The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary runs 10 days from Kathmandu — two road days, eight days on the trail, and one of the finest mountain destinations on earth waiting at the end. The route climbs through traditional Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forest, and the narrowing Modi Khola gorge before opening into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m — a glacial amphitheatre completely surrounded by seven peaks above 6,000m. Furthermore, no domestic flight is required at any point. The entire route runs by road between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and by jeep to the Nayapul trailhead. Consequently, this guide covers every day in full detail — altitude, walking hours, the trail itself, and what to expect so you arrive at Nayapul knowing exactly what the next eight days involve.
What’s Inside This Guide
- 10-Day Itinerary at a Glance
- Day-by-Day Detailed Guide
- Poon Hill Extension Option
- Helicopter Return Option
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary — 10 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Altitude | Hours | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Kathmandu → Pokhara | 822m | 6–7 hrs drive | Pokhara (hotel) |
| Day 2 | Drive to Nayapul → Trek to Ghandruk | 1,940m | 5–6 hrs trek | Ghandruk |
| Day 3 | Ghandruk → Chhomrong | 2,170m | 5–6 hrs | Chhomrong |
| Day 4 | Chhomrong → Bamboo | 2,310m | 5–6 hrs | Bamboo |
| Day 5 | Bamboo → Deurali | 3,230m | 4–5 hrs | Deurali |
| Day 6 | Deurali → MBC → Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130m | 5–6 hrs | Annapurna Base Camp |
| Day 7 | ABC Sunrise → Trek to Bamboo | 2,310m | 6–7 hrs | Bamboo |
| Day 8 | Bamboo → Jhinu Danda Hot Springs | 1,780m | 5–6 hrs | Jhinu Danda |
| Day 9 | Jhinu → Nayapul → Drive to Pokhara | 822m | 4–5 hrs trek + drive | Pokhara (hotel) |
| Day 10 | Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu | 1,400m | 6–7 hrs drive | Kathmandu |
What makes this Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary work
The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary gains altitude gradually from 1,940m at Ghandruk to 4,130m at base camp across five trekking days — one of the most naturally paced altitude profiles of any Nepal sanctuary trek. Furthermore, no dedicated acclimatisation day sits in the schedule because the route’s gradient does the acclimatisation work naturally — each stage adds a manageable 500–900m of overnight altitude gain. Consequently, trekkers who follow the guide’s pace and drink consistently throughout the gorge section arrive at base camp in good condition without any enforced rest days.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 01 — Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)
Drive: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Not included | Stay: Hotel, Pokhara
The trek begins with the drive west from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway — six to seven hours through river valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural market towns. The road follows the Trishuli and Seti river corridors for much of the journey. As Pokhara approaches, the Annapurna range appears on the northern horizon — Machapuchare’s unmistakable fish-tail summit visible from the lakeside when conditions are clear. Check gear tonight. The trail starts tomorrow.
Day 02 — Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)
Drive: 45 min | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +870m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Ghandruk
A short jeep transfer from Pokhara brings you to the Nayapul roadhead at 1,070m where the trail begins. The path climbs immediately through cultivated fields, small Magar settlements, and terraced farmland before ascending steadily toward Ghandruk. Furthermore, Ghandruk at 1,940m is one of Nepal’s finest traditional Gurung villages — stone-paved lanes, slate-roofed houses, and mountain views that arrive without warning as you clear the final ridge. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli appear directly to the north, suddenly and very close. Consequently, Day 2 delivers the first clear signal of what this trek is building toward — and it is more impressive than most trekkers expect.
Day 03 — Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +230m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Chhomrong
The trail drops briefly from Ghandruk before climbing through forested hillside and terraced farmland toward Chhomrong. The route crosses the Chhomrong Khola before the final ascent to the village — a Gurung settlement perched high above the Modi Khola gorge. Furthermore, Chhomrong is the most important strategic stop on the entire route — it has the last ATM before the sanctuary, the last reliable hot shower with good water pressure, and the last point where turning back is genuinely straightforward. Consequently, use both facilities tonight and tomorrow morning — above Chhomrong the gorge becomes progressively more remote with each hour.
