The Annapurna Base Camp trek 10 days is a comfortable package to the base of the Annapurna ranges. The journey to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular walks on earth. It brings you face to face to many spectacular high peaks in the Annapurna region.
Mt. Annapurna of Nepal is the 10th highest mountain in the world. And the ABC trek takes you to an altitude of 4310m.
This trek takes you through a diverse landscape with rich mountain vistas. The terraced fields and quaint Gurung villages give an insight on how the locals of this area live.
It also winds through rhododendron forests, passes and over glacier rivers and waterfalls. Also, it allows spectacular views of sheer cliffs with rivers running below.
Similarly, from the Annapurna Base Camp, you will get views of the majestic Machhapuchhre, Mount Hiunchuli, Annapurna South etc.
Overall this Annapurna Base Camp trek 10-day trek is great for globetrotters. For those who are in a crunch of time.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Opportunity to explore two Base Camps- Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp on the same trip
- Know the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of Gurungs in Ghandruk village
- Get a 360-degree view of the Annapurna ranges, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre Himal from ABC
- Witness diverse flora and fauna
- Enjoy a relaxing time in the hot spring at Jhinu Danda while returning.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 10 Days Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)
Altitude:830m
Travel hours: 6-7 hrs
Today your journey to ABC begins with a ride to the beautiful city of Pokhara. The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 6-7 hrs.
Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is about 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu. This place is a perfect getaway for many locals during the holidays.
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is very scenic. It goes through the winding and stretching road alongside the famous river of Trishuli and later on Marsyangdi.
The drive will also give you some glimpses of the countryside of Nepal as it passes through some beautiful small Nepali towns.
Once you reach Pokhara, you will check into a hotel.
After settling in and taking a short rest you can spend the remaining time walking along the lake and enjoying the stunning mountains views.
Overnight at a three-star hotel in Pokhara. Have a good night sleep as tomorrow will be the official start of your trek.
Day 02: Pokhara to Nayapul (Drive) to Ghandruk
Altitude:1940m
Trekking hours: 5-6 hrs
Today you will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul which is a 45 km ride and takes about one and half hour.
Nayapul is the beginning point of your trek. As you reach, you will take a quick rest and start your trek to Ghandruk. It takes around 5-6 hrs to reach Ghandruk from Nayapul with a distance of 9km.
Along the way, you will cross the suspension bridge to Birethanti. The trail starts at the bottom of the river valley and passes alongside the Modi Khola and rice terraces.
As soon as you leave Birethanti you will get a sprawling view of Mt.Machhapuchhre. Further, you will walk up to the base of Syauli Bazar followed by man-made stone trail to reach Kimche and finally to Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is a large and prosperous Gurung village. You will relax in this scenic village with an amazing backdrop view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mt.Machhapuchhre.
The remaining time you can explore the Ghandruk village. In brief, the major attraction of the village is the great Himalayas, mountain museum and old town of Ghandruk.
Overnight at a lodge in Ghandruk.
Day 03: Ghandruk to Chomrong
Altitude:2170m
Trekking duration: 6hrs
Today after breakfast you will climb for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the gorgeous mountain vistas. The Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna should be thrilling.
Later you will take a steep descent to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, you will then descend for a while. And then its a gentle walk to Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna Massive. Here you will get the view of the Annapurna mountain very close and also see the traditional Nepali houses.
Overnight in Chhomrong.
Day 04: Chhomrong to Bamboo
Altitude: 2310m
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hrs
After breakfast, you will start your trek with a descent via 2500 steps and cross the bridge above the Chhomrong Khola.
From there it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa and you will walk through the jungle. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldiha followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo.
During your walk to Bamboo, you will realize why the place got its name. The forest is almost entirely made of Bamboo trees and walking through it is nothing less of an enjoyment.
Overnight at a lodge in Bamboo.
Day 05: Bamboo to Deurali
Altitude: 3230m
Trekking duration: 3-4 hrs
As always your day starts after breakfast. You will pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections.
It is only after reaching Hotel Himalaya that the forest opens up and you are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below.
Before reaching Hinku Cave, it is a steep climb up through a much drier forest. From here the trail drops closer to the river before climbing to Deurali. This is the most scenic stretch of the day.
The vegetation is sparse allowing amazing views of the valley with the river below. Moreover, the sheer rock cliffs above the bands of a wispy waterfall are just magical.
Overnight at a lodge in Deurali.
Day 06: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4310m
Trekking duration: 5-6 hrs
Today is the day you will reach your destination and the final goal i.e the Annapurna Base Camp.
You will climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous.
