The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, popularly known as the ABC Trek, is one of Nepal’s most scenic Himalayan trekking adventures. This 5 Nights / 6 Days itinerary combines beautiful mountain villages, lush forests, traditional Gurung settlements, dramatic waterfalls, panoramic Himalayan views, and the unforgettable experience of reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres.
What is included in the tour
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- NO Meals
- 1 Guide
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
What is NOT included in the tour
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Porter ( Alloted in Group)
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Pokhara
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
1. The Annapurna Sanctuary
The ultimate destination is a natural "amphitheater" at 4,130m. Unlike other treks where you view peaks from a distance, here you stand in the center of a 360-degree ring of giants, including Annapurna I (8,091m)—the world’s 10th highest peak—Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
2. Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m)
Often cited as one of the best viewpoints in Asia, Poon Hill offers a breathtaking panorama of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Watching the first light turn the snow-capped peaks into glowing gold is a defining moment of the trek.
3. The Sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
Throughout the trek, you are followed by the striking, double-peaked silhouette of Machhapuchhre (6,993m). Because the mountain is considered sacred to the local people and home to the god Shiva, it has never been officially summited, adding an aura of mystery to its beauty.
4. Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Springs
On the return journey, you can descend to the banks of the Modi Khola river to soak in natural riverside hot springs. It is the perfect remedy for tired muscles and a rare luxury in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
5. Gurung Culture and "Apple Pie" Hospitality
You will walk through historic villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong, inhabited by the Gurung people. These villages are famous for their stone-built houses, local museums, and the "Apple Pie" trail culture, where cozy tea houses serve surprisingly delicious homemade treats and traditional Dal Bhat.
6. Rhododendron and Bamboo Forests
The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal. Depending on the season, you will trek through vibrant forests of blooming red rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower) and dense bamboo groves that are home to exotic wildlife like the Himalayan Tahr and Langur monkeys.
Day 1Pokhara to Ghandruk – Scenic Drive and Gurung Village Exploration
Pokhara+
Pokhara to Ghandruk – Scenic Drive and Gurung Village Exploration
Approx. driving distance: 55–60 km | Driving time: 3–4 hours | Overnight altitude: 1,940 m
7:00 AM – Breakfast in Pokhara: Start the day with breakfast at your hotel and prepare your trekking backpack. Carry warm clothing, a rain jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, personal medication, drinking water, and essential documents.
8:00 AM – Departure from Pokhara: Begin the scenic drive towards Ghandruk via Nayapul and Birethanti. The road passes through green hills, terraced farmland, local settlements, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Allow additional time for road conditions and traffic.
9:30 AM – Nayapul and Birethanti: Depending on the route, stop briefly at Nayapul or Birethanti for refreshments and any required permit or checkpoint formalities. The route and checkpoint requirements should be confirmed with your trekking operator.
10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Drive to Ghandruk: Continue towards Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung settlement famous for its stone houses, mountain scenery, and cultural heritage. Road conditions on the final section can be rough, so a suitable vehicle may be necessary.
12:30 PM – Lunch and hotel check-in: Reach your accommodation, enjoy lunch, and take some time to rest.
2:00 PM – Ghandruk village exploration: Walk through the traditional village lanes, visit the Gurung cultural museum if open, interact respectfully with local residents, and enjoy views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli when the weather is clear.
4:30 PM – Leisure time: Enjoy tea, photograph the mountain landscape, and prepare your equipment for the following day's trek.
7:00 PM – Dinner: Have dinner at the lodge and rest early.
Overnight: Ghandruk.
Day 2Ghandruk to Chhomrong to Sinuwa
Chhomrong+
Ghandruk to Chhomrong to Sinuwa
Approx. trekking distance: 10–13 km | Walking time: 6–8 hours | Overnight altitude: approximately 2,340 m
6:00 AM – Wake-up and preparation: Wake up early, freshen up, and pack your backpack. Have a filling breakfast before beginning the trek. Carry water, snacks, sun protection, a rain jacket, and warm layers.
7:00 AM – Start trekking from Ghandruk: Begin walking along the mountain trail through traditional settlements, stone staircases, terraced fields, and forested sections. If the weather is clear, enjoy views of the Annapurna range along the route.
8:30 AM – Trek towards Komrong Danda: Continue along the undulating trail, allowing time for short breaks and photographs. The route includes both uphill and downhill sections, so maintain a comfortable walking pace.
10:30 AM – Continue towards Chhomrong: Follow the trail through the hills towards Chhomrong, an important village on the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. The approach involves additional climbing and stone steps, so take regular water breaks.
12:00–12:30 PM – Lunch at Chhomrong: Stop at a local teahouse for lunch. Common options may include dal bhat, noodles, rice, soup, and other simple meals, depending on availability.
