Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days: A Day-by-Day Itinerary into the Heart of the Sanctuary
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal's most iconic short trekking adventures — a perfect blend of cultural richness and Himalayan grandeur. In ten days you travel from the chaos of Kathmandu to a 360-degree amphitheatre of snow at 4,130 m, walking through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and the glacial basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This is the full, day-by-day itinerary as run by Enticing Himalayas — no filler, no invented trails.
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) — the destination of the trek, ringed by Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from the vibrant capital of Kathmandu and heads to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, then takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna region. The trail passes through traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Chomrong, lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and dramatic river valleys before reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural cirque of peaks that few treks on Earth can match for sheer vertical drama.
10 days / 9 nights
4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Moderate — suitable for fit first-time trekkers
Hotel in cities, teahouse/lodge on trek
All meals included during the trek
Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Highlights
- Scenic drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Explore the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk
- Stunning sunrise and mountain views throughout the trek
- Walk through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- Panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail)
- Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Experience local culture, hospitality, and Himalayan lifestyle
Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6,993 m) — sacred and unclimbed, and a constant companion on the ABC route. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).
The Route at a Glance
| Day | Route | Altitude | Walking Time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu → Pokhara (Drive) | 822 m | 6–8 hrs | Hotel |
| 2 | Pokhara → Naya Pul → Ghandruk | 1,940 m | 5–7 hrs | Teahouse |
| 3 | Ghandruk → Chomrong | 2,170 m | ~6 hrs | Teahouse |
| 4 | Chomrong → Bamboo | 2,310 m | 4–5 hrs | Teahouse |
| 5 | Bamboo → Deurali | 3,230 m | 3–4 hrs | Teahouse |
| 6 | Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m | 5–6 hrs | Teahouse |
| 7 | ABC → Bamboo | 2,310 m | 6–7 hrs | Teahouse |
| 8 | Bamboo → Jhinu Danda | 1,780 m | 5–6 hrs | Teahouse |
| 9 | Jhinu Danda → Naya Pul → Pokhara | 830 m | ~7 hrs | Hotel |
| 10 | Pokhara → Kathmandu (Drive) | 1,300 m | 7–8 hrs | — |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)
Altitude: 822 m Duration: 6–8 hours
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway. The route follows the Trishuli River, offering picturesque views of terraced fields, green hills, riverside villages, and distant Himalayan peaks.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will notice a dramatic change in atmosphere — from the busy capital to a calm lakeside city. In the evening, you can stroll around Lakeside, enjoy cafés, or admire the reflection of the Annapurna range on Phewa Lake.
Phewa Lake, Pokhara — your gateway to the Annapurna region. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).
Day 2 — Pokhara to Naya Pul – Trek to Ghandruk
Altitude: 1,940 m Duration: 5–7 hours
After breakfast, drive to Naya Pul, the starting point of your trek. The trail gradually ascends through lush landscapes, terraced farms, and traditional settlements inhabited by Gurung communities.
You will pass through small villages, suspension bridges, and scenic trails before reaching Ghandruk — one of the most beautiful villages in the Annapurna region. The village offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. You can also explore the local museum and experience authentic Gurung culture.
Ghandruk — a traditional Gurung village with sweeping views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA).
Day 3 — Trek Ghandruk to Chomrong
Altitude: 2,170 m Duration: ~6 hours
The day begins with a descent through stone steps and forested trails to Kimrong Khola. After crossing the river, the trail ascends steadily through rhododendron forests and small settlements.
Chomrong is a beautiful hillside village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. This is the last permanent settlement before entering deeper into the conservation area.
Day 4 — Chomrong to Bamboo
Altitude: 2,310 m Duration: 4–5 hours
Today involves a steep descent down stone steps to the Chomrong Khola, followed by a steady climb to Sinuwa. From here, the trail enters dense bamboo and rhododendron forests.
