Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Itinerary in Detail

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a prevalent trekking route in Nepal. Different ABC trek itineraries are possible. This article is about the standard Annapurna Base Camp itinerary in detail.

Annapurna base camp is located in the Himalayan range in Midwestern Nepal, the Annapurna base camp package not only mountains and mountain views but, lying in the Annapurna Conservation Area, flora and fauna are also part of their attraction. Being the most significant conservation area of Nepal and spanning several districts means that the place is teeming with wildlife, including snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas, and over half of the bird species in Nepal. And the lush rhododendron and bamboo forests add to the beauty. The region’s Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, Tamang, Ghale, and other indigenous cultures also make it rich in cultural heritage, traditions, and delicious local food.

From easier treks at lower altitudes to more challenging treks at higher altitudes, Annapurna has them all. One thing that is certain on every route is the breathtaking views of the mountains. The most popular tours available here are Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Mardi Himal (‘Himal’ meaning ‘mountain,’ Mohare Danda (‘danda’ meaning ‘hill‘), Jomsom-Muktinath, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Base Camp.

Trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal

A two-week trek through green alpine woods and pretty remote villages, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including mountain peaks and bases, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is on many people’s bucket lists. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek’s total distance is 115km/71 mi.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Short Itinerary

  • 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264ft] O/N at 3 Star Hotel (A, D)
  • 02: Drive/Flight to Pokhara. O/N at 3 Star Hotel (A, B, D)
  • 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga [1,560m/5,116ft] for 5 to 6 hours.O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 04: Tikhedunga to Ghorepani [2,860m/9,380ft] 7 to 8 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 05: Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,630m/8,626ft] 7 to 8 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 06: Tadapani to Chhomrong [2,170m/7,176ft) 6 to 7 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 07: Chhomrong to Himalaya [2,902m/9,577ft] 6 to 7 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 08: Himalaya to Annapurna Base camp [4,130m/13,546ft] 6 to 7 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 09: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo [2,310m/7,576ft) 7 to 8 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda [5838ft, 1780m] 7 to 8 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 11: Jhinu Danda to Pothana [6199ft, 1890m] 7 to 8 hours. O/N at Tea House (A, B, L, D)
  • 12: Pothana to Pokhara [2690ft, 1400m] 3 hours .O/N at 3 Star Hotel (A, B, L)
  • 13: Drive/Flight to Kathmandu .O/N at 3-Star Hotel (A, B, D)
  • 14: Final Day

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Dinner
Highlights: Tour the lively capital city
After touching down in Kathmandu, the representative guide will guide the travelers from the international airport to their hotel.
Then the trekkers can spend the rest of the Day soaking in the buzzing city life and views of the impressive cultural heritage at every corner. The trekkers can also buy any necessary equipment for the trek in the city.
The guides will give a small orientation on the trek and then gather the entire trekking group for a welcome dinner!

Day 02: Flight/Drive to Pokhara.
Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft
Hours: 25 min (flight)/5 hrs. 35 min (drive)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Highlights: Wonderful scenery, including mountains – with either transportation choice!
Day second will begin with a scenic flight to the beautiful Pokhara, a naturally gifted valley of beautiful lakes, hills, waterfalls, and mountain views like that of the captivating Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre).
After freshening up at the hotel, travelers can tour the place and visit famous landmarks such as the Phewa Tal (lake), Davis Falls (waterfall), Mahendra Cave, and many more.

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Altitude: 1,560m/5,116ft
Hours: 1 hr. 40 min (drive to Nayapul); 5-6 hrs. (Trek to Tikhedhunga)
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Game of hiding and seek with Mount Fishtail and an effortless walk through dirt roads and swinging bridges through greenery and fresh air
The 3rd Day will consist of the constant company of Mount Fishtail while trekking an easy path from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga beside the pleasant Modi River. Then one can relax in a cozy tea house to get rested for the next Day’s adventure.

Day 04: Tikhedunga to Ghorepani
Altitude: 2,860m/9,380ft
Trekking hours: 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Walking past pretty streams and across cute wooden bridges; enjoying observing the cultures of an ethnic settlement and eating the local food;
Taking a beautiful trail from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, trekkers can walk through a tranquil forest and slated roads to a village full of culture, with its colorful clothes, Buddhist and Hindu prayer flags, and stone houses. From here, one can catch glimpses of the stunning Annapurna Mountains.

