Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Routes
Nepal Annapurna base camp (ABC) trek is one of the best trekking destinations, which takes you from farmlands, cultural villages to the alpine terrain of Annapurna sanctuary. While planning for this trek, you must’ve asked yourself “Which route should I take for the Annapurna base camp trek?”.
You can reach the base camp by several different Annapurna base camp trekking routes. There are many ABC trekking routes which are suitable from beginners to experienced trekkers. You can choose to witness Himalayan sunrise views, immerse in rich cultural villages, or complete the trek in a short time with different Annapurna base camp trek routes accordingly. Different routes for the Annapurna base camp have different trek starting points, duration, cost and experiences. Having such a diverse route option for ABC trek presents you with various choices suitable for your fitness, time and preferences.
Here is a complete breakdown of every major Annapurna base camp trek route so you can learn about the route you choose for the ABC trek.
What are the Popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes?
ABC trekking routes take you to the iconic Annapurna base camp (4,130m) through charming villages, forests and alpine terrain. Annapurna sanctuary trail grants an experience of trekking through farmlands, rhododendron forests, stone steps, and the icy alpine terrain all in a single journey. The trekking routes to Annapurna base camp provide you a complete Himalayan experience of breathtaking mountain views, culture and scenic beauty.
Each ABC route provides trekkers with different experiences on the trail. One route can be of gradual pace while another can have a faster pace and shorter itinerary. That being said, you can be assured that ABC trekking routes fit the preference of trekkers looking for varied experiences. The popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes are as follows:
- Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
- Ghorepani Poonhill to Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route via Ghandruk
- Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route via Jhinu Danda
- Annapurna Base Camp with Annapurna Circuit Route
- Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Route
Regardless of the Annapurna base camp trek route you choose, the journey always delivers the best of nature, culture and himalayan adventure in the magnificent Annapurna region.
Direct & Easy Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
The direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route is the most popular and balanced route which provides you the classic ABC experience without adding any side trips. This Annapurna Base Camp trekking route starts and ends in Kathmandu. After reaching Pokhara you will head towards Ghandruk via Nayapul. Then the route takes you to Chhomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna sanctuary. From Chhomrong the route to ABC is the same in most of the treks. Bamboo, Deurali and MBC before ABC (4,130m) are key stops which are along every ABC trekking route.
This ABC trek route is of moderate pace of around 8 to 10 days and has a decent altitude gain. You get a complete experience of Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and close-up Himalayan views from a trek route which is even suitable for beginners.
ABC Easy Route: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Nayapul - Ghandruk- Jhinudanda - Chhomrong - Bamboo - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Start-point: Kathmandu
End-point: Kathmandu
Duration: 8 to 10 days
Highlights of the route:
- Direct and most established trekking route
- Stunning close-up views of Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- Passes through important Gurung cultural villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong of the trail
- Moderate-paced hike with gradual altitude gain which allows better acclimatization
- Beginner friendly and suitable for all age groups and all experience levels
Who is the Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Perfect for?
- The direct Annapurna base camp trek is perfect for the following trekkers who:
- Want a direct route to ABC skipping any side trips
- Are beginner trekkers looking for a moderate and well-paced ABC experience
- Want a mix of scenery and culture on the ABC trail
Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2- Drive to Pokhara
Day 3- Pokhara to Jhinudanda by Jeep & Trek to Chhomrong
Day 4- Trek to Bamboo
Day 5- Trek to Deurali
Day 6- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via MBC
Day 7- Descend to Bamboo
Day 8- Trek to Jhinu Danda and
Day 9- Trek to Kimche & Drive to Pokhara
Day 10- Return to Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill
The Annapurna Base Camp trek route via Ghorepani Poon Hill is the most scenic variation of the Annapurna region. This ABC trekking route includes the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint in the itinerary. The combination of serene nature, cultural villages and the glacial amphitheatre makes it a popular route option.
Ghorepani Poonhill to Annapuna base camp trek route starts and ends in Kathmandu. From Nayapul, you drive towards Tikhedhunga and begin the hike towards Ghorepani. You will experience one of the widest panoramic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poonhill. After Poonhill, the trek route descends through Tadapani and reaches Chhomrong. From this key village, the route follows the same path to the Annapurna base camp, just like the direct ABC trekking route.
This ABC route with Ghorepani side trip adds around 3 days to the direct itinerary. It runs at a comfortable pace of around 11 to 13 days. You will find dense rhododendron forests on this route to the Annapurna base camp. Ghorepani and Tadapani turn red and pink with dense rhododendron bloomduring ABC trek in spring, perfect for nature lovers.
