Annapurna Base Camp Trek, 9 Days - 9 Days
The Annapurna Mountain Base Camp trek (ABC Trek) or South ABC Trek is quite a popular four thousanders trekking route for international trekkers as well as our own Domestic Nepalese Tourists. Trekking up to an altitude of 4130 meters, this trek introduces itself among the finest beginner friendly mountain base camp trek anywhere in the world. Trekking through the Annapurna Sanctuary, this route will push trekkers like you through terraced villages, rhododendron forests, roaring river valleys and high alpine landscapes before but reaching the spectacular base camp at 4,130 metres (13,549 ft) you’ll realize you were indeed pulled by the beautiful mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 10 Days (Standard itinerary length) |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate (Features long walking days and steep stone staircases) |
| Best Seasons | Autumn (Sep–Nov) & Spring (Mar–May) |
| Accommodation | Traditional Mountain Teahouses and Local Lodges |
| Permits Required | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS Card |
| Major Peaks Visible | Annapurna I (8,091 Meters), Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Gangapurna |
Are you wondering, what makes the Annapurna Base Camp trek so special among other base camps?
The incredible landscape variations packed into a relatively short trek journey is what interests trekkers or adventure seekers. Within a week, you’ll get to experience the landscape change dramatically from warm subtropical farmland to icy Himalayan Vision. Along the way, you will also experience traditional villages that welcome visitors and trekkers with rich mountain culture, and some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Nepal. Also, while trekking for ABC you’ll cover two base camps including Macchapuchre Base Camp on the way to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Unlike other remote expeditions, the ABC trek is accessible, well-supported by teahouses, plenty of local stays for bed and breakfasts. This trek route is absolutely perfect for both beginners with good fitness and experienced trekkers looking for a rewarding Himalayan experience. So, if you have ABC Trek in your bucket list now is the time.
Day-by-Day Trek Overview
Quick ABC Trek Table Navigator
| Day | Destination / Route | Altitude | Duration | Trek Details | Difficulty / Experience |
| Day 1 | Pokhara → Ulleri (via Nayapul by Bus/Jeep) | 1,900 m | ~4 hrs | Scenic drive and trek through farmland, riverside villages, and waterfalls. Optional photo stops along the route. | Easy to Moderate |
| Day 2 | Ulleri → Ghorepani | 2,860 m | 4–5 hrs | Challenging ascent up the famous Ulleri stone staircase with more than 3,000 steps through rhododendron forests. | Tough Climb |
| Day 3 | Ghorepani → Poon Hill Sunrise → Chule | 2,300 m | 5–6 hrs | Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Himalayas, followed by forest trekking toward Chule. | Moderate |
| Day 4 | Chule → Chomrong | 2,170 m | 5–6 hrs | Trail passes through traditional Gurung villages with several ascents and descents. | Moderate |
| Day 5 | Chomrong → Deurali | 3,170 m | 6–7 hrs | Trek descends to the river before climbing gradually through bamboo forests and narrow gorge sections. | Moderate to Tough |
| Day 6 | Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) | 4,130 m | 4–5 hrs | Enter alpine terrain above the tree line with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Sanctuary. | High Altitude Trek |
| Day 7 | Annapurna Base Camp → Sinuwa | 2,340 m | 5–6 hrs | Descend through Machapuchare Base Camp and retrace the scenic trail toward Sinuwa. | Long Descent |
| Day 8 | Sinuwa → Jhinu Danda | 1,780 m | 4–5 hrs | Easier trekking day with panoramic views and optional relaxation at natural hot springs. | Relaxed Trek |
| Day 9 | Jhinu Danda → Nayapul → Pokhara (by Jeep) | 822 m | Trek or Drive | Final trek through Bamboo and nearby villages before driving back to Pokhara. Optional stop at Jhinu Danda Hot Springs. | Easy Return Journey |
Day to Day Itinerary
The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul followed by a scenic trek through farmland, riverside villages and small waterfalls. The expected time to reach Ulleri is approximately 4 hours unless you request the driver or guide to make a stop cause you want to take some pictures on the way.
