Annapurna Base Camp

Classic Himalayan Adventure

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a classic Himalayan adventure, offering stunning views of the Annapurna massif, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

Moderate

Itinerary

Day 1

Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara

6-7 hours by drive or 25-minute flight Altitude: 5000m

Scenic drive or flight to Pokhara, explore the lakeside city. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 2

Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga

1.5-hour drive and 4-5 hours trek Altitude: 5000m

Drive to Nayapul, trek through lush forests and terraced fields, passing Birethanti and Hille. Overnight stay in Tikhedhunga.

Day 3

Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

6-7 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Steep climb to Ulleri, followed by a more gradual ascent through rhododendron forests. Overnight stay in Chorepani.

Day 4

Ghorepani to Tadapani (with Poon Hill Excursion)

6-7 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Himalayas, then trek to Tadapani through forests. Overnight in Tadapani.

Day 5

Tadapani to Chhomrong

5-6 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Descend through forests, cross the Kimrong Khola, then ascend to Chhomrong. Overnight stay in Chhomrong.

Day 6

Chhomrong to Bamboo

4-5 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, then climb to Sinuwa and descend to Bamboo. Overnight stay in Bamboo.

Day 7

Bamboo to Deurali

5-6 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests, pass through Dovan and Himalaya.

Day 8

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp

5-6 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp, continue to Annapurna Base Camp with panoramic views of Annapurna range. Overnight stay in Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 9

Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

6-7 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Retrace steps back through Machapuchare Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan to Bamboo. Overnight stay in Bamboo.

Day 10

Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

5-6 hours walk Altitude: 5000m

Trek back through Sinuwa and Chhomrong, then descend steeply to Jhinu Danda. Enjoy the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.

Day 11

Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

5-6 hours trek and 1.5-hour drive Altitude: 5000m

Trek to Nayapul via New Bridge and Kyumi, then drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 12

Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

6-7 hours by drive or 25-minute flight Altitude: 5000m

Return to Kathmandu, rest and relax. )O

Introduction:

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a classic Himalayan adventure, offering stunning views of the Annapurna massif, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The trek takes you through terraced fields, lush forests, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, culminating at the Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks. This trek is suitable for those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the warmth of local hospitality.

Overview:

Duration: 12 days
Max Elevation: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Season: March to May, September to November
Start/End Point: Kathmandu/Pokhara/Nayapul

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours by drive or 25-minute flight
Activities: Scenic drive or flight to Pokhara, explore the lakeside city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight: Pokhara.

Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga

Starting Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet) (Pokhara)
Ending Elevation: 1,540 meters (5,052 feet) (Tikhedhunga)
Duration: 1.5-hour drive and 4-5 hours trek
Route: Drive to Nayapul, trek through lush forests and terraced fields, passing Birethanti and Hille.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tikhedhunga.
Overnight: Tikhedhunga.

Day 3: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Starting Elevation: 1,540 meters (5,052 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Route: Steep climb to Ulleri, followed by a more gradual ascent through rhododendron forests.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani.
Overnight: Ghorepani.

Day 4: Ghorepani to Tadapani (with Poon Hill Excursion)

Starting Elevation: 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
Poon Hill Elevation: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,630 meters (8,629 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Activities: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Himalayas, then trek to Tadapani through forests.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tadapani.
Overnight: Tadapani.

Day 5: Tadapani to Chhomrong

Starting Elevation: 2,630 meters (8,629 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,170 meters (7,119 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: Descend through forests, cross the Kimrong Khola, then ascend to Chhomrong.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong.
Overnight: Chhomrong.

Day 6: Chhomrong to Bamboo

Starting Elevation: 2,170 meters (7,119 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Route: Steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, then climb to Sinuwa and descend to Bamboo.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo.
Overnight: Bamboo.

Day 7: Bamboo to Deurali

Starting Elevation: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
Ending Elevation: 3,230 meters (10,597 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests, pass through Dovan and Himalaya.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali.
Overnight: Deurali.

Day 8: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp

Starting Elevation: 3,230 meters (10,597 feet)
Machapuchare Base Camp Elevation: 3,700 meters (12,139 feet)
Ending Elevation: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: Ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp, continue to Annapurna Base Camp with panoramic views of Annapurna range.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 9: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Starting Elevation: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Route: Retrace steps back through Machapuchare Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan to Bamboo.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo.
Overnight: Bamboo.

Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

Starting Elevation: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,780 meters (5,839 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: Trek back through Sinuwa and Chhomrong, then descend steeply to Jhinu Danda.
Activities: Enjoy the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda.
Overnight: Jhinu Danda.

Day 11: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Starting Elevation: 1,780 meters (5,839 feet)
Ending Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet) (Pokhara)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek and 1.5-hour drive
Route: Trek to Nayapul via New Bridge and Kyumi, then drive to Pokhara.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight: Pokhara.

Day 12: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Starting Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet) (Pokhara)
Ending Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) (Kathmandu)
Duration: 6-7 hours by drive or 25-minute flight
Activities: Return to Kathmandu, rest and relax.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Kathmandu.

Additional Details:

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card are required.
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges along the trail.
Meals: Traditional Nepali meals, with options for international cuisine available at larger teahouses.
Guides/Porters: Hiring a guide and/or porter is recommended for safety and support.

Packing List:

Clothing: Layers for warmth, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, gloves, hat, and sturdy trekking boots.
Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, first aid kit, water purification tablets, and personal toiletries.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, permits, and extra passport-sized photos.

This itinerary offers a well-rounded adventure through the Annapurna region, providing stunning views, cultural experiences, and a memorable trek to Annapurna Base Camp.