Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Complete 10-Day Itinerary

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding moderate treks — 10 days through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and dramatic river gorges, ending inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4130m. Unlike EBC, ABC is a low-risk altitude trek and a great choice for first-time trekkers.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5h), trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m). Easy 4-hour warm-up.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860m). The infamous 3280-step stone staircase — a 5-6 hour climb.

Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210m) for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani (2630m).

Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m), the gateway to the sanctuary.

Day 5: Chhomrong to Dovan (2500m) — descend to the river then climb back up.

Day 6: Dovan to Deurali (3230m), climbing through bamboo forest.

Day 7: Deurali to MBC (3700m) and on to ABC (4130m). The big day.

Day 8: Spend a second night at ABC for sunrise, then descend to Bamboo.

Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m) — soak in the natural hot springs.

Day 10: Short trek to Siwai, drive back to Pokhara.

Packing List

ABC requires moderate gear. A -10°C sleeping bag, down jacket, light rain shell, trekking poles, and a 50L backpack will cover you. Our Annapurna package includes all of this for USD 20/day.

Permits

Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at NPR 3000 and the TIMS card at NPR 2000. Both can be obtained in Pokhara.

Best Time

October-November and March-April are ideal. Spring brings rhododendron blooms; autumn offers the clearest mountain views.