Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 7 Days
Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m on this 7-day Pokhara-to-Pokhara teahouse trek through Ghandruk, the Modi Khola Valley, Machapuchhre Base Camp and Jhinu Danda.
From
$590
per person · all inclusive
Pricing Per Person
Quick reply via WhatsApp at the bottom of the screen
- Best Season
- Spring, Autumn
- Route
- Pokhara → Pokhara
- Group Size
- 2-12 People
- Walking
- 5-7 hours / day
- Stay
- Mountain teahouses
TREK OVERVIEW
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most complete short trekking route in the Annapurna region. This 7-day itinerary takes you from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial cirque surrounded by major Himalayan peaks on every side.
You travel via Ghandruk and the Modi Khola valley, gaining altitude gradually before reaching base camp at 4,130 m on Day 4.
Our team at Adventure Everest Team will handle your ACAP permit, licensed guide assignment, and all transport between Pokhara and the trailhead. The package suits trekkers with moderate fitness and basic experience on mountain trails. You do not need technical climbing skills for this route.
7-day Pokhara-to-Pokhara circuit reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m
360-degree views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) from base camp
Ghandruk village, one of Nepal's largest Gurung settlements, on the approach route
Rhododendron and oak forest through the Modi Khola valley below Sinuwa
What Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows the Modi Khola river valley through the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Gandaki Province.
It starts at Nayapul, roughly 1 hour by road from Pokhara, and climbs through forest and river valleys into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a high-altitude glacial bowl enclosed by eight major peaks above 6,000 m.
The reason so many trekkers choose this route is what you find at the top. Most base camp treks in Nepal leave you with a view from a ridge. The Annapurna Sanctuary puts you inside the cirque. From camp, peaks rise from every direction.
Annapurna I (8,091 m) dominates to the north. Machapuchhre (6,993 m) stands sharply ahead as you approach. Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m) close in from the sides.
This 7-day itinerary uses the Ghandruk approach on the way up. You pass through Ghandruk village (1,950 m), one of Nepal's largest Gurung settlements, before following the river valley through Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan.
The same valley returns you on the descent via Bamboo and Jhinu Danda hot springs. Total trekking distance from Nayapul and back covers approximately 110 km over 6 active days.
What You See at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Annapurna Base Camp sits at the center of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From camp, no horizon is visible beyond the mountains. Annapurna I (8,091 m) fills the view to the north. Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) stand to the south. Gangapurna (7,454 m) and Annapurna III (7,555 m) close the eastern side. Machapuchhre (6,993 m) dominates the descent approach.
The best light at ABC is in the early morning. Peaks catch the sunrise before any cloud cover builds. Most trekkers arrive in the afternoon and catch the evening light, then stay for sunrise the following morning.
In this itinerary, Day 4 arrives at ABC in the afternoon. You have the evening and early morning before descending. This is enough if the weather holds.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route and Distance
The 7-day itinerary follows this circuit: Nayapul to Ghandruk, then Sinuwa, Himalaya Hotel, Deurali, Machapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp. The descent returns via Bamboo and Jhinu Danda.
Here is a section-by-section distance breakdown:
| Section | Distance | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nayapul to Ghandruk | 12 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Ghandruk to Sinuwa | 10 to 12 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Sinuwa to Deurali via Himalaya Hotel | 11 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Deurali to ABC via MBC | 10 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| ABC to Bamboo | 16 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Bamboo to Jhinu Danda | 7 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Jhinu to Nayapul | 7 km | 2 to 3 hours |
The steepest section is from Sinuwa to Deurali. The descent from ABC to Bamboo is the longest day by distance. Nayapul is always the start and end point, roughly 42 km from Pokhara by road.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded Moderate. You walk 5 to 7 hours daily, on terrain that mixes stone paths, river crossings, and forest trails. The route is well-maintained and marked throughout. No technical climbing experience is needed.
However, the daily elevation gain is real. From Sinuwa (2,310 m) to Deurali (3,210 m) is a full day of sustained uphill through dense forest!
