Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary, Cost, Difficulty & Tips (2025 Guide)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary, Cost, Difficulty & Tips (2025 Guide)

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek) is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking adventures, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. Famous for its dramatic mountain amphitheater known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, this trek offers breathtaking views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
With well-maintained trails, warm hospitality, and rich Gurung culture, the ABC trek is suitable for both first-time trekkers and experienced hikers.

If you’re planning to trek in 2025, this in-depth guide provides everything you need: full itinerary, cost breakdown, difficulty level, best time, permits, packing list, and expert tips.


Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

Feature Details
Trek Duration 7–12 days
Maximum Elevation 4,130 meters (ABC)
Difficulty Moderate
Region Annapurna Conservation Area
Accommodation Tea Houses
Best Season Spring & Autumn
Starting Point Nayapul / Siwai
Permits Required ACAP & TIMS
Trek Style Tea-house trekking (no camping needed)

Detailed Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

This is the most popular 10-day itinerary, perfect for acclimatization and good pacing.


Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul – Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)

  • Drive: 1.5 hours

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Gurung villages, terraced fields, Annapurna South views

Your trek begins with a scenic drive to Nayapul. The trail gradually ascends through forests and small settlements before reaching the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, known for its stone houses and cultural museum.


Day 2: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m)

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Rhododendron forests, views of Fishtail, Annapurna III

A lovely forest trail leads you to Komrong Danda. Then a steep descent to Komrong Khola, followed by an ascent to the beautiful village of Chhomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.


Day 3: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Bamboo forests, waterfalls, peaceful trails

Descend a long staircase to Chhomrong Khola and climb up to Sinuwa. Then continue through lush bamboo forests until you reach Bamboo village, surrounded by greenery.


Day 4: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Himalayan landscapes, dramatic cliffs, river gorge

The trail passes through the peaceful villages of Dovan and Himalayan Hotel before the forest gradually opens into alpine terrain. Deurali offers wonderful sunset views.


Day 5: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via MBC

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), Annapurna Sanctuary, 360° mountain views

This is the most spectacular day. After passing Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), the landscape becomes wide, open, and dramatic.
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp feels magical — you are surrounded by massive snowy peaks.

Enjoy sunset views and Himalayan glow.


Day 6: ABC to Bamboo

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Highlights: Morning sunrise at ABC, long descent

Wake up early for sunrise — one of the highlights of the trek. The descent is long but easier, passing MBC, Deurali, and Himalaya before reaching Bamboo.


Day 7: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) – Natural Hot Springs

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Relax in hot springs, river walk

Jhinu Danda is famous for its natural hot springs. A perfect place to relax after the high-altitude trek.


Day 8: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul – Drive to Pokhara

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Last day of trekking, scenic drive back to Pokhara

End your beautiful journey with a refreshing walk along the Modi Khola. Drive back to Pokhara for a comfortable night.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul – Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)

  • Drive: 1.5 hours

  • Trek: 3–4 hours

  • Highlights: Rivers, small villages, easy first day

The trek begins with a gentle walk along rivers and farmland to Tikhedhunga.


Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,875m)

  • Trek: 6–7 hours

  • Highlights: Famous Ulleri stone steps (3,000+), rhododendron forests

A challenging day with a steep ascent to Ulleri, then a gradual climb to Ghorepani, a beautiful village surrounded by blooming forests (especially in spring).


Day 3: Early Morning Poon Hill (3,210m) – Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)

  • Trek: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Poon Hill sunrise, Dhaulagiri & Annapurna panorama

Wake up early for the famous Poon Hill sunrise, one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. After descending, trek through forests to Tadapani.


Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m)

  • Trek: 5 hours

  • Highlights: Gurung villages, views of Fishtail

A downhill section to the Kimrong Khola followed by an uphill climb to Chhomrong, the last major village before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary.


Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

  • Trek: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Bamboo forests, waterfalls

Descend to Chhomrong Khola, climb to Sinuwa, then walk through dense forest until Bamboo.


Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)

  • Trek: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Peaceful forest, Himalayan Hotel, stunning valley views

The trail gets more open as you gain altitude. Deurali is surrounded by gigantic cliffs and waterfalls.


Day 7: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via MBC (3,700m)

  • Trek: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Machhapuchhre Base Camp, snow peaks, wide valley

Pass MBC and enter the open amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary—one of the most beautiful mountain basins in the world.
Reach Annapurna Base Camp for a stunning sunset over Annapurna I.


Day 8: ABC to Bamboo

  • Trek: 6–7 hours

  • Highlights: Sunrise at ABC, long downhill

Enjoy one of the best sunrises of your life before descending back to Bamboo.


Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs) – 1,780m

  • Trek: 5–6 hours

  • Highlights: Natural hot springs

The natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda is the perfect spot to relax your muscles.


Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul – Drive to Pokhara

  • Trek: 4–5 hours

  • Drive: 1.5 hours

  • Highlights: Final easy walk

Return to Pokhara and enjoy a comfortable night near Phewa Lake.

Trekking Package Cost (Guided)

Package Type Price (USD) Includes
Budget $550–750 Guide, permits, standard tea houses, transportation
Standard $800–1,000 Guide + porter, meals, better lodges, transport
Luxury $1,200–1,600 Best lodges, all meals, private vehicle, hot showers, WiFi upgraded rooms

Difficulty Level of ABC Trek via Ghorepani

Difficulty: Moderate

This is an achievable trek for beginners with basic fitness.

Challenges include:

  • Steep stone steps (especially Ulleri & Chhomrong)

  • Long walking days (5–7 hours daily)

  • High altitude near MBC & ABC

Why this route is easier:

  • Ghorepani route adds better acclimatization

  • More gradual altitude gain

  • More villages & facilities

If you can walk 8–10 km a day and climb stairs comfortably, you can complete this trek.


Permits Required 

You must carry two permits:

 ACAP Permit

  • Cost: $30

 TIMS Card

  • Cost: $20

Both can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu.


Packing List for ABC Trek 

Clothing

  • Down jacket

  • Fleece jacket

  • Thermal set (top & bottom)

  • Trekking pants

  • Waterproof jacket & pants

  • Warm hat, gloves, scarf/buff

Footwear

  • Trekking boots

  • Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)

  • Sandals for teahouses

Gear

  • 35–40L backpack

  • Trekking poles

  • Sleeping bag (-5°C recommended)

  • Headlamp

  • Water purifier

  • Sunglasses & sunscreen

Documents

  • Passport

  • Insurance

  • Permits (ACAP + TIMS)


Best Time to Trek ABC via Ghorepani

✔ Spring (March–May)

  • Rhododendron forests bloom

  • Comfortable temperatures

  • Best photography season

✔ Autumn (Sept–Nov)

  • Clear skies

  • Stable weather

  • Best mountain views

Other Seasons

  • Winter: Beautiful but cold

  • Monsoon: Rainy and slippery


Expert Tips for the ABC Trek

  • Start early to avoid crowds

  • Carry enough cash (no ATMs on trail)

  • Drink 3–4 liters of water daily

  • Don’t rush—follow the guide’s pace

  • Avoid alcohol above 2,500m

  • Book tea houses early in peak season

  • Keep snacks for long trekking days

  • Carry extra power banks


Why Choose the Ghorepani Route?

  • Includes Poon Hill, Nepal’s super1 sunrise viewpoint

  • Better acclimatization

  • Stunning rhododendron forests

  • More gradual ascent to ABC

  • One of the most scenic routes in the Annapurna region


Final Thoughts

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghorepani is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and Himalayan scenery. With the added benefit of Poon Hill sunrise, diverse landscapes, and improved acclimatization, this route is more rewarding and comfortable for many trekkers.

This 2025 detailed guide gives you everything you need to plan your trek confidently.

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Raj Timalsina