A Step-by-Step Journey Through Annapurna Base Camp
Nestled in the heart of the Nepal Massif, the Annapurna Massif offers some of the most pristine regions in all of Nepal challenging you to explore like never before. The step-by-step journey leads you from the busy streets of Pokhara to the tranquil and stunning Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. That said, each day of the trek holds its own challenges but rewards too, making it a journey of adventure and self-discovery and magnificent views.
Your journey starts on the shores of Pokhara, a lake city where you drive to Nayapul, the beginning of the trek. From here you start trekking by descending into the verdant green Modi River valley. Day one is not too taxing, as you traverse through tiny villages like Tikhedhunga and Ulleri, which are located at the foot of the steep hill. The verdant terraced fields, colorful rhododendron woodlands, and crystalline mountain streams start to get you in the mood for the trek ahead. The route continues bearing upward, leading you further into the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The following day you trek up to Ghorepani, another lovely Gurung village. The views get increasingly spectacular the higher you climb. En route you’ll walk through dense forest where a variety of wildlife — monkeys and beautiful bird species among them — can be found. Ghorepani is a well-frequented stop for trekkers, as it’s an excellent viewpoint for sunrise vistas of the Annapurna range. But the journey does not end here, you will keep trekking onto Poon Hill, one of the most popular viewpoints on the ABC trek. Along with breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre ranges as sunrise showers the snow-capped mountains with gold, an early morning hike to Poon Hill is one of the best things to do in Ghorepani.
Descending from Ghorepani, the ridge passes you to the village of Tadapani, with some of the most stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchhre. The following day, you walk to Chomrong, an idyllic cliff-edge village. Chomrong is considered the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp, and it is the place where the real trekking begins as the increasing altitude and the austere landscape takes shape around you. From Chomrong, you head to Sinuwa and then to Deurali; with each step, you gain altitude and better views.
One of the most stunning parts of the trek is approaching the Annapurna Base Camp. The terrain changes significantly, with the path moving through alpine meadows and rocky ground. The air is thinner at this height, and the climb can seem more extreme, but the payoff at the end is what made the burn worth every single bit of effort. Finally, you will get to the Annapurna Base Camp after a long day hike. At the base camp, you find yourself surrounded by the highest and most magnificent walls of rocks in the world. The panoramic view of other giant peaks such as Annapurna I, and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) becomes spectacular while up there and you actually feel the size of the Himalayas.
After a little time in Annapurna Base Camp Trek travel tips, it is time to descend. The return trip is quicker but still provides the ideal views of the mountains and villages as you descend back down. This hike ends in Pokhara, where you can look back on everything from experiences and challenges to the sights you won’t see anywhere else, all of which made the Annapurna Base Camp trek one of the best trips of your life. Be it the mountains, the culture, or the challenge of the trek, there is something extraordinary about the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most popular and beautiful trekking routes in Nepal, providing an amazing experience to trekkers through the various landscapes, and beautiful villages, and providing a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Set in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trek takes you to the base of Annapurna I, one of the highest peaks on earth. The trek not only offers breathtaking views of stunning mountains, including Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, but also provides an opportunity for trekkers to experience the rich culture of the area’s Indigenous communities. A difficult mountain trek is classified as moderate as needs a good level of fitness as the uphill walk at a gradual pace makes it a feasible distance for most trekkers. Trekking to Everest base camp itself takes around 12 days, covering a distance of just over 100 miles (160 km) with an altitude gain of nearly 3,500 feet (1,000 meters) to around 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level. Annapurna Base Camp, at a height of 4,130 meters, provides magnificent views that make it worth the effort to get there. The trek to ABC is the perfect fusion of adventure, culture, and nature whether you are a seasoned trekker or a complete novice.