Furthermore, the push from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) covers 920 m of elevation gain in a single day. This is the most demanding stretch of the entire trek.
The descent from ABC to Bamboo on Day 5 also tests your knees. Trekking poles help considerably on the long downhill sections. We recommend that you are able to walk steadily for 6 hours on hilly terrain before booking this trek.
If you already hike regularly, you will find the pace manageable. If this is your first mountain trek, the 7-day itinerary gives enough time without compressing the acclimatization.
Best Time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
October and November are the clearest months for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Skies settle after the monsoon, and mountain views on the upper trail are sharp and consistent. October is peak season, so expect more trekkers at ABC and busier teahouses throughout.
March to May is also excellent. Rhododendron forests between Ghandruk and Sinuwa bloom through late March and April. The lower trail turns red and pink in those weeks. Views from ABC are generally clear in the early morning during spring. Moreover, temperatures are warmer than in autumn, which makes the Deurali to ABC section more comfortable.
Avoid June to September if possible. Monsoon rain makes the forest sections below Sinuwa slippery and leech-prone. Mountain views on the upper route stay covered in cloud for most of the day. The trail remains open, but the experience is less predictable.
Winter (December to February) is cold. Temperatures at ABC can drop well below freezing at night. Snow can cover the trail above 3,000 m. The route is still doable with proper gear, but the risks are higher, and fewer teahouses operate above Sinuwa during these months.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your morning starts with breakfast at your Pokhara hotel. Next will be a drive to Nayapul (1,070 m) that takes roughly 1 hour by jeep. Trekking begins here. You cross the Modi Khola suspension bridge at Birethanti, where our guide completes the ACAP permit check.
From Birethanti, the trail climbs steadily through Sudami and Kimche before reaching Ghandruk (1,950 m). Ghandruk is one of Nepal's largest Gurung villages. It has a community museum, local handicraft stalls, and open views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
The village has good teahouses and reliable Wi-Fi. We recommend spending the evening walking the stone lanes of the village before dinner. This is your first proper look at Gurung life.
Today's trail descends briefly from Ghandruk to Chuile, then drops to the Modi Khola river. You cross a suspension bridge and begin climbing through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest.
In spring, this section turns red and pink with rhododendron blooms. The forest is thick, and the trail is well-maintained but consistently uphill. You pass through Kyumnu Khola before reaching Sinuwa (2,310 m).
Sinuwa sits at the edge of the forest with good views down the valley. The section from the river crossing to Sinuwa takes the most energy today. Pace yourself on this climb. We arrive at Sinuwa by mid-afternoon, which gives you time to rest before dinner.
This is the longest and most forested day of the trek. The trail continues through bamboo and rhododendron forest from Sinuwa. You pass through Bamboo (2,310 m), a small cluster of teahouses where most groups stop for lunch.
After Bamboo, the trail climbs to Dovan and then to Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m). Above Himalaya Hotel, the forest begins to thin. The Modi Khola gorge narrows, and the sound of the river follows you uphill. You reach Deurali (3,210 m) by late afternoon.
Deurali is a small settlement with a few teahouses. At this altitude, temperatures drop noticeably by evening. Layer up and stay hydrated. Do not push for ABC today, regardless of how you feel. Proper rest here makes Day 4 considerably easier.
This is the day the trek is built around. We start early from Deurali. The trail passes through Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at approximately 3,700 m. MBC has 2 or 3 teahouses and direct views of Machapuchhre (6,993 m).
Most groups stop here for tea or an early lunch before continuing. Above MBC, the landscape changes completely. Trees disappear, and the valley opens into a wide glacial basin.
Annapurna South and Hiunchuli appear on both sides. We reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) by early to mid-afternoon.
Peaks surround the camp from every direction. In the evening, Annapurna I catches the last light. This is the highest night of the trek. Stay warm, drink water consistently, and inform your guide immediately if you feel any headache or unusual breathlessness.
Today, you need to wake up really early so that you catch sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp before descending. The morning light on the Annapurna peaks at this hour is unlike anything you see on the way up.