Here you’ll face a challenging ascent up the famous Ulleri stone staircase for 4-5 hours with more than 3,000 steps. This hike leads into beautiful rhododendron forests and eventually to Ghorepani where we’ll stay overnight.
An early morning hike for 5-6 hours to Poon Hill offers one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise views. After breakfast, we continue the trail which goes through the forests of Tadapani.
The route descends and climbs through Gurung villages before reaching Chomrong, the last major settlement before entering the sanctuary. Here you are supposed to make an entry record for entering the sanctuary, please be patient with the traditional record system. An if you are lucky, your travel coordinator will have booked a hotel that oversees a mountain peak that glows white while you reach and yellowish red before the sun goes down.
As you descend to the Chomrong river crossing via a suspension bridge you’ll climb steep uphill through bamboo forests, rocky landscapes and narrow gorge sections. A six to seven hour uphill hike is covered today until you reach Deurali at 3170 meters altitude. Deurali is an important place to acclimatize as many trekkers take a short hike higher up before returning to sleep. It’s the perfect place to dry your gear, drink 3 to 4 liters of garlic soup (a local remedy believed to help with oxygen absorption) or hot lemon-ginger tea, and load up on a massive plate of Dal Bhat to fuel your high-alpine push to ABC.
As you leave the Deurali behind the air gets thinner and the landscape becomes more alpine as the trail rises above the forest line. After walking for four to five hours, you’ll first reach Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m). Here you can enjoy amazing 360 degree views of the famous Fishtail mountain and Annapurna I. While you enjoy the view you can rest and hydrate cause Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is just two hours from here and it’ll wait for you.
If you reach ABC by the night but you’ll see the white rocky snow covered mountain even if the electricity goes off. Now you can click pictures and post #ABC conquered once you reach here. Go to your room of stay, change, stay warm, drink plenty of water and observe the view, the hard toil on the trail has finally paid off.The real magic happens tomorrow, now dance, talk, play, charge your phones/cameras and sleep in peace.
Day 7 is what you’ll never miss in your lifetime. Be sure to set an alarm before 6 as the Sun rises here pretty fast and sets pretty fast too, So be early, wear something warmer as the mornings are freezing cold than the nights. Walk with the fully charged phone or camera and start shooting the Mountain cause whatever you see in the dark is gone and a better view has appeared. Be patient enough to witness the Sun’s ray hitting the Annapurna I south face at first as it is the highest mountain peak point there. You will witness the tip of the mountain turn from stark white to a burning, fiery pink and then into a brilliant, molten gold. Soon it’ll spread over all the mountain peaks and suddenly you’ll find yourself immersed in a golden lake of mountains.
Click as many photos as you can cause you are promoting the ABC Trek and be sure to post the best of the best. Once you are done, time to pack your bags cause we are going downhill today and before that you’ll have a heavy mountain breakfast at the lap of Mount Annapurna.
Don’t worry, walking downhill will be relatively easier, we’ll reach Lower or Upper Sinuwa based on our body condition and room availability. I’m sure your lungs will love it but I’m worried your legs won’t. As we descend from ABC to MBC, MBC to Deurali, Deurali to Bamboo and Bamboo to Sinuwa for 5 or 6 hours, air gets thicker and thicker. When the pain of walking and the feeling of achievement the endorphins will be released as you reach Sinuwa and freshen up. Also when hot Dal Bhat Tarkari with some Rum goes in it will turn you euphoric.