The peaceful forest walk, accompanied by the sounds of birds and rivers, makes this section particularly enjoyable. Bamboo is a small settlement surrounded by thick forest, offering a calm overnight stay.
Day 5 — Bamboo to Deurali
Altitude: 3,230 m Duration: 3–4 hours
The trail gradually ascends through dense forest before opening into a narrower valley. You will pass through Dovan and Himalaya, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse, and the landscape turns more rugged and alpine. Deurali offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and is an important acclimatization point before heading higher.
Day 6 — Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4,130 m Duration: 5–6 hours
This is the most exciting and rewarding day of the trek. You will walk through the glacial basin, passing Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), where the views become increasingly dramatic.
From MBC, the trail gently ascends into the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of snow-covered Himalayan giants.
Day 7 — Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Altitude: 2,310 m Duration: 6–7 hours
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna range as golden light illuminates the peaks. After breakfast, begin your descent following the same trail back.
The downhill trek is easier and faster, passing through MBC, Deurali, and forested sections before reaching Bamboo for an overnight stay.
Day 8 — Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Altitude: 1,780 m Duration: 5–6 hours
Retrace your steps back to Chomrong and then descend steeply to Jhinu Danda. This village is famous for its natural hot springs located beside the Modi Khola river.
After a long trek, you can relax and rejuvenate in the warm therapeutic waters — one of the highlights of the journey.
Day 9 — Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul – Drive to Pokhara
Altitude: 830 m Duration: ~7 hours
Enjoy a short and pleasant trek through villages and farmland to reach Naya Pul. From here, drive back to Pokhara.
The evening is free to relax, enjoy lakeside dining, or celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Day 10 — Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
Altitude: 1,300 m Duration: 7–8 hours
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu along the scenic highway. Upon arrival, you can spend your remaining time exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing before your departure.
What's Included / Not Included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (with breakfast)
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Necessary trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
- Transportation (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu by tourist bus)
- Pokhara to Naya Pul and return transportation
- First aid kit and basic medical support
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses (drinks, Wi-Fi, hot shower, etc.)
- Porter service (available on request)
- Tips for guide and porter
- Any expenses not mentioned in "Includes"
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need trekking experience for the ABC trek?
No technical climbing is involved — it is a teahouse trek on well-marked trails. A reasonable fitness level and some prior hiking help, but many first-time trekkers complete it comfortably with our guides.
When is the best time to go?
October to November (clear autumn skies, festival season) and March to May (spring rhododendron bloom) are ideal. Winter is cold but quiet; the monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings leeches and cloud.
How is altitude handled?
The itinerary is paced for gradual ascent with an acclimatization point at Deurali (3,230 m) before climbing to ABC (4,130 m). Our guides monitor everyone daily and carry a first aid kit.
Can the trek be customized?
Yes. Enticing Himalayas builds flexible itineraries — add a porter, extend in Pokhara, or combine with a cultural or wellness add-on. Start a custom plan here.
Where This Trek Fits the Spiritual Tour of Nepal
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the physical, moving half of a much older idea — that Nepal is traveled to be changed, not just seen. It sits naturally inside our wider Spiritual Tour in Nepal plan, and pairs with three of its doors:
- The journey, not the summit. ABC is best walked slowly, with attention. Our slow trekking and mindfulness approach turns the same trail into a moving meditation.
- Recover what the climb asks of you. High performers use the trek to reset. See why executives are going quiet in the Himalayas before and after the walk.
- Heal the body after the altitude. Follow the trek with real treatment — our guide to certified Ayurveda and Panchakarma shows where to find genuine healers.
It also lands inside Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027 — the government push making vetted wellness and trekking itineraries easier to book than ever. And if you want the older current beneath the mountains, the shamanic healing tour runs the same ridges with a different lens.
Ten days. One sanctuary. A view that rewires you.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the shortest route to the deepest Himalayan silence. Contact Enticing Himalayas to lock in your dates — expert local guides, all permits, all meals, and a pace built around you.
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