At Machhapuchhre Base Camp you will stop for lunch. The view from here is just excellent. With majestic Macchapucchre along with Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Gandharva Chuli and Gangapurna. This is certainly a rewarding experience.
As you move towards Annapurna Base Camp, the vegetation disappears. And the path widens as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary.
From here you will get a sensational view of the south face of Annapurna with the dynamic 360-degree panorama.
If the weather is nice you will also get a beautiful sunset view. Make sure you click lots of amazing pictures for memories to take back with you.
Overnight stay at a lodge.
Day 07: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Altitude: 2310
Trekking duration:7-8 hrs
Today you will wake up early in the morning to witness the blazing sunrise. And the view of sunray over the Himalayas will simply leave you spellbound.
After the sunrise view, you will be back to the hotel for breakfast. Later from Annapurna Base Camp, you will retrace your steps to Bamboo.
Today’s trek is mostly downhill, so it shouldn’t be as difficult. Besides, you will always have the extraordinary landscape as a company to cheer you up all the way.
Once you reach all the way down to Bamboo you will take rest and overnight at a lodge.
Day:08 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Altitude:1760m
Trekking hours:5-6 hrs
From bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldahar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola.
Then you will climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where you will rest for the night.
Today you will get a chance to enjoy the hot spring which is just 15- 20 minutes downhill walk from Jhinu Danda. This will help in soothing the body aches from long days of trekking.
Overnight at a lodge in Jhinu Danda.
Day:09 Jhinu Danda to Nayapul to Pokhara (Drive)
Altitude:830m
Trekking duration: 6 hrs and 1 hr drive
From Nayapul from Jhinu Danda, you will get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal.
On the way, you will stop for lunch. Your trek will end at Nayapul where you will take a vehicle to Pokhara which will be a one hour drive.
Overnight at a three-star lodge in Pokhara.
Day:10 Pokhara to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1380m
Travel hours: 6-7 hrs
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will take a morning bus ride back to Kathmandu from where the journey began.
Hence with this, you come to an end of our 10 day Annapurna Base Camp trek.
NOTE: There are several routes to Annapurna Base Camp.
Also, the number of trekking days varies according to an individual’s preference. We also have ABC trek 13 days. Hence do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to add or reduce the duration of the trek.
We provide customized packages upon request to suit your time.
Additional Information
Accommodations
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we will accommodate you in a three-star hotel. And during the trek, you will stay in the tea houses which are decent.
All accommodation is on twin sharing basis. You can choose to stay alone in a room but for this, you will have to bear the cost of the full room.
Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Also in the teahouses, you will have a sharing toilet facility.
Meals
During your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can enjoy the authentic Nepalese food like Dal Bhat. As well as the common international cuisine such as spaghetti, pizza, sandwich etc.
You will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the tea houses where you will spend the night. While you will have lunch on the way to the next destination.
During the trek, we provide you with all meals but in Kathmandu and Pokhara, only breakfast will be available.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to take the Annapurna Base Camp trek is Autumn i.e from September to November. And Spring i.e from March to May.
The weather during this time is pleasant and warm with outstanding views and clear blue sky. Also, the trails are not wet during this time which makes it the ideal time to take the trek.
Yet, for those who wish to avoid crowds and enjoy solitude in nature, then taking the trip during winter is a good option.
But keep in mind that the temperature during winter could be harsh for many trekkers.
Trekking in the summer which is the monsoon season i.e from June to August will experience rainfall. Yet, it is a great time for a keen botanist.
Permits
In fact, for the Annapurna Base Camp 10 days, you need two different types of permits. They are
Annapurna Conservation Area Project permits (USD 20), USD 2 ( SAARC nationals ) and the Trekkers Information Management (USD 20) card.
Tips for Annapurna Base Camp trek 10 Days
- Always check the weather condition before trekking and pack accordingly
- You can rent the expensive gears instead of buying them if they are of no use in the future.
- Book your flights and hotels in advance especially during the peak season.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Carry enough cash with you during the trek as there are no ATMs on the trails.
- Take proper precautions against AMS/altitude sickness.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol during the trek as it causes dehydration.
Last Say,
Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp trek 10 days is a comfortable trekking package for proactive and professional trekkers.
Also, it is for those who are looking to enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna Region but cannot manage long vacations. This trekking journey will not disappoint you in terms of adventure and endless natural beauty.
Preparations for this trek is an absolute must. This should be a challenge for novice trekkers. Longer packages are only recommended for beginners.
In conclusion, this amazing journey into the mountains will give you an incredible experience to cherish all.
Further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. Consequently, it is our pleasure to plan the trip for you and make sure it is a successful one.
