Walk Into the Heart of the Himalayas: Your 10-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Annapurna Sanctuary Trek) is a traditional Himalayan hike. This 10 day itinerary is a great choice for trekkers who want up close views of towering peaks without the long time investment required with other longer trails.

The magical Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek takes you deep into a mountain sanctuary, to the heart of the mighty Annapurna range. The journey is very rewarding with a 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayas from the base camp itself. It all turns dramatically stunning though at the dawn, when the first sunshine gilds entire peaks around you!

The route passes through fertile foothill forests and quaint, rural settlements where local people live in relative harmony with the natural world, worshipping the mountain goddess Annapurna. If traveling by bus, trekker’s can take a local or shared vehicle to the trailhead from Pokhara. The ABC Trekking has attracted trekkers from around the world, including Indians, Americans, Europeans, Australians, Chinese, and Malaysians who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna Region.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary – 10 Days

Day 01: You arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel – 1,400 m
Day 02: You drive or fly to Pokhara – 822 m – 200 km – 7 hrs drive / 25-minute flight
Day 03: You drive to Jhinu, then trek to Chhomrong – 2,170 m – 5 km – 3 hrs trek
Day 04: You trek to Dovan – 2,310 m – 11.3 km – 6 hrs trek
Day 05: You trek to Deurali – 3,230 m – 6.7 km – 4 hrs trek
Day 06: You trek to Annapurna Base Camp – 4,130 m – 9.2 km – 5 hrs trek
Day 07: You trek to Bamboo – 2,350 m – 15 km – 7 hrs trek
Day 08: You trek to Jhinu, then drive to Pokhara – 822 m – 11.7 km – 5 hrs trek
Day 09: You drive back to Kathmandu – 1,400 m – 200 km – 7 hrs drive
Day 10: You depart from Nepal

Detailed Day-by-Day Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your much-awaited trip of the Annapurna will commence once you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive To Pokhara (822m) – 200 Kms | 7 Hrs
The trip starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara through the Prithvi Highway. The trail provides vistas of terraced fields, rivers and valleys and although you will also get a few glimpses of the traditional Nepali rural life. Lunch stop is usually at Malekhu. Upon arrival in Pokhara, make the most of a leisurely lakeside promenade in Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Jhinu Danda (1780m) & Trek to Chhomrong (2170 m): 5 km | approximately 3 hrs trek
This is the first fun day of hiking. From Pokhara we drive to Jhinu Danda, and from here the trail begins after a walk on a suspension bridge that crosses the Modi Khola River. It then continues down through forested foothills on a flat dusty trail along the river to the large village of Chhomrong. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 4: Trek to Dovan (2,310m)– 11.3 km / 6-7 hours
The day begins with an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) check just outside Chhomrong. The trail continues downward and further serves a number of suspension bridges, leading through terraced fields and dense rainforest to Dovan. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 5 ( Trek to Deurali (3,230m)-6.7 km-(4hrs).
The trail from Dovan upwards is steeper and it’s mostly stone steps that you keep climbing. Trekkers traverse through gorgeous rhododendron forests with Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli peaks among the towering mountains. We take lunch at Sinuwa or Bamboo before the final ascent to Deurali. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 6: Trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)- 9.2 km | 5 hours
It climbs through a rocky and more alpine terrain with less vegetation to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), then heading up the valley up alongside moraines and meadows, along the river. The mountains feel intensely close. A Last leg of the trek, you arrive at the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary via MBC. Once you arrive at ABC you are gifted with a 360-degree close-up world of the Annapurna Massif that is burnt into your memory. We suggestion an easyish acclimatization walk to a higher vantage point. Spend the night in a teahouse at base camp.

Day 7: Trek to Bamboo (2350 m) – 15 km | 7 hrs
Early start is necessary if you want to see the fine sun rise over the peaks, a classic Himalayan view. The descent II) The way back will be a long page which is reversing the steps up to MBC at Deurali until Bamboo. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 8: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) & Drive back to Pokhara – 11.7 km trek | ~5 hrs trek + drive
On the last day of trekking, it is also a welcome break to relax at the natural hot springs located in Jhinu Danda for tired muscles. A short stroll out returns to the road head for awaiting transportation and our return journey to Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 9: Return drive to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 200 km | 7 hours Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel.

The drive back to the capital traverses rivers and hills, providing a peaceful final glance of the countryside. Returning to busy, developed Kathmandu is a world’s apart from mountain trails.

Final Thoughts on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek grants you an impact of Himalayas with a blend of scenic mountains, cultural exposures and lovely landscapes in just one trek. By the time you leave you not only have the photographs of these immense mountains, but with a deeper feeling for the rhythm of life in the Annapurna Region.