Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route: Day-by-Day Trail, Stops & Map Guide

Where Does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Start?

Most ABC treks begin in Pokhara, but you do not normally start walking from the city itself.

Instead, you drive to a trailhead in the Annapurna foothills.

Common approaches include:

• Ghandruk
• the Jhinu Danda area
• Kimche
• older routes via Nayapul and Birethanti

The exact roadhead can change because mountain-road conditions vary.

This is why two tours advertised as a 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek can contain different amounts of walking.

When comparing packages, check the first day’s route carefully. The 5-day ABC trek from Pokhara or Kathmandu (from $91, rated 4.96 from 164 reviews on GetYourGuide) takes a jeep up to Simrung, past Nayapul, and starts walking from there, while the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara (from $205, rated 4.88 from 62 reviews) still begins at Nayapul and climbs to Ghandruk on foot.

The Core ABC Route

Once you reach Chhomrong, the trail becomes much more straightforward.

The core route is:

Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Himalaya → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp

The return normally retraces the same upper valley.

After returning to Chhomrong, you can take different lower routes toward Jhinu Danda, Ghandruk or a road-accessible pickup point.

Why Chhomrong Is the Key Junction

Chhomrong is the gateway to the upper Annapurna Base Camp trail.

Routes approaching from Ghandruk, Poon Hill, Jhinu Danda and other parts of the foothills converge around this village before entering the Modi Khola valley.

From Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply, crosses the river and climbs again toward Sinuwa.

This also introduces one of the defining features of ABC trekking:

the trail is not a simple continuous uphill climb.

You repeatedly lose and regain elevation, particularly in the lower half of the trek.

Day-by-Day Annapurna Base Camp Route

The following example shows a practical 7-day route from Pokhara.

Exact overnight stops vary between operators, but this gives a useful picture of how the trail fits together. If you are still deciding how many days to book, our Annapurna Base Camp itinerary guide compares every length from five to eleven days.

Day 1 – Pokhara to Trailhead, Trek to Chhomrong Area

The trip begins with a road transfer from Pokhara into the Annapurna foothills.

Depending on the current roadhead and itinerary, you may begin walking near Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda or another access point.

What the trail is like

Expect:

• village paths
• terraced hillsides
• stone staircases
• steep climbs and descents
• views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre in clear weather

If the route goes through Ghandruk, you may spend more time in one of the best-known Gurung villages in the region before continuing toward Chhomrong.

Overnight

Many compact itineraries aim for Chhomrong or nearby.

Longer itineraries may sleep lower and reach Chhomrong on Day 2.

Day 2 – Chhomrong to Bamboo

From Chhomrong, the trail descends sharply toward the Chhomrong Khola.

After crossing the river, you climb again toward Sinuwa.

This section can feel surprisingly strenuous because of the amount of descending followed immediately by climbing.

After Sinuwa, the route enters denser forest and continues toward Bamboo.

Main stops

Chhomrong → river crossing → Sinuwa → Bamboo

Approximate elevations

• Chhomrong: ~2,170 m
• Sinuwa: ~2,340 m
• Bamboo: ~2,310 m

Bamboo sits slightly lower than Sinuwa, which is why you cannot judge a day’s difficulty by the finishing altitude alone.

Day 3 – Bamboo to Deurali

The trail continues through the forested Modi Khola valley.

Typical stops include:

Bamboo → Dovan → Himalaya → Deurali

As you climb, the vegetation gradually changes and the surroundings become more alpine.

Dovan

Dovan sits around 2,600 m.

It is a common lodge stop on both the ascent and the descent.

Himalaya

Himalaya is around 2,870 m and marks the transition toward more obviously high-altitude terrain.

Deurali

Deurali lies at roughly 3,200–3,230 m.

By now the high mountain walls dominate the route and temperatures can drop significantly, especially after sunset.

The trail above Deurali needs particular care after snowfall, because avalanche conditions can affect parts of the upper valley.

Day 4 – Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp

This is the defining ascent of the trek.

From Deurali, the route continues higher through the narrowing valley toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at around 3,700 m.

The landscape then opens out.

You leave the enclosed valley behind and enter the Annapurna Sanctuary.

