The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek stands as one of Nepal’s most renowned Himalayan trekking in Nepal. It draws the trekking enthusiasts from around the globe. Similarly, this remarkable walk to the base of Annapurna mountain affords trekkers sweeping views of towering giants such as Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Annapurna South (7,219m). Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp route takes the trekkers deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, where one is surrounded by dramatic, snow-capped peaks. Most importantly, you can get 360 degree view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
The ABC trek, typically commences at Nayapool or Jhino Danda, both of which are reachable via road from Pokhara. Similarly, the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking path passes though deep forests, astonishing terraced fields, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, including Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Sinuwa. Notable highlights along the way include the natural hot springs at Jhinu, panoramic sunrise vistas from the Himalaya viewpoint, and the awe-inspiring mountain giants from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
Accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek is provided in teahouses, which serve good meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and soups, with occasional bakery offerings. Similarly, lodging on Annapurna Base Camp Trek is basic yet comfortable, typically offering shared bathrooms and warm blankets, which are essential during chilly mountain nights. In fact, the Accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp is twin sharing basis. Private Accommodation on ABc Trek is rarely available. But, you can get it if you are lucky and have pre-booked.
The Best trekking seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), featured by stable weather, clear skies, and exciting rhododendron blooms. While the ABC trek is considered moderate in difficulty, it remains accessible to fit beginners who are properly acclimatized and finely prepared. It means, you need a fine preparation beforehand.
To do Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Trekkers are required to obtain both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, available in Kathmandu or Pokhara . Similarly, Local transportation options, such as jeeps and buses, connect trailheads to Pokhara. Optionally, you can fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The time of flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is only 25 minutes.
Similarly, Preparation should include cardiovascular training, packing suitable clothing layers, and carrying essentials like water purification tablets and sunscreen.
Therefore, with its stunning panoramas, rich cultural encounters, and diverse landscapes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek continues to offer an exotic and memorable Himalayan trekking experience. Thus, ABC is a must do trek in Nepal . Are you beginner? Elderly? Children above 6? No worries at All. Go for it with certain preparations and gear. You can board on from Kathmandu or from Pokhara.
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek extends an approximate round-trip distance of 65 to 70 kilometers when beginning from Jhino Danda to ABC and returning. Alternatively, if one is willing to do for the full circuit via Poon Hill, starting at Nayapool, walking through Poon Hill, reaching ABC, and concluding at Jhino Danda, the total distance is to roughly 115 to 120 kilometers.
Trekkers beginning from Pokhara and proceeding via Jhino Danda typically require six to seven days to complete the Annapurna Base Camp trek. In contrast, those choosing the route through Ulleri and Poon Hill should expect a duration of nine to ten days.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is approximately 200 kilometers. It, generally, takes six to eight hours by road or about twenty-five minutes by air. Similarly, the drive from Pokhara to Nayapool covers 42 kilometers and usually lasts between one and a half to two hours. Moreover, the road from Pokhara to Jhino Danda stretches 60 kilometers, taking approximately three to four hours of drive. In fact, the trek from Jhino Danda to ABC spans about 32 to 35 kilometers one way.
This beautiful Annapurna trek offers an exciting blend of cultural encounters, natural beauty, and adventurous trekking. Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is very popular for its picturesque scenery and presents a moderate level of difficulty. Most importantly, trekkers are rewarded with stunning mountain vistas and the opportunity to relax in the refreshing hot springs at Jhino Danda.