Day 04 — Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +140m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Bamboo
The long stone staircase descent from Chhomrong to the Chhomrong Khola is steep and sustained — several hundred steps that load the knees significantly. The climb back up to Sinuwa on the other side is equally unrelenting. Above Sinuwa the environment changes completely — dense bamboo and rhododendron forest closes in, the Modi Khola fills the valley far below, and waterfalls cascade from the walls above. Furthermore, the teahouses thin out and the trail feels genuinely remote. Bamboo at 2,310m sits in the heart of this forest — a small cluster of lodges where the river runs loudly all night. Consequently, Day 4 is one of the most atmospherically distinct stages of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary.
Day 05 — Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude gain: +920m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Deurali
The gorge continues to narrow above Bamboo as the trail pushes through Dobhan and the Himalaya Hotel teahouse cluster. The forest opens progressively as altitude increases, and the first rock faces of the high peaks appear above the valley walls. By the time Deurali arrives at 3,230m, the landscape has shifted from gorge to the wide glacial terrain of the sanctuary approach. Furthermore, mild altitude effects can begin here — a dull headache or reduced appetite on the first night at 3,230m is normal and not a reason to stop. Drink 3–4 litres of water, eat a full dinner, and sleep early. Consequently, Day 5 is the physiological preparation day — how you feel at Deurali determines how Day 6 unfolds.
Day 06 — Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via MBC (4,130m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +900m | High point: 4,130m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Annapurna Base Camp
This is the day. The trail climbs from Deurali through Machapuchare Base Camp at 3,700m — where the fish-tail summit fills the sky directly above, closer than it has any right to be — before continuing up the open glacial moraine to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. The sanctuary does not reveal itself all at once. Gradually the valley widens and the peaks rise on both sides. Then the last ridge drops away and the full 360-degree enclosure appears. Annapurna I’s south face rises nearly three kilometres above the basin floor. Furthermore, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare complete the ring on all sides. Consequently, most trekkers stop walking entirely and stand in silence. Arrive before 2pm for the clearest views and the best evening light on the peaks.
Day 07 — ABC Sunrise, Trek to Bamboo (2,310m)
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude loss: -1,820m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Bamboo
Wake before sunrise. The early morning light over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare from base camp is the finest mountain moment on the trek — peaks lit orange and pink against a dark blue sky. This is what you came for. After breakfast the descent begins. The trail drops 1,820m from base camp back through Machapuchare Base Camp and Deurali, then steeply through the gorge to Bamboo. Furthermore, this is the longest and most knee-intensive day of the trek — trekking poles make a genuine physical difference on every section of the Deurali to Bamboo descent. Consequently, pace the day from the first step, not the last hour.
Day 08 — Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude loss: -530m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Jhinu Danda
The trail returns through Sinuwa and back up to Chhomrong before descending south on a new trail section to Jhinu Danda on the Modi Khola. The natural hot springs here — a 10-minute walk from the teahouses beside the river — are one of the most genuinely satisfying trail rewards in all of Nepal. After seven days of altitude, gorge terrain, and stone staircases, warm water is exactly what the body asks for. Furthermore, entry costs NPR 500–1,000 and most trekkers spend at least 30–45 minutes. Consequently, Day 8 closes the trekking portion of the expedition on one of its finest notes.
Day 09 — Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara (822m)
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Drive: 45 min | Meals: B, L | Stay: Hotel, Pokhara
The final trekking day follows village paths and river trails back through Chomrong and Syaulibazaar to Nayapul. The jeep waits at the roadhead for the return drive to Pokhara. Pokhara welcomes the returning trekker — Phewa Lake, a lakeside restaurant, and a warm shower in a room with a real bed. The trekking is done on arrival in Pokhara.
Day 10 — Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Breakfast
The return drive follows the Prithvi Highway east back to Kathmandu — the same river valleys from Day 1, the Annapurna range visible behind you on clear mornings as you leave Pokhara. Arrive in Kathmandu by mid-afternoon. Ten days. Two road journeys. Eight days on the trail. The Annapurna Sanctuary. Done.