After breakfast, we retrace the route down through MBC and Deurali. The descent is long and sustained. Your knees will feel it, especially from Himalaya Hotel downward. Use trekking poles on this section.
We stop at Himalaya Hotel for lunch and continue to Bamboo (2,350 m) for the overnight. The descent from over 4,000 m to 2,350 m in one day is tiring, but it also feels good. The forest returns around you. The air gets noticeably warmer as you lose altitude. Bamboo has several good teahouses with basic but comfortable facilities.
From Bamboo, the trail follows the Modi Khola downstream. You pass through Sinuwa and Chuile before branching left toward Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), rather than returning through Ghandruk.
This trail descends to the riverbank where the Jhinu hot springs are located. The springs sit at the edge of the Modi Khola. Soaking here after 5 days of trekking is one of the better moments of the entire journey.
An entry fee applies, and the pools are basic, but the location is good. Jhinu Danda has a handful of teahouses for the overnight stay. This is your last night on the trail. After dinner, your guide will brief you on the following morning's drive back to Pokhara.
We wake up, have breakfast, and begin the final 2 to 3-hour walk to Nayapul. The trail drops from Jhinu Danda through Kyumnu Khola and meets the main trail at the Birethanti junction.
From Birethanti, it is a short flat walk to Nayapul. Our jeep meets you at Nayapul for the 1-hour drive back to Pokhara. Adventure Everest Team transfers you to your hotel in Lakeside.
You have the rest of the day free in Pokhara. Most trekkers spend the evening at Phewa Lake before the Kathmandu bus or flight the next morning. If you need help arranging onward transport, our Pokhara team assists with that.
Route Map
Included & Excluded
What's Included
- ✓Pokhara hotel pickup on Day 1
- ✓Return transfer to your Pokhara hotel on Day 7
- ✓Jeep transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul
- ✓Return jeep transportation from Nayapul to Pokhara
- ✓Six nights’ teahouse accommodation
- ✓Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- ✓Currently required trekking documentation
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Guide’s salary, meals, accommodation, transport and insurance
- ✓Basic first-aid kit and oximeter carried by the guide
- ✓Trekking route map, if supplied by the company
- ✓Government taxes and company service charges
What's Excluded
- ✕Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- ✕Breakfast at the Pokhara hotel before the trek
- ✕Kathmandu-to-Pokhara and Pokhara-to-Kathmandu transportation
- ✕International and domestic flights
- ✕Nepal entry visa
- ✕Travel and emergency-evacuation insurance
- ✕Porter service
- ✕Jhinu Danda hot-spring entrance fee
- ✕Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- ✕Additional tea, coffee and trail snacks
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging fees
- ✕Personal trekking equipment
- ✕Sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking poles
- ✕Single-room supplement
- ✕Emergency evacuation and medical treatment
- ✕Additional accommodation caused by disruption
- ✕Tips for the guide, porter and driver
- ✕Expenses caused by weather, illness or itinerary changes
Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this trek. It costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
The ACAP checkpoint is at Birethanti, shortly after Nayapul. Your guide handles permit verification at every checkpoint along the route.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) has also been required on this route historically. But as of 2026, enforcement of TIMS on the Annapurna trails is not compulsory.
Adventure Everest Team confirms the current permit requirements at the time of booking and arranges everything in advance. Also, keep in mind that the regulations of permits in Nepal can update any time.
So, do not just rely on outdated information and stay updated with our team as we provide you with the latest information.
Accommodation and Food on the ABC Trek
Teahouses run the full length of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, so you will always have a place to sleep. But the quality and availability change significantly as you gain altitude, and this is something worth understanding before you start, not after you reach Deurali tired and hoping for a warm room.
Between Ghandruk (2,010 m) and Bamboo (2,310 m), accommodation is relatively comfortable. Most teahouses on this section offer twin rooms with proper beds, blankets, and attached or nearby toilets.
