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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Before the Trek:
During the Trek:
The permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Treks are as follows:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trekking Accessories
Notes