Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek Itinerary

Trek Overview

Duration: 12 Days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Total Distance: Approx. 110 km (68 miles)
Max Elevation: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek will begin with a warm welcome in Kathmandu. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and see you to your hotel. After settling into your hotel, you can stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, where you'll find an array of shops, restaurants and bars. We will conduct a traditional Nepali dinner in the evening and a general briefing about the upcoming trek.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) - 7 hours

After an early breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive on a luxurious bus to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The bus journey will offer mesmerizing views of the serpentine Trishuli River, lush green hills and terraced fields. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will check you into the hotel room where you can rest and rejuvenate. In the evening, we will take a leisurely walk along the Phewa Lakeside and immerse in the peaceful ambiance. We will have a relaxing evening and rest for the night before our adventure begins.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570m) - 4 hours

Our trekking journey officially begins today! We will take a short drive to Nayapul which is the starting point of this amazing trek. We begin on our foot through the trail and gradually ascend through subtropical forests, crossing small streams and passing pleasantly old-fashioned villages like Birethanti. We will reach Tikhedhunga by late afternoon, where we will rest for the day in a cozy teahouse. The day's hike is a gentle introduction and the remaining hours will allow us to acclimatize to the terrain and get a feel of what is awaiting us.

Day 4: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,850m) - 6-7 hours

Today's trek begins with a challenging but rewarding start. We will begin a steep climb up 3,200 stone steps which will lead us to the charming village of Ulleri. As we gradually ascend, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valleys that cradle us on all sides and glimpses of the distant mountain peaks. The trail will take us through the dense rhododendron forests where the air is filled with the scent of nature. During spring, these forests become alive with vibrant blooms. By evening, we will arrive in Ghorepani, a popular resting-stop for trekkers, with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

Day 5: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,610m) via Poon Hill (3,210m) - 6-7 hours

Today we will rise before dawn and hike up to Poon Hill for something amazing that awaits us. Once we reach the top of the hill, we will be greeted with the first hint of lights and the sun begins to break over the horizon and illuminate the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. After we soak in the stunning spectacle, we will head back to Ghorepani for a well-deserved breakfast. With renewed energy, we will continue on our trek towards Tadapani through forests shrouded in mist. We will catch glimpses of playful Langurs leaping the trees and hear melodious calls of various birds that live in this region.

Day 6: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m) - 5-6 hours

Today’s trek will take us on a journey through a varied landscape of ascents and descents that weaves through dense forest along the bank of the Modi Khola river. The walk will be challenging but our efforts will be richly rewarded as we approach Chhomrong. We will be welcomed with the views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare that tower majestically over the landscape and fill the sky.
Chhomrong will welcome us with the sight of traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and the vibrant life of the community where we will enjoy the remainder of our day and spend the evening. We can immerse in the rich local culture and explore the village’s winding pathways and have a perfect ending to a day of adventure and discovery.

Day 7: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m) - 5-6 hours

As we leave Chhomrong, our walk starts relatively easily through the steeply descending slippery trail that takes us to Chhomrong Khola, a rushing stream that cuts through the valley below. Our ascend then begins through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests where our road will be narrow and sometimes treacherous. The forest occasionally opens up to reveal glimpses of distant peaks and reminds of the landscapes that wait ahead. After a steady climb, we will arrive in Bamboo which is a secluded settlement that feels like a hidden sanctuary. The tiny cluster of teahouses will provide a sense of calm after the day’s challenging trek. We will rest in the cozy lodging in the serenity of nature and gather strength for the journey that we will make the next day.

Day 8: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m) - 5-6 hours

Today our trek will be a steady climb through a dense, ancient forest. The trail weaves through trees and the green canopy filters the sunlight to soft golden beams. The terrain gradually changes as we ascend and the greenery gives way to a more rugged terrain. The trail becomes steeper and the shortness of breath is balanced by the breathtaking views that start to emerge. We will take a break at the Hinku Cave that has been a witness to thousands of trekkers over the years and soak in the beautiful view around us. As we continue our walk, the air will be thinner and the temperature cooler on the barren landscape. Deurali will be our stop for the night where we will rest in anticipation for the journey that awaits.

Day 9: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) - 5-6 hour

This is one of the most exhilarating days of our trek that will be full of moments that will be etched in our memories. We begin our trek with a climb towards Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC). The trail winds through a beautiful landscape and each turn reveals a new perspective. The air becomes crisp and clear as we approach MBC and the legendary Machapuchare- Fishtail- emerges in all its glory. We will be greeted with its sharp, pyramid-like peak that pierces the sky and its spiritual power becomes palpable which makes us feel a deep connection with the raw power of nature. Our ascend continues and the landscape transforms even more and looks almost lunar and desolate. The vegetation gradually thins and rugged rocks and snow-dusted paths become our companion. The silence of the mountain is broken by the crunch of our boots and the occasional gust of wind. Each step takes us closer to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) which is hinted at by the gradually thinning air.
Finally, we reach ABC, the destination of our adventure, and the sight is nothing short of breathtaking. Standing there feels like being in a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks- Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. The scale of the mountains is overwhelming and the feeling of achievement profoundly washes over us. Standing on foot of one of the world’s most formidable mountain ranges will make us feel a victorious connection to the earth and the sky. We will enjoy the moment of pure awe in a place where our endurance met the majesty of the natural world.

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo - 6-7 hours

We will now begin our descent from ABC after witnessing the memorable sunrise. The return journey will let us relive and see the landscape we traversed earlier in a different light and reveal details that might have gone unnoticed. The thin air gradually gives way to a more temperate climate and the familiar greenery slowly begins to reappear. The vegetation surrounds us gradually with its earthy scent of the forest as we pass through the towering rhododendron and bamboo forest. As we continue downwards, the chirping of birds and the murmur of streams in the distance welcome us back.
Reaching Bamboo feels like coming home to a place of comfort and peace where we will settle for the night with memories of sunrise at the Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) - 5-6 hour

Today we will trek down to Jhinu Danda where a delightful treat awaits us- natural hot springs. The trail is mostly downhill which will ease the strain on our legs as we descend through pine trees and small villages. In Jhinu Danda, we will soothe ourselves in the warm water that melts away the aches and fatigue from days of trekking. We will relax in tranquility enjoying the sound of the river flowing nearby and watching the greenery that surrounds us.

Day 12: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara - 5 hours

On the final day of our trek, we will descend towards Nayapul as the landscape gradually shifts to terraced fields from the rugged hills like a staircase to the valley below. We will pass through charming villages and friendly waves of people welcoming you. From Nayapul, we will take a short drive to Pokhara where we will spend the rest of our day in the bustling Phewa Lakeside and exploring the places around. We will end our day with a hearty meal and a well-deserved drink to mark the end of our trekking adventure in one of Nepal’s majestic mountain ranges.