Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Patan Durbar Square
Morning View of Mount Annapurna
Mount Annapurna from Annapurna south base camp
View from Ghandruk
Trip Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
- Trek into the heart of the Annapurnas, surrounded by 7000-8000 peaks
- Pass through the beautiful farming village of Ghandruk
- Rest your tired muscles in the hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Enjoy classic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli
Overview of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
One of Nepal’s most classic short treks, this route takes you to the foot of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Along the way, you’ll spend the night in two famous base camps with close-up views of Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
In some ways, the Annapurna Base Camp is a less intense version of the Everest Base Camp trek but can be done in a shorter amount of time. The route ascends a river valley that gradually narrows before opening up into an amphitheater of mountains. While other treks circle around the mountains or take you to panoramic viewpoints, this trek is more about getting to the base of these great Himalayan peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Map
Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Day1: Welcome to Kathmandu
As you fly into Kathmandu, you’ll have beautiful views over the valley, the Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. After going through customs, a representative will be waiting to take you through the initial cultural shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets and get you settled into your hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, head out and visit one of Kathmandu’s heritage site. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.
Day2: Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming to life yet not too chaotic. It’s a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a tea overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares.
There are a many ways one can spend a day given the many incredible sights around the Kathmandu Valley. Later in the evening, head out for dinner at one of the city’s great eateries.
Day3: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Phedi, Trek to Dhampus(1,694m)
A short flight takes you to Pokhara. From airport with half-hour drive you will reach Phedi, where we start our trekking. Today the trail ascends through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, sandalwood, and pine until you reach the village called Dhampus. This is an
Authentic Gurung village, which gives you an opportunity to look at the stunning views of the Annapurna ranges, as well as notable peaks like Lamjung Himal.
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Drive Time: 1 hr. 19min
Trekking Distance: 3 KM
Trekking Duration: 2 Hrs.
Day4: Trek to Landruk
After breakfast, we continue the trail where we left yesterday and head up the ridge at Deurali, from where we can the magnificent view of Mt Dhaulagiri, the highest mountain in this region. After a well-earned rest we descend through the forest to the small village of Tolka, rich in culture and beautiful Gurung village.
We proceed on to Beri Kharka and from here, the trail descends through scattered forests and villages to reach Landruk. Landruk is a large Gurung village situated above the Modi River where we will stay the night in a local tea house. Lunch will be served en-route.
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Trekking Distance: 7.4 Kms
Day5: Trek to Chomrong(2,150m)
Our route now climbs quite steeply, high above the river through bamboo forests and isolated farmsteads. The teahouses at Jhinu provide a welcome opportunity to stop for a drink and a rest on this long, hot climb. Ascending further along a treeless ridge we come to Taglung and just a short distance beyond this is Chomrong. From this Gurung village, there is a tremendous view of Annapurna South, as well as impressive views of Machhapuchhare.
Trekking Duration: 7 hours
Trekking Distance: 9.1 Kms
Day6: Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya Hotel(2,900m)
After dropping down to the Chomrong Kholaon steep stone steps, the trail climbs again, initially through terraced fields and then through a forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Today’s walk is always either up or down on steep paths which are often paved. Sometimes there are views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchre ahead, but often the forest is too thick to allow more than a tantalizing glimpse.
After reaching the village of Khuldigar, you descend a stone staircase to a section of exceptionally thick bamboo and rhododendron forest, following the trail high above the river to day’s end at Himalaya Hotel.
Trekking Duration: 6 Hours
Trekking Distance: 10 KM
Day7: Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3,900m)
After a steep climb, you soon reach a fire-blackened overhang that has been walled in to make a small lodge. This place is known as Hinku Cave. The trail rises continually now, as you near the entrance to the Sanctuary. Passing the lodges at Deorali and Bagar, you arrive at the level and grassy moraine platform known as Machapuchre Base Camp.
Trekking Duration: 6 Hours
Trekking Distance: 7.3 KM
Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
You’ll wake up and have breakfast in Machapuchre Base Camp and then set out for Annapurna Base Camp. Any living vegetation that you may have encountered on previous days will likely be replaced with snow, rocks, and boulders. Dress warm and take the trail slowly so you can acclimatize to the higher elevation.
The path widens as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, follows a stream, and then continues uphill. You’ll enjoy a rewarding finish with unobstructed views of Machapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and other peaks.
Trekking Duration: 2 Hours
Trekking Distance: 2.9 KM
Day 9: Trek to Himalaya Hotel
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Annapurna Sanctuary and return to the trail. Today you will retrace your steps back to the Himalaya Hotel, passing once again through Annapurna South & Machapuchre Base Camps. The last stretch of today’s trek is a short but steep descent to the Himalaya Hotel.
Trekking Duration: 4 Hours
Trekking Distance: 10 KM
Day10: Trek to Chomrong
Today’s trek takes you back to Chomrong. The morning starts with a walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests before ascending a steep stone staircase to the village of Khuldigar. From here, the rest of the day passes through the dense forest but keep your eyes peeled for last glimpses of Annapurnas and Machhapuchre.
Trekking Duration: 3 Hours
Trekking Distance: 10 KM
Day11: Trek to Ghandruk (2,012m)
Today you’ll trek until you reach Ghandruk, with spectacular panoramas of the Himalayas. You’ll stay overnight in this trekker hub with its many lodges, eateries, and shops to stock up on sundry items. Take some time to visit the Gurung Museum, a tiny exhibit in an old traditional house made of stone slabs where you can learn about the history and the local way of life.
Trekking Duration: 5-6 Hours
Trekking Distance: 9.8 KM
Day12: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you may have more time to do more sightseeing, relax, or check out one of the Pokhara’s coffee shops. About 1.5 hours before your flight, you’ll be received from hotel and taken to the domestic airport to catch your flight back to Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to you hotel and can enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu’s streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
Jeep Ride To Pokhara: 1.5 Hours
Flight To Kathmandu: 25 Minutes
Day13: Depart Kathmandu
Time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and /or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It’s good to be at airport at least two hours prior to departure.
