The Annapurna Base Camp Trek distance covers about 110 kilometers. On average, you must hike for 6 hours and 10 kilometers every day. The ABC trek will take you through Nepal’s rural areas near the Annapurna mountain range. The ABC trek leads to the base camp of Mount Annapurna, the world’s tenth-highest mountain.
This trip to a unique paradise is one of the best trekking pathways available in the world. The trail takes you from traditional Gurung villages to forests with diverse flora and wildlife. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is relatively challenging and can be completed by anyone with good stamina. This camp, located at around 4,200 meters, is popular among solo and group trekkers. Trekking to ABC includes traversing hills and mountains and witnessing rural scenery.
At every step to Annapurna Base Camp, a fresh experience awaits you. You will see Nepal’s rich culture while enjoying the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Lamjung Himal. The trek to ABC will be a life-changing experience for you.
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Highlights
- You can see towering peaks like Hiunchuli, Annapurna South Annapurna I, Khangsar, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare.
- You can explore pretty villages and farmland in Ghandruk.
- Relax in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
- You will see Himalayan wildlife like Himalayan Thar, deer, and various bird species.
- Witness stunning sunrise views of Annapurna ranges – including Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri from the Poon Hill viewpoint.
- You can get insight into rural Nepali life.
Brief Itinerary
Arrival in Nepal
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among Nepal’s most famous treks. The trip takes you to the ABC in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 meters above sea level and at the foot of the world’s tenth-tallest mountain. The trek is stunning not only because of the breathtaking mountains but also due to the region’s unparalleled natural and cultural beauty.
The Trek Begins
You will start your journey in Pokhara, a city of lakes. A brief overview of the diverse landscape and culture of this vibrant city, which sparks your interest in becoming an adventurer. Trekking begins here as you travel to Tikhedhunga. On the way, you’ll see beautiful bamboo forests and gushing waterfalls. The next stop is Ghorepani. You ascend steep stone steps, cross suspension bridges, and pass through dense pastures before reaching Ghorepani.
Ghorepani provides breathtaking panoramic views of snow-clad peaks on the horizon. Poon Hill, a well-known viewpoint with spectacular views of the Annapurna massif, is not far from Ghorepani. You leave for Poonhill early in the morning to catch the stunning view of the sun rising over the mountains.
Journey to the ABC
You continue your journey towards Tadapani after a heartwarming session of mountain viewing. You go downhill from Tadapani towards Chhomrong village. Chhomrong is surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests. You can immerse yourself in the Gurung culture and better understand their way of life.
The following day, you will start your journey to the Dovan. You cross the Chhomrong River and ascend toward Dovan via rocky trails covered in forest. Along the way, you can admire the Annapurna Conservation Area’s biodiversity. As you move away from Dovan, you will continue your ascent towards Deurali. Furthermore, as you arrive at Hinku Ridge, you prepare for tomorrow’s big day.
Final Step
You will now proceed to the Annapurna Base Camp, passing through the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a short distance from Deurali. You can see the Annapurna ranges and Mt. Machhapuchhre close up from here. As you approach Annapurna Base Camp, the greenery becomes sparse. When you finally arrive at base camp, your body feels a surge of accomplishment.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Day 05: Early morning hike to Poon Hill followed by a trek to Tadapani
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong village
Day 07: Trek from Chhomorong to Dovan
Day 08: Trek from Dovan to Deurali
Day 09: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Day 10: Return trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Day 11: Return trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring
Day 12: Return from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara by drive
Day 13: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
Breakdown of Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance
| Day | Location | Distance (km) |
| 2 | Kathmandu – Pokhara | 200km |
| 3 | Pokhara – Nayapul (40.7KM) – Tikhedhunga (9KM) | 49.7km |
| 4 | Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani | 13km |
| 5 | Poonhill – Tadapani | 9km |
| 6 | Tadapani – Chhomrong village | 8.5km |
| 7 | Chomrong – Dovan | 9km |
| 8 | Dovan – Deurali | 7.8km |
| 9 | Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp | 18km |
| 10 | Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo | 18km |
| 11 | Bamboo – Jhinu Danda | 12km |
| 12 | Jhinu Danda – Pokhara | 27km |
Planning for ABC Trek
Choose your itinerary: Annapurna Base Camp offers several itineraries from 7 to 14 days. Consider the trek duration appropriate for you, your physical fitness level, and your available time.
Decide your route: There are many possible paths to Annapurna Base Camp. The most common route begins in Pokhara and runs along the Modi Khola, although additional choices begin in Jomson or Ghandruk. Consider each route’s distance, complexity, and highlights to choose which best matches your interests and skills.
Plan your transportation: Booking transportation to or from the starting and ending points of the trek is very important. You should arrange your transportation yourself or use a trekking agency. If you’re beginning from Pokhara, take a local bus or jeep to Nayapul, the trek’s beginning point.
