Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days

Elevation: 1,400 m → 830 m

Your Annapurna adventure begins with a scenic 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, winding through Nepal’s mid-hills alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. As the bustling capital gives way to terraced farmland and forested hillsides, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Himalaya on the horizon.
Arriving in Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your hotel near the tranquil shores of Phewa Lake. Spend the evening relaxing in this laid-back lakeside city, taking in the sight of the Annapurna range reflected in the still waters as the sun sets behind the hills.

Elevation: 830 m → 1,940 m

After a scenic 1.5-2 hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, your trek officially begins. The 6-hour hike to Ghandruk takes you through terraced fields, stone-paved village trails, and forested hillsides, with the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges rising dramatically ahead.
Ghandruk, a large and picturesque Gurung village at 1,940 meters, is renowned for its traditional stone houses and rich cultural heritage. Settling into your teahouse for the night, you’ll enjoy stunning mountain views and a warm introduction to Gurung hospitality.

Elevation: 1,940 m → 2,170 m

Today’s roughly 6-hour trek carries you deeper into the Annapurna region, descending through lush forest before climbing again toward Chhomrong. Along the way, terraced fields and charming villages punctuate the trail, with ever-improving views of the surrounding peaks.
Chhomrong, perched at 2,170 meters, is the last major village before the trail heads into more remote territory. It’s considered the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, and you’ll spend the night here soaking in views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Elevation: 2,170 m → 2,310 m

Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply to the Chhomrong Khola before climbing back up through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest. This roughly 5-hour trek showcases some of the most diverse vegetation on the route, with the landscape growing progressively wilder.
Arriving at Bamboo, a small, peaceful settlement tucked into the forest at 2,310 meters, you’ll spend the night surrounded by towering trees and the sound of the nearby river—a tranquil stop before the terrain opens up in the days ahead.

Elevation: 2,310 m → 3,230 m

Today’s roughly 5-hour trek takes you higher into the Himalaya, passing through changing forest as the trail steadily gains elevation. Crossing scenic bridges and winding through increasingly alpine terrain, you’ll notice the vegetation thinning as the mountains draw closer.
Reaching Deurali at 3,230 meters, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The crisp mountain air and dramatic scenery make this a memorable stop as you approach the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Elevation: 3,230 m → 4,130 m

The most rewarding day of the trek. This roughly 6-hour trek from Deurali leads you into the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater ringed by towering peaks including Annapurna I and the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail).
Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), you’ll be surrounded by some of the most dramatic high-mountain scenery in the world. Standing at the foot of the world’s 10th highest peak, with glaciers and snow-capped giants on every side, this is a moment of pure awe and accomplishment. You’ll spend the night here, taking in the surreal alpine setting.

Elevation: 4,130 m → 2,310 m

With the summit of your journey behind you, today’s roughly 8-hour trek retraces your steps back down through Deurali and into the lush forest below. The descent offers a fresh perspective on the dramatic landscapes you climbed through days earlier.
Arriving back in Bamboo, you’ll spend the night once again immersed in the peaceful forest surroundings, with the thicker air offering welcome relief after the high altitude of the Sanctuary.

Elevation: 2,310 m → 1,760 m

Today’s roughly 6-hour trek continues your descent through forest, terraced fields, and charming villages, the trail growing warmer and greener with every step down.
Arriving at Jhinu Danda, you’re in for a well-earned treat: natural hot springs nestled beside the river. Soaking tired muscles after days of trekking is the perfect way to unwind, making this one of the most relaxing stops on the entire journey.

Elevation: 1,760 m → 830 m

Your final trekking day takes you from Jhinu Danda down to Nayapul, roughly 6-7 hours through scenic terraced fields, forests, and villages, marking the end of your time on the trail.
From Nayapul, a 1.5-2 hour drive returns you to Pokhara, where you can relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy a celebratory meal, and reflect on the incredible scenery and experiences of the past week.

Elevation: 830 m → 1,400 m

Your Annapurna adventure concludes with a scenic 7-8 hour drive back to Kathmandu. As the mountains fade behind you and the capital’s familiar energy returns, take a moment to reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, warm Gurung hospitality, and personal accomplishment of reaching Annapurna Base Camp—memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left the mountains behind.

The ABC trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. While there are long uphill and downhill sections, it doesn’t reach the extreme altitudes of treks like Everest Base Camp, making it more manageable for a wider range of trekkers.

No prior trekking experience is required, though some hiking fitness is beneficial. The trail involves consistent stone steps and undulating terrain, so basic cardiovascular preparation will make the experience more enjoyable.

Most itineraries range from 7 to 10 days, including transportation to and from Pokhara. Shorter or longer variations are available depending on your starting point and pace.

The two best seasons are spring (March-May), when rhododendron forests bloom in vibrant colors, and autumn (September-November), which offers the clearest mountain views and stable weather.

Annapurna Base Camp sits at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet), significantly lower than Everest Base Camp, which contributes to the trek’s more moderate difficulty level.

The risk is lower than on higher treks but still present, particularly during the final ascent to Base Camp. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and pay attention to any symptoms as altitude increases beyond 3,000 meters.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking activities and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, even though the altitudes are lower than on other Himalayan treks.

You’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Your trekking agency typically arranges both permits for you.

Yes, most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. It costs USD 50 for 30 days or USD 125 for 90 days.

You’ll stay in teahouses/guesthouses throughout the trek, offering basic but comfortable rooms. Larger villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong have more developed lodges, while accommodations become simpler at higher elevations.

Teahouses offer a variety of meals including dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), noodles, soups, momos, and some Western options like pancakes and pizza. Dal bhat is popular among trekkers for its energy value and unlimited refills

Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi and electricity for a small fee, and connectivity is generally more reliable than on higher, more remote treks like Everest Base Camp.

Costs vary depending on the operator, duration, and services included, but typically range from USD 700 to USD 1,200 per person for a standard guided package.

While not legally mandatory, hiring a licensed guide and porter is strongly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insight, and to support the local economy.

Essentials include layered clothing, a warm sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, a light down jacket, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for the hot springs at Jhinu Danda.

Most itineraries begin with a drive or short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Nayapul, where the trek officially begins.

Yes, most teahouses offer device charging and hot showers for an additional fee, and Jhinu Danda even features natural hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink directly. Trekkers typically use boiled water (available at teahouses for a fee), water purification tablets, or filters to stay hydrated safely.

There’s no strict minimum age, and the moderate difficulty makes it a popular choice for families with children, provided they’re in reasonably good health and fitness.

In case of a medical emergency, licensed guides are trained in first aid and can arrange emergency evacuation, though the lower altitudes generally mean fewer serious medical incidents compared to higher treks.