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Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna Himalayas on an exciting 5-day trek from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp.

Duration
4 nights / 5 days
Max altitude
4,130 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Group size
8–28
Best season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Starts from
Pokhara

Pokhara → Jhinu Danda → Chhomrong → Himalaya → Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp → Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Pokhara

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan adventures, offering an extraordinary opportunity to explore the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary in just five days. Starting from Pokhara, this journey takes you through beautiful mountain villages, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Follow the scenic trail through Upper Sinuwa and Deurali before reaching the magnificent Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres. Surrounded by towering peaks, including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, the experience offers unforgettable mountain scenery. Designed for physically fit and well-prepared trekkers with limited time, this adventure combines natural beauty, local culture, and the excitement of reaching one of Nepal's most iconic trekking destinations with Nine Adventure.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 5 Days is an exciting Himalayan adventure designed for experienced and physically fit travelers who want to explore the magnificent Annapurna region within a limited timeframe.

Located in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal's most celebrated trekking destinations. The journey offers an incredible combination of natural beauty, traditional mountain culture, diverse landscapes, and spectacular views of the world's highest mountains.

Your adventure begins in Pokhara, where you take a scenic drive toward Jhinu Danda or Siwai, depending on road conditions. From the trailhead, you begin your trek through beautiful mountain settlements, crossing suspension bridges and following stone-paved paths toward Chhomrong and Upper Sinuwa.

As you continue your journey, the landscape gradually changes. You pass through peaceful bamboo forests, flowing rivers, waterfalls, and traditional mountain trails. The route takes you through Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya before reaching Deurali, where the surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic.

The highlight of the journey is the ascent from Deurali toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. As you enter the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary, you are surrounded by an impressive natural amphitheatre of towering Himalayan peaks.

At Annapurna Base Camp, standing at approximately 4,130 metres, you can admire magnificent views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding mountains. The sunrise and sunset over the snow-covered Himalayan peaks create an unforgettable experience.

After exploring the base camp, you retrace your route downhill toward Upper Sinuwa, passing through the dramatic mountain landscape and beautiful forest trails. On the final day, you descend toward Jhinu Danda or Siwai before driving back to Pokhara.

This five-day itinerary is a fast-paced trekking adventure intended for trekkers with excellent physical preparation. Because of the rapid elevation gain, it requires careful planning, professional guidance, and flexibility according to health, weather, and trail conditions.

With Nine Adventure, you can experience the magnificent Annapurna region with professional trekking support, organized transportation, local expertise, and personalized travel arrangements.

Trip highlights

  • Sleep at 4,130 m inside the Annapurna Sanctuary
  • Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from the lodge door
  • Gurung and Magar villages on the way up
  • Rhododendron forest between Chhomrong and Bamboo
  • Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way down

Altitude profile

Where each day ends, in metres above sea level. Every point links to that day; the same figures are in the itinerary table below. How we plan around altitude sets out the same figures for every trip we run.

Itinerary

Summary of all 5 days
DayWhereAltitudeWalking
1Pokhara to upper sinuwa1,780 m— · 8 km
2Upper sinuwa to Deurali3,230 m— · 11 km
3Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp4,130 m— · 9 km
4Sunrise at Base Camp — Descend to Bamboo2,310 m— · 15 km
5Bamboo to Jhinu Danda — Drive to Pokhara1,780 m— · 10 km
  1. Day 1Pokhara to upper sinuwa

    • Altitude1,780 m
    • Distance8 km
    • StayTeahouse
    • Mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinner
    Pokhara to upper sinuwa — day 1

    An early breakfast and a scenic drive bring us to Jhinu Danda, the trailhead. We cross the Modi Khola on a suspension bridge and climb to the welcoming Gurung village of Chhomrong — the gateway to the Sanctuary — before descending and climbing again through forest to Upper Sinuwa for the night. A genuine first day with rewarding mountain views.

  2. Day 2Upper sinuwa to Deurali

    • Altitude3,230 m
    • Distance11 km
    • StayTeahouse
    • Mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinner

    Today the trail enters the wild, narrow gorge of the Modi Khola. We pass through cool bamboo and rhododendron forest at Bamboo and Dovan, with waterfalls cascading down the valley walls, then climb steadily past Himalaya and the Hinku Cave to Deurali. The vegetation thins as we move into the alpine zone — the high mountains feel close now.

  3. Day 3Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

    • Altitude4,130 m
    • Distance9 km
    • StayTeahouse
    • Mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinner

    The day you have come for. We ascend gently into the Sanctuary, pausing at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) before the final approach to Annapurna Base Camp. Towering walls of ice and rock enclose you on every side — Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the sacred Fishtail. Reaching ABC in the afternoon leaves time to rest, acclimatise and watch alpenglow set the peaks alight at sunset. Take it slow today and let your guide set the pace

  4. Day 4Sunrise at Base Camp — Descend to Bamboo

    • Altitude2,310 m
    • Distance15 km
    • StayTeahouse
    • Mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinner

    Wake early for the unforgettable sunrise over the Annapurna massif — first light striking the summits while the Sanctuary still lies in shadow. After photographs and breakfast we retrace our steps down the valley through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan, descending into the warmth and greenery of Bamboo. A long but downhill day with the mountains at your back.