Route: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Nayapul - Tikhedhunga - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani - Chhomrong - Bamboo - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Start-point: Kathmandu
End-point: Kathmandu
Duration: 11 to 13 days
Highlights of the route:
- Poon Hill sunrise with panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri
- Dense rhododendron and oak forests on the Ghorepani to Tadapani ridge section
- Covers both the Poon Hill viewpoint and the full Annapurna Sanctuary in one trek
- A longer itinerary with gradual pace and altitude gain suitable even for beginner trekkers
Who is the Ghorepani Poon Hill to ABC Trek Route Perfect for?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill to Annapurna Base Camp trek route is perfect for trekkers who:
- Want to combine the Poon Hill viewpoint with the Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary
- Have a few extra days for this longer itinerary
- Want nature, forests, flowers and scenic beauty along with the mountain views
- Are first-timers in Nepal and want the most complete Annapurna experience available
- Prefer a well-established, heavily serviced trail with teahouses throughout
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary
Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2- Drive to Pokhara
Day 3- Pokhara to Nayapul & Trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 4- Trek to Ghorepani
Day 5- Early morning hike to Poon Hill & Trek to Tadapani
Day 6- Trek to Chhomrong
Day 7- Trek to Dovan
Day 8- Trek to Deurali
Day 9- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via MBC
Day 10- Descend to Bamboo
Day 11- Hike to Jhinu Danda
Day 12- Trek to Kimche & Drive to Pokhara
Day 13- Return to Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghandruk
The Annapurna Base Camp trek from Ghandruk is perfect for culture enthusiasts who equally care about rich culture as much as the close-up mountain views. It is a direct and rewarding route to reach the Annaurna base camp. The journey starts directly from Ghandruk, skipping any side trips. This route is designed for a better cultural immersion in the Gurung village of Ghandruk. Most ABC treks from Ghandruk have a whole day for cultural immersion and learning about the tradition and lifestyle of the Gurung people living in the mountains of Annapurna region.
This Annapurna base camp trekking route takes you to Ghandruk from Pokhara on day one and the hike in the Annapurna Conservation Area begins from there. Ghandruk is a vibrant and popular stop in most of the ABC itineraries. This ABC route is perfect for those who are looking to experience and be a part of the vibrant Gurung culture rather than just visiting the base camp.
From Ghandruk the trail leads into the Modi Khola valley and climbs to Chhomrong from where the journey ahead is the same as other Annapurna trek routes. ABC trek from Ghandruk can be considered a more cultural route to Annapurna base camp. It is usually of 7 to 9 days with a moderate pace and altitude gain.
Route: Pokhara - Kimchi - Ghandruk - Chhomrong - Bamboo - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara
Start-point: Ghandruk
End-point: Pokhara
Duration: 7 to 9 days
Highlights of the route:
- Cultural Annapurna base camp trek experience with Ghandruk focused itinerary
- Steady and manageable altitude gain throughout with no sudden elevation jumps
- Good option for trekkers with a tighter schedule who still want the complete ABC trail
Who is the Annapurna Base Camp from Ghandruk Trek Route Perfect for?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek from Ghandruk is the right choice for trekkers who:
- Are looking for cultural exploration in Ghandruk village along with ABC trek
- Are comfortable with a slightly faster pace
- Want to start the trek in a culturally significant village rather than a road-end trailhead
Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghandruk Itinerary
Day 1- Drive from Pokhara to Kimche & Trek to Ghandruk
Day 2- Cultural exploration and rest day in Ghandruk
Day 3- Trek to Chhomrong
Day 4- Trek to Bamboo
Day 5- Trek to Deurali
Day 6- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via MBC
Day 7- Descend to Bamboo
Day 8- Hike to Jhinu Danda
Day 9- Trek to Kimche & Drive to Pokhara
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Jhinu Danda
The short Annapurna Base Camp trek route from Jhinu Danda is perfect for trekkers with limited time. With a short ABC trek, you can complete the journey in under a week. This route takes you from Pokhara directly to Jhinu Danda, from where you trek to Chhomrong. It is the most time-efficient way to visit Annapurna base camp without spending unnecessary days on the lower trail.
If you are looking for a longer and complete experience then this trekking route is not for you. It is designed for trekkers who want a quick in and out of the ABC without spending 2 weeks of their time. Due to such a faster pace, trekking in this route can be difficult for beginners. It can be hard to manage longer and faster trekking pace along with rapid elevation gain risking altitude sickness. Hence, it is advised for trekkers having prior experience in the Himalayas.