From MBC, the final section climbs gradually toward Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.

Main sequence

Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Sanctuary → Annapurna Base Camp

Why this section is special

You stop trekking toward the mountains and start being surrounded by them.

Around the Sanctuary, major peaks include:

• Annapurna I
• Annapurna South
• Hiunchuli
• Machhapuchhre
• other summits of the Annapurna massif

This is the reason many people choose ABC over a panoramic viewpoint trek such as Poon Hill.

Day 5 – Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Many trekkers wake early at ABC for sunrise and the changing light across the surrounding mountains.

After breakfast, the route begins a substantial descent.

You retrace the trail through:

ABC → MBC → Deurali → Himalaya → Dovan → Bamboo

The altitude drops quickly.

Descending is easier on the lungs, but it can be tiring for the knees.

Trekking poles are particularly useful here.

Day 6 – Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Continue back through Sinuwa and climb toward Chhomrong.

Even though you are “descending from ABC”, the day still contains substantial uphill walking, because the route climbs back out of the river valley.

After Chhomrong, many itineraries continue toward Jhinu Danda.

Jhinu is known for the nearby hot-spring area and is a popular final trekking stop.

Day 7 – Jhinu Danda to Roadhead and Pokhara

Finish the final walking section and meet road transport for the return to Pokhara.

The exact pickup point depends on road conditions and current access.

Road transport can shorten this final stage considerably compared with older ABC itineraries.

Is 7 Days Enough for Annapurna Base Camp?

Yes, a 7-day route is realistic for many fit trekkers when road transport is used efficiently in the lower foothills.

However, seven days should not mean rushing through the upper valley.

ABC reaches 4,130 m, so altitude still matters.

If you prefer shorter walking days or want more time in Ghandruk and the lower villages, consider an 8- or 9-day route.

Our pick for this length is the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara, which sleeps in Ghandruk on the first night and includes private transport and lodges, but no meals. Our 7-day tour breakdown lists what is included line by line.

5-Day ABC Route

Five-day ABC itineraries are increasingly advertised.

They usually depend on:

• driving far into the lower route
• long trekking days
• rapid ascent and descent
• minimal time in the foothills

A possible structure is:

Day 1: Pokhara → roadhead → Chhomrong/Sinuwa
Day 2: Sinuwa/Bamboo → Deurali
Day 3: Deurali → ABC
Day 4: ABC → Bamboo/Sinuwa
Day 5: Descend → vehicle → Pokhara

This is highly compressed.

Choose it only if you understand that the purpose is to reach ABC quickly, not to experience the fuller Annapurna trail.

On GetYourGuide, the 5-day ABC trek from Pokhara or Kathmandu follows almost exactly this pattern, with a night at base camp, and is the most-reviewed ABC trek we list. The 5-day ABC trek via Jhinu (from $216, rated 5.0 from 11 reviews, a small sample so far) drives to Siwai instead and walks in past the Jhinu Danda hot springs.

6-Day ABC Route

A 6-day route offers slightly more breathing room.

It can work well for fit trekkers who want the direct ABC trail without Poon Hill or long village detours.

The key question remains the same:

How much elevation is gained on each upper day?

Compare sleeping stops, not just the advertised duration.

8-Day ABC Route

For many travellers, 7–8 days is a strong balance.

An 8-day itinerary can include:

• more time around Ghandruk
• shorter daily distances
• a more gradual approach
• an easier return
• contingency for slower walking

If your Nepal schedule allows it, the extra day can make the trek noticeably more enjoyable.

10-Day ABC Route

A 9- or 10-day ABC itinerary often adds more of the lower Annapurna region.

It may include:

• Ghandruk
• Ghorepani
• Poon Hill
• Tadapani
• extra village nights

This changes the trek from a direct route into a broader Annapurna journey.

Poon Hill + Annapurna Base Camp Route

The most popular longer variation adds Ghorepani and Poon Hill before joining the ABC route.

A typical progression is:

Pokhara → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Bamboo → Deurali → MBC → ABC

This gives you two completely different mountain experiences.

Poon Hill

At 3,210 m, Poon Hill provides a wide sunrise panorama across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Annapurna Base Camp

At 4,130 m, ABC provides close mountain scenery inside the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Is the Combined Route Worth It?

