The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek in Nepal is one of the most beautiful and accessible Himalayan treks in the world. Nestled inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trail takes you through diverse landscapes — from subtropical forests to high alpine terrain — finally leading to the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.

This blog contains the technical details of the trek — from the route and day-wise itinerary to trekking gear, permits, and overall expenses. But if you wish to walk through the emotional side of this journey — the silence, fear, tears, strength, and everything the mountains stirred within me — then read here.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek can broadly be done through 2 popular approaches:

Route 1 – The Shorter Classic Route

Ghandruk → Chhomrong → Bamboo → Deurali → ABC → Jhinu Danda

This route is shorter and is preferred by trekkers who have limited time. It skips the Ghorepani–Poon Hill section and directly joins the main ABC trail through Chhomrong.

Approximate Duration

5 trekking days

Route 2 – The Longer Scenic Route (The Route I Chose)

Nayapul → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Bamboo → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp → Jhinu Danda

This is the longer and far more scenic version of the ABC trek because it combines two iconic Himalayan experiences in one journey:

• The legendary Poon Hill sunrise trek
• The Annapurna Base Camp trek

I took 7 days to finish this one.

What This Blog Covers

This blog is a complete day-wise guide to my Annapurna Base Camp trek, including:

• Full itinerary
• Distance covered each day
• Elevation details
• Terrain and trail conditions
• Trekking insights
• Budget and expense breakdown
• Practical tips for future trekkers

Day-Wise Trek Details

Day 0 – Kathmandu to Pokhara

Route

Kathmandu → Pashupatinath Temple → Pokhara

Took 2 flights and directly reached Pokhara.

Description

The journey began with landing in Kathmandu and visiting the sacred Pashupatinath Temple.

Later, I went to the Pokhara market to buy a few essentials needed for the trek:

• Gaiters
• Rain Coat
• Thermals
• Trekking Pole
• Gloves
• Water Purifying Tablets

Night Stay

Zostel – Pokhara
Zostel Pokhara

Day 1 – Ulleri to Ghorepani

Route

Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri (by cab) → Ghorepani

Elevation

• Ulleri: ~2,050 m
• Ghorepani: ~2,874 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 8–10 km trek

Trek Duration

5–6 hours

Description

The trek began today.

After driving toward Nayapul and Ulleri, the trail immediately introduced me to one of the most talked-about sections of the ABC route — endless stone staircases.

The climb tested the legs early. I started at 12:30 PM and finished the trek at around 6 PM.

The trail moved through:

• Dense rhododendron forests
• Traditional Nepali villages
• Water streams
• Stone pathways
• Suspension bridges

Reaching Ghorepani after continuous ascent felt deeply rewarding.

Terrain & Trail Conditions

• Continuous uphill climb
• Stone staircases
• Moderate difficulty
• Forest trail

Day 2 – Ghorepani → Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani

Elevation

• Poon Hill: ~3,210 m
• Tadapani: ~2,630 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 11–13 km

Trek Duration

6–7 hours

Description

I woke up before dawn and climbed toward Poon Hill in darkness using headlamps, starting at 4:25 AM. By the time it was 5:30 AM, I had reached Poon Hill.

But it was very cloudy, and there was a complete whiteout. I could not see any peaks, and honestly, the steep ascent did disappoint me for a while.

After spending some time there, I climbed back to the homestay at Ghorepani at around 8:30 AM, had breakfast, and started further toward Tadapani at 10 AM.

The trail continued through enchanting forests filled with moss-covered trees, birdsong, and occasional fog.

The route had multiple ascents and descents, making it surprisingly tiring despite the lower altitude.

I absolutely loved the forest walk today. There were dense trees, countless rhododendron flowers, and it felt blissful to be walking among them.

It truly felt like taking a nature bath.

Day 3 – Tadapani to Lower Sinuwa

Route

Tadapani → Chhomrong → Lower Sinuwa

Elevation

• Tadapani: ~2,630 m
• Chhomrong: ~2,170 m
• Lower Sinuwa: ~2,360 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 10–12 km

Trek Duration

6–7 hours

Description

This day humbled the legs.

The trail involved a long descent from Tadapani toward Chhomrong, followed by another relentless climb toward Sinuwa.

Also, because the Ghandruk trek route is more famous, I could see many more trekkers after Chhomrong, as that became the common point where both routes merged toward ABC.

The staircase sections here felt endless.

Crossing suspension bridges above raging rivers and then climbing thousands of stone steps became the rhythm of the day.

Chhomrong was one of the larger and more vibrant villages on the route.

Most of the day was rainy, so there were very few mountain views en route. But by this time, my body had adjusted to both the backpack and the constant rains.

The climb after Chhomrong toward Sinuwa was physically demanding but deeply satisfying.

Day 4 – Lower Sinuwa to Deurali

Route

Lower Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Himalaya → Deurali

Elevation

• Lower Sinuwa: ~2,360 m
• Bamboo: ~2,310 m
• Dovan: ~2,600 m
• Deurali: ~3,230 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 12–14 km

Trek Duration

7–8 hours

Description

This day marked the transition from lush forest terrain into harsher alpine landscapes.

The trail passed through:

• Bamboo forests
• Narrow valleys
• River crossings
• Avalanche-prone sections
• Waterfalls

The trail from Himalaya to Deurali was particularly beautiful yet demanding.

I saw the first glimpse of Machhapuchhre Peak, and it felt incredibly rewarding.

The endless waterfalls en route kept me completely engaged throughout the walk.