Day 05: Ghorepani to Tadapani
Altitude: 2,630m/8,626ft
Trekking hours: 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Beautiful landscape with verdant hills covered with trees; walking through the thick magical woods
Early morning hike to Poon Hill and have sunrise views with Himalayas scenery. After this, return to the hotel and take a paved trail through beautiful forests of waterfalls and streams to Tadapani. This charming little village has excellent lodges serving traditional local food and amazing views of the surrounding hills.

Day 06: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Altitude: 2,170m/7,176ft
Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Trekking further on through mystical forests and past gorgeous waterfalls and gurgling streams; breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail mountains
Making one’s way from one village to another through more amazing forests, one arrives at Chhomrong village, a popular place for overnight rest with great mountain views. This place also has many shops for essentials like toiletries and trekking gear.

Day 07: Chhomrong to Himalaya
Altitude: 2,902m/9577ft
Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: More enchanting forests; overnight stay in a quaint village
Despite the name, the Himalayas is only a place and not a part of the mountains of the Himalayas. But it is a part of the journey to the Himalayas, with its trails leading to incredible views of the mountains.

Day 08: Himalaya to Annapurna Base camp
Altitude: 4,130m/13,546ft
Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: seeing nearby landmarks like the Hinku Cave; seeing Gangapurna and Fishtail mountains; arriving at Annapurna Base Camp; getting close-up views of the Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail mountains;
From the Himalayas, trekkers make their way up to Annapurna Base Camp. On the way, they can see the Hinku Cave, a famous landmark of the area for the locals, and enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. Walking past Deurali village, they can see the fantastic Gangapurna and Fishtail mountains on the way. After reaching the Fishtail Base Camp, they walk further up to Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 09: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Altitude: 2,310m/7,576ft
Trekking hours: 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Descent to the pretty village of Bamboo;
Climbing down to Bamboo Village, trekkers stay overnight in a cozy lodge and can share their travel stories with other guests and the locals while enjoying a bonfire and a delicious dinner.

Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Altitude: 1,780m/5,838ft
Trekking hours: 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: Walking through beautiful rhododendron forests, Bathing and relaxing in a hot spring;
Jhinu Danda is a village famous for its hot springs from the Modi River. Trekkers can relax their muscles in the soothing warm waters and are surrounded by scenic views and amiable and hospitable locals. The trekkers can enjoy their Day in tranquillity.

Day 11: Jhinu Danda to Pothana
Altitude: 1,890m/6,199ft
Trekking hours: 7-8 hrs.
Accommodation: Tea house
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Highlights: A walk through beautiful forest trails to a spectacular sunset and views of the Himalayas at Pothana;

On day 11, trekkers walk from Jhinu Danda through lush wooded areas to Pothana village, which lies on a ridge and from where splendid sunrises and sunsets can be viewed, with their rays shining from behind sparkling mountains such as Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung.

Day 12: Pothana to Pokhara
Altitude: 1,400m/2,690ft
Trekking Hours: 3 hrs.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Highlights: Lush forests and mountain views; the opportunity to enjoy more of Pokhara;
After breakfast, one will walk through forests and enjoy the picturesque surroundings while returning to Pokhara, where more scenic hikes and unlimited adventure sports options can be taken advantage of.

Day 13: Flight/Drive to Kathmandu
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Highlights: Another chance to enjoy a scenic journey by land or sky.
Trekkers can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas by plane or be driven back to Kathmandu while enjoying the companionship of Mount Fishtail. The trekkers can spend the rest of the Day touring more of Kathmandu Valley.

Day 14: Final Day

Finally, it is time to leave. The representative guide drops the trekkers off at the international airport with beautiful memories of excitement and adventure to take back home.

Annapurna Trek Useful Tips

An Annapurna Base Camp tip to keep in mind is that it can even be combined with tours of cultural sites like Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys and even jungle safaris of Chitwan and Bardiya. As with most treks in Nepal, the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).

The Annapurna Base Camp’s difficulty is not too severe. One Annapurna Base Camp fact to remember is that some physical fitness preparation in advance can help make the trek a superb one for all, from novices to experts, with rewarding views throughout the journey.

Puru Founder of My Everest Trip

Puru Thapaliya

My name is Puru (Purushottam Thapaliya). Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.