The Annapurna Base Camp Trek runs 7 to 12 days from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks above 7,000m, with base camp at 4,130m. The standard plan is 10 days, while a 7-day version uses jeep transfers and a 12-day version adds Poon Hill at the start.
An Annapurna Base Camp itinerary follows the Modi Khola valley up through Gurung villages and bamboo forest to the sanctuary, gaining altitude steadily rather than over a single pass.
The standard 10-day itinerary
- Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)
- Day 2: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m)
- Day 3: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)
- Day 4: Bamboo to Deurali (3,200m)
- Day 5: Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Day 6: Sunrise at ABC, descend to Bamboo
- Day 7: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda hot springs
- Day 8: Jhinu to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
The 12-day version with Poon Hill
Adding Poon Hill at the start gives a sunrise panorama and gentler acclimatisation before the sanctuary. This is the most popular combination for first-time trekkers.
Acclimatisation and the sanctuary
Annapurna Base Camp climbs to 4,130m, low enough to avoid most altitude problems but high enough to need care, as our altitude sickness guide explains. Costs by length are in our ABC cost guide, and the clearest skies are in our best time guide.