1:00 PM – Descend and climb towards Sinuwa: After lunch, descend the long stone staircase towards the Chhomrong Khola and cross the suspension bridge. Continue uphill on the opposite side towards Lower Sinuwa and Sinuwa. This section can be tiring, especially after the morning's walking.
3:30–4:30 PM – Arrive in Sinuwa: Check in at your teahouse, refresh yourself, and enjoy some rest. The remaining daylight can be used to prepare for the next day's longer mountain walk.
6:30 PM – Dinner and briefing: Enjoy dinner, check your supplies, and discuss the next day's route with your guide. Sleep early to recover.
Overnight: Sinuwa.
Day 3Sinuwa to Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya and Deurali
Sinuwa+
Sinuwa to Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya and Deurali
Approx. trekking distance: 10–12 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours | Overnight altitude: approximately 3,200–3,230 m
6:00 AM – Wake-up and breakfast: Start the morning early with breakfast at your teahouse. Check your water supply, warm clothing, snacks, and rain protection. Since the trail gains altitude throughout the day, walk steadily and avoid rushing.
7:00 AM – Sinuwa to Bamboo: Begin trekking through the forested Annapurna Sanctuary approach. The trail passes through lush vegetation, stone steps, and shaded sections, with occasional openings offering views of the surrounding hills. The descent and subsequent climbs can make the route more demanding than it first appears.
8:30–9:00 AM – Reach Bamboo: Take a short rest and enjoy water or a light snack. Bamboo is a popular overnight stop on the standard ABC route, but on this itinerary you will continue higher.
9:15 AM – Bamboo to Dovan: Continue along the Modi Khola valley through forest paths and rocky trail sections. Cross small streams where the trail permits and follow your guide's instructions, especially after rain when stones can be slippery.
11:00 AM – Short break at Dovan: Rest briefly at a teahouse, if available, and have a hot drink or snack. Check the weather and your physical condition before continuing.
11:30 AM – Dovan to Himalaya: Proceed uphill through increasingly rugged terrain, passing waterfalls, forested slopes, and narrow valley sections. Maintain a slow pace and drink water regularly.
1:00 PM – Lunch break: Stop for lunch at a suitable lodge along the route, depending on trail progress and availability. Eat enough to maintain energy for the afternoon climb.
2:00 PM – Himalaya to Deurali: Continue along the mountain trail towards Deurali. The vegetation gradually becomes thinner, and the landscape opens into a more dramatic alpine valley. Follow the guide's advice around exposed or potentially hazardous trail sections.
3:30–4:30 PM – Arrive at Deurali: Check in at your teahouse, have a warm drink, and rest. Avoid unnecessary exertion at this altitude.
6:30 PM – Dinner: Eat dinner, prepare warm layers for the following morning, and get an early night's sleep.
Overnight: Deurali.
Day 4Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp+
Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Approx. trekking distance: 7–8 km | Walking time: 5–6 hours | Maximum altitude: 4,130 m
5:30 AM – Wake-up and breakfast: Wake up early at Deurali and have breakfast before starting the most spectacular part of the trek. Wear warm layers and carry gloves, a hat, a waterproof jacket, drinking water, and snacks. Confirm the day's trail and weather conditions with your guide before departure.
6:30 AM – Depart Deurali: Begin trekking through the upper Modi Khola valley. The landscape gradually becomes more open and rugged, with fewer trees and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Walk carefully on uneven and potentially slippery sections, particularly if there has been rain or snowfall.
8:30 AM – Continue towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp: Follow the trail through the high-altitude valley, taking regular short breaks. Enjoy views of surrounding peaks when conditions allow. The terrain becomes more exposed as you gain elevation, so keep a steady pace and avoid rushing.
9:30–10:00 AM – Arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC): Take time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the mountain panorama. Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain, is one of the region's most recognisable peaks. Have a hot drink or light snack if available.
10:30 AM – MBC to Annapurna Base Camp: Continue towards Annapurna Base Camp along the high-altitude trail. The route gradually enters the spectacular mountain amphitheatre surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. Walking may be slower due to the altitude, cold, wind, or trail conditions.
12:00–1:00 PM – Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC): Reach ABC at approximately 4,130 metres above sea level. Check in at an available teahouse, have lunch, and rest. Accommodation availability should be confirmed in advance, especially during busy trekking periods.
2:00 PM – Explore the base camp: If weather and conditions permit, take a short walk around designated areas near the lodges and enjoy views of the Annapurna massif, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and surrounding peaks. Follow your guide's instructions and avoid walking far from the accommodation in poor visibility.
