base Camp at 3,700 m. We stay here overnight, rest and get used to the altitude. Tomorrow brings the final part of the ascent to Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight in a lodge at 3,700 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 6Overnight in a lodge at 3,700 m.3700 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 7

Trek from Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp.

Today we reach the main goal of our journey, Annapurna Base Camp. The trail leads into a spacious mountain amphitheatre, with Himalayan peaks rising on all sides. Before us stand Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. At camp, we have time to take in our surroundings, photograph the views and rest. We stay overnight here at 4,130 m, the highest point on our route. Overnight in a lodge at 4,130 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 7Overnight in a lodge at 4,130 m.4130 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 8

Descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan.

In the morning, we take another look at the mountains surrounding base camp and begin our descent. We follow the familiar trail back to Machapuchare Base Camp, then continue down the Modi Khola valley. We lose a considerable amount of altitude over the day and find ourselves back among the forests. We stay overnight in Dovan. Overnight in a lodge at 2,600 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 8Overnight in a lodge at 2,600 m.2600 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 9

Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda.

We continue descending through the forests to Jhinu Danda. This is the final walking day of our journey. After the trek, we check into a lodge and rest. If time and local conditions allow, we can visit the natural hot springs near the village. We stay overnight in Jhinu Danda. Overnight in a lodge at 1,780 m. Meals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 9Overnight in a lodge at 1,780 m.1780 mMeals on the trek are paid for separately.

Day 10

Drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara.

After breakfast, we take a private vehicle back to Pokhara. The road winds through the mountains and Nepalese settlements. In town, we check into our hotel and rest after the mountain section of the trip. In the evening, we can stroll around Lakeside and spend some time in a lakeside café. Drive time: approximately 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m. Meals on the trek, including breakfast at the lodge, are paid for separately.

Day 10Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m.820 mMeals on the trek, including breakfast at the lodge, are paid for separately.

Day 11

Reserve day in Pokhara.

After the trek, we leave a free day in Pokhara. You can relax, stroll around Lakeside or explore the local sights. This day also provides a buffer in case of delays on the route. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m. Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 11Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara at 820 m.820 mBreakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 12

Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we head to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free: you can walk around the city, choose souvenirs or simply rest. Flight time: approximately 25–30 minutes. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 12Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 mBreakfast at the Pokhara hotel is included.

Day 13

Reserve day in Kathmandu.

We keep this day in reserve in case of delays on the route or with domestic flights. If the journey has gone to plan, we will have another free day in Kathmandu. There is time to relax, explore and get ready for the journey home at an easy pace. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 13Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m.1400 mBreakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 14

End of the journey. Flight home from Kathmandu.

We have breakfast at the hotel and head to Tribhuvan Airport for our flights. This is where our programme ends. Airport transfer timed to your departure. Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

Day 14Breakfast at the Kathmandu hotel is included.

What is included

Included

Two Russian-speaking Sauvage Adventure guides accompanying the group.
A photographer throughout the programme.
A Nepalese guide.
Porter services to carry luggage on the trek.
Organisation of the programme and coordination of accommodation, transport and the local team.
Three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu, including the reserve day in the planned itinerary.
Three nights in a hotel in Pokhara, including the reserve day in the planned itinerary.
Seven nights in mountain lodges: Chhomrong, Dovan, Deurali, Machapuchare Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Dovan and Jhinu Danda.
Meeting at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel; airport transfer on the final day.
Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back, plus airport–hotel transfers as specified in the itinerary.
Private transport from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and back. A jeep or Hiace minibus is used to reach the start of the trek.
The ACAP permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area and its arrangement.
Insurance for the Nepalese guide and porters, provided by the local operator.
The local operator's service and administrative costs, required documents and government taxes for the programme.
Welcome and farewell team dinners.
Sauvage Adventure merchandise.
Breakfasts at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus the welcome and farewell team dinners, are included. Meals on the trek, including breakfasts in lodges, are paid for separately. Lunches and dinners in the cities are also paid for separately, except for the included team dinners.

Not included

International flights to and from Kathmandu.
A Nepal visa.
Extra nights in hotels and lodges outside the programme, for early arrival, late departure or leaving the trek early.
Single-room supplements in city hotels and on the trek, where available.
Optional room or hotel upgrades.
Charging gadgets, paid internet access and mobile phone service.
Hot showers, laundry and other individual lodge services.
Personal medical insurance for high-altitude trekking is mandatory. The policy must cover the route's altitude up to 4,130 m, altitude-related illnesses, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, including by helicopter.
Medical treatment, search and rescue, and evacuation. Cover for these expenses depends on the terms of your insurance policy.
Extra costs if you leave the route early, change your plans, experience flight delays or cancellations, or need to change the route: additional accommodation, meals, transport and replacement tickets.
Individual transfers outside the agreed programme schedule.
Excess baggage on flights and porterage beyond the agreed luggage allowance.
Tips for local guides, porters and staff — from USD 100 per participant for the entire programme.
Tips for Sauvage Adventure guides are optional.
Purchase or hire of personal equipment.
Souvenirs and other personal expenses.
Additional excursions and activities not included in the programme.
Entry fees for temples, monasteries, museums and other attractions.
Any charge for visiting the hot springs at Jhinu Danda and other optional activities.

