The short version
The complete Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) itinerary, day by day — from Nayapul to the 4,130m sanctuary beneath Annapurna I — with altitudes, walking hours, and flexible 7, 9, and 11-day versions.
- The classic 9-day Annapurna Base Camp route includes the famous Poon Hill sunrise; a 7-day version skips it and goes direct via Chhomrong.
- No flight needed — you drive from Pokhara, making ABC significantly cheaper than Everest Base Camp.
- Max altitude is a forgiving 4,130m, so acclimatisation is easier than EBC — but still ascend steadily above Chhomrong.
- The Ulleri stone staircase and the climb into the sanctuary are the hardest sections.
Into the sanctuary
The Annapurna Base Camp trek climbs into a natural amphitheatre ringed by peaks over 7,000m, ending at the 4,130m sanctuary directly beneath Annapurna I (8,091m). The most rewarding trek accessible to fit beginners.
The classic 9-day itinerary
Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Nayapul, trek to Ulleri. 4–5 hrs.
Day 2: Climb the Ulleri steps to Ghorepani (2,870m). 6 hrs.
Day 3: Dawn at Poon Hill (3,210m), trek to Tadapani. 6 hrs.
Day 4: Tadapani → Chhomrong (2,170m). 5 hrs.
Day 5: Chhomrong → Dovan (2,600m). 5–6 hrs.
Day 6: Dovan → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m). 5 hrs.
Day 7: MBC → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), descend to Bamboo. Sunrise here is unforgettable.
Day 8: Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (1,780m). Hot springs. 5 hrs.
Day 9: Jhinu → Nayapul → Pokhara. 4 hrs.
7-day: Skip the Poon Hill loop, go directly via Chhomrong. 11-day: Add rest days and side trips for a relaxed pace.
The natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent are the perfect reward for tired legs — build in time to soak.
Difficulty & permits
Graded moderate, max 4,130m. The Ulleri steps and the climb into the sanctuary are hardest; acclimatisation is easier than EBC. You need the ACAP and a TIMS card. Best seasons: October–November and March–April.
Plan it properly
See the full Annapurna Base Camp trek guide, the cost breakdown, and the packing list. Ready? Tell us your dates — we're based 45 minutes from the trailhead in Pokhara.
How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
ABC is graded moderate and non-technical, reaching 4,130m. The hardest parts are the Ulleri stone staircase and the climb into the sanctuary. Fit beginners who train for a few weeks complete it comfortably.
Do you need to fly for ABC?
No — the Annapurna Base Camp trek starts and ends from Pokhara (a 1–1.5 hour drive to the trailhead at Nayapul), so no internal flight is required. This makes it cheaper and more flexible than Everest Base Camp.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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