Annapurna Base Camp Trekking - 6 Days

The Annapurna Base Camp is located in the northern part of central Nepal within the Annapurna Rural Municipality 10, Ghandruk, Kaski district of Nepal.  The Annapurna shares the border with Manang districts as well. While trekking from Pokhara, it takes seven days to complete the whole ABC trek. Starting from Pokhara we reach base camp within four days with proper acclimatization and then trek down to Pokhara in the next three days.

The 20-minute helicopter flight takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp if you have very little time, but you can make up for it with a decent amount of money.

Start Point of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The ABC trek used to start from Nayapul before the road access to Jhinu Danda. Now we drive up to Jhinu Danda on a Jeep and then start our ABC trek on foot and stay overnight at Chhomrong.  The drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda takes 3 hours, and another 4 hours of trekking from Jhinu takes us to Chhomrong, a charming Gurung village. While this may be the standard starting point for Annapurna base camp trekking, you can start trekking directly from Nayapul, to trek the true classical base camp trek to Annapurna.  

End Point of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The trek ends at Pokhara, but the trekking/walking ends at Jhinu Danda. From Jhinu Danda you can take a sharing Jeep and drive to Pokhara. As we follow the same route while trekking back to Pokhara, you can trek to the Ghandruk village, one of the most famous villages of Nepal, as a side tour during the ABC trek. Alternatively, you can also trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara from there. Moreover, if you want to explore the Ghandruk village, and trek to the Poon Hill as well then it can be completed within 10 days from Pokhara and 12 days from Kathmandu. 

Recently, trekking agencies have been promoting the 5 days Annapurna base camp trek, which is unhealthy and dangerous. The international trekkers live in lower altitudes and don’t have much experience trekking in the diverse land structure of Nepal, which makes it even more risky. Taking them to the altitude of 4,130 m on the second day of trekking is pretty dangerous. Altitude sickness is not a small inconvenience, it can be too late if not responded to immediately. So, instead of risking your life to save a day or two in the ABC trek, you can trek the Mardi Himal Trek in four to five days. Yes, the altitude in the Mardi Himal base camp is higher compared to ABC, however, there are treelines until 3500 m for good oxygen circulation and the trekking is short and comparatively easy. 

The trek to the ABC is a moderately difficult trek, which has become more accessible recently. With 5 to 6 hours of trekking every day, it is perfect for beginners with good fitness levels and experienced trekkers who want to enjoy the panoramic views from the base camp during this trek. The difficulty also depends on the season you are trekking, so the ideal seasons for trekking are Autumn and Spring. If you are a beginner, avoid off-seasons like summer and winter.

While the risk of altitude sickness is minimized with the 6-day itinerary, you still need to be wary of unpredictable weather. Also, rest assured the rescues during the Annapurna base camp trek can be started quickly if any unforeseen circumstances occur during the trekking. 

The highest altitude during the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 4,130 m (13,550 ft) in the Base camp. The second-highest point is the Machhapuchre Base Camp at an altitude of 3712 m (12179 ft), from where we trek towards ABC. 

The hike starts from Jhinu dada, with an elevation of 1,780 m (5,838 ft) to ABC at an elevation of 4130 m (13,549 ft) via MBC 3,700 m (12,140 ft).
While the suggested altitude gain per day is 500 m to 800 meter only, trekkers will gain about 800 m to 950 m every day. This is within safety limits as tree lines are up to 3000m, and acclimatization here will be perfect for high-altitude trekking.

On first day of ABC Trek

• Highest Altitude: Sinuwa = 2,340 m (7,677 ft) 
• Starting Altitude: Pokhara = 822 m  (2,690 ft)
• Altitude gain: 1520 m (4,986 ft) 

On second day of ABC Trek

• Highest Altitude: Deurali = 3,200 m (10,498 ft)
• Starting Altitude: Sinuwa = 2,340 m (7,677 ft)
• Altitude gain: 860 m (2,821 ft)

On third day of ABC Trek

• Starting Altitude: Deurali = 3,200 m (10,498 ft)
• Highest Altitude: ABC = 4,130 m (13,550 ft)
• Altitude gain: 930 m (3051 ft)

The best time to trek the Annapurna Base Camp is similar to other treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. The spring with its greenery and the Autumn with its clear days are the best seasons for the Annapurna base camp trekking.  

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring

• Mid-February to Mid-May
• Ideal for casual and beginner trekkers.
• Minimum rainfall, clear skies, and vibrant rhododendron forests.
• Occasional snowfall for added adventure.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn

• September to the first weeks of December
• Universally accepted as the prime trekking season.
• Dry days, comforting warmth during the day, and chilly nights.
• Local Harvest festivals and cultural festivities add attractions.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Summer

• June to August
• Challenging with frequent rainfall and muddy trails.
• Trails filled with leeches make it less favorable for beginners.
• Isolated trails appeal to experienced hikers.
• Green scenery and isolation attract nature admirers.

