The Annapurna Base Camp trek is Nepal's most approachable classic route to a high-altitude sanctuary. In 11 days from Pokhara, you walk from subtropical terraces through some of Nepal's most spectacular rhododendron forests, past the Gurung village of Ghandruk, up through the dramatic Modi Khola gorge, and finally into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre ringed by eight peaks above 6,000 metres, including Annapurna I (8,091m) and the sacred unclimbed Machapuchare (6,993m).
This 11-day itinerary takes the most scenic approach: Pokhara to Nayapul, climbing via Ulleri and Ghorepani for a Poon Hill sunrise, then descending through Tadapani and Ghandruk before entering the sanctuary corridor. It is not the shortest route to ABC (a direct approach via Kimche takes 7-8 days), but it is the most rewarding.
11 days (9 trekking + 2 travel/rest)
4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
~110km round trip
Moderate
October-November, March-May
$25-45 per day on trail
ACAP ($30) + TIMS ($10-20)
Not mandatory (recommended for first-timers)
AMS above 3,500m (relatively low at 4,130m)
Route Overview
This 11-day itinerary combines two of Nepal's most iconic experiences: the Poon Hill sunrise and the Annapurna Base Camp amphitheatre.
Days 1-3: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani (classic Poon Hill approach) Day 3 morning: Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) Days 4-5: Ghorepani → Tadapani → Chhomrong (descent and sanctuary approach) Days 6-8: Sanctuary ascent: Bamboo → Deurali → MBC → ABC Days 9-10: Return descent: Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Pokhara Day 11: Rest in Pokhara / return to Kathmandu
Altitude Profile
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Daily Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga | 1,540m | Start |
| 2 | Ghorepani | 2,860m | +1,320m |
| 3 | Poon Hill → Tadapani | 2,630m | +350m (Poon Hill), -580m |
| 4 | Chhomrong | 2,170m | -460m |
| 5 | Bamboo | 2,310m | +140m |
| 6 | Deurali | 3,230m | +920m |
| 7 | Machhapuchhare Base Camp | 3,700m | +470m |
| 8 | Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130m | +430m |
| 9 | Bamboo | 2,310m | -1,820m |
| 10 | Jhinu Danda / Pokhara | 820m | -1,490m |
| 11 | Pokhara / Kathmandu | 820m / 1,400m | Travel |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
Drive: 1.5 hours Pokhara to Nayapul by private vehicle or tourist bus Trek distance: 7km | Trek time: 2-3 hours
Begin trekking from Nayapul through farmland, villages, and river-side paths. The trail climbs gently alongside the Modi Khola. The first significant climb begins at Birethanti — a pleasant riverside town — heading toward Tikhedhunga.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tikhedhunga, NPR 200-400/night Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Trek distance: 12km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
The most demanding climb of the lower circuit. The trail ascends via Ulleri, famous for its long stone staircase (roughly 3,500 steps) climbing through terraced fields and rhododendron forest. Above Ulleri, the forest becomes dense and magical — in spring, the rhododendrons bloom in crimson and pink along the entire climb.
Ghorepani is a busy, welcoming village on a ridge with multiple good teahouses. Prepare for tomorrow's pre-dawn start.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani, NPR 300-500/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pro Tip
At Ghorepani, lay out your warm layers and headlamp the night before Poon Hill. The alarm goes at 4:30 AM. You want to be walking within 10 minutes of waking.
Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
Poon Hill departure: 4:30-5:00 AM | Return: By 7:30 AM Onward trek distance: 14km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
Pre-Dawn: Climb the stone staircase to Poon Hill (3,210m) by headlamp. Takes 30-45 minutes. The summit viewpoint has a tower and open terrace. Arrive before sunrise and find a clear spot.
Sunrise: One of Nepal's most famous moments. The Annapurna range, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri light up in sequence from grey to gold. The panorama is unobstructed and spectacular.
Morning: Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek east through beautiful forest to Tadapani — a small village with outstanding Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) views.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tadapani, NPR 250-400/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m)
Trek distance: 14km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
Descend through forest and terraced fields to Ghandruk — one of Nepal's most beautiful Gurung villages, with stone-paved streets, a fascinating museum of Gurung culture, and sweeping mountain views. Explore Ghandruk before the final climb to Chhomrong.
Chhomrong sits on a ridge high above the Modi Khola gorge — the canyon that leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary. From here, the real sanctuary approach begins. The views from Chhomrong are exceptional: Annapurna South directly ahead, Hiunchuli to the left, and Machhapuchhare rising dramatically across the gorge.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong, NPR 300-500/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chhomrong Checkpoint
All trekkers entering the Annapurna Sanctuary beyond Chhomrong must present ACAP permits at the checkpoint here. Carry your permits — failure to produce them results in a fine or being turned back.
Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)
Trek distance: 10km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
Descend steeply from Chhomrong to the river, cross the bridge, and begin the sanctuary corridor. The trail enters increasingly dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. This section feels remote — the canyon walls rise, the river rushes, and the outside world recedes. Pass through Sinuwa and Kuldi before reaching Bamboo.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo, NPR 300-500/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)
Trek distance: 8km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
The day the forest gives way. The trail climbs through Himalaya (2,920m) and Dovan, passing waterfalls and progressively thinner vegetation, to emerge at Deurali on the treeline. The first dramatic views of the sanctuary peaks begin here. The air is noticeably thinner.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali, NPR 400-600/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Avalanche Risk Zone
The section between Deurali and Machhapuchhare Base Camp has documented avalanche risk. This section should not be trekked in heavy snowfall conditions or immediately after snowfall. Ask your guide or lodge owner about current conditions. In clear weather, the risk is minimal on the standard trail.
Day 7: Deurali to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m)
Trek distance: 6km | Trek time: 3-4 hours
Above the treeline now. The trail crosses the Modi Khola on a bridge and enters the open sanctuary approach. Views of the surrounding peaks open dramatically as you climb. Machhapuchhare's twin summit dominates the horizon ahead — the closest most humans will ever get to this sacred, unclimbed peak. MBC has several teahouses and is the final stop before ABC.
Check SpO2: Good practice to check oxygen saturation. Should be above 85% at MBC. If headache or nausea is significant, rest here rather than pushing to ABC tomorrow.
Accommodation: Teahouse at MBC, NPR 500-800/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Back to MBC
Trek distance: 4km up, 4km back | Trek time: 2-3 hours up, 2 hours return
The final ascent into the sanctuary. The 430m climb from MBC to ABC takes 2-3 hours through the open glacial amphitheatre. The panorama expands with every step until you are completely surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Machapuchare directly above.
Most trekkers spend 1-2 hours at ABC, eat lunch, and begin the return. Sleeping at ABC is possible but unnecessary for most trekkers — MBC (300m lower) offers better sleep quality and minimal additional risk.
Accommodation: Return to MBC or stay at ABC (NPR 500-800/night) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pro Tip
Start the ABC climb as early as possible. The sanctuary is frequently clear before 10 AM and clouds over by early afternoon. A 7:00 AM start from MBC typically reaches ABC under clear skies. An 11:00 AM start often encounters cloud cover at or before the sanctuary.
Day 9: MBC / ABC to Bamboo (2,310m)
Trek distance: 14km | Trek time: 5-6 hours
Rapid descent retracing your route through Deurali and the sanctuary corridor to Bamboo. The descent is significantly faster than the ascent but hard on knees — use trekking poles on the steeper sections below Deurali.
Alternative: Descend all the way to Chhomrong (2,170m) for a faster return.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo or Chhomrong Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bamboo (or Chhomrong) to Jhinu Danda, Drive to Pokhara (820m)
Trek distance: 10-14km | Trek time: 4-5 hours
Descend via Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda. The hot springs at Jhinu Danda (entry: NPR 100-200) are one of the circuit's great pleasures — soaking in steaming pools after 9 days of trekking is transformative. After the springs, a private jeep or local vehicle returns you to Pokhara (1.5-2 hours).
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara Lakeside, $15-50/night Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Rest in Pokhara / Return to Kathmandu
Lakeside Pokhara is Nepal's best post-trek destination. Phewa Lake, excellent restaurants, paragliding, and massage parlors. Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus ($10-15, 7 hours) or flight ($100-130, 25 minutes).
Shorter Alternatives: 7-9 Day Routes
7-Day Direct Route (Kimche approach):
- Skip Poon Hill; enter via Kimche directly to Chhomrong
- Less scenic approach but perfectly valid
- Better for trekkers with limited time
9-Day via Ghandruk only (no Poon Hill):
- Drive to Ghandruk, trek direct to Chhomrong
- Saves 2 days vs full Poon Hill approach
- Still includes best mountain views from Chhomrong upward
Accommodation Quality by Section
| Section | Village | Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower route | Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani | Good | NPR 200-500 |
| Mid-route | Tadapani, Chhomrong | Good | NPR 250-500 |
| Sanctuary approach | Bamboo, Deurali | Basic | NPR 300-600 |
| High sanctuary | MBC, ABC | Very Basic | NPR 500-800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trek ABC with a mandatory licensed guide? Yes — ABC does not require a mandatory guide as of 2026. The trail is well-marked and heavily trafficked. However, first-time Nepal trekkers and solo travelers benefit significantly from guide expertise, cultural knowledge, and emergency backup.
What's the difference between 7-day and 11-day itineraries? The 7-day version (direct Kimche approach) is the fastest route to ABC but sacrifices the Poon Hill sunrise and the Gurung village experience of Ghandruk. The 11-day version via Ghorepani is the most scenic and culturally rich approach.
How cold is it at ABC? Temperatures at ABC (4,130m): 0°C to -5°C nights in October-November, -5°C to -15°C in December-February. A sleeping bag rated to -10°C and a good down jacket are essential.
Is there altitude sickness risk on ABC? Yes, but lower than EBC or Annapurna Circuit. The maximum altitude of 4,130m means most healthy trekkers adapt without significant symptoms if the ascent is gradual. AMS risk increases if you ascend too quickly (avoid direct 1-day drives to ABC). Follow the pacing in this itinerary.