Plan your accommodations: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes a variety of lodges and guesthouses along the way. Most trekkers stay in lodges or guesthouses, although camping is also an option. Book your lodgings ahead of time, particularly in peak trekking season.
Consider hiring a guide or porter: You should consider hiring a guide or porter if you want to trek in the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The guide can give local expertise and assistance with navigation, while porters can carry your belongings, making the hike more comfortable.
Physical Preparation and Considerations
- It would be best to begin your fitness routine well before the trek by including running, cycling, and hiking in your workouts.
- It would be best to build up your endurance by starting with shorter hikes and slowly increasing longer ones as you have to walk for long hours every day.
- It would be best if you planned to have one or two extra days at lower altitudes to adjust your body before moving to higher.
- Bring a waterproof jacket because the weather in the Annapurna region can change quickly.
- You should wear sturdy hiking boots and wear comfortable and warm clothes at higher altitudes.
Trek Difficulty
Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is among the most popular and stunning trekking paths. It is trendy among novice and experienced trekkers. The trek is generally considered moderate to challenging. It depends on your fitness level and experience. You must hike for 4-7 hours daily due to long distances. The trek takes you through steep paths and rocky terrains.
The ABC trek reaches high altitudes, up to about 4,130 meters. As you ascend higher, the air gets thinner, which can make breathing harder and cause altitudes. The weather can change quickly, so you must be prepared for rain, cold, and heat.
Best Time to Trek in Nepal
Spring (March-May)
Spring is one of Nepal’s best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It creates a lively atmosphere for the Annapurna region. The weather is favorable as winter snow melts, and the pathways are dry. There is little to no rainfall risk; thus, the vistas are also apparent. However, throughout the spring, the higher parts above remain pretty cold. The average temperature in the lower sections is around 10 degrees Celsius, with more freezing nights. However, areas over 4,000 meters are pretty chilly.
Autumn (September-November)
Another best time to trek the Annapurna Base Camp is during the autumn season. During this season, the trek routes will be crowded with hikers from all over the globe. As the rain stops and the weather gets better, there is a perfect opportunity to go on a trek. The average daytime temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius, while the nighttime temperature is 7 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the area above 4,000 meters fall below zero degrees Celcius. However, autumn provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas, making it the most suitable season to trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Food and Accommodation in the Annapurna Region
While trekking in Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll stay in tea houses and basic lodges with simple rooms. The rooms typically have two single beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Some teahouses have shared bathrooms and dining areas. You can get hot showers and Wi-Fi sometimes by paying an extra charge. If possible, booking in advance during peak seasons is a good idea.
Most of the meals are served in teahouses. The common foods include rice, noodles, soup, momos, dal bhat, and chapati. You can get porridge, eggs, toast, and pancakes for breakfast. You can get chocolate bars, biscuits, and nuts along the way.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies
Trekking to the foot of the world’s tenth-highest peak does not seem straightforward. Altitude is the primary factor that raises the difficulty. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trip in the Himalayan mountains. Traveling at the high elevations has many concerns, one of which is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness begins at 2,400 meters above sea level. You must be aware of altitude sickness in advance and take precautions to prevent it. The leading causes of altitude sickness are headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping.
Remedies of altitude sickness
- It would be best to gradually ascend to higher altitudes to give your body time to adjust.
- You should take breaks and rest often to let your body acclimatize.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- It would be best if you avoided alcohol and smoking.
- Descend to lower altitudes if symptoms worsen.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek lasts 7-10 days and spans around 110 kilometers from Pokhara to Nayapul. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is very popular in Nepal. Annapurna is considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful mountains, rich in natural beauty and culture. The trek is moderately easy and suitable for all kinds of trekkers. The ABC trek is a lovely experience worth your time, resource, and effort.
FAQs
Which month is best for Annapurna Base Camp?
The best months for Annapurna Base Camp are spring and autumn: March, April, May, September, October, and November. You can enjoy clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons in spring. The temperatures are pleasant in autumn, and the weather remains stable with clear views.
What is the 2-day Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The two-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is challenging and best for fit and experienced hikers. You’ll hike through forests, villages, and steep uphill paths.
How hard is the Annapurna trek?
Most of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp stays below 3,000 meters. The path has lots of stairs, which can be tough. With proper preparation and training, this trek is suitable for any trekkers.
Which is better, Annapurna Circuit or base camp?
If you have 10 days available, choosing the Annapurna Base Camp trek is ideal. The Annapurna Circuit trek usually takes 14-18 days because it goes around the Annapurna mountains, including the Manang Valley, Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake, remote villages, and high meadows.
Can beginners climb Annapurna?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is suitable for beginners in the Himalayas zone for the first time. If you can walk 5 to 6 hours a day, you can trek in Annapurna Base Camp.
