The Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara to Pokhara is a well-balanced journey that takes you from lowland villages to the heart of the Himalayas in a short time.
OverviewAnnapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara to Pokhara- 08 days
Duration
08 Days
Max Alitiude
4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp
Transportation
Tourist Bus & Shared Jeep
Trip Grade
Moderate
Activity
Trekking
Start/End Point
Hille / Jhinu
Best Season
Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
Meals
Full board during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation
Hotels in Pokhara, Teahouses during trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara to Pokhara is a well-balanced journey that takes you from lowland villages to the heart of the Himalayas in a short time. This trip starts and ends in Pokhara, where you will experience scenic drives, diverse landscapes, and rich culture within a relatively short duration. From the sunrise at Poon Hill to standing at the base of Annapurna I, every section of the trek brings something unique and memorable.
The route first takes you to Ulleri and Ghorepani, where you experience local culture and natural beauty. A highlight of the early days is the sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), offering wide panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
From there, the trail becomes quieter as you head toward Chuile and reconnect with the main Annapurna Base Camp route at Chhomrong. As you move deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the landscape changes from dense forest to open alpine terrain.
At Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), the walk reaches its highest point, with towering Himalayan peaks around you from all sides. The scene is definitely memorable, with mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre rising dramatically around you. The views of the sunrise and sunset from base camp are among the most unforgettable moments of the trek.
The next day, after enjoying the sunrise view from base camp, you begin your return journey along the same trail. The descent feels easier and offers a different view of the landscape. Before finishing the trek, you will make one last stop at Jhinu Danda. Here, you can relax your tired muscles in its natural hot spring. Your trip ends with a scenic drive back to Pokhara from Jhinu.
Along the way, you’re left with lasting memories of changing landscapes, warm encounters with locals, and the feeling of standing at the base of some of the world’s highest mountains.
The journey brings together wide mountain views, local cultural experiences, and ever-changing scenery. It never feels rushed, yet every day adds something new, making the whole experience feel complete and satisfying.
From watching the sunrise at Poon Hill to standing close to Annapurna I, each part of the trek leaves a strong impression in its own way.
The route is a good fit for travelers who want to see the Annapurna region without any technical climbing. With regular walking, basic fitness, and a bit of curiosity, it’s an achievable and rewarding experience for most people.
If you’re planning the Annapurna Base Camp trek starting and ending in Pokhara, this route offers a simple and well-rounded way to experience both famous viewpoints and life along the mountain trails.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Trek through traditional villages like Ulleri and Chhomrong.
- Scenic forest trails with rhododendron and bamboo.
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
- Stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- Relax at natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Drive to Hille by jeep and trek to Ulleri.
- Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani.
- Day 03: Early in the morning, hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3210M) and trek to Chuile (2300M).
- Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong.
- Day 05: Trek to the Himalaya.
- Day 06: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Day 07: Trek Back to Bamboo.
- Day 08: Trek to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara by sharing a jeep
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
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Day 01
Drive to Hille by jeep and trek to Ulleri.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara toward Hille. The road winds through charming villages, terraced farmlands, and lush green hills.
From Hille, the trek starts. It’s not a long distance, but it does go uphill most of the way. You’ll soon reach the stone steps that lead up to Ulleri, which is the toughest part of this stretch.
The trail passes through small villages where you will see locals working in the fields or walking the same paths. As you ascend, the views slowly open up, and the hills around you start to look wider and greener.
After 2–3 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Ulleri, a traditional Magar village known for its stone houses and mountain scenery.
Overnight in Ulleri.
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Max. Altitude: 2,050m (6,725 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Drive duration: 2:30 hours’ drive
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Trek Duration: 2-3 hours trek
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Day 02
Trek to Ghorepani.
After breakfast, you continue your trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests. If you’re trekking in spring, the blooming rhododendrons add vibrant colors to the trail.
The path gradually ascends, and you’ll pass through small settlements like Banthanti and Nangethanti. Here you can take short breaks and enjoy tea or snacks.
After about 4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Ghorepani, a beautiful village perched on a ridge. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Overnight in Ghorepani.
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Max. Altitude: 2,874m (9,429 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 4 hours trek
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Day 03
Early in the morning, hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3210M) and trek to Chuile (2300M).
You’ll wake up early (around 4:30–5:00 AM) for the hike to Poon Hill. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour uphill. At the top, you’ll see one of the best sunrise views in Nepal, with a wide panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare, start to shine one by one. Here at Poon Hill, we will spend one to two hours enjoying the scenery, taking pictures.
Later, you will head back to Ghorepani for breakfast, and the trek continues. Instead of following the crowded main trail, you take a quieter route toward Chuile via Tadapani.
The trail first climbs slightly and then descends through the forest. It’s a longer day (around 6–7 hours total), but the path is peaceful and less busy compared to the main ABC trail.
Overnight in Chuile.
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Max. Altitude: 3,210m (10,531 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours trek
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Day 04
Trek to Chhomrong.
Today’s trek connects you back to the main Annapurna Base Camp trail. The trail includes a mix of ascents and descents through the forest and small settlements.
You’ll cross suspension bridges over rivers and pass small scattered villages. As you get closer to Chhomrong, you’ll notice the landscape opening up, with better mountain views. Lastly, you will have to climb stone steps to reach the Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is a large Gurung village with great views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, especially in the evening.
Overnight in Chhomrong.
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Max. Altitude: 2,170m (7,119 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 4-5 hours trek
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Day 05
Trek to the Himalaya.
From Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply to the Chhomrong Khola with stone steps. After crossing a suspension bridge, you’ll climb back up toward Sinuwa. From here, you enter deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
After crossing Sinuwa, the trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass places like Bamboo and Dovan before reaching Himalaya.
By the time you reach the Himalaya, you’ll notice the air getting colder and the surroundings more rugged. The valley narrows, and you’re now deep inside the Annapurna region.
Overnight at Himalaya.
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Max. Altitude: 2,920 meters (9,580 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours trek
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Day 06
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
This is the most exciting day of your trek as you head toward Annapurna Base Camp. The trail gradually ascends through Hinku Cave and Deurali, eventually opening up into the wide glacial basin known as the Annapurna Sanctuary.
You’ll first reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), where you can stop for tea and enjoy incredible views. From here, the trail to Annapurna Base Camp is gradual and wide. As you approach the base camp, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre.
After 5–6 hours of trekking, you’ll finally reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The views here are truly unforgettable, especially during sunset when the mountains glow with golden light.
Overnight in Base Camp.
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Max. Altitude: 4130M (13,550 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 5-6 hours trek
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Day 07
Trek Back to Bamboo.
You’ll likely wake up early to catch sunrise at base camp. The morning views are just as stunning as the evening. After enjoying sunrise at the base camp, you’ll begin your descent. The trail follows the same route, but now everything feels different as you walk downhill.
You’ll pass through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan before reaching Bamboo. The walk takes around 6–7 hours. Even though it’s mostly downhill, it can be tiring on your legs, so a steady pace is important.
Later, you will reach Bamboo.
Overnight in Bamboo.
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Max. Altitude: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
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Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Trek Duration: 6-7 hours trek
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Day 08
Trek to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara by sharing a jeep
On your final trekking day, you’ll walk back through Sinuwa and Chhomrong before descending toward Jhinu Danda. Jhinu is famous for its natural hot springs, located about 20 minutes downhill from the village, perfect for relaxing your muscles after the trek.
After lunch, you’ll take a shared jeep back to Pokhara, a 3–4-hour ride. In the evening, you can enjoy a comfortable hotel stay or stroll around Pokhara’s famous spots like Lakeside.
Overnight in Pokhara.
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Max. Altitude: 2,310 meters (7,579 feet)
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Accommodation: Standard Hotel
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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Drive duration: 3-4 hours’ drive
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Trek Duration: 5-6 hours trek
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek notes
The ABC trek involves daily walking on stone steps and uphill trails, so a steady pace is important. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so carry warm layers and a rain jacket at all times.
As you go higher, accommodation becomes more basic with simple rooms and limited facilities. Stay hydrated and take it slow to adjust to altitude, especially near MBC and ABC.
Wi-Fi and charging are available in many teahouses, but may be slow or cost extra. Carry enough Nepali cash, as there are no ATMs on the route. Starting early each day helps avoid bad weather and gives clearer mountain views.
Cost Includes
- Airport picks up and drops off.
- All necessary trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS, or equivalent).
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (standard tourist category, twin sharing)
- Teahouse/Lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- Professional trekking guide and porter (1 porter for two trekkers).
- Guide and porter insurance, salary, food, and lodging.
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Excludes
- International airfares.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- All personal expenses, including alcohol & other beverages, trekking equipment, travel insurance, and more.
- Extra expenses during the trek, like hot shower charge, battery charging, Wi-Fi, and any others.
- Tips for the trekking guides and porters.
- Additional hotel stays in Pokhara if not on the planned itinerary.
- Any expenses not mentioned in the “Includes” section.
When to visit
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FAQs for this trip
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How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate, with daily walks of 5–7 hours. The trail includes many stone steps, uphill climbs, and forest paths, but no technical climbing. A basic level of fitness is enough for most trekkers.
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How many days does it take for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The perfectly crafted itinerary is the 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, but it usually takes 7–11 days, depending on the route and walking pace. Some itineraries are shorter, while others include extra rest or side villages.
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Where does the hardest climb happen on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The toughest section is the stone staircase between Chhomrong and Sinuwa, especially on the way up and down. Another demanding day is the long ascent from Bamboo to Deurali, where the trail steepens, and the air becomes noticeably thinner.
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What is the most important thing to carry for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
A good down jacket is essential. Nights at MBC and ABC can drop well below freezing, and proper warm clothing makes a big difference in comfort and safety.
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What facilities should I expect at higher villages like Deurali or the Annapurna Base Camp?
Facilities become very basic as you go higher. Rooms are simple, bathrooms are shared, and heating is limited. At ABC, accommodation is minimal and designed mainly for an overnight stay in a very cold alpine environment.
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Is there a risk of altitude sickness on this Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes, but it is moderate. Most trekkers feel it mildly only after Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) or at ABC. Symptoms like headache or fatigue can occur, but the gradual route reduces the risk of serious complications if you walk slowly and stay hydrated.
Trek Video reviews
All reviews
04/04/2012
Himal Nepal
USD 250PP
- Local Guides & Porters
- 98% Success Trip Rate
- Comfort Priority and Saftey Trip
- Satisfied Client
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Group Size Discounts
Discounts are solely based on your group size. We don’t add anyone to the group.
No. of people Price per person 1 Pax pax USD 1000 2-3 pax pax USD 800 3-5 Pax pax USD 700 5-10Pax pax USD 600 10+ pax pax USD 500
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