Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp trek (often just “ABC”) is one of the most rewarding walks in Nepal. In about a week you go from rice terraces and Gurung villages to a glacial amphitheatre at 4,130 m, ringed by some of the highest mountains on Earth.
The trail follows the Modi Khola river into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high basin that was considered sacred by local people and stayed closed to outsiders until the 1950s. On the way you pass through farmland, dense rhododendron and bamboo forest, and finally alpine meadows, before the valley opens up and the peaks surround you on every side.
Why I love this trek
ABC packs a huge variety into a short trip. It’s a great first Himalayan trek because the altitude is moderate and the teahouses are comfortable, but the scenery at the top rivals treks twice as long. Watching the first light hit Annapurna I from base camp is a moment you won’t forget.
Good to know
- Fitness: You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day, with plenty of stone steps (the climb out of Chhomrong is famous).
- Altitude: The highest night is at 4,130 m. We go up gradually and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Avalanche safety: In winter and early spring the section between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp can carry avalanche risk. I always check conditions locally and plan around them.
- Add-ons: It’s easy to combine ABC with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek for an extra sunrise viewpoint.
Trek highlights
- Sunrise at base camp, surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli and Annapurna South
- The famous fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre, seen up close from its own base camp
- Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong with stone houses and mountain views
- Rhododendron and bamboo forests along the Modi Khola gorge
- A well-earned soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Pokhara → Ghandruk (1,940 m)
Morning drive to Nayapul, then a gentle climb through terraced fields to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
- Day 2
Ghandruk → Chhomrong (2,170 m)
Over the Komrong ridge and down through forest to Chhomrong, the gateway to the Sanctuary, with close views of Annapurna South.
- Day 3
Chhomrong → Bamboo (2,310 m)
Down the famous stone staircase, across the river and up to Sinuwa, then into thick bamboo forest.
- Day 4
Bamboo → Deurali (3,230 m)
Follow the Modi Khola upstream via Dovan and Himalaya, with waterfalls and the valley narrowing around you.
- Day 5
Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), then walk into the Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp.
- Day 6
Sunrise at ABC → Bamboo
Wake early for golden light on the peaks all around, then begin the walk back down the valley.
- Day 7
Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (1,780 m)
Back through Chhomrong and down to Jhinu, where the hot springs by the river are perfect for tired legs.
- Day 8
Jhinu Danda → Pokhara
A short walk to the roadhead and a drive back to Pokhara and the lakeside.
