Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary (12 Days)

ITINERARY FOR 8-DAYS ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK

After 8 hrs of drive passing these highways, crossing over the river and witnessing the local activities along the roadways will lead us towards the bouncing hilly road trip and welcoming chilling wind from the Himalayas stopping our day at Ulleri, the starting point for our ABC trek.

 DAY 01:  Hike Ulleri  to Ghorepani  (2874 m) 5 hrs walk

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek begins from the village of  Ulleri by walking inside a beautiful rhododendron forest, leading the trail through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trails of stairs are going to be uphill to the top of Ghorepani. The village is named after Horse in Nepali “Ghoda” used to be an ancient popular resting place for traders from Tibet those travelers who used to rest their horses back in time. 

Challenges:

•       Steep up and down with many stone stairs could be a problem for some.
•       During the monsoon season (June- August), there are leeches on the trail.

DAY 02  :    Early morning hike to Poon hill (3210 m), further hike to Tadapani (2660) 7-8hrs walk

Poon hill at an elevation of 3210 m offers you the best sunrise viewing hilltop with the panoramic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.  The hike shall start at 4:30 am today, not to miss a warm beginning of the day (A popular sunrise point in the Annapurna region). It will take you 1.5 hours hike reaching to the top of Pooh Hill.  A mesmerizing view of glowing mountains,  widely stretch green hills, a valley on its chest and warm sunrise lighten the heartbeat of an uphill hike.  Spending a few hours we will further go downhill to Ghorepani to have breakfast and by 9 am we will further hike towards Tadapani. The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani ascends for the first 2 hours and further descends mostly on reaching Tadapani.  A small teahouse village surrounded by rhododendron trees (March-May) with its name Mystical forest is where we are going to rest for today.

Challenges:

•       First 2 hours uphill from Ghorepani

DAY 03: Hike Tadapani to Chhomrong (2177 m) 6 hrs walk

The hike starts today at 7 am from Tadapani with beautiful morning outlook of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. The trail vertically descends until we reach Kimrong Khola( river) bridge that leads us to another hill.  With gradual ascend following the river’s easy local pathway we stop by for our lunch.  After an hour of lunch break, we will continue the same ridge. The ecological life in this region connecting the social dots for livelihood engages livestock farming, cutting grass to feed animals, hewing wood to working at the millet, and buckwheat field is few social life we get to see until we reach Chhomrong. 

DAY 04:    Hike Chhomrong to Dovan (2600 m) 4-5 hrs walk

Chhomrong is the major place on approach to ABC delightedly rich stone build architecture tea houses of Himalaya. Today will be a comparatively easy day with the slow downhill and uphill at a steady pace. The hike leads us down through stone steps for an hour crossing over a long suspension bridge then going up until Sinuwa danda.  Apart from humans on the foot trail donkey, horses will accompany us’ the mountain transport’ respectfully wanting the passage. After Sinuwa danda, the trail runs through a dense sub-tropical forest of light rain showers, many flowering trees, pine trees, the sound of birds, and an hour’s walk through the bamboo forest with the continuous roar of Modi Khola at its right. Throughout the trails of ACAP you will naturally find water filing spots either directly from streams or tap near to tea house location. Gentle forest walk of today, stopping in Dovan.

  Challenges:

•       You will be elevating through ~600 meters.

 DAY 05:   Hike Dovan to Machhapuchhre BaseCamp (3600 m) 5 hrs walk

 Today is the most challenging day as we have already entered the wilderness of Annapurna Sanctuary. Lesser human civilization area except that of specific teahouse location and mostly we will be going uphill slowly with lots of rests in between.  As an increase in elevation changes occur less in vegetation and rocky landscape trails when crossing Deurali (2960 m). After Deurali until MBC, typically throughout the forest, we will be seeing hanging stones known as “Hinku Cave”. Right before MBC, we walk with the group due to the threat of an avalanche. After 6 hours walk finally, we will reach MBC for an overnight stay- the coldest place during our Annapurna Basecamp trek.

Challenges:

•       You will be crossing level 3, 3600 meters.
•       Rocky trail and risk of avalanche.

DAY 06:     Early morning hike to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 s), further hike down to Dovan (7-8 hrs walk)

Right after breakfast, we start our hike to Annapurna Base Camp, The Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m is placed like a bowl surrounded by Annapurna massifs and its glacier in between the plateau. The humongous majestic Annapurna South view will be memorizing with beautiful sunrise touched on those snowy chests. This is our most important day of the whole trip. This is the final destination of the trek. After exploring ABC we will trek back to Bamboo.

Challenges:

•       You will be crossing an altitude of  4100 meters on foot.
•       It will be a long walk of morning hike and a descent of 1500 meters

DAY 07  :  Hike to Jhinu Danda (1780 meters). 6 hours walk

We will hike down to Jhinu danda, the first 4 hours downhill is easy, but the last 1.5 hours uphill to Chomrong is tough. Upon arrival at Jhinu, we will take an hour’s rest. After resting for a while, we will further go to a nearby hot water spring for about (30 minutes), to relax and relieve all our body pain.

Challenges:

•   4 hours of continuous downhill.

DAY 08:   Hike to Landruk (1500 m), drive to Pokhara (8 hours)

After having breakfast, we will trek to Landruk. It takes about 2-3 hours’ walk to Landruk, further we will drive to Pokhara on a 4WD. In the evening, you are free to do your activities, like relaxing, strolling along the lakeside, live music, etc. Overnight in Hotel.         

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the trekking to Annapurna Base Camp?

No ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. The trail is rough, Most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails. Use caution or seek the expertise of our guide.

How fit do I need to be to go trekking to the base camp of Annapurna?

An average level of fitness is required.

Can my children go on the ABC trek? 

Yes your Children can do it but make sure they have enough walking experience.

Are there any ATM’s on the Trekking route?

No. Only at Pokhara that you can use before/after Trek.

Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance for ABC Trek?

Yes. Most trips run smoothly, but once in a while something unexpected can happen, that’s why we highly recommend and to join one of our trips you must have travel insurance. Please see our travel insurance section for more information. 

Will I get altitude sickness on the Trek?

Annapurna Base camp trek doesn’t go higher than 4100m. and it is not possible to be affected by the altitude very much, but some people might fell altitude symptoms. It is usually above 3000 meters when people start to feel symptoms. Your trekking itinerary has been designed in such a way that you will get enough time to acclimatize on the way, so as long as you are fit and if you follow the instruction from your trek leader there is almost no chance of getting altitude sickness when traveling with us. Your safety is our concern.

Will I have access to the internet?

Yes, most of the places you will be able to use the Internet if there is not any technical problem. You can also use internet on your mobile at most of the point on the trek.

Can I charge my camera batteries on the trek?

Yes, you can charge batteries but you’ll be charged for particular hour by the hotel and you’ll have to bring your own charger. Solar power bank could be an ideal self battery savior.

Will my mobile phone work on this Trek?

Cell phones work at most of the places on ABC Trek, depending on your mobile provider. There are also phone services almost everywhere we go if you need to reach home.

What is the accommodation like?

We can tailor the accommodation to meet your requests. While in Kathmandu and Pokhara we generally stay in very nice 3-4 star hotels based on your requirement. During the treks, we will be staying in local tea houses along the trail. The guesthouses vary, but overall they are clean, charming and meet all of your needs. 

Can I take hot shower during the trek?

Unlike other trekking trails, ABC is most famous and commercial route. Hence, most of the hotel will take care of your hot shower requirement but with some additional cost.