| Segment | Approx. Distance (km) |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara (by road) | 200 |
| Pokhara to Nayapul (by road) | 42 |
| Nayapul to Jhinu Danda (via ABC trail) | 24 |
| Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong | 2.5 |
| Chhomrong to Sinuwa | 2.0 |
| Sinuwa to Bamboo | 2.5 |
| Bamboo to Dovan | 1.5 |
| Dovan to Himalaya | 2.0 |
| Himalaya to Deurali | 2.0 |
| Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) | 3.0 |
| MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) | 2.5 |
| Segment | Approx. Distance (km) |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara (by road) | 200 |
| Pokhara to Nayapul (by road) | 42 |
| Nayapul to Tikhedhunga | 9 |
| Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani | 12 |
| Ghorepani to Tadapani | 8 |
| Tadapani to Chhomrong | 9 |
| Chhomrong to Sinuwa | 2.0 |
| Sinuwa to Bamboo | 2.5 |
| Bamboo to Dovan | 1.5 |
| Dovan to Himalaya | 2.0 |
| Himalaya to Deurali | 2.0 |
| Deurali to MBC | 3.0 |
| MBC to ABC | 2.5 |
Total: Kathmandu → ABC via Poon Hill ~295 km
✅ Summary of Total Distances:
Route Approx. Total Distance (km)
Kathmandu → Pokhara → ABC via Jhinu ~284 km
Kathmandu → Pokhara → ABC via Poon Hill ~295 km
| Day Route | Elevation (m) | Distance (km)/Duration (hrs) |
| 1 Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara | 820 | 200/6–7 (by road) |
| 2 Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga | 1,540 | 10/4–5 |
| 3 Trek to Ghorepani | 2,860 | 13/6–7 |
| 4 Hike Poon Hill (3,210 m), trek to Tadapani | 2,630 | 12/6–7 |
| 5 Trek to Chhomrong | 2,170 | 9/5–6 |
| 6 Trek to Himalaya Hotel | 2,920 | 11/6–7 |
| 7 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 | 12/6–7 |
| 8 Trek back to Bamboo | 2,310 | 13/6–7 |
| 9 Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot springs) | 1,780 | 8/5–6 |
| 10 Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara | 820 | 10/5–6 + 2 hrs |
| 11 Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 | 200/6–7 (by road) |
| Day Route | Elevation (m) | Distance (km)/Duration (hrs) |
| 1 Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara | 820 | 200/6–7 (by road) |
| 2 Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk | 1,940 | 10/5–6 |
| 3 Trek to Chhomrong | 2,170 | 8/4–5 |
| 4 Trek to Himalaya Hotel | 2,920 | 11/6–7 |
| 5 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 | 12/6–7 |
| 6 Trek to Bamboo | 2,310 | 13/6–7 |
| 7 Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot springs) | 1,780 | 8/5–6 |
| 8 Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara | 820 | 10/5–6 + 2 hrs |
| 9 Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 | 200/6–7 (by road) |
| Day Route | Elevation (m) | Distance (km)/Duration (hrs) |
| 1 Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga | 1,540 | 10/4–5 |
| 2 Trek to Ghorepani | 2,860 | 13/6–7 |
| 3 Hike Poon Hill (3,210 m), trek to Tadapani | 2,630 | 12/6–7 |
| 4 Trek to Chhomrong | 2,170 | 9/5–6 |
| 5 Trek to Himalaya Hotel | 2,920 | 11/6–7 |
| 6 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 | 12/6–7 |
| 7 Trek to Bamboo | 2,310 | 13/6–7 |
| 8 Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot springs) | 1,780 | 8/5–6 |
| 9 Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara | 820 | 10/5–6 + 2 hrs |
| Day Route | Elevation (m) | Distance (km)/Duration (hrs) |
| 1 . Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk | 1,940 | 10/5–6 |
| 2 Trek to Chhomrong | 2,170 | 8/4–5 |
| 3 Trek to Himalaya Hotel | 2,920 | 11/6–7 |
| 4 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 | 12/6–7 |
| 5 Trek to Bamboo | 2,310 | 13/6–7 |
| 6 Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot springs) | 1,780 | 8/5–6 |
| 7 Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara | 820 | 10/5–6 + 2 hrs |
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp begins from Kathmandu but the actual trekking starts from Pokhara. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is approximately 200 km, which takes 6–8 hours by road or 25 minutes by flight. Similarly, from Pokhara, trekkers drive to trailheads—either Nayapul or Ghandruk/Ulleri to begin their Annapurna Base Camp Trek formally.
If the trekkers are planning to Go ABC via Jhinu Danda, the ABC trek starts from Ghandruk, or directly from Jhino Danda which is about 60 km drive from Pokhara by jeep. Moreover, the walking distance from Ghandruk to ABC via Jhinu Danda is about 37 km. Key sections and their distances are as follows:
Via Poon Hill, the trek begins at Nayapul. It is longer and more scenic. Walking distance is approx. 55 km to ABC. Important segments:
Total distance from Kathmandu to ABC via Jhinu Danda:
Road: 240 km (Kathmandu to Nayapul)
Trek: 55 km
Total: ~295 km
There is scenery and cultural experience specific to each route. Choose based on time, scenery, and fitness level.