Yes, if you have the time.

It adds several days but makes the route much more varied.

Read our Poon Hill trek guide for the lower section. Two listings on GetYourGuide follow this combined route: the 10-day Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek (from $262, a private tour) and the 9-day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill (from $464, with a full-board option). Both are rated 5.0 from only 8 reviews each, so read the reviews before you book.

Direct ABC Route vs Poon Hill Route

Choose the direct route if ABC is your clear priority.

Choose Poon Hill + ABC if you can spare a few extra days.

Annapurna Sanctuary Route

You may see tours advertised as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek instead of the ABC trek.

These are usually variations of the same core route.

The Sanctuary is the high mountain basin that contains Annapurna Base Camp.

The upper journey still follows:

Deurali → MBC → Annapurna Sanctuary → ABC

Read our Annapurna Sanctuary trek guide for the distinction between the names.

Route from Pokhara to ABC

The full journey can be understood in three parts.

Stage 1 – Pokhara to the Foothills

Travel by road.

Stage 2 – Foothills to Chhomrong

The exact route varies and may include Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda or other villages.

Stage 3 – Chhomrong to ABC

This is the fixed core of the trek.

Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Himalaya → Deurali → MBC → ABC

This three-stage structure makes comparing tours much easier.

Can You Drive to Annapurna Base Camp?

No.

Road development has moved vehicles farther into the lower Annapurna foothills, but ABC itself remains a trekking destination.

You must walk the upper route through the Modi Khola valley and the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Can You Reach ABC Without Going Through Machhapuchhre Base Camp?

The standard trekking route into the Sanctuary passes through Machhapuchhre Base Camp before ABC.

MBC is therefore a natural milestone on the final approach.

Most trekkers stop there for a break even if they do not stay overnight.

Is the ABC Route a Circuit?

Not in the strict sense.

The upper valley has one principal trekking corridor, so you return from ABC along much of the same route.

Different lower approaches can create a partial loop around Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, Tadapani or Poon Hill.

But the ABC trail itself is primarily an out-and-back route through the Sanctuary.

Is the Route Well Marked?

ABC is a major trekking corridor with villages and teahouses along the route.

However, weather, snow and trail conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Do not treat a well-established trail as risk-free.

The Nepal Tourism Board’s revised TIMS provision lists the Poon Hill–ABC trek among the Annapurna routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS card.

If you are booking a direct ABC-only itinerary, confirm the latest classification and documentation requirement for your exact route with a registered trekking agency. Several Nepali operators also report that the TIMS card is no longer checked at Annapurna checkpoints; our cost and permits guide covers that point and the ACAP permit fee.

Hardest Part of the ABC Route

There is no single hardest section for everyone.

Commonly difficult parts include:

Chhomrong Stairs

The descent and re-ascent around Chhomrong add a lot of cumulative climbing.

Bamboo to Deurali

The route gains elevation steadily and begins entering thinner air.

Deurali to ABC

Altitude becomes much more noticeable as you climb from around 3,200 m to 4,130 m.

The Long Descent

Several days of downhill walking can be hard on the knees, even though breathing becomes easier. Our trek difficulty guide covers what each stage asks of you and how to train for it.

How Much Altitude Does the Route Gain?

Pokhara sits at around 820 m, while ABC reaches 4,130 m.

The net difference is roughly 3,300 metres.

Cumulative climbing is considerably greater because of the repeated descents and ascents.

For a detailed stop-by-stop elevation breakdown, see our Annapurna Base Camp altitude guide.

Where Do You Sleep on the Route?

Typical overnight stops include:

• Ghandruk
• Chhomrong
• Sinuwa
• Bamboo
• Dovan
• Himalaya
• Deurali
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Annapurna Base Camp
• Jhinu Danda

Not every itinerary uses all of them.

Shorter tours skip several stops; slower routes use more.

Are There Teahouses All the Way to ABC?

Yes, the standard route is a teahouse trek.

Accommodation exists along the main trekking corridor and at ABC.

Facilities become simpler at higher altitude.

During busy trekking periods, the upper lodges can have limited availability, so accommodation planning becomes more important.