Above Deurali (3,230 m), your options narrow. The teahouses become simpler, rooms fill quickly during peak trekking months (late March through May and October through November), and expecting any particular level of comfort above this point is usually how people end up disappointed. We suggest arriving early each day from Deurali onwards.
Standard facilities across most teahouses include twin-sharing rooms with blankets, sit-down or squat toilets depending on the place, and hot showers available on request (usually for an extra charge of around NPR 200 to 300).
Electricity for charging devices is available at most major stops, though charging fees above Deurali are common. Bring a sleeping bag liner if you are trekking in spring or autumn. Above Deurali, night temperatures drop considerably even in these seasons, and teahouse blankets alone may not be enough.
On the food side, teahouse menus cover the usual range: dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, porridge, and omelettes. Dal bhat is your best option on long trekking days. It is filling, affordable, and comes with unlimited refills on rice and dal, which matters more than it sounds after 7 hours of walking. There is a reason trekkers repeat "Dal Bhat power, 24 hours."
Above Bamboo, menus simplify and prices go up with altitude. This is normal and expected. By the time you reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) and ABC (4,130 m) sections, you are not eating for variety. Carry protein bars and trail snacks for the Deurali to ABC stretch. You will be glad you did.
Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses on the lower route, though the speed varies. Above Deurali, connectivity drops off sharply. Mobile data also weakens considerably above 3,000 m. Do not rely on online navigation for this section. Download your offline maps before leaving Pokhara or at least before Ghandruk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a trekking route within the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. It takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial basin surrounded by 8 major Himalayan peaks. The standard route from Pokhara and back covers roughly 110 km. Most itineraries take 7 to 12 days depending on the starting point and pace.
- How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The trek is graded Moderate. You walk 5 to 7 hours daily on well-maintained mountain trails. No technical climbing is required. The most demanding sections are the climb from Sinuwa to Deurali and the push from Deurali to ABC via MBC. Good basic fitness and regular walking preparation make these sections manageable.
- Can beginners do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Beginners with solid fitness can complete this trek. We recommend doing consistent uphill walking or stair training in the weeks before departure. This itinerary's 7-day pace allows enough rest between demanding days. However, if you have never trekked at altitude before, inform your guide at every overnight stop about how you are feeling.
- What is the maximum altitude on this trek?
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 m. Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), the last stop before ABC, is at approximately 3,700 m. These are the two highest points on the route. Below Deurali at 3,210 m, altitude sickness risk is relatively low. Above Deurali, proper hydration and pacing become important.
- What is the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
October and November are the clearest months. March to May offers rhododendron blooms on the lower trail and good morning visibility above ABC. Both seasons give stable conditions and reliable teahouse services. We suggest avoiding June to September because monsoon rain makes lower trail sections slippery and mountain views on the upper route are frequently blocked.
- What permits do I need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals. TIMS may also be required. Adventure Everest Team arranges all current permits before your trek starts. Permit regulations update each season, so we always confirm requirements at the time of booking.
- Is altitude sickness a risk on this trek?
Risk is moderate. Symptoms can appear above 3,000 m. The most common early signs are headache, fatigue, and disrupted sleep. Above Deurali, inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell. Descent to lower elevation resolves most symptoms quickly. We always recommend travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation in case of serious altitude illness.
- What is Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)?
MBC sits at approximately 3,700 m, roughly 2 hours below Annapurna Base Camp on Day 4. It has 2 to 3 teahouses and direct views of Machapuchhre (Fishtail) at 6,993 m. Most groups stop for tea or lunch here before the final push to ABC. MBC also serves as the overnight stop for trekkers who find the Deurali to ABC stretch too long in one go.
- What mountains can I see from Annapurna Base Camp?
From ABC, you see Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). The base camp sits inside the sanctuary, so peaks are visible from every direction rather than just ahead of you. Early morning is the clearest time at camp before afternoon clouds build.
- What are the Jhinu Danda hot springs?
Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) has natural hot springs on the bank of the Modi Khola river. They sit roughly 15 minutes below the village itself. An entry fee applies. After 5 days of trekking, soaking here is a natural end to the trail. The facilities are basic but the setting next to the river is genuinely good. Most ABC trekkers include Jhinu on the descent.
