From Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Trek: KTM to ABC Trek Itinerary

Trip Overview

The trip from Kathmandu to the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the foothills of the Annapurna range. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a trek to the foothills of Annapurna. The trek passes through lush forests, villages, and rice paddies, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Annapurna Base Camp offers stunning views of the Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest mountain, the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna. The trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness and offers an unforgettable experience of trekking in the Himalayas. The Annapurna Base Camp trek provides a truly unforgettable adventure, combining the grandeur of the Himalayas with cultural richness and natural beauty.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map

Highlights of Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

1. Kathmandu: Starting Point
. Start your journey from Kathmandu either by flight or drive.
. By Flight: There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, lasting around 30 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient way.
. By Tourist Bus or private car: The drive takes about 6-8 hours. There are deluxe tourist buses that offer more comfort.

2. Pokhara: Gateway to the Annapurnas
. A picturesque lakeside city where you’ll get your first close-up view of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains.

3. Scenic Mountain Villages
. Ghandruk: A charming Gurung village with stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare.
. Chhomrong: A large Gurung village known for its terraced fields and as a key stopover before the steep climb to ABC.

4. Diverse Landscapes
. Rhododendron Forests: Especially vibrant in spring, the lush forests are filled with colorful rhododendrons.
. Terraced Fields: Walk past terraced rice paddies and traditional stone houses.
. Alpine Terrain: As you climb higher, the landscape transforms from forest to alpine meadows and rocky terrain.

5. Spectacular Mountain Views
. Annapurna Range: The trek offers panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (6,993m), and other towering peaks.
. Sunrise at Poon Hill (optional): Famous for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges if you include this detour in your trek.

6. Annapurna Base Camp
. The main highlight of the trek is reaching the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by massive peaks.
. Elevation: ABC sits at 4,130 meters, offering surreal 360-degree views of the towering Annapurna and nearby mountains.
. Sunrise and Sunset: The lighting on the mountains at sunrise and sunset is breathtaking.

7. Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda
. After days of trekking, relax in the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda, providing much-needed relief to sore muscles.

8. Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC)
. Before reaching ABC, you’ll pass through MBC (3,700m), which offers majestic views of the sacred Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak).

9. Cultural Insights
. Interact with the local Gurung and Magar communities, learning about their culture, traditions, and hospitality.
. Experience the warmth of tea houses and traditional Nepali food such as Dal Bhat.

10. Flora and Fauna
. The Annapurna Conservation Area offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as langurs, Himalayan Thar, and various bird species.
. Trek through a range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine tundra.

Distance from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp:

The distance from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) varies depending on the specific route taken. Here is a general breakdown:

Kathmandu to Pokhara (by road or air):

. By road: Approximately 200 km (takes about 6-8 hours by bus/car).
. By air: A flight of around 25-30 minutes.

Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp (on foot):

The trekking distance is around 70-75 kilometers (round trip) depending on the starting point and route variations.

So, the overall journey from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp includes about 200 km by road or air, followed by a 70-75 km trek.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ON DIFFERENT DAYS. THE POPULAR ITINERARIES ARE AS BELOW:

SHORT ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK (7 DAYS)

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 30-minute flight, or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Matque (3 to 3:30 hrs). Trek from Matque to Chommrong (Altitude 2210 m). Walking around 2 hrs. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 3: Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya (Altitude 2900 m). Walking around 6/6:30 hrs. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (Altitude 4130 m). Walking around 6/6:30 hrs. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trekking back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7507ft). Walking around 7 hours. Overnight in Mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Trekking from Bamboo to Matque. Walking around 6/6:30 hrs. Drive from Matque to Pokhara by jeep. Driving 2:30/3 hours. Overnight in Hotel Pokhara.
Day 7: Fly or drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK via GHANDRUK VILLAGE (10 DAYS)

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 30-minute flight, or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Driving 1 hour 30 min. Trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk (Alt. 1940 m/6,364 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 3: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (Alt. 2,170 m/7,118 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (Alt. 2600 m/ 8530 ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3230 m/10497 ft). Walking 4/5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 6: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13422 ft) via Machapuchchhre Base Camp (3700m/12025ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 7: Trek back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m/7507 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Alt. 1760 m/5773 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 9: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (1070 m/3510 ft). Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft). Driving 1 hour 30 min. Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 10: Fly or drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK via POON HILL (12 DAYS)

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 30-minute flight, or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Coach, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Driving 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Naya Pul by car. Driving 1:30 hour. Trek from Naya Pul to Ulleri (Alt 1960 m/ 6400 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (Alt. 2860m/9295ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 4: Early morning hike to Poon Hill to see the sunrise and panoramic views. Back to Ghorepani. Then trek to Tadapani. (Alt. 2630m/8548ft). Walking 6/7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m/7053ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 6: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (Alt. 2600 m/ 8530 ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 7: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3230 m/10497 ft). Walking 4/5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 8: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13422 ft) via Machapuchchhre Base Camp (3700m/12025ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 9: Trek back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m/7507 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Alt. 1760 m/5773 ft). Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (1070 m/3510 ft). Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft). Driving 1 hour 30 min. Walking 5/6 hours. Overnight at
Day 12: Fly or drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach.

Excellent Himalaya Trek & Expedition is the leading operator of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Every day we operate a trip from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for any further information about this trip, cost, if need a customized itinerary, or have any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

Best Time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

. Spring (March to May): Rhododendron forests are in bloom, and the weather is clear and pleasant.
. Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the best views of the mountains.

Permits Required

. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Mandatory for all trekkers.
. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Required for safety tracking.

Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Difficulty Level

The ABC trek is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. While no technical climbing skills are required, trekkers should be in good physical shape to handle long hours of walking and some steep ascents.

Accommodation and Food

Throughout the trek, you’ll stay in teahouses (simple lodges), which provide basic but comfortable accommodations and meals. The food options generally include Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes, though choices become more limited as you go higher.

Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

. Trekking boots and appropriate footwear.
. Warm clothing (layers), including a down jacket for higher altitudes.
. Sleeping bag (if you’re trekking in colder months).
. Waterproof jacket and pants.
. Trekking poles (optional but helpful).
. First-aid kit, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and toiletries.

ABC trek is a memorable experience for anyone seeking adventure, culture, and majestic mountain views in Nepal.

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