  5. Day 5Bamboo to Jhinu Danda — Drive to Pokhara

    • Altitude1,780 m
    • Distance10 km
    • StayTeahouse
    • Mealsbreakfast, lunch, dinner

    We climb back to Sinuwa and Chhomrong, then descend to Jhinu Danda. A short walk below the village brings us to the famous natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola — a well-earned soak for tired legs. We then drive back to Pokhara to celebrate the completion of the trek with a relaxed evening at the lake.

Not quite your trip?

Every day here can move. Tell us how many days you have, who is coming and what you want to see, and we will rewrite this itinerary around it — same guides, same published pricing.

Customise this trip

What's included

Included in the price

  • Lodge accommodation for 5 nights on the trail
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Lunch every day
  • Dinner every evening
  • Experienced NTB-licensed trekking guide
  • ACAP permit and TIMS card
  • Pokhara to trailhead transfer, both directions

Not included

  • Flights and travel to Pokhara
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Porter (available on request)
  • Bottled drinks, hot showers and charging on the trail
  • Tips for guide and porter

Common questions about this trip

How hard is it?

Moderate. There is no climbing and no technical ground, but there are two long days and a great many stone steps. If you can walk for six hours with a day pack, you can do this trek.

What permits do I need?

An ACAP entry permit and a TIMS card. Both are included in the price and we arrange them for you — bring passport copies and two photographs.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) for rhododendron and warmer nights, or autumn (late September to December) for the clearest mountain views. Our 2026 fixed departures run September to December.

Do I need to be fit?

You need everyday fitness, not athletic fitness. Walking regularly for a month before you come makes a large difference, particularly for the descent.

Is altitude sickness a risk at 4,130 m?

It is possible but uncommon on this route because you sleep low and climb gradually. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and monitors the group daily.

Something else on your mind? Ask us — or read the general questions.

Traveller reviews

From people who have walked this trip. We publish them as they are written, and only from travellers we have actually taken.

Write your review

100%would recommend this trip

4.9 out of 5Based on 8 reviews

Ratings from best to worst, with how many gave each
Excellent7
Very good1
Average0
Poor0
Terrible0

Showing 8 of 8

  • Priya SharmaIndiaReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    The acclimatisation was handled properly. We slept at Deurali before the final climb and nobody in our group of six had a headache at base camp. Most memorable: walking into the sanctuary on the fourth morning. Three days in a narrowing gorge and then it simply opens. Advice for the next traveller: bring a proper down jacket for the base camp night. The days are warm and the moment the sun goes it is not.
  • Tom WhitfieldUnited KingdomReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    Six days and four seasons. Rhododendron forest on the way up and snow on the lodge roof two days later. Our guide knew every lodge owner by name, which made a difference when the place at Chhomrong filled up. Advice for the next traveller: the steps between Chhomrong and Bamboo are the hardest part of the whole trek. Nobody warns you about the descent.
  • Anita GurungNepalReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    Well organised and the price was exactly what was quoted, with no extras at the end. The hot springs at Jhinu on the way down were the surprise of the trip. Four rather than five only because the lodge on the second night was very full and we ate late.
  • Marcus LehmannGermanyReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    Machhapuchhre at sunrise from the lodge door is worth the three days of walking uphill on its own. The porters were treated and paid properly, which mattered to us and is not true everywhere. We asked, and we were given a straight answer.
  • Sarah TanSingaporeReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    Fit but not a trekker, and I managed it comfortably. Four to seven hours a day with real lunch stops rather than a rushed schedule. Advice for the next traveller: break in your boots before you come. Two people in our group did not and regretted it by Chhomrong.
  • David OkonkwoCanadaReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    Booked from abroad and every question was answered on WhatsApp within the hour, including the awkward ones about insurance and evacuation cover. The fixed departure dates mattered — no waiting to hear whether the trip would run.
  • Rebecca HallAustraliaReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    The sanctuary opens all at once after three days in a narrowing gorge and nothing prepares you for it. Small group, licensed guide, and no upselling at any point on the trail. That last one is rarer than it should be.
  • Kenji WatanabeJapanReviewed
    Recommends this trip
    The trek itself was well run and the guide was excellent. December was my own choice and the wrong one — cloud most days and no view from base camp at all. They did tell me beforehand that spring and autumn are the windows. I would go again, in the right month.

$ 399

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