Winter trekking at Annapurna Base Camp

• Mid-December to Mid-February 
• Snowfall on the trails.
• Rarely recommended due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold.
• Isolated trails, the perfect choice for some trekkers.
• Requires an experienced guide, rescue insurance, and a suitable sleeping bag for extreme cold (up to -20°C).

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek offers authentic high-altitude hospitality through a network of regulated teahouses. Trekkers stay in communal lodges providing essential recovery, high-carb Nepali nutrition, and mandatory guide-supported logistics within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

High-Altitude Accommodation Entities

Accommodations on the ABC route consist of Teahouses and Community Lodges. Expect functional, twin-share bedrooms with two single beds and foam mattresses. While lower elevations like Jhinu Danda or Ghandruk may offer private en-suite bathrooms, higher nodes such as Deurali (3,230m) and ABC (4,130m) utilize shared facilities.

Expert Tip: Use your provided sleeping bag over the lodge blankets for added warmth and hygiene in the thin, cold air of the sanctuary.

The Food Menu "Fuel for the Climb"

Food is prepared fresh using local Himalayan ingredients. Menus are standardized by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to ensure fair pricing and quality.

• Breakfast: High-energy oats, Gurung Bread (deep-fried traditional bread), eggs, and ginger-lemon-honey tea.
• Lunch & Dinner: The staple is Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry). It is the most sustainable energy source for the 400m–800m daily elevation gains.
• Western Options: Available items include pasta, vegetable momos (dumplings), and potato-based dishes.

Strategic Nutrition Advice

For optimal performance, prioritize Dal Bhat Power. Unlike processed pasta, the lentils provide sustained protein and the rice offers complex carbohydrates. Avoid meat at higher altitudes (above Chhomrong) as it is often portered up manually and may lack freshness.

The Annapurna base camp trek cost mostly depends on the number of days you want to trek and the number of people in the group. The more people, the cheaper it becomes on per per-person basis.

The detailed Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost breakdown

Full package basis:

80 $ per person/day, which includes

1)Transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul
2) Accommodation throughout the trek
3) Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
4) Permits, TIMS, and other taxes
5) Transportation back to Pokhara.
6)Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking guide 
7) Every expense of the Guide, like food and accommodation
8) Guide Salary

Excludes:

i) Everything not included in the included section

Half  Package Basis:
55$ per person per day, which includes

1) Transportation from Pokhara
2)Transportation to Pokhara 
3)Accommodation during the trek
4) Breakfast
5) Permits, TIMS, and other taxes
6) Experienced English-speaking government-licensed guide
           i) Every expense of the Gui, de like food and accommodation
           ii) Guide Salary

Excludes
1) Lunch and Dinner
2) Everything not included in the included section

Guide and porter service

1) Very experienced English-speaking guide for 30$ per day.
        i) His food and accommodation
        ii) His salary

2) Porter (carrying max 20 kg) for 25$ per day
        i) His food and accommodation
        ii) His salary

Find the alternative 7 Days ABC Trek below.

Day 1: Pokhara to Ghandruk drive and trek to Chhomrong (Drive 3 hrs & trek 5 hrs)

The drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk is just what you would ask foating the start of the ABC trekking. From Annapurna I to the tip of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV,  Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, you can enjoy all these mountains during your drive. 

Yes, you can see the mountains from Pokhara as well; however, the drive on this route provides you with the sensation of moving closer and closer to the mountains. After 3 hours of driving, we reached the Ghandruk Village. Ghandruk is a famous Gurung village, and many tourists visit Pokhara just to stay overnight in Ghandruk village. The traditional stone houses, the local Gurung community, terraced farming, etc, add to the appeal of Ghandruk village even more. 

After exploring the village, we have our lunch here and then trek toward Chhomrong. The trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong takes you 5 hours of trekking via Kimrong Danda. The route takes us down, and following the bank of the Modi River, we again ascend for a while. After ascending, we leave the Modi River and cross the bridge over the Kimrong River. After crossing the village, we reach Jhinu Danda, a place famous for its hot springs. From Jhinu Dand, we trek towards Chhomrong. Overnight stay at Chhomrong village.
We can offer you a homestay service to live like a local in Chhomrong.

Day 2: Chhomrong to Dovan

After breakfast at Chhomrong, we leave for Dovan. From Chomrong Village, the trail descends along the long stone staircase through the village, passing the other teahouses and houses on the way. After the long descent, we will cross the suspension bridge over the Chomrong Khola. There can be mules crossing the bridges, so we need to wait for our turn. After crossing the bridge, we then ascend through more small farms. We pass through bamboo and other villages where you can see locals weaving Doko, Nanglo, and so on. Finally, we reach Dovan, after clearing the forest where there are several teahouses. Overnight stay at Dovan.

