Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary : Adventure Unveiled

One of Nepal’s most well-known trekking routes, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek draws thousands of trekkers each year. The trek offers breathtaking views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South. The journey offers a singular and remarkable experience as it winds through lovely villages, luxuriant forests, and picturesque vistas.

Any trekking adventure requires an itinerary, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is no exception. Making the most of your time on the trail, avoiding altitude sickness, and guaranteeing that you experience all the trek’s highlights are all possible benefits of a well-planned itinerary. This blog includes a day-by-day detailed itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek as well as preparation advice for the trek.

Pre-Trek Preparation for Annapurna Base Camp

Before embarking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it’s important to do some pre-trek preparation to ensure that you are fully equipped and ready for the journey ahead. Here are some essential tasks to consider:

Obtaining Necessary Permits

To trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara or from the checkpoint stations on the trail.

Packing Essentials for the Trek

Packing the right gear and equipment is essential for a successful trek. Some essential items to pack include a good quality backpack, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking boots, a hat and gloves, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and water bottles for the trail.

Physical Fitness Training

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging trek and requires a good level of physical fitness. It’s recommended to start preparing at least a few months before the trek by doing cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, as well as strength training and hiking to build endurance and stamina.

By taking care of these pre-trek preparations, you’ll be able to embark on your Annapurna Base Camp Trek with confidence and ease.

Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a scenic drive through Nepal’s rural countryside, offering glimpses of local life and culture. The road winds through verdant hills, terraced fields, and picturesque villages, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

Beautiful Pokhara

Pokhara is a charming city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, known for its serene lakes, stunning mountain views, and laid-back vibe. Take in the sights and sounds of the city and soak in the beauty of Lake Phewa, where the towering Himalayas are reflected in the crystalline waters.

Spectacular Mountain Views

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna, Machapuchare, Gangapurna, and more. Watching the sun set over this panorama of spectacular mountains is a truly unforgettable experience.

Natural Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda

After days of trekking, reward yourself with a relaxing soak at the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. The warm water and beautiful surroundings offer a soothing respite from the rigors of the trail.

Cultural Traditions of the Gurung and Magar People

The Annapurna region is home to several ethnic communities, including the hospitable Gurung and Magar people. Take the opportunity to explore their fascinating cultural traditions and learn about their way of life. This cultural immersion adds a unique dimension to the trek, making it a truly enriching experience.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, known for its stunning mountain scenery and rich cultural experiences. The following is a sample itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport (1400m / 4593ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, one of our team members will warmly greet you and accompany you to your hotel. After you have settled in and refreshed yourself, we will hold a briefing meeting in the evening to discuss the trek and address any questions or concerns you may have. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara, 7-8 hours by bus (827m / 2713ft)

After a satisfying breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a scenic 200 km (124 miles) drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a comfortable tourist bus along the historic Prithvi Highway. During the journey, we make refreshing stops and enjoy the picturesque landscape that features hills, rivers, and suburban settlements. Pokhara, the city of natural wonders, is our destination. Pokhara is also the starting or ending point for most treks in the Annapurna Region. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and take some time to relax. Later in the day, we can explore Pokhara’s attractions and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. We conclude our day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at our hotel in Pokhara.

Day 03: Drive Pokhara to Siwai, ~3 hours, trek to Ghandruk, 2 to 3 hours (1530m / 5020ft at Siwai) (2000m / 6562ft at Ghandruk)

On Day 03 of our trek, we start with a scenic 3-hour drive from Pokhara to Siwai. From Nayapul, we cross a bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags and drive uphill on a gravel road to reach Siwai. After reaching Siwai, we begin our trek to Ghandruk, which takes around 2-3 hours. Our trail consists of stone-paved stairs that pass through terraced farms, small villages, and streams. Ghandruk is a stunning village, mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. You can witness the mesmerizing views of Mt. Annapurna South (7219m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441m) and Mt. Machhapuchhare (6993m). You can also enjoy a traditional song and dance performance and visit the local Gurung museum to learn about their fascinating culture. After an introductory climb, we have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong, 5 to 6 hours (2170m / 7119ft)

