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Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A shorter classic leading into the Annapurna Sanctuary, an amphitheatre of peaks at 4,130m with dramatic mountain views.

Kaski · Gandaki Province

Duration

7–12 days

Distance

115 km

Max elevation

4,130 m

Permit cost

$30

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek delivers a complete Himalayan amphitheatre experience in 7-12 days, climbing from the lowland terraces of the Modi Khola into the glacial sanctuary ringed by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Gangapurna. The trail passes Gurung villages, rhododendron and bamboo forest, the hot springs at Jhinu Danda, and a dramatic narrowing gorge that opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m. Graded moderate and requiring no technical skill, with excellent teahouse comfort, it is one of Nepal's most rewarding shorter treks. Best in spring and autumn; winter snow can close the upper sanctuary.

Highlights

check_circleAnnapurna Sanctuary
check_circleGhandruk village
check_circleMachhapuchhre (Fishtail)
check_circleRhododendron forests
check_circleGurung culture

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
Short drive to the trailhead then an easy valley walk to Tikhedhunga.
Stay: Teahouse, TikhedhungaMax alt: 1,540 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD
2
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Climb the famous Ulleri stone staircase through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani.
Stay: Teahouse, GhorepaniMax alt: 2,860 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
3
Poon Hill (3,210m) sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
Dawn climb to Poon Hill for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then descend to Tadapani.
Stay: Teahouse, TadapaniMax alt: 3,210 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
4
Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m)
Descend through forest to the Gurung village of Chhomrong, gateway to the sanctuary.
Stay: Teahouse, ChhomrongMax alt: 2,170 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
5
Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)
Steep stone steps down to the Chhomrong Khola, then climb through bamboo forest.
Stay: Teahouse, BambooMax alt: 2,310 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
6
Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)
Ascend the narrowing gorge past Dovan and Himalaya to Deurali.
Stay: Teahouse, DeuraliMax alt: 3,230 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
7
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via MBC
Enter the sanctuary, pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp and reach ABC for sunset on Annapurna I.
Stay: Teahouse, ABCMax alt: 4,130 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
8
ABC sunrise, descend to Bamboo
Sunrise in the amphitheatre then a long descent back to Bamboo.
Stay: Teahouse, BambooMax alt: 2,310 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
9
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) hot springs
Descend to Jhinu and soak in the natural hot springs by the Modi Khola.
Stay: Teahouse, Jhinu DandaMax alt: 1,780 mWalking: ~5 hMeals: BLD
10
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Final walk out to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Stay: Hotel, PokharaMax alt: 1,070 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD

Teahouses & homestays

Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.

Ghorepani

2,860 m

Food: Wide menu: dal bhat, pizza, pasta, bakery, hot drinks.

Lodging: Comfortable lodges with sunrise views; many rooms with attached bath.

Chhomrong

2,170 m

Food: Excellent menu, famous apple crumble and bakeries; Gurung hospitality.

Lodging: Good lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers.

Bamboo

2,310 m

Food: Dal bhat, noodles, soups; limited variety in the gorge.

Lodging: Basic forest lodges; can fill quickly in peak season.

Deurali

3,230 m

Food: Simple menu; carbohydrate-rich meals advised before the sanctuary.

Lodging: Basic teahouses; cold at night.