Best Direction for the Route

Unlike the Annapurna Circuit, there is no major clockwise-versus-anticlockwise decision.

ABC is approached up the Sanctuary valley and descended along the same corridor.

The main route choice comes before Chhomrong:

• direct approach
• Ghandruk approach
• Poon Hill approach

Best Route for First-Time Trekkers

For most first-time trekkers, a 7–8 day direct route is the best choice.

It provides:

• enough time to experience the trail
• fewer unnecessary lower-route days
• a more comfortable schedule than a 5-day trek
• the full Sanctuary experience

If you have 10 days or more, consider adding Poon Hill.

Best Route if You Have Limited Time

If you have only 5–6 trekking days, use a modern direct route with road transport to shorten the lower foothills.

Do not try to squeeze Poon Hill into the same timeframe.

The priority should be:

Chhomrong → Sanctuary → ABC

not collecting as many stops as possible.

Best Route for Maximum Scenery

If time is not a major constraint, choose:

Poon Hill + Ghandruk/Tadapani + Annapurna Base Camp

This combines:

• wide panoramic mountain views
• Gurung villages
• rhododendron forest
• the Sanctuary
• ABC

It is the most complete version of the trek for many visitors.

When Is the ABC Route Open?

The route is trekked through much of the year, but conditions vary sharply by season. Our month-by-month guide to the best time to trek goes into more detail.

Spring

March to May is a major trekking period.

Autumn

September to November is the other main season and often brings excellent visibility.

Winter

The route may remain possible, but snow, cold and avalanche conditions become more important in the upper valley.

Monsoon

Summer brings rain, cloud, muddy trails and landslide risk lower down.

Always check current trail and weather conditions shortly before departure.

Annapurna Base Camp Route: Which Version Should You Choose?

In short:

• 5 days: only if time is extremely limited
• 6 days: compact direct route
• 7–8 days: best direct-route balance
• 9–12 days: add Poon Hill and more villages
• 12+ days: consider a broader Annapurna itinerary

If the main reason you are travelling to the region is Annapurna Base Camp itself, a 7–8 day route from Pokhara is usually the most sensible starting point when comparing tours. Every guided ABC trek on this site sets out its own trail day by day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the route to Annapurna Base Camp?

The core upper route is Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Himalaya → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp.

Where does the ABC trek start?

Most trips begin in Pokhara with a road transfer to a trailhead in the Annapurna foothills. The exact walking start varies with the itinerary and current road access.

How many days is the Annapurna Base Camp route?

Direct routes commonly take around 6–8 trekking days, while longer Poon Hill + ABC itineraries can take around 9–12 days or more.

Can you do Annapurna Base Camp in 5 days?

Yes, very compressed routes exist, but they rely heavily on road access and long trekking days.

What is the best ABC itinerary length?

For many travellers, 7–8 days offers the best balance for a direct route.

Does the ABC route go through Ghandruk?

Some routes do; others begin closer to Jhinu Danda or use another lower approach. Ghandruk is not compulsory for the core upper route.

Does the ABC trek go through Poon Hill?

Only if you deliberately choose the longer Poon Hill + ABC variation.

Does the route pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp?

Yes. The standard upper route passes MBC at roughly 3,700 m before entering the Sanctuary and reaching ABC.

Is Annapurna Base Camp a loop trek?

The upper section is mostly out-and-back. Lower-route variations can create partial loops.

Can you drive to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. Vehicles can shorten the lower approach, but the upper route to ABC must be trekked.

How high is Annapurna Base Camp?

ABC is 4,130 m above sea level.

What is the hardest part of the ABC trail?

Many trekkers find the Chhomrong stairs, the climb above Deurali and the long return descent particularly demanding.

Are there teahouses along the route?

Yes. The standard ABC trail is well served by trekking lodges, including accommodation at Annapurna Base Camp.

Is the route suitable for beginners?

A reasonably fit beginner can complete the trek with suitable preparation, a sensible itinerary and proper attention to altitude.

Which route is better: direct ABC or Poon Hill + ABC?

Choose the direct route if you have around a week. Choose Poon Hill + ABC if you have roughly 9–12 days and want more scenery and route variety.