4:00 PM – Rest and photography: Enjoy the dramatic Himalayan surroundings, take photographs, and prepare warm clothing for the evening. If you experience headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual breathlessness, inform your guide immediately.
6:00 PM – Dinner and overnight stay: Have dinner at the lodge and rest. Avoid strenuous activity and remain alert to altitude-related symptoms.
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 5Annapurna Base Camp to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Dovan and Bamboo
Bamboo+
Annapurna Base Camp to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Dovan and Bamboo
Approx. trekking distance: 15–16 km | Walking time: 6–8 hours | Overnight altitude: approximately 2,310 m
5:00 AM – Wake up for sunrise: Rise early, dress warmly, and step outside only if conditions are safe. Enjoy the sunrise over the surrounding Annapurna peaks, when clear weather may illuminate the snow-covered mountains with golden light. Take photographs from safe, designated areas near the accommodation.
6:00 AM – Breakfast at ABC: Return to the lodge for breakfast and prepare for the long descent. Pack your belongings, check your water and snacks, and ensure that nothing has been left behind.
7:00 AM – Begin the descent to Machhapuchhre Base Camp: Start walking back along the same trail towards MBC. Although the route is predominantly downhill, loose stones, uneven ground, and tired legs can make the descent demanding. Use trekking poles if available and take care on steep sections.
8:30–9:00 AM – Reach MBC: Take a short rest, enjoy a hot drink if available, and continue towards Deurali. The surrounding mountain views remain impressive, and the changing landscape provides opportunities for photography.
10:00–11:00 AM – Deurali to Himalaya: Continue descending through the upper valley. Follow your guide's instructions around exposed trail sections and any areas affected by snow, rain, or rockfall.
11:30 AM – Lunch break: Stop at a suitable teahouse around Himalaya or another available meal stop, depending on your progress. Replenish your energy and drink sufficient water before continuing.
12:15 PM – Himalaya to Dovan: Continue downhill through forested paths and rocky sections towards Dovan. Maintain a comfortable pace and take short breaks if your knees or legs become tired.
2:00 PM – Dovan to Bamboo: Proceed along the trail through the forest and river valley. Allow additional time for slippery steps, stream crossings, and other trail conditions.
3:00–4:00 PM – Arrive at Bamboo: Check in at your teahouse, relax, and enjoy a warm drink. This is an important recovery period after the long descent from ABC.
6:30 PM – Dinner and rest: Have dinner, prepare your daypack for the final trekking day, and get adequate sleep.
Overnight: Bamboo.
Day 6Bamboo to Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Jhinu Danda and Return to Pokhara
Pokhara+
Bamboo to Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Jhinu Danda and Return to Pokhara
Approx. trekking distance: 8–10 km | Walking time: 4–6 hours | Drive to Pokhara: approximately 2–3 hours after reaching the roadhead
6:00 AM – Wake-up and breakfast: Begin the final day with breakfast at Bamboo. Pack your belongings, refill your water bottles, and prepare for the last stretch of the trek. Keep your trekking poles handy, as the trail includes both uphill and downhill sections.
7:00 AM – Bamboo to Sinuwa: Start walking through the forest trail towards Sinuwa. The path includes uneven stone steps, short climbs, and descents. Maintain a steady pace and take breaks when required.
8:30 AM – Continue towards Chhomrong: Follow the established trail towards Chhomrong. Depending on the exact route and lodge location, this section may involve a descent to the Chhomrong Khola followed by a substantial climb up stone steps to the village. Allow sufficient time rather than rushing.
10:30–11:00 AM – Reach Chhomrong: Take a short rest and enjoy refreshments. Continue down the stone staircase towards the lower trail leading to Jhinu Danda. Watch your footing on steep or slippery sections.
12:00–1:00 PM – Arrive at Jhinu Danda: Reach Jhinu Danda and have lunch at a local teahouse if time permits. If the group is moving well and the hot springs are accessible, you may visit the natural hot springs near the Modi Khola. The visit typically requires an additional walk downhill and back uphill, so it must be included in the day's timing.
1:30–2:00 PM – Transfer to Pokhara: Meet your pre-arranged vehicle at the agreed roadhead. Depending on road access and current conditions, the transfer may involve a short walk to the pickup point.
2:00–5:00 PM – Drive to Pokhara: Travel back to Pokhara through the Annapurna foothills and countryside. Allow extra time for traffic, roadworks, and rough road sections.
4:30–6:00 PM – Arrival in Pokhara: Check in at your hotel, freshen up, and enjoy a well-earned rest. If time and energy permit, you can take a relaxed walk around Lakeside or enjoy dinner by Phewa Lake.
Overnight: Pokhara, if included in the package.
