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Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days

Tour Info

trip code

E-006

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/Tea House

Max Altitude

4,130m (13,550ft) at Annapurna Base Camp

Duration

10 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Moderate

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a journey into a natural mountain amphitheater. Unlike other treks that look at mountains from a distance, this route brings you into the center of a 360-degree wall of giants. You will trek through terraced rice paddies, ancient rhododendron forests, and deep bamboo groves before emerging into the high-altitude glacial basin known as the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Highlights

  • The Sanctuary: Stand in a massive glacial basin surrounded by ten peaks over $6,000\text{m}$.

  • Poon Hill Sunrise: Witness a world-class sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.

  • Cultural Immersion: Stay in authentic Gurung and Magar villages like Ulleri and Chhomrong.

  • Jhinu Hot Springs: Soak your tired muscles in natural riverside thermal pools on the way back.

  • Rhododendron Forests: Walk through the world’s largest rhododendron woods (blooming in Spring).

  • Machhapuchhre View: Get up close with the "Fishtail" mountain, one of the most beautiful and sacred unclimbed peaks in the world.

Itinerary

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)

A scenic 7-hour drive through the Himalayan foothills along the Trishuli River. Enjoy the evening by the serene Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

  • Drive time: 6–7 hours.

Day 02: Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Ulleri (1,960m)

After a short drive, the trek begins. You’ll cross the Modi Khola river and face the "Ulleri Challenge"—3,300 stone steps leading up to a beautiful Magar village.

  • Trek time: 4–5 hours.

Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)

A pleasant walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests. The air gets cooler as you reach the ridge-top village of Ghorepani.

  • Trek time: 5–6 hours.

Day 04: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)

A pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for a legendary sunrise. Afterward, trek along ridges and through mossy forests to reach Tadapani.

  • Trek time: 6–7 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m)

Descend through the forest to the Kimrong Khola and then climb back up to Chhomrong, a large Gurung village perched on a hillside with a massive view of Annapurna South.

  • Trek time: 5 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Dovan or Himalaya (2,900m)

The trail drops to the Chhomrong Khola before entering the narrow Modi Khola valley. You'll pass through thick bamboo forests and climb steadily toward the alpine zone.

  • Trek time: 6 hours.

Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via MBC

The big day. You’ll pass Deurali and enter the "Gate of the Sanctuary" at Machhapuchhre Base Camp ($3,700\text{m}$). From here, it’s a gentle 2-hour climb to ABC, where the mountains surround you completely.

  • Trek time: 6–7 hours.

Day 08: Trek ABC to Bamboo (2,310m)

After a final sunrise over the Annapurna face, begin the long descent. Since you are going downhill, you can cover much more ground today.

  • Trek time: 7–8 hours.

Day 08: Trek to Jhinu Danda & Hot Springs (1,780m)

Continue descending to Chhomrong and then down to Jhinu. Spend the afternoon soaking in the natural hot springs located right by the glacier-fed river.

  • Trek time: 5 hours.

Day 10: Trek to Siwai & Drive to Pokhara / Return to Kathmandu

A final short walk to the road-head at Siwai. A jeep takes you back to Pokhara, followed by your return journey to Kathmandu.

  • Trek time: 3 hours | Drive time: 6–7 hours.

Featured Video

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What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.

  • Standard teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin sharing).

  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trekking days.

  • Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.

  • Porters to carry your luggage (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Blue e-TIMS card.

  • First Aid kit carried by your guide.

What's excluded

  • Nepal Entry Visa fee ($50 for 30 days).

  • International airfare.

  • Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, device charging, alcohol, bottled water).

  • Travel and rescue insurance (Mandatory).

  • Tips for guides and porters (Customarily 10–15%).

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the ABC trek for beginners?

The ABC trek is considered moderate. There is no technical climbing involved. However, the thousands of stone steps can be hard on the knees. If you can walk 5–7 hours a day with a light daypack, you can complete this trek.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness on this route?

While the max altitude is 4,130m, the ascent is relatively gradual compared to the Everest region. By spending 7 days reaching the top, your body has time to adjust. Our guides monitor you daily for symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?

While teahouses provide blankets, we strongly recommend bringing a sleeping bag rated to -10°C for hygiene and warmth, especially at the Base Camp where night temperatures can drop below freezing even in peak season.

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