28 Apr 2024 9 min to read
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a classic trek in Nepal that is very popular among trekkers. This trek offers diversity in a single trek from beautiful landscapes to varied flora and fauna in the vicinity of Annapurna Sanctuary, local authentic culture to the warm hospitality of the locals, terraced farmlands to wonderful sunrise and sunset views, climatic variations to panoramic views of snow-covered mountains including world’s 10th highest Mt. Annapurna (8,091m).
There are 4 Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes that take travelers to Chomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp. These routes have some rough terrain, several ascends and descends but provide a memorable trekking experience for travelers. The different routes have a trek duration ranging between 7-17 days which travelers can choose as their preference. The 4 Annapurna Base Camp Trek routes are as follows:
- Trek Route 1: ABC Trek via Ulleri/Ghorepani (9 days)
- Trek Route 2: ABC Trek via Ghandruk (7 days)
- Trek Route 3: ABC Trek via Tolka/Jhinu (7days)
- Trek Route 4: ABC Trek via Annapurna Circuit Trek (17 days)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Attractions
- Classic Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of 4,130m
- Attractive Gurung and Magar villages
- Amazing Poon Hill Hike with fascinating sunrise view over snowy mountains
- Colorful landscapes, beautiful terrain, and lush greenery
- Wonderful local culture, foods, and Himalayan lifestyle
- Cross the highest pass Thorang La (5,416m)
- Holy Muktinath temple
- Panoramic views of mountain ranges and peaks (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and more.)
4 Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes
Trek Route 1: ABC Trek via Ulleri/Ghorepani (9 days)
Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tadapani-Sinuwa-Deurali-Annapurna Base Camp-Bamboo-Jhinu Danda
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga by jeep (1480m), trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2874m)
Day 3: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m), trek to Tadapani (2630m)
Day 4: Trek to Sinuwa (2360m)
Day 5: Trek to Deurali (3200m)
Day 6: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Day 7: Trek to Bamboo (2350m)
Day 8: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m)
Day 9: Walk 30 minutes to Syomrong/Matkyu Danda (1340m), return to Pokhara (on vehicle)
This 9-day ABC trek takes you via the beautiful Magar village of Ghorepani. Poon Hill hike adds beauty to this trek. It treats trekkers with a stunning sunrise view over snowy mountains. The trail is slightly difficult but the scenery it offers is captivating.
Trek Route 2: ABC Trek via Ghandruk (7 days)
Syauli Bazaar-Ghandruk-Sinuwa-Deurali-Annapurna Base Camp-Bamboo-Jhinu-Nayapul
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar (1170m), trek to Ghandruk (2012m)
Day 2: Trek to Sinuwa (2360m)
Day 3: Trek to Deurali (3200m)
Day 4: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Day 5: Trek to Bamboo (2350m)
Day 6: Trek to Jhinu (1780m)
Day 7: Trek to Nayapul (1071m), return to Pokhara (on vehicle)
The 7-day short ABC trek takes you to the popular Gurung village of Ghandruk. A slightly easier trek offers travelers phenomenal views of snowy mountains, beautiful landscapes, the natural hot spring at Jhinu, and friendly locals.
Trek Route 3: ABC Trek via Tolka/Jhinu (7 days)
Tolka-Jhinu-Sinuwa-Deurali-MBC-ABC-Bamboo-Syomrong
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Pothana, trek to Tolka (1790m)
Day 2: Trek to Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring) (1780m)
Day 3: Trek to Sinuwa (2360m)
Day 4: Trek to Deurali (3200m)
Day 5: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Day 6: Trek to Bamboo (2350m)
Day 7: 30-minute walk to Syomrong (1340m), and back to Pokhara
This 7-day trek to ABC takes travelers via Jhinu a beautiful village popular for its natural hot spring. One of the easiest and shortest trek routes takes travelers through lovely settlements and incredible scenery of landscapes and snowy mountains.
Trek Route 4: ABC Trek via Annapurna Circuit Trek (17 days)
Chame- Upper Pisang- Manang- Yak Kharka- Thorang Phedi- Muktinath- Tatopani-Ghorepani- Poon Hill-Tadapani- Sinuwa- Deurali- Annapurna Base Camp- Bamboo-Jhinu Danda- Syomrong
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar bus ride (830m)
Day 2: Drive to Chame on a shared jeep (2675m)
Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang (3300m)
Day 4: Trek to Manang (3540m)
Day 5: Acclimatization day
Day 6: Trek to Yak Kharka (4030m)
Day 7: Trek to Thorang Phedi (4450m)
Day 8: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m)
Day 9: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1189m)
Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (2874m)
Day 11: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m), trek to Tadapani (2630m)
Day 12: Trek to Sinuwa (2360m)
Day 13: Trek to Deurali (3200m)
Day 14: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Day 15: Trek to Bamboo (2310m)
Day 16: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m)
Day 17: Walk 30 minutes to Syomrong/Matkyu Danda (1340m), return to Pokhara (on vehicle)
This 17-day ABC trek via Annapurna Circuit trek is only attempted by a few adventurous trekkers. Firstly, the trek duration is longer, and it is challenging for many beginner travelers. But, this trek treats travelers with phenomenal views throughout the trek despite some challenges. The real adventure during this trek is the challenges faced like crossing the highest pass, trekking on several ascending and descending trails, diverse climatic conditions, etc.