Poon Hill Extension — Add 2–3 Days
The Ghorepani–Poon Hill variation replaces the Ghandruk approach with a ridge route that adds 2–3 days and the finest sunrise panorama in the Annapurna region. Instead of ascending directly to Ghandruk, the route climbs via Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m), then to Poon Hill (3,210m) at dawn — Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, and Machapuchare all visible simultaneously from the viewpoint tower. Furthermore, both routes join at Chhomrong and reach the same Annapurna Sanctuary destination. Consequently, if your schedule allows 12–13 days, the Poon Hill extension adds one of Nepal’s best-known sunrise viewpoints to an already exceptional trek.
Ask us about the Poon Hill extension →
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary — Helicopter Return Option
You do not have to walk back. Mountain Hike Nepal arranges helicopter pickups from Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong, or directly from the Annapurna region — flying you back to Pokhara or Kathmandu and cutting the entire return road journey. This turns the standard 10-day Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary into a 7–8 day expedition with a spectacular aerial finish over the Annapurna massif.
Furthermore, if any trekker needs emergency evacuation at any point on the route — altitude sickness, injury, or any medical condition — helicopter rescue arrives within hours from the nearest landable point. Your travel insurance covers the cost when the policy explicitly includes trekking above 4,000m and helicopter evacuation. Consequently, no trekker ever faces the choice between walking out injured or waiting for road transport.
Contact us before booking to add helicopter options to your itinerary: Chat with us on WhatsApp →
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is 10 days from Kathmandu — Day 1 drive to Pokhara, Days 2–9 eight trekking days on the Nayapul circuit, and Day 10 return drive to Kathmandu. Furthermore, always build 1–2 buffer days in Kathmandu for any transport delays or weather. Consequently, the recommended Nepal trip length for ABC is 11–12 days total.
Not without compromising safety or experience. The 8 trekking days include the gradual altitude gain from Ghandruk to base camp that keeps AMS risk low — removing days compresses the ascent and increases risk above 3,500m. Furthermore, Mountain Hike Nepal does not offer itineraries shorter than 8 trekking days for the full Annapurna Sanctuary route. Consequently, if your schedule is tight, discuss this with us before booking — we can suggest the right option based on your available days.
Most trekkers say Day 6 — when the Annapurna Sanctuary opens up completely at 4,130m with Annapurna I’s south face rising three kilometres directly above. Furthermore, the sunrise on Day 7 before the descent — Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare lit orange and pink at dawn — runs it a very close second. Consequently, both moments together make up the emotional peak of the entire expedition.
Related Planning Guides
- ABC Trek Package — Full 10-day expedition from USD 597 per person
- ABC Trek Cost 2026 — Package prices and full budget breakdown
- How Hard Is the ABC Trek? — Section-by-section difficulty guide
- Altitude and Elevation Guide — Day-by-day altitude profile
- Altitude Sickness Guide — What to expect above 3,000m
- Permits Guide 2026 — ACAP costs and checkpoint locations
- Best Time to Trek — Month-by-month season guide
- What to Pack — Complete gear list for ABC
Walk Every Day. Earn Every View.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary delivers a different reward on every one of its eight trail days — Ghandruk on Day 2, the gorge on Days 4 and 5, the sanctuary on Day 6, the sunrise on Day 7, and the hot springs on Day 8. Every day has a purpose. Follow the guide’s pace, drink the water, and respect the altitude above Deurali. The sanctuary at 4,130m surrounded by seven peaks above 6,000m is exactly what the itinerary promises.
Mountain Hike Nepal has guided the ABC trek since 2018 as a licensed local operator in Kathmandu. When you contact us, you speak directly with the team that walks this route every season. Consequently, any question about a specific day, the Poon Hill extension, helicopter options, or the logistics gets a straight answer.
The full package starts at USD 597 per person for groups of 8–10, USD 659 for 4–6, USD 798 for 2–3, and USD 899 for solo trekkers. All permits and transport included. No domestic flight required.
View the full Annapurna Base Camp Trek package →
Questions about any specific day, the itinerary schedule, or extending the trek? We respond within 12 hours and give straight answers.