TREK PREPARATIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Trekking Annapurna Base Camp successfully and enjoyably depends on how prepared you are ➔ Make sure you are in good shape for a moderate hike with long days of hiking and varying terrain and elevation changes. It’s not a technological endeavor, but you will get more from your trip if you’re physically fit. Packing suitable equipment is vital, such as well-built hiking shoes, a decent sleeping bag, a good jacket for the high altitudes, and garments that can be adjusted according to the varying temperatures. Trekking poles can be useful for the steeper parts of the trail, too. Pack a daypack, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a first aid kit. Along with all of the gear, make sure you have the right permits for the trek, which include the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. If you plan to come to Nepal for trekking or hiking, consider hiring a local guide or porter, as they can help you navigate the trails and provide you with valuable insight into the local culture and history. Acclimatization is important, so incorporate adequate rest days along the trek to help mitigate the risk of altitude sickness. Ensure you have full travel insurance that covers altitude-high trekking and potential evacuations if you get into trouble. But if you prepare well, there is no need to deal with the stress or creaminess of the hike.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and prepare for the trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek weather Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and prepare for your Annapurna Base Camp trek. You get to witness the city brimming with culture, history, and excitement as you explore its bustling streets and landmarks. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your trekking company or guide, and transferred to your hotel. You will need to check in and settle, but you will have some time to rest from your flight. It is also an important day for the finalization of all trek preparations. You can also find local shops to rent any last-minute equipment, as well as purchase food items like snacks, water bottles and trekking poles. In the evening, a briefing is common about the trek that’s upcoming, during which you’ll meet your guide and others on the trek. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you have regarding the route, safety, and what to expect on the journey. If you have time in Kathmandu, visit some of the cultural highlights of the city including the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square, or the Boudhanath Stupa. Your first day is low-key as you want to ease you into your upcoming adventure in stunning Annapurna.
Day 2 : Drive to Pokhara – The Gates to Annapurna
Day 2: Transfer to Pokhara You will transfer from the capital city of Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The 6-7 hour drive (case-in-point traffic dependent) is visually stunning enough to be its own adventure! As you exit the Kathmandu Valley, the scenery changes from the city’s urban sprawl to the verdant hills of central Nepal. You’ll trace the path of the Trishuli River, crossing bridges, and curving through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and farmland. And when you approach Pokhara the grand peaks of Annapurna and Machapuchhare start to loom on the horizon, which only adds to the anticipation for the upcoming adventure. After you make it to Pokhara you can relax in this laid-back lakeside town. Before making their way to the starting point of the trek, many trekkers use their time to rest, explore the lakeside area, or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake. The city is also an excellent place to finalize any last-minute trekking minutiae. On this evening take a leisurely walk around the lake or relax in one of the many cafés or restaurants while gazing at the stunning mountain views.
Day 3: Pokhara to Nayapul: Trek Commencement
Annapurna Base Camp Trek accommodation On Day 3, the real epicness goes live, trekking from Pokhara to Nayapul, the official onset of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The journey from Pokhara to Nayapul takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and you will find picturesque views of terraced fields, forests, and villages en route. When you arrive in Nayapul you will meet your trekking team and the real journey begins. After some final paperwork and checks, you begin your hike, passing through the village of Birethanti, a small settlement close to the trailhead. The path from Birethanti runs uphill and along the Modi River in its winding path past green forests. The first 2/3 of part of the trek is easy, welcoming start to your hike. Along the way, you’ll walk through charming villages such as Syauli Bazaar, where you’ll be able to see traditional Nepali life and meet locals. At the end of the day, you will complete Tikhedhunga where you will spend the night in a comfortable teahouse. Located here is Tikhedhunga at the foothills, which is simply loved with the gorgeous views of the mountains and this is the point to be spent at because the days ahead would be a little more difficult. The hike isn’t too strenuous, so you can acclimatize to the altitude and the terrain.
Day 4: Trekking from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
Day 4: Trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (your first full day of trekking the Annapurna region!). The path begins with a gentle climb, following the river upstream through the village of Birethanti on a well-trodden path. The area you trek in is abundant with greenery and beautiful views that you wouldn’t want to miss. The trail gradually climbs through small villages and terraced fields, offering plenty of time to observe the local people’s lives. The ambiance of lush forests of rhododendrons and oak trees along the trail; and trailside mosses come into view as you go higher. The first few hours of trekking are mostly easy, approaching the shot you will see a sign to Tikhedhunga, and now the trail is steeped and you should climb thousands of stone steps. Your first overnights on the Annapurna Base Camp trek are in a teahouse, which is expected in Tikhedhunga, a small, quaint village. The atmosphere of Nirang village is a peaceful and quiet place to relax before the next trek. The fresh mountain air and stunning scenery make it the perfect place for a break before the trail gets tougher over the next few days.
Day 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Annapurna Base Camp Trek reviews Day 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani — a challenging yet beautiful section of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is a relatively constant upward day and your ascent is via an aging set of stone steps, the “Tikhedhunga stairs”. Though the first leg of the trek is arduous, rising steeply, it presents opportunities for rare views of rhododendron and oak forests glistening with dew. As you climb higher, the views widen, and you’ll begin to see the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range peeking between the lower mountains. Along the way you will pass by tiny villages like Ulleri, where you can stop on the way to take a break and experience the local hospitality. A few hours of trekking will land you in Ghorepani, a picturesque village and a popular stopover for trekkers. The Ghorepani village is located at an altitude of 2,860 meters and it also gives a stunning view of the Annapurna range including Annapurna South, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri. It’s a good spot to kick back and take in the mountain views and mentally prepare for the following day’s early morning hike to Poon Hill.