Pokhara is the main gateway to the ABC trek. Actually, Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara is shorter and more flexible than the ABC Trek from Kathmandu. Trekkers drive from Pokhara to either Ghandruk, Ulleri, Jhino Danda or Nayapul to begin Annapruna Base Camp Trek, depending on the route.
Annapurna Base Camp Via Jhinu Danda, drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk/ Jhino Danda by jeep is about 60 km, 3–4 hours. Trekking distances from Ghandruk to Annapurna Base Camp are as follows:
Via Poon Hill, the trek starts with a drive to Nayapul (42 km from Pokhara). The walk continues:
This route is approximately 55 km on foot and 42 km by road, once more ~97 km in total. The Poon Hill route is longer but offers sunrise views and the possibility of better acclimatization.
In total:
Despite different routes, both options offer the same total distances from Pokhara to ABC with varying scenic benefits.
Annapurna Base Camp trek from Kathmandu takes 9 to 13 days, depending on the route and pace. The trek begins with a 6–8 hour drive or 25-minute flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, trekkers move to the trailhead by car or jeep.
Annapurna Base Camp Via Jhinu Danda, the itinerary can be as below:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Drive to Ghandruk, trek to Chhomrong
Day 3–5: Trek via Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali to ABC
Day 6–7: Back via MBC, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda
Day 8: Back to Pokhara
Day 9: Back to Kathmandu
This wraps up the trek in approximately 9 days.
ABC Via Poon Hill, add more days:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 3: Ghorepani
Day 4: Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Day 5: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Day 6–8: Trek to ABC
Day 9–11: Back through Jhinu Danda
Day 12: Drive to Pokhara
Day 13: Back to Kathmandu
This longer ABC Trek Itinerary version of the route takes 12–13 days.
So:
The time includes transport and moderate pace trekking with rest/acclimatization.
From Pokhara, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp typically takes 7 to 10 days, based on the route and physical condition.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Jhinu Danda, it's a shorter trek. Standard itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Ghandruk, trek to Chhomrong
Day 2–4: Trek via Bamboo, Deurali to ABC
Day 5–6: Back via Bamboo, Jhinu Danda
Day 7: Back to Pokhara
This provides a 7-day round trip from Pokhara. Some complete it in 6 days with longer days of trekking.
Trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara and from Kathmandu needs to know many information about Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you have time to spare for your upcoming trip to ABC, you can read the following blog posts: they will benefit you hugely.
1. Annapurna Base Camp Jeep Ride
2. How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
3. Where is the best view of Annapurna range?
4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek
5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter
6. 10 Best Spring Treks in Nepal
7. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring
8. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April
10. 50 Facts about Annapurna Base Camp Trek
11. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May
12. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
13. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October
14. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April from Kathmandu
15. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September
16. Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara
17. How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
18. How do it go to Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara?
Annapurna Base Camp Via Poon Hill, the trek is longer but scenic. Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 3: Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Day 5–6: Trek to ABC
Day 7–9: Return via Jhinu Danda
Day 10: Return to Pokhara
This choice takes 9–10 days, perfect for gradual acclimatization and better scenery.
Summary
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek generally requires between 7 and 12 days, with the duration varying depending on the chosen route. For those commencing the journey from Kathmandu and including an ascent to Poon Hill, the entire trip tends to span approximately 12 to 14 days. The total distance covered ranges from 115 to 125 kilometers. This itinerary includes a scenic drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, after which the trek proceeds through notable locations such as Nayapul, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Chhomrong, ultimately reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The return journey via Jhinu Danda allows trekkers to enjoy the natural hot springs before heading back to Pokhara. Although this route extends the overall distance, it provides greater cultural diversity and more expansive mountain vistas.
Alternatively, beginning the Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara and traveling to ABC via Poon Hill typically takes about 10 to 11 days, covering roughly 115 kilometers. If the trekkers choose for the route through Jhinu Danda without ascending to Poon Hill, the ABC trek is shortened to approximately 7 to 9 days and 70 to 75 kilometers. Moreover, this path traverses villages such as Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Deurali, with the return journey often retracing the same route or including a stop at Jhinu Danda for relaxation. In summary, both options present a beautiful combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and striking Himalayan scenery.
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