This Annapurna base camp trek route runs at a pace of around 5 to 7 days, making it the shortest option on the ABC trail. Also, as a faster itinerary, your Annapurna base camp trek cost for this route will be cheaper than other.
Route: Kathmandu- Pokhara - Jhinu Danda - Chhomrong - Dovan - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara- Kathmandu
Start-point: Jhinu Danda
End-point: Pokhara
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Highlights of the route:
- Shortest ABC trek route doable under a week
- Climb from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong puts you on the upper ABC trail from day one
- All the key stops like Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, MBC and ABC
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda for relaxation and recovery
Who is the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Perfect for?
The short Annapurna Base Camp trek from Jhinu Danda can be perfect for those who:
- Have limited time and want to do the ABC trek under a week
- Are experienced trekkers comfortable with faster pace and rapid elevation gain
- Want the natural hot spring experience at both the start and finish of the trek
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathamndu to Pokhara by flight
Day 1- Kathmandu- Pokhara Flight, drive to Jhinu Danda Trek to Chhomrong
Day 2- Trek to Dovan
Day 3- Trek to Deurali
Day 4- Trek to MBC and ABC
Day 5- Descend to Bamboo
Day 6- Descend to Jhinu Danda & Drive to Pokhara and Flight to Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek route is the most complete Annapurna experience you can do in a single trip. It combines two of Nepal's most celebrated treks in the Annapurna region into one journey. However, this ABC route with Annapurna circuit trek is a challenging trek recommended only for experienced trekkers. It combines crossing the highest trekking pass in the world, the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) with trekking to the Annapurna base camp (4,130m).
For adventure seeking trekkers, Annapurna circuit and ABC trekking combo might be the perfect Annapurna base camp trek route. This route takes you looping around the Annapurna massif before connecting to the Annapurna base camp trail. After crossing Thorong La Pass, you reach Ghorepani via Tatopani. From Ghorepani your trail continues on the Annapurna base camp route.
Route: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chame - Manang - Thorong La Pass (5,416m) - Muktinath - Tatopani - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Chhomrong - Bamboo - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Start-point: Kathmandu
End-point: Kathmandu
Duration: 18 to 22 days
Highlights of the route:
- Crossing the highest trekking pass in the world, Thorong La Pass at 5,416m.
- Covers Thorong La Pass, Poon Hill viewpoint and Annapurna Base Camp all in one single trek
- Varying landscape from the Mustang desert to the rhododendron and oak forests of Annapurna sanctuary
- Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
- Natural hot springs at Tatopani and Jhinu Danda built into the itinerary at natural rest points
- Gurung, Thakali and Manangi cultural villages across the whole trekking route
Who is the Annapurna Circuit with ABC Trek Route Perfect for?
This combined route is built for a specific kind of trekker. It suits those trekkers who:
- Are experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking above 4,500m
- Want the Thorong La high pass crossing and Annapurna base camp as objectives in a single journey
- Are physically fit and can sustain long trekking days over 18 to 22 consecutive days
- Are an adventure trekker
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1- Drive to Chame from Kathmandu
Day 2- Trek to Pisang
Day 3- Trek to Manang
Day 4- Acclimatization in Manang
Day 5- Trek to Pisang
Day 6- Trek to Manang
Day 7- Acclimatization Day in Manang
Day 8- Trek to High Camp
Day 9- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) & Descend to Muktinath
Day 10- Trek to Tatopani via Jomsom, Marpha and Ghasa
Day 11- Trek to Ghorepani
Day 12- Early morning hike to Poon Hill & Trek to Tadapani
Day 13- Trek to Chhomrong
Day 14- Trek to Bamboo
Day 15- Trek to Deurali
Day 16- Trek to MBC and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Day 17- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via MBC
Day 18- Descend to Bamboo
Day 19- Hike to Jhinu Danda
Day 20- Drive to Pokhara
Day 21- Drive to Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal
Annapurna base camp with Mardi Himal trek route is a quieter and more peaceful way of trekking to the base camp. With these combined destinations, you will trek to 3 base camps in ABC, MBC and Mardi base camp. The Mardi Himal trail is less crowded and somewhat remote compared to the popular ABC trail. Trekking to ABC via Mardi Himal route provides a more peaceful and quieter journey. The trails and facilities along with teahouses are not as developed as that in Annapurna trekking route. This route allows you to grasp dramatic views of Machhapuchhre from the Mardi Himal trail which couldn't be seen from Annapurna's side