Day 6: Hike to Poon Hill to Greet the Sun, Then Trek to Tadapani
We start an early morning hike up to Poon Hill, the most famous viewpoint in the Annapurna Base Camp trek on Day 6. The trek up to Poon Hill takes 45 minutes to an hour from Ghorepani, and climbers wake up before sunrise to see the first rays of light. A stunning and unforgettable view of the ranges of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) greets you at dawn from the summit of Poon Hill. Darker sea-going vessels can also pass through to reach further into the inlet from the colors of the peaks at the rising sun. After soaking in the views and taking some photos, you’ll head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue your trek. The second part of the 4-day trek then takes you through dense forests and peaceful meadows on the way to Tadapani at an altitude of 2,630 meters. The hike is fairly easy; it gradually ascends and descends. Tadapani is a small village in the middle of the dense forest with views of Machapuchhre and Annapurna South. It is a peaceful place to relax amidst breathtaking surroundings.
Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Day 7: Tadapani to ChhomrongOn day 7, you hike from Tadapani onward to Chhomrong — one of the most beautiful villages on the ABC trek. The journey from Tadapani to Chhomrong is a gradual downhill through the green forest and upward to Chhomrong, situated at 2,170 meters. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna South and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks along the way. You’ll meander through rhododendron forests alongside small settlements and terraced fields, passing scenic streams. While at Chhomrong, you will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals. Chhomrong: a mountain-side village with panoramic views of the mountains. It is a good resting place to be in peace amidst the mountains before moving forward in search of altitudes. The village is an important stopover point for trekkers as it is the point where the trail begins to climb toward higher altitudes. It’s also the access point for the Annapurna Sanctuary — home to the Annapurna Base Camp. The morning will contain delicious food and time for reflection on the journey that has come so far, preparing yourself for the challenging days to follow.
Day 8: Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel
Annapurna Base Camp Trek highlights Day 8: Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (Increased Elevation): A steady ascent with picturesque scenery as you climb further into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The hike from Chhomrong is fairly demanding with greater altitude and some steep parts of the trail but it is super rewarding at the same time! The initial portion is a down hill and then a climb up the opposite side of the valley. As you embark towards the Annapurna region the land begins to gradually change and the tall peaks begin to stalk you on your journey. You’ll walk through dense bamboo forests, cross streams and scrabble through rocky terrain. You would be walking for a few hours to reach the Himalayan Hotel, situated at an altitude of 2,920 meters. The Himalaya Hotel also serves as an anchor point for trekkers to rest and recharge for the final leg to Annapurna Base Camp. The hotel is in a scenic and quiet area surrounded by snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. This is a moment to unwind, eat a hearty meal, and focus on the final segment of the expedition.
DAY 9: Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp Trek gear list Day 9 is the last and final day that you reach Annapurna Base camp which is the place you have been trekking towards. Your journey from the Himalayan Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp is not an easy one. Here the landscape becomes Alpine, with fewer trees and more bareness and rock as you approach the summit. The air gets thinner, and you stop often to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness. As you wind up through a series of switchbacks you arrive at your base camp at 4,130 meters. As you reach the Annapurna base camp, you are welcomed by fascinating 360-degree views of the towering mountains, including deep Annapurna I, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, the South Annapurna, and more. It’s a powerful and humanitarian experience to stand at the base of these sprawling mountains, and to feel a huge sense of achievement. Once you are done with soaking in the views and taking photos, you can sit and relax in the teahouses and reflect on the journey you have completed. It’s the highlight of the trek, and it’s a memory you’ll carry for life.
Day 10: Retracing from Base Camp to Pokhara
Day 10: You start leaving Annapurna Base Camp and return to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost per day Despite the fact that the descent is faster than the ascent, this leg still presents breathtaking scenes and a chance to absorb the surrounding beauty. The trail first leads you back down the way you came up, through Himalaya Hotel, Chhomrong, and Tadapani. As you go lower, the air thickens, a little bit making the trek easier. As you ride this endless ribbon descending at varying altitudes from alpine meadows to rain forests to terraced fields you’ll see the dramatic changes in vegetation. Once at Nayapul, the trail is easier, and you’ll be used to the ground.” Upon returning to Nayapul, you will drive back to Pokhara where you will celebrate your successful trek and reminisce on an epic adventure through one of the most stunning regions in the world. Be it at the peaceful Phewa Lake or at the colorful street of Pokhara, it is the ideal way to finish off a wonderful trip.