On day 8, proper rest helps acclimatisation and provides time to enjoy sunrise and panoramic mountain views. As you leave Sinuwa, you will descend through lush forests to the riverside village of Chomrong Khola, cross a suspension bridge, and then face a short, steep climb up to the lower parts of Chomrong village. From Chomrong, instead of going back toward Chule, you take the trail that branches off and drops steeply down a ridge directly into Jhinu Danda, arriving just in time for lunch and an afternoon soak in the hot springs. Once you reach Jhinu Danda drop your heavy backpack at your teahouse, check into your room, grab a towel, a change of clothes, flip-flops and swimwear.
Follow the clearly marked trail leading out of the village down toward the river. It’s a short, lush, but quite steep descent down stone steps through the forest.
Pay the Entry Fee: There is a small conservation/maintenance fee to use the pools (usually around NPR 150 to 300 (USD 1 -3$), pay it and sit in the warm pools and relax your sore muscles while listening to the roaring glacial river right next to you. It is the ultimate reward after days of intense trekking.
With the final day of mountain adventure as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek comes to an end you’ll descend few steps to reach the newly built Suspension Bridge across Modi Khola. After crossing the bridge you’ll find our Jeep waiting to pick you along with your items at Jhinu Danda the last motor reachable point. A wave of final goodbye to the porters, to the mountains and a few kilometers of bumpy road until clean tarmac road hits. In 3-4 hours Pokhara will welcome you again differently cause it knows you are not same after the trek.
Where is Annapurna Base Camp?
The Annapurna Base Camp lies in north-central Nepal, around 250+ kms west of Kathmandu, inside the protected and Nepal’s largest conservation area, Annapurna Conservation Area.
Your trek will begin from the queen city of Nepal, Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city and the main gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, a short jeep drive will drop you at Nayapul and the trek will begin officially.
Mountains Visible from Annapurna Base Camp
If you reach the Annapurna Base Camp you’ll see the Panoramic 360 degree View of Mountains at 4130 Meters. You’ll be surrounded by Snow Covered Rocky Mountains on all sides if you are lucky, Global Warming is to be blamed if you can’t see it.
Major peaks visible include:
- Annapurna I — 8,091 m, the 10th-highest mountain on Earth
- Annapurna South — 7,219 m
- Machapuchare — 6,993 m, the sacred virgin “Fishtail Mountain”
- Hiunchuli — 6,441 m
- Gangapurna — 7,455 m
- Annapurna III — 7,555 m
At sunrise and sunset, the peaks glow gold and pink with alpenglow, creating one of the most unforgettable mountain scenes in the Himalayas. I suggest you reach there to see it with your own eyes.
Best Time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best seasons for the trek. Temperatures are mild, skies are usually clear, and the rhododendron forests bloom in brilliant red, white and pink colors.
Day temperatures are comfortable, while nights at higher altitude remain cold but manageable as your porter will carry your sleeping bags.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal. The monsoon rains clear the atmosphere, creating crystal-clear mountain views and stable weather.
October and November are especially popular for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But trails and teahouses can become busy as Nepalese Tourists often visit during this time as they get a large number of public holidays because of Dashain and Tihar (Nepalese Biggest Festivals).
Winter (December to February)
Winter trekking is possible with Microspikes but much colder for view. Snowfall can block sections above Deurali, and temperatures at base camp may fall below -20°C, which is not a problem as we provide heavy-duty winter mountaineering or expedition bag for night. But if you love dramatic snowy mountain landscape and quieter trails this season is perfect for you.
Monsoon (June to August)
Heavy rain, slippery trails, landslides, clouds, and leeches are the prime reasons why we don’t suggest this season to you. However, if you want to experience the mist of clouds flying and floating, mountains playing hide and seek, extremely green and luscious landscape this season can be selected.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
You and all other International Trekkers need two permits for the ABC trek:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Required for entering the conservation area.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Used for trekker registration and safety tracking.
Permits can be obtained in Pokhara or at permit checkpoints along the route but be sure you have brought:
- Passport
- Passport-size photos
- Nepali rupees for payment
Always keep permits accessible during the trek as there are several checkpoints.
Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
The standard route usually takes around 10–12 days and combines mountain scenery, village culture, and gradual altitude gain.
Typical route: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani → Chule → Tadapani → Chomrong → Bamboo → Deurali → Machapuchare Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp
Many trekkers also include Poon Hill, famous for its sunrise panorama over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Difficulty Level
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate and beginner friendly. No technical climbing skills are required, but trekkers should be prepared for:
- Long walking days
- Steep staircases
- High altitude
- Cold temperatures
- Continuous ascents and descents
Good physical fitness and preparation make the trek far more enjoyable.
Altitude and Safety
Altitude sickness is one of the biggest risks on the trek. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
Severe symptoms require immediate descent.
Important safety tips:
- Ascend slowly
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol at altitude
- Take acclimatisation seriously
- Carry basic medicine and water purification
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is highly recommended.
Essential Gear for ABC Trek
Key items include:
- Clothing
- Base layers
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Trekking pants
- Wool socks
- Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Sandals for teahouses
- Equipment
- 35–45L backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10°C recommended)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottles or filter
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Power bank
Cost of the Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is relatively affordable compared to many other Himalayan adventures. Typical total cost for a 9 day trek:
Budget independent trek: USD
Comfortable guided trek: USD 1100
Costs depend on:
- Guide/porter services
- Accommodation choices
- Food and drinks
- Transport
- Trekking season
- Guides and Porters
Hiring local guides and porters greatly improves both safety and enjoyment.
A guide helps with:
- Navigation
- Accommodation
- Altitude monitoring
- Cultural insight
- Emergency support
Porters carry heavy loads, allowing trekkers to walk comfortably with small daypacks. Choosing responsible local operators directly supports mountain communities in Nepal.
Trekkers will encounter:
- Stone villages
- Prayer flags
- Buddhist shrines
- Traditional farming terraces
- Local tea houses
The sacred Machapuchare mountain remains unclimbed out of religious respect and is believed to be associated with the Hindu god Shiva.
Responsible Trekking
Here are some rules Trekkers should:
- Avoid plastic waste
- Use refillable water bottles
- Respect local customs
- Stay on marked trails
- Support local businesses
- Carry out rubbish whenever possible
Permit fees help fund conservation and community projects throughout the Annapurna region.
Why Annapurna Base Camp is Special
The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers an extraordinary combination of:
- Himalayan scenery\
- Rich local culture
- Diverse landscapes
- Accessible trekking infrastructure
- Authentic mountain experience
Very few treks in the world provide such dramatic changes in scenery within such a short distance.
Standing inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at sunrise, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and absolute mountain silence, is an experience that stays with trekkers forever.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Nepal or an experienced hiker returning to the Himalayas, Annapurna Base Camp remains one of the world’s truly unforgettable trekking adventures.
Includes and Excludes for Trek
- Permits & Fees MCAP, ACAP, Restricted Area Permit
- Transport: Kathmandu → trailhead bus, Tilje → Besisahar 4x4 jeep, Besisahar → Kathmandu bus
- Guide & Porters: Licensed English/French-speaking guide + porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 20 kg limit)
- Meals: 3 meals per day (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner) from teahouse menus + tea/coffee with 3 meals only
- Accommodation : teahouses, homestays, and lodges (twin-sharing) during the trek
- International flights, Mandatory high-altitude travel insurance (helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m)
- Tips for guide & porters
- Snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol + Extra Tea/Coffee
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging fees
- Personal clothing, sleeping bag, trekking equipment (can be rented) Personal expenses, souvenirs, beverages
FAQs
Yes. Beginners with good physical fitness and proper preparation can successfully complete the trek.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderately difficult. It does not require technical climbing skills, but trekkers should be prepared for long walking days, steep stone staircases, and high altitude conditions.
The standard trek usually takes 7–12 days depending on the route, acclimatisation days, and whether you include Poon Hill. A popular itinerary is the 10-day ABC trek.