Required gear

Clothing

A warm hooded down jacket for freezing weather and rest stops.
A waterproof shell jacket.
Waterproof shell trousers.
Trekking trousers: 1–2 pairs.
A fleece top: 1.
Fleece trousers: 1 pair.
Quick-drying long-sleeved tops or long-sleeved trekking shirts: 2–3.
Lightweight base layers: 1 set, top and bottoms.
Warm base layers: 1 set, top and bottoms.
Separate dry clothes for sleeping.
Underwear: several changes.
Lightweight trekking socks: 3–4 pairs.
Warm trekking socks: 2 pairs.
Separate dry sleeping socks: 1 pair.
A rain cape or poncho, optional.
Lightweight fleece gloves or liner gloves: 1–2 pairs.
Warm windproof gloves or mittens.

Footwear

Broken-in, water-resistant trekking boots.
Trail shoes, optional, for the cities and easier sections.
Crocs, sandals or slippers for the lodges.
Gaiters if snow is expected, as agreed with the guide.

Walking and sleeping gear

A soft duffel bag for luggage carried by a porter, up to 100–120 litres; luggage weight must remain within the agreed allowance.
A daypack: 40–60 litres.
Dry bags or waterproof liners for your sleeping bag, clothing and electronics.
A sleeping bag with a Comfort rating of around −10°C.
A sleeping bag liner, optional.
Earplugs, optional.
A vacuum flask: 1 litre.
A water bottle: 1 litre.

Technical equipment

Trekking microspikes with steel teeth: 1 pair, fitted to your boots.
Trekking poles: 1 pair.
A headtorch and spare batteries or backup power.
A power bank and charging cables.
A plug adapter.

Sun and wind protection

A cap or sun hat.
A fleece or wool hat.
Buffs: 1–2.
A balaclava, optional.
Sunglasses with UV400 protection, category 3–4 lenses and preferably side protection.
Goggles for wind and snow, if recommended by the guide.
SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen.
Lip balm with SPF.

Hygiene and personal items

Water purification supplies, as agreed with the guide.
A compact, quick-drying towel.
Soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush.
A personal first-aid kit and any regular medication.
Plasters and blister prevention supplies.
Hand sanitiser.
Tissues and toilet paper.
Wet wipes.
Personal hygiene supplies, including menstrual products if needed.
Bags for personal rubbish and used wipes.

Nutrition and supplements

Isotonic drink mix or electrolytes to add to water: we recommend bringing these for long walks and climbing, especially in heat or when sweating heavily, to replace lost salts.
A vitamin and mineral supplement, if individually needed. If you take one on medical advice, bring enough for the entire programme.

Documents

Your passport and an electronic copy.
Your insurance policy and the contact details of your insurance assistance provider.
Tickets, organisers' contact details and required travel documents.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the programme, and how high will we go?

The programme lasts 14 days and 13 nights, including seven days on the walking trail. Our highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m, where we will stay overnight.

Where will we stay?

We will stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in mountain lodges on the trek. The main itinerary includes three nights in Kathmandu, three in Pokhara and seven in lodges.

Which meals are included?

Breakfasts at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus the welcome and farewell team dinners, are included. Meals on the trek, including lodge breakfasts, are paid for separately. Other lunches and dinners in the cities are also paid for separately.

How are flights and transfers organised?

The programme includes an airport meeting in Kathmandu, a hotel transfer and an airport transfer on the last day. Domestic flights connect Kathmandu and Pokhara. Private transport takes us to the trailhead at Jhinu Danda and back; the outbound transfer is by jeep or Hiace minibus. International flights are paid for separately.

Who accompanies the group?

We will be accompanied by two Russian-speaking Sauvage Adventure guides, Vladimir and Natalya, and photographer Alexander. A Nepalese guide and porters to carry luggage on the trek are also included.

How challenging is the trek, and why are there reserve days?

This is a straightforward trek, but it includes long walking days and nights at altitude. Walking, driving and flight times are approximate. The itinerary depends on weather, road and trail conditions, flight operations and the wellbeing of the group. Reserve days in Pokhara and Kathmandu allow for possible delays.

What insurance is required?

Personal medical insurance for high-altitude trekking is mandatory and is paid for separately. The policy must cover the route up to 4,130 m, altitude-related illness, emergency medical care and evacuation, including helicopter evacuation. Coverage of treatment, search and rescue, and evacuation costs depends on the policy terms.

How do booking, payment and cancellations work?

Start by submitting an application and waiting for approval from your trip manager. Pay the deposit within 5 days (120 hours) after your application is approved by the manager, and no later than the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page. Your place is secured once we receive it.

The deposit forms part of the total trip price. The deposit pays for consultations, booking services with partners and organising the trip, so it is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your participation.

The remaining balance for your selected departure must be paid no later than September 4, 2027 at 11:15 PM (Astana).

If the deposit is received after the usual balance deadline, the balance is due by the end of the 10th working day in the Astana calendar following the deposit, capped at the programme start. The exact deadline is shown on your trip status page.

If your plans change, notify your trip manager that you wish to cancel. If you have already paid the remaining balance for the programme:

If the Company receives your cancellation notice at least 60 calendar days before the programme starts, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.
If your cancellation notice is received fewer than 60 calendar days before the programme starts, actual, documented expenses incurred in preparing your trip and not covered by the deposit may be deducted from the remaining balance paid. If there are no such expenses, the remaining balance paid is refunded in full.

Amounts returned or due to be returned by partners are excluded from the calculation of deducted expenses. The Company’s fee is included in the retained deposit and is not deducted again.

Your trip manager checks the documents and confirms the refund calculation. If cancellation results from the Company’s breach of its obligations, the amount paid, including the deposit, is refunded in full. Refunds are paid within 5 working days in the Astana calendar from the date the grounds for the refund arise, without waiting for funds from the partner.

For full details, see Booking and Payment.