Day 5 – Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

Route

Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) → Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Elevation

• Deurali: ~3,230 m
• MBC: ~3,700 m
• ABC: ~4,130 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 6-8 km

Trek Duration

6–7 hours

Description

The most emotional and unforgettable day of the trek.

So far, I had not taken any Diamox tablets. I only took one tablet the previous night, though honestly, I feel it was not needed. Throughout the entire trek, I took only one tablet.

As we climbed beyond Deurali, the landscape completely transformed.

Trees disappeared.

The valley widened.

Snow peaks surrounded us from every direction.

Reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp felt surreal. The sacred Fishtail mountain stood magnificently above us.

From MBC to ABC, every step felt slower because of the altitude — but the beauty around made you forget the exhaustion.

And then finally:

Annapurna Base Camp.

Standing at 4,130 meters inside the Annapurna Sanctuary felt almost spiritual.

The mountains formed a giant natural amphitheatre around us:

• Annapurna I
• Annapurna South
• Hiunchuli
• Machhapuchhre
• Gangapurna

A silence so powerful that it stays with you forever.

Day 6 – Annapurna Base Camp to Lower Dovan

Route

ABC → MBC → Deurali → Himalaya → Dovan → Lower Dovan

Elevation

• ABC: ~4,130 m
• Lower Dovan: ~2,500–2,600 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 12-14 km

Trek Duration

7–8 hours

Description

I started moving back around 10 AM.

I could reach Lower Dovan only by around 6:30 PM, as I had to stop at multiple places because of the pouring rain.

By then, it had already been 3 days without a shower.

The descent felt long and exhausting, especially with continuous rain, wet clothes, and slippery trails.

But somewhere between the rain, the silence, and the forests, the mountains still felt comforting.

Day 7 – Lower Dovan to Jhinu Hot Springs to Pokhara

Route

Lower Dovan → Bamboo → Chhomrong → Jhinu Danda → Pokhara

Elevation

• Lower Dovan: ~2,500 m
• Jhinu Danda: ~1,780 m
• Pokhara: ~822 m

Distance Covered

Approx. 14–16 km trek + drive to Pokhara

Trek Duration

6–7 hours trekking

Description

The descent toward Jhinu Danda was steep and exhausting, but the reward waiting below made it worthwhile — the famous natural hot springs.

Sitting in warm water beside a flowing river after days of trekking felt heavenly.

It was the perfect closure to the journey.

Later, I drove back to Pokhara.

The last bus to Pokhara starts at 4 PM.

Terrain & Trail Conditions

• Long uphill and downhill trail
• Stone staircases

Day 8 – Return to Delhi

Route

Pokhara → Kathmandu → Delhi (By Flight)

Description

I returned with tired legs, sunburnt skin, thousands of photographs, and a heart carrying mountain silence.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Level

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Who Can Do This Trek?

• Active people with good fitness
• Regular walkers/runners
• Experienced trekkers
• Anyone comfortable walking 6–8 hours daily

Biggest Challenges

• Endless staircases
• Long descents
• Altitude gain
• Cold weather near ABC

Essential Packing List

Clothing

• Base layers – 3 half sleeves T-shirts, 2 full sleeves
• Fleece jacket – 1
• Down jacket – 1
• Waterproof rain cover – 1
• Trek pants – 2
• Thermal wear (full set) – 1
• Gloves – 1 woollen, 1 waterproof (I did not use these)
• Fleece cap – 1
• Bandana – 1
• Woollen bandana – 1
• Cotton socks – 3
• Woollen warm socks – 2
• 4 sets of undergarments
• Slippers – 1
• Sun cap and goggles
• Knee cap( I did not use )

Trekking Gear

• Trekking poles – 1
• Rain cover – 1
• Backpack with rain cover – 1
• Headlamp – 1
• Water bottle (800 ml) – 1
• Power bank – 1
• Trekking shoes – Decathlon SH100 (Waterproof)
• Gaiters – 1

Health Essentials

• Diamox (if required)
• Personal medicines – Dolo, Saridon, Cough Syrup, Volini
• ORS – Fast&Up – 1 bottle
• Sunscreen, lip balm, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo (all in small bottles)
• Panty liner (super important)

Food & Snacks

• 6 Protein Bars

Important Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

1. Start slow and maintain a steady pace.
2. Hydration is extremely important.
3. Carry enough cash — ATMs are unavailable on the trek. Card is acceptable only at Himalaya, MBC and ABC ( with extra charge of 4-7 % ). So do take extra cash. As you go up both stay and food becomes costly.
4. Weather changes quickly in the Himalayas, Layering is key.
5. Begin trekking early every morning and reach your stay before sunset with margin.
6. Pack light but smart.
7. Bargain for stay . Always take package which includes, stay, dinner and breakfast. You can also ask for hot shower to be included.
8. You will not get any heater post Tadapani, so if you need to wash any clothes, was till this point and dry it. Post that it will be very cold.

What I could have done better

1. Carry Dry fruits, peanut butter, coffee pouches and coffee mixes as these are super costly.
2. If you like to eat junk, get some chocolates too, I did not need them.
3. On Day 6 of trek, reach till Bamboo. Because I could not reach that point, so the trek of last day was very hard and I could not catch the 4 PM bus.
4. Dal Bhat is the saviour, its perfect food the mountains
5. Pay a little extra and have 2 breakfast in morning. It can keep you full for 5 hours without relying on junk food. Also food where you stay is cheaper than in between.

Hope you find it useful !! Feel free to leave a comment if you liked it. And ask me any questions.

Love
Minal