How to Get to Annapurna Base Camp?
Chomrong is the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp. Pokhara is the shortest and best way to get to Chomrong. First, reach Pokhara, and from Pokhara take a drive to either Tikhedhunga, Syauli Bazaar, or Pothana and trek onward as a scheduled itinerary. It takes travelers to the beautiful village of Chomrong which leads to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Travelers trekking to Annapurna Base Camp via Annapurna Circuit Trek follow a different route. They take a public bus ride or private vehicle ride to Besisahar. From Besisahar, take a shared jeep or private jeep ride to Chame and trek onward as a planned itinerary. From Muktinath, take a public or private vehicle to Tatopani and trek ahead leading to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Note: Pokhara is accessible via airway and roadways from Kathmandu. Travelers can select as their preference.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the few treks that can be done throughout the year. All seasons provide a variety of experiences to the trekkers. But, the Spring season (Mar-May) and the Autumn season (Sep-Nov) are considered the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The trails covered with blooming flowers, stable weather, and temperature make the Spring season an ideal season. In the Autumn season, days are bright and sunny with comfortable walking trails, stable weather, and temperature. Winter (Dec-Feb) and Monsoon/Summer (Jun-Aug) seasons are not considered ideal to trek due to the unpredictable weather and unstable temperatures. With proper planning and preparation, it is possible to trek in these seasons but full safety should be the traveler’s topmost priority.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Grade
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate trek and graded 3 which is slightly difficult for beginners. The geographical structure, elevation gain, and daily long walk hours are factors that make this trek a moderate trek. It is achievable for trekkers with good physical fitness. We suggest participating in physical exercises and training including cardio, and for mental health participate in yoga before starting the ABC trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Preparation Tips
Before the Trek:
- Join in exercises and training including cardio to stay physically fit.
- Build strength and stamina by cycling, jogging, and hiking at high altitudes.
- Consume a balanced diet and healthy foods.
- Stay away from junk or unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol, smoking, and using unhealthy substances.
- Practice yoga or meditation for mental fitness.
- Practice the routine of waking up early and strictly follow your daily routine schedule.
- See to doctor for health check-ups before the trek and seek a doctor’s advice if necessary.
During the Trek:
- Stick to a strict schedule (early wake-up, guidelines, guide instructions, eating and drinking habits).
- Retain good physical and mental fitness.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, salty, and junk foods.
- Keep drinking repeatedly to stay hydrated.
- Take an acclimatization rest to prevent altitude sickness and adjust to the surroundings.
- To purify drinking water use water-purifying solutions.
- Monitor the trek speed and if any difficulty inform the guide immediately.
- Wear warm but light seasonal clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Ensure to hire a guide and a porter for a safe and memorable trekking experience.
- Stay in the group, follow the main trails, and strictly follow the itinerary schedule.
Permits Required
The permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Treks are as follows:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Packing Essentials
- Clothing (Quick-drying lightweight T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, Fleece, Shorts, Down Jacket, Trekking pants, Thermal Inners, Leggings, Inners, Thick socks, Gaiters, Full-finger gloves)
- Beanie, Hat, Scarf, Ear warmers, Cap (seasonal)
- Raincoat, Waterproof jacket
- A light backpack
- Comfortable sturdy shoes, slippers
- Sleeping bag, Camping Tent (Remote regions and High Passes Trek)
- Water bottle and water purification kit
- Prescribed medicines and First-aid kit
- Personal Items (Money, Money Belt, Passport Photograph, Documents, ID, Phone, Camera)
- Personal care kit (Sunscreen, lotion, dust masks, lip balm, face and body wipes, tissues)
Trekking Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Trekking Poles
- Duffle bag or kit bag
- 2-4 Large Plastic bags (to separate clean and dirty clothes)
- 6-10 smaller plastic bags (to dispose of garbage)
- Daypack bag (to carry your requirements)
- Toiletries (Quick drying towel, Toilet paper, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, Small mirror, Nail cutter)
- Umbrella (optional)
- Headlamp, Torch, Candles, Matches / Lighters, Pocket knife, Whistle
- Binocular, Power Bank, Spare Batteries, Trekking map and compass, Insect Repellant, Sewing Kit, Reading materials, pencil, rubber, pen, and notebook (extras)
Notes
- You can choose to bring this equipment yourself. However, we can help you get these things after you arrive here if you want to travel light.
- We will arrange your pick-up/drop-off according to your flight schedule.
- We can customize the itinerary according to your interests and preferences.