- Can I combine the ABC Trek with Poon Hill?
Can I combine the ABC Trek with Poon Hill?
Yes. Adding Poon Hill extends the trip by 3 to 4 days. You can go via Ghorepani and Poon Hill first, descend to Ghandruk, and then continue on to ABC. Alternatively, return via Ghorepani after descending from ABC. Adventure Everest Team offers a combined Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp itinerary on request.
- Is the route safe during monsoon season?
The trail stays open during monsoon (June to September). However, lower sections below Sinuwa become slippery, and leeches are common in the forest. Landslide risk also increases near river sections. Mountain views above MBC are frequently hidden by cloud. Some trekkers prefer the quieter trails in this season. Plan with extra buffer days and inform your guide if any section looks unsafe.
- What is Ghandruk, and why is it on this route?
Ghandruk (1,950 m) is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. It sits on a high ridge with views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The Ghandruk approach to ABC adds this cultural stop to what would otherwise be a pure mountain trek. The village has a community museum, traditional stone architecture, and local handicraft stalls. Spending an evening here adds depth to the experience.
- What type of accommodation is available on the trek?
Teahouses run the full route from Nayapul to ABC. Most offer twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets. Toilet facilities vary between sit-down and squat depending on the tea house. Hot showers are available at most stops for an additional fee, usually around NPR 200 to 300.
Above Deurali (3,230 m), rooms get smaller and options more limited. During peak season (late March to May and October to November), they fill quickly. Plan to arrive at your stop early. I suggest bringing a sleeping bag liner for the nights at Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and ABC. The cold up there goes well beyond what the teahouse blankets typically handle.
- Is there Wi-Fi on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Most teahouses on the lower route, between Ghandruk and Bamboo, have Wi-Fi. Speed is variable, but it is enough for basic communication. Above Deurali (3,230 m), connectivity becomes unreliable. Mobile data on both NTC and Ncell also weakens significantly above 3,000 m. Do not rely on online navigation above Sinuwa. Download offline maps before you start. Maps.me and Organic Maps both work well for the ABC route. Do this in Pokhara, not at the trailhead.
- What food is available on the trail?
Teahouse menus cover dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, pancakes, omelettes, and soups. The options are fairly consistent on the lower sections. Above Bamboo, menus simplify. Above Deurali, supply gets thinner.
Dal bhat is your best choice on long trekking days. It is the most energy-dense meal on the menu; it is affordable, and it comes with unlimited refills on rice and dal. That matters after 7 to 8 hours of climbing. For the Deurali to ABC section, carry protein bars, nuts, and chocolate. Teahouse meals are available up there but limited by what can realistically be carried to that altitude.
- What should I pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The essentials: sturdy trekking boots (broken in before the trek, not new), a warm down jacket, a waterproof rain jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and your personal medications. A sleeping bag liner is worth the small extra weight above Deurali. Trekking poles also make a real difference on the descent from ABC.
Adventure Everest Team shares a detailed packing checklist after confirming your booking. Go through it carefully. What you carry up, you carry on your back the whole way.
- How do I get to Nayapul from Pokhara?
Nayapul is approximately 42 km from Pokhara by road. The drive takes around 1 hour by jeep. Adventure Everest Team includes your hotel pickup in Pokhara and the jeep transfer to Nayapul as part of this package. The return jeep from Nayapul to Pokhara on the final day is also included.
- How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
You have 2 options. The tourist bus takes 6 to 7 hours along the Prithivi Highway and is the more budget-friendly choice. A domestic flight takes around 25 minutes and costs approximately USD 80 to 120 per person depending on when you book.
If you are arriving close to your trek start date, I would go with the flight. The bus is long, and delays on the highway are not unusual. Adventure Everest Team can help you arrange Pokhara travel if you let us know in advance.
Fixed Departures
4 openWe confirm availability within 10 minutes (8 am – 9 pm Nepal time).
Need custom dates?