How long is the trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek stands as one of Nepal’s most renowned Himalayan expeditions, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. This remarkable journey affords trekkers sweeping views of towering giants such as Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Annapurna South (7,219m). The route leads deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, where one is encircled by dramatic, snow-capped peaks.
The ABC trek typically commences at Nayapool or Jhino Danda, both of which are accessible via road from Pokhara. The path traverses verdant forests, intricately 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 amphitheater at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
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Accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek is provided in teahouses, which serve hearty meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and soups, with occasional bakery offerings. Lodging is basic yet comfortable, typically featuring shared bathrooms and warm blankets, which are essential during chilly mountain nights.
The Best trekking seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), characterized by stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant rhododendron blooms. While the trek is considered moderate in difficulty, it remains accessible to fit beginners who are properly acclimatized and adequately prepared.
Trekkers are required to obtain both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, available in Kathmandu or Pokhara for ABC Trek. Local transportation options, such as jeeps and buses, connect trailheads to Pokhara. Preparation should include cardiovascular training, packing suitable clothing layers, and carrying essentials like water purification tablets and sunscreen.
With its stunning panoramas, rich cultural encounters, and diverse landscapes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek continues to offer an unparalleled and memorable Himalayan adventure.
6 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 6 days
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The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek encompasses an approximate round-trip distance of 65 to 70 kilometers when journeying from Jhino Danda to ABC and returning. Should one opt for the full circuit, commencing at Nayapool, traversing through Poon Hill, reaching ABC, and concluding at Jhino Danda, the total distance amounts to roughly 115 to 120 kilometers.
Travelers departing from Pokhara and proceeding via Jhino Danda typically require six to seven days to complete the trek. In contrast, those selecting the route through Ulleri and Poon Hill should anticipate a duration of nine to ten days.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is approximately 200 kilometers, generally taking six to eight hours by road or about twenty-five minutes by air. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapool covers 42 kilometers and usually lasts between one and a half to two hours. The road from Pokhara to Jhino Danda extends 60 kilometers, necessitating approximately three to four hours of travel. The trek from Jhino Danda to ABC spans about 32 to 35 kilometers one way.
This beautiful adventure trek offers a harmonious blend of cultural encounters, natural beauty, and adventurous trekking. The route is renowned for its picturesque scenery and presents a moderate level of difficulty. Trekkers are rewarded with stunning mountain vistas and the opportunity to relax in the rejuvenating hot springs at Jhino Danda.
ABC Trek with Poonhill 11 Days | 11 days
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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 Total: Kathmandu → ABC via Jhinu ~284 km
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) Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu: Itinerary via Jhinu Danda- 9 daysDay 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. From Pokhara, trekkers travel to trailheads—either Nayapul or Ghandruk.
From Jhinu Danda, the trek starts from Ghandruk, which is about 60 km from Pokhara by jeep. The walking distance from Ghandruk to ABC via Jhinu Danda is about 37 km. Key portions are as follows:
Ghandruk to Chhomrong – 9 km
Chhomrong to Sinuwa – 3 km
Sinuwa to Deurali – 11 km
Deurali to ABC – 9 km
Return via Jhinu Danda – 5 km
Via Poon Hill, the trek begins at Nayapul. It is longer and more scenic. Walking distance is approx. 55 km to ABC. Important segments:
Nayapul to Ghorepani (via Tikhedhunga) – 18 km
Ghorepani to Tadapani – 10 km
Tadapani to Chhomrong – 9 km
Chhomrong to ABC – 18 km
Total distance from Kathmandu to ABC via Jhinu Danda:
Road: 260 km (Kathmandu to Ghandruk)
Trek: 37 km
Total: ~297 km
Via Poon Hill:
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. Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara is shorter and more flexible than the ABC Trek from Kathmandu. Trekkers travel from Pokhara to either Ghandruk or Nayapul, depending on the route.
Via Jhinu Danda, drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk by jeep (about 60 km, 3–4 hours). Trekking distances from Ghandruk are as follows:
Ghandruk to Chhomrong – 9 km
Chhomrong to Bamboo – 5 km
Bamboo to Deurali – 9 km
Deurali to ABC – 9 km
Via Jhinu Danda – 5 km
The walking distance via Jhinu Danda is about 37 km, and the road distance is 60 km, making the total distance from Pokhara to ABC ~97 km.
Via Poon Hill, the trek starts with a drive to Nayapul (42 km from Pokhara). The walk continues:
Nayapul to Tikhedhunga – 9 km
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani – 9 km
Ghorepani to Tadapani – 10 km
Tadapani to Chhomrong – 9 km
Chhomrong to ABC – 18 km
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:
Pokhara to ABC via Jhinu Danda: 60 km (road) 37 km (trek) = 97 km
Pokhara to ABC via Poon Hill: 42 km (road) 55 km (trek) = 97 km
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 Trek | 8 days
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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:
ABC Via Jhinu Danda: 9–10 days from Kathmandu
ABC Via Poon Hill: 12–13 days from Kathmandu
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
Annapurna Base Camp Trek From Pokhara | 5 days
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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
Annapurna Base Cam Via Jhinu Danda: 6–7 days from Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Via Poon Hill: 9–10 days from Pokhara
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. 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 gratifying combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and striking Himalayan scenery.
