Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 14-Day Private Trek & Teahouse Stay

Summary

Walk ancient trails to Annapurna Base Camp with local insight

You’ll trace ancient footpaths from Kathmandu all the way to Annapurna Base Camp on this private trek—waking early for sunrise views at Poon Hill, sharing hot tea in mountain teahouses, and sleeping beneath Himalayan peaks. With local guides leading each step and all meals plus transport sorted, you’ll get space to breathe (and maybe surprise yourself).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we set out from Kathmandu—just that I’d been staring at pictures of the Annapurna Base Camp for months. The drive to Pokhara was long but sort of hypnotic; I remember the smell of diesel mixed with sweet chai at every stop. Our guide, Suman, met us with this quiet patience—he’s done the Annapurna Base Camp trek more times than he could count, but still pointed out little things along the way: a shrine tucked under a tree, kids playing cricket in the dust. I felt nervous and excited, like maybe I’d bitten off more than I could chew.

The first days were just walking and walking—stone steps up through Tikhe Dhunga and then Ghorepani. My legs burned but there was always something to distract me: the sound of bells from mule trains clanking past or the way clouds would suddenly part and show a slice of snowy peak. One morning at Poon Hill, everyone shuffled out in the cold before sunrise. It wasn’t silent—someone’s phone alarm kept going off—but when that first pink light hit Annapurna South, nobody spoke for a second. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

By Tadapani and Chhomrong, it felt like we were moving through layers—rhodedendron forests one day, bamboo groves the next. Lunches were always some variation of dal bhat or noodles (I never got tired of it), and there was this one lodge where an old woman made us ginger tea so strong it almost burned my tongue. Suman laughed when I tried to thank her in Nepali—I probably butchered it completely. Nights were cold but cozy; four or five of us crammed into a room under thick blankets, listening to wind rattle the windows.

Reaching Annapurna Base Camp itself didn’t feel dramatic at first—it just crept up on us after Machhapuchhre Base Camp, past prayer flags snapping in icy wind. But then you’re standing there surrounded by these walls of white and it’s suddenly very quiet except for boots crunching on frost and someone whispering wow under their breath. We stayed overnight (worth every shiver), and in the morning sunlight caught every ridge so sharply it looked unreal. The walk back down felt lighter somehow—even with tired knees—and soaking in Jhinu Danda hot springs was almost too good to be true. Not sure if any trip will top this one for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport

Day 2 — Travel to Pokhara

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 3 — Trek to Tikhe Dhunga

• Trek from Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga

Day 4 — Trek to Ghorepani

• Trek from Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Day 5 — Poonhill hike and Tadapani trek

• Hike to Poonhill
• Trek to Tadapani

Day 6 — Trek to Chhomrong village

• Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong

Day 7 — Trek to Dovan

• Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan

Day 8 — Trek to Deurali

• Trek from Dovan to Deurali

Day 9 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Continue to Annapurna Base Camp

Day 10 — Return trek to Bamboo

• Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Day 11 — Return trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring

• Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring

Day 12 — Return to Pokhara

• Trek from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

Day 13 — Return to Kathmandu

• Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 14 — Farewell and tour ends

• End of tour

Top questions

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The trek requires moderate fitness; expect several days of 5-7 hours walking over uneven terrain and altitude gains up to 4,230m.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the trekking days; you can choose your meals from lodge menus.

Is accommodation private or shared?

Lodge/teahouse rooms are shared (4-5 people per room) during trekking; hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara are twin rooms.

Does this tour include transport between Kathmandu & Pokhara?

Yes, ground transportation by tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara is included both ways.

What is provided for trekking gear?

You get use of a duffle bag, trek map, down jacket, sleeping bag during the trek; bring your own essentials too.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes, private car airport pickup and drop-off are included at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Are permits arranged by the operator?

All necessary trekking permits are arranged; bring three passport-sized photos for paperwork.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup and drop-off by private car in Kathmandu plus ground transport by tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara. During your 14-day private Annapurna Base Camp trek you’ll have an experienced local guide (and porter support), all required trekking permits handled for you (just bring passport photos), use of a duffle bag plus down jacket and sleeping bag if needed. Accommodation is provided both at mountain teahouses (shared rooms) during trekking days and comfortable twin hotel rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All main meals are covered while trekking—you pick from lodge menus—and there’s even a trip achievement certificate available if you want one as a souvenir.