About this trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is the rare Himalayan route where the destination lives up to the reputation. You arrive inside a natural amphitheatre — Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m) rising on three sides. The approach through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and the Modi Khola river gorge is as good as the summit.
10-day itinerary
The classic route via Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Adds a sunrise viewpoint and better acclimatisation before the push to ABC. A 7-day direct route via Chhomrong is also possible.
Start with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (fare: ~₹200 NPR local bus or $10–15 taxi). The trail follows the Modi Khola river through Birethanti — pick up your ACAP/TIMS stamps here at the checkpoint. An easy walk through farmland and small settlements brings you to Tikhedunga for the night.
The day begins with the infamous stone staircase up to Ulleri — over 3,000 steps. Relentless but manageable. After Ulleri, the gradient eases through oak and rhododendron forest before the final push to Ghorepani. Arrive with enough time to rest for the early Poon Hill start tomorrow.
Wake at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210m). On clear mornings, you get a 180° panorama — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and more. Descend for breakfast, then continue through dense forest to Tadapani, passing the Gurung village of Deurali en route.
Descend through dense forest to Gurung village Chhomrong — the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. This is your last settlement with reliable ATMs, good connectivity, and warm showers. Stock up on snacks and cash here; above Chhomrong, prices rise and facilities thin out significantly.
Descend steeply from Chhomrong to Sinuwa, then enter the bamboo and rhododendron forest. The trail follows the Modi Khola gorge — dense, green, and atmospheric. Pass through Bamboo and Doban before climbing to Himalaya Hotel. The walls of the Sanctuary start to close in.
The culminating day. Pass through Deurali (avalanche zone — move quickly) to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) for an acclimatisation stop and tea. From MBC, the Sanctuary opens up completely — you're surrounded by glaciers. The final 430m to ABC is steady but the altitude bites. Arrive for sunset on Annapurna I.
Wake early for the ABC sunrise — arguably the best moment of the entire trek. Then begin the long descent: MBC → Deurali → Himalaya Hotel → Bamboo. Your knees will feel it, but the effort feels lighter now. The mountain is behind you.
Descend back through Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda, home of the natural hot springs on the Modi Khola river. After days of high altitude, a soak here is genuinely one of the best moments of the trek. Entry fee ~200 NPR. Arrive by mid-afternoon to beat the crowds.
Final trail day. An easy walk along the Modi Khola back to Nayapul, then catch a local bus or arrange a jeep back to Pokhara. Arrive Pokhara Lakeside by early afternoon. Shower, cold beer, and Fishtail views from Phewa Lake.
How to get there
All roads lead to Pokhara. From there, it's a short drive to the trailhead. Here's the complete journey from your home country to your first step on the trail.
While you're in Pokhara
Most trekkers spend 1–2 nights in Pokhara before hitting the trail. These are worth your time — book through GetYourGuide, confirmed instantly.
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Complete cost breakdown
Budget for a 10-day solo trek, independent (no guide). Prices current as of 2025/26. Amounts shown in your local currency — switch using the selector in the nav.
With guide + porter: Add $250–400. Total $650–1,000.
Cash note: No ATMs after Jhinu Danda. Withdraw at least $300 equivalent in Pokhara before starting.
Safety for solo trekkers
ABC is well-trodden and generally safe. But altitude, weather, and solo logistics still carry real risks. Know these before you go.
• Share your full itinerary with someone at home
• Register at each ACAP checkpoint (they track you)
• Download offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
• Never skip meals or water above 3,000m
• Tell your tea house your next day's plan
• Carry a basic first aid kit and blister supplies
• Leave a note at each tea house with your departure time
• Carry a local SIM (Ncell/NTC) — some signal to Chhomrong
• No signal above Chhomrong — plan accordingly
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Confusion or disorientation
• Persistent vomiting at altitude
Emergency contacts
Helicopter evacuation from ABC costs $3,000–5,000. Get covered before you go.
Travel insurance with helicopter rescue isn't optional above 3,000m — it's the one thing you cannot improvise on the trail. We recommend SafetyWing Nomad: covers emergency evacuation, hospitalisation, and trip interruption. Starts from ~$50/month. Get it before you book your flights.
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Packing list
For a 10-day solo trek to 4,130m. Check items off as you pack. Target total pack weight: under 10kg — the Ulleri staircase will remind you why.
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