On day 4, we start our trek after breakfast and climb for an hour to reach the highest point of Ghandruk, Ghandrukkot (Komrong Danda). From there, we take a steep descending trail that leads to the Kimrong River. After crossing the river, we face a steep uphill climb that passes by the Kimrong village. This climb takes about two hours before we reach a point where the trail from Tadapani joins us. We continue north along an easy trail and arrive at Chhomrong, which serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp. The village offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After some rest, we explore the village and enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Chhomrong.

Day 05: Trek to Dovan, 5 to 6 hours (2600m / 8530ft)

On day 5, we begin our trek after breakfast, descending carefully down stone-paved steps to the Chhomrong River before crossing a suspension bridge. We then climb for about two hours through a lush forest to reach Sinuwa. The trail beyond Sinuwa passes through dense bamboo forests for around ninety minutes before reaching Kuldhighar. After a thirty-minute downhill walk, we arrive at Bamboo, named for the abundance of bamboo harvested by locals. The final stretch of the day’s trek is almost an hour’s uphill walk along a forested trail to reach Dovan. After some rest and exploration, we have dinner and settle in for the night. The altitude at Dovan is 2600m/8530ft.

Day 06: Trek to MBC 5 to 6 hours (3700m / 12139ft)

On Day 6, we will start trekking after breakfast and follow the bank of the Modi River through forests and small streams to reach Himalaya. The trek then ascends uphill for forty minutes to reach Hinku Cave, an opening underneath a huge rock. After a short stop at Deurali for lunch, we will continue the uphill climb into more alpine terrain. After two hours of steady climbing, while avoiding some avalanche-prone sections, we will arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). Here, we will spend the night to acclimatize before climbing higher to the Annapurna Base Camp.

The view from the base camp is incredible, including mountains such as Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchchhre. Machhapuchchhre is not open for climbing expeditions, so the base camp serves only as a stopover place. We will have dinner and spend the night at MBC. The trek will take 5 to 6 hours.

Day 07: Trek to ABC and back to Dovan, 6 to 7 hours (4130m / 13550ft at ABC) (2600m / 8530ft at Dovan)

We begin our trek early in the morning and make a gradual climb along the glacial moraine for about two hours. We eventually arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which is marked by a signboard and memorials adorned with prayer flags. The morning view of the sunrise casting a golden hue on the majestic Annapurna I (8091m/26544ft) is truly breathtaking. The base camp offers a spectacular amphitheater of mountains such as Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Tilicho (7,135m), Nilgiri North (7,061m), Machhapuchchhre (popularly known as Fishtail) (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,411m). After soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, we begin our return trek back to Dovan, which should take around four and a half hours. We spend the night in Dovan.

Day 08: Trek to Jhinu Danda, 6 to 7 hours (1780m / 5840ft)

After breakfast, we start our descent towards Jhinu Danda, where a natural hot spring awaits us. The first part of the trail takes us down to Bamboo and then up to Khuldighar before descending to Chhomrong Khola. From here, we climb up to Chhomrong village and then make a final descent to Jhinu Danda. The trek takes us through hills with varying elevations, making for a perfect trekking experience. The Jhinu hot spring is 25-minute walk away from our campsite, along the banks of the roaring Modi River. We spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating at the hot springs before settling in for the night at Jhinu Danda.

Day 09: Trek to Siwai, 2 to 2.5 hours, drive to Pokhara, ~3 hours (1530m / 5020ft at Siwai) (827m / 2713ft at Pokhara)

After breakfast, we embark on an easy trek towards Siwai, which marks the end of our Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We are picked up from Siwai and driven to Pokhara, where we can spend the evening exploring the city. We spend the night in Pokhara.

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu, ~7 hours by bus (1400m / 4593ft)

We take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The journey takes around seven hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are transferred to our hotel. In the evening, we are invited to a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Thamel.