Annapurna base camp Trek - 8 days

Annapurna base camp trek is the most popular and vibrant trek in Nepal Himalayas. The trek starts from Pokhara in the foothills of the Annapurna and passes through charming villages of Magar and Gurung popular as Gurkha soldier recruits. The lush Rhododendron forest, happy villages and dramatic mountain view within just 8 days or less makes the trek the most popular. The trek is moderately difficult with ups and downs on rugged trails.

Short ABC Trek could be customized within a week in Nepal. It just takes about 5 - 6 days from Pokhara and back following the shortest route.

View from Annapurna Base camp

Annapurna base camp at 4,200 m is a funnel shaped valley with 360° view of Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091 m), Tent peak, Fishtail and others. Melting snow of the gigantic rock faces form a glacier that drains into the Modi River. Annapurna I is the tenth highest peak in the world and is the first of the 8,000 m peaks climbed as early as in 1950.

Avoid walking in the road

Extension of dirt road further into the valley made it possible to do the Annapurna base camp trek in 8 days or less. Drive with 4WD to the new trail head avoiding the dusty road and trek only on the pristine trail.

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Annapurna Base camp trek

Annapurna Base camp Trek Itinerary

DAY 1: Drive to Ulleri (2½ hr / 2,100 m) from Pokhara and trek to Ghhorepani

Our guide and porter team will come to pick you up from the hotel as per the agreed time of departure. In a comfortable ‘four-wheel drive’, you will drive west of Pokhara to Nayapul. Leave the Baglung highway and follow the Burungdi River valley on dirt road. We will register our permits at the crossing of Modi River at Birethanti. Modi River drains the melting snow from Annapurna base camp. Drive past Thikedunga village from where the road climbs to the Ulleri village at 2,100 m. We will get the first view of Annapurna I, Huinchuli and Mt Fishtail. The trail from Ulleri climbs gradually through the Rhododendron forest to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani at 2,800 m. Enjoy the magnificent view of snow peaks form Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

DAY 2: Poon Hill hike (1 hr / 3,200 m) | Trek to Tadapani (5 hrs / 2,500m)

Ghorepani – Poon Hill is one of the popular short trek destination in Annapurna. This detour also helps us with acclimatization. In the early morning, hike 1 hr to Poon Hill (3,200 m) for the sunrise view over the Himalayas and climb down to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, trek along the Rhododendron forest to Tadapani and further down to Chuile village. The day’s walk is brilliant through the forests offering view of snow peaks from its clearings. Lush vegetation with chirping of birds, crystal clear creek, waterfalls under the blue sky make the day outstanding.

DAY 3: Trek to Sinuwa (7 hrs / 2,400 m)

Enjoy the view of Annapurna South and Huinchuli from Chuile and head towards next destination after breakfast. The trail climbs down steeply and crosses the Ghurjung River over the suspension bridge. Then climb gradually through the terrace farms and charming villages to Chhomrong. Chhomrong at 2,100 m is beautiful village with close view of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail. After scrumptious lunch in this scenic village climb down on stone steps (about 3,000) to the Chhomrong River and then climb up again on the other side to the Sinuwa village. On the day we pass the permanent settlements and join the main trail to Annapurna base camp.

DAY 4: Trek to Deurali (7 hrs / 3,300 m)

The walking further is mostly through the thick Rhododendron forest wedged between steep rockfaces of Annapurna South and Fishtail. We climb down to Modi River basin and follow the river upstream. Cross the crystal-clear streams over plank bridges and enjoy the magnificent view of Fishtail while walking through the pleasant Rhododendron and bamboo forests. At Hinku cave, we come above the tree line and cross the debris filled floodplain created by avalanches.

DAY 5: Trek to Annapurna Base camp (4 hrs / 4,200 m)

At this altitude, valley widens up and more snow peaks come in sight. We will gain the altitude but more gradually. The altitude may make it more difficult but the distance is shorter. So take it slow and steady with long lunch break at Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) base camp. Climb another hour to Annapurna base camp. Walk to the end of the glacial moraine to hear the growling avalanches and observe the natures phenomenon.

DAY 6: Trek down to Sinuwa (7 hrs)

You will have several opportunities to capture the brilliant pictures animated with day lights and moving clouds. Morning lights turns Annapurna I from pink to red and orange. Observe the sunrise view over the snow peaks in 360 degree and start walking down to Sinuwa. Walking down is much faster and also gives different perspective into the valley aligned with snow peaks.

DAY 7: Trek down to Jhinu danda (4 hrs / 1,600 m) and enjoy the natural hot spring

We come back to the lively villages with terrace farms and schools. Trek back the same trail as we took up till Chhomrong village and then follow the ridge down to Jhinu Danda. The village gives access to the natural hot spring by the Modi River. The day’s walk is just 4 hrs, giving us enough time to go an relax in the hot spring or use the extra time to walk slowly back from the base camp.

DAY 8: Drive back to Pokhara - 3 hrs

Trek about 3 hrs in the morning to Syauli bazaar and drive back to Pokhara.

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How difficult is Annapurna Base camp trek ?

The Annapurna base camp trek is classified as moderately challenging. The route ascends a mountain pass and descends into the valley before ascending again on the opposite side. Each ascent/descent is approximately 500 m. The trail consists of numerous stone steps and uneven, rough, well-worn paths that traverse rivers via suspension bridges and plank bridges. In higher altitude areas, the trails may be covered in snowfields, rocky terrain, and scree left by avalanches.

Altitude sickness and other health hazards

Altitude sickness, travellers diarrhea and 'Khumbu cough' are the common sicknesses that might put off trekkers from reaching their destinations. Proper workout before embarking on a trek, paking right with travel medicine and knowing the problem is very important to avoid such hazards.