Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Journey to the heart of the Annapurna massif, combining breathtaking mountain views with rich cultural encounters in traditional Gurung villages.

Key Facts

  • Moderate-Challenging Difficulty
  • Best Seasons: Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
  • Max Altitude: 4,130m (ABC)
  • Duration: 7-12 days (typically 10)
  • Distance: ~110km round trip

Detailed Itinerary (10-Day Classic Route)

Day Itinerary Details Overnight
Day 1 Drive Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070m)
Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
  • Drive: 1.5 hrs
  • Trek: 4-5 hrs
  • Easy walk along Modi Khola river
  • Pass Birethanti village
 Tikhedhunga teahouse
Day 2 Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m)
  • Trek: 6-7 hrs
  • Climb 3,000+ stone steps to Ulleri
  • Walk through rhododendron & oak forests
 Ghorepani (Annapurna & Dhaulagiri views)
Day 3 Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210m)
→ Tadapani (2,630m)
  • Sunrise hike to Poon Hill: 1 hr
  • Trek to Tadapani: 5-6 hrs
  • Panoramic mountain views
  • Forests, waterfalls, birdlife
 Tadapani teahouse
Day 4 Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m)
  • Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Forest descent & suspension bridges
  • Gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary
 Chhomrong teahouse (Machhapuchhre view)
Day 5 Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600m)
  • Trek: 6 hrs
  • Descend to Chhomrong Khola, ascend to Sinuwa
  • Through bamboo and rhododendron forests
 Dovan teahouse
Day 6 Dovan to Deurali (3,230m)
  • Trek: 4-5 hrs
  • Peaceful forested gorge trail
  • Quiet and less crowded
 Deurali teahouse
Day 7 Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
  • Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Glacial valley trail
  • 360° view at ABC
 ABC teahouse (sunset on Annapurna I)
Day 8 ABC to Bamboo (2,310m)
  • Trek: 6-7 hrs
  • Retrace descent path
  • Different mountain perspectives
 Bamboo teahouse
Day 9 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) - Hot Springs!
  • Trek: 5-6 hrs
  • Ascend Chhomrong, descend to Jhinu Danda
  • Optional natural hot springs visit
 Jhinu Danda teahouse
Day 10 Jhinu Danda to Nayapul - Drive to Pokhara
  • Trek: 5 hrs to Siwai/Nayapul
  • Drive: 1.5 hrs to Pokhara
  • Terraced fields & river views
  • Celebrate completion in Pokhara
 Hotel in Pokhara

Permits & Regulations

Requirement Cost (USD) Where to Obtain
ACAP Permit $30 Pokhara or Kathmandu
TIMS Card $20 TAAN office in Pokhara

Altitude Warning

  • Ascend slowly (less than 400m/day above 3,000m)
  • Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness
  • Descend immediately if symptoms worsen

Packing Essentials

  • Clothing: Layered system (base-merino, insulation-down, shell-waterproof)
  • Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots + camp shoes
  • Gear: Trekking poles, headlamp, sleeping bag (-10°C)
  • Health: Diamox (for altitude), water purification tablets

ABC Trek Route Map

[Interactive map would show route with elevation profile and key stops]

Teahouse Accommodation

Location Facilities Avg Cost/Night
Lower Elevations Hot showers, WiFi, varied menus $5-10
ABC Area Basic rooms, shared toilets, limited menus $3-7

Food & Water

  • Staples: Dal Bhat (unlimited refuels!), noodles, momos
  • Water: Boiled (Rs. 100-300/liter) or treated with tablets
  • Budget: $15-25/day for meals/snacks

Cost Breakdown

Category Independent Trekker Guided Group
Permits $50 Included
Accommodation $5-10/day Included
Food $15-25/day Most meals
Guide/Porter $25-40/day (optional) Included

Pro Tips

  • Start early each day (6-7am) to avoid afternoon clouds
  • Carry small Nepali rupee notes for remote tea houses
  • Pack earplugs - teahouse walls are thin!