Day 3: Dovan to Deurali

After breakfast at the teahouse, we leave for Deurali. The rich biodiversity along Modi Khola & bamboo forest offers the perfect natural experience. Heading further from here, the alpine area/forest clears and becomes thin, and finally, near Deurali, the tree line becomes very thin. One thing you will remember during this trek route is the stunning views of the Macchapuchre, also known as Fishtail Mountain. 

We trek while passing the Himalaya Hotel at first and Hinku Cave, finally reaching Deurali. The avalanche-prone area close to the village looks fascinating, and the mountain backdrop adds even more dramatic scenes. Overnight stay at Deurali. For her, the trekking itinerary for beginners and expert trekkers is the same, so refer to the itinerary above. 

Day 4: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp, 4130 m (ABC)

We set out early from Deurali after breakfast at the teahouse.  The trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) typically takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on your walking pace. Given the high altitude, we should take it slow and steady. Take short breaks, rest, and stay hydrated during the hike. The path from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is less steep than anticipated.
MBC is about a 2 to 3-hour trek from Deurali. From MBC, it takes a maximum of 2 hours to reach ABC. During the trek from MBC to ABC, you'll encounter small streams, and if you're trekking in February, March, or April, you may walk on snowy terrain depending on recent snowfall.

At Annapurna Base Camp, you're treated to breathtaking views of Annapurna I (8,091 m | 13,549 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m | 24,787 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m | 23,684 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m | 22,963 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m | 24,459 ft), Khangsar Kang (7,485 m | 24,557 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m | 21,132 ft), Singhu Chuli (6,501 m | 21,329 ft), Gandarba Chuli (6,248 m | 20,499 ft), Bharha Chuli (7,647 m | 25,088 ft), and more. The panoramic vista from the base camp is an unforgettable sight. The ridge line extends from Hiunchuli to Annapurna III, encompassing Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna, making it a major highlight of this trek.

Day 5: ABC to Dovan

Following breakfast at the ABC teahouse, we trek back to Dovan. We start the trek early morning from ABC to cross Deurali before noon. This part of the trek is relatively more manageable, as we'll be retracing the path from the previous day. Descending is generally easier than ascending, particularly at higher altitudes.

Depending on your fitness and your stamina, you can stay at  Bamboo or trek down to Dovan. After trekking for approximately 5 hours from ABC, we will finally arrive at Dovan. We'll spend the night here.

Day 6: Dovan to Chhomrong

After our breakfast at the tea house, our fifth day of trekking takes us from Dovan to Chhomrong. The trail passes through a lush rhododendron-filled forest, providing a natural experience after our days at higher altitudes. After approximately 5 hours of trekking, we arrive in Chhomrong via the village of Sinuwa.
Teahouses are the typical accommodation option in Chhomrong, offering a comfortable stay. 

Alternatively, for those seeking a more immersive experience of the rural lifestyle of Himalayan villages, we can arrange a homestay. It's important to discuss this option with us before starting the trek, as proper arrangements need to be made for the homestay.

Day 7: Chhomrong to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara

On the final day of our 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek, we begin with breakfast at the teahouse or local homestay. Our trek from Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda is a 2-hour journey, followed by an additional 30-minute trek to reach the soothing Jhinu Danda Hot Spring.

In the hot spring, we take a relaxed bath, washing away fatigue and dirt from our bodies while enjoying a calming sensation. Following this refreshing experience, we trek back to Jhinu Danda and then conclude our ABC trek with a 2-hour drive back to Pokhara.

When you trek deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary—the natural amphitheatre of towering peaks encircling Base Camp at 4,130 metres—your safety, comfort, and success depend entirely on who leads the way. Here is why trekkers choose North Nepal Travel & Trek:

100% Locally Owned & Pokhara-Based

We are proudly based right here in Pokhara, the literal gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Booking directly with us keeps your investment local, fuels the regional economy, and ensures immediate, reliable on-the-ground support from day one.

Officially Licensed & TAAN-Registered

We are a fully government-registered trekking agency and an active member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). We guarantee complete legal compliance, robust emergency support, and uncompromising safety standards on every trip.

Years of Route Expertise

We have spent over a decade safely operating treks into the Sanctuary, mastering the Modi Khola gorge, its steep stone staircases, avalanche-safe pacing, and fast-changing high-altitude weather patterns.

Expert Local Leadership

Your expedition is personally led by our government-certified, English-speaking local guides who know every step of the trail, the rich Gurung heritage of villages like Chhomrong and Ghandruk, and how to safely manage high-altitude acclimatization.

Top-Rated Client Satisfaction

Backed by a 4.9/5 rating across global review platforms, our travelers consistently rate our safety, local hospitality, transparent pricing, and personalized service among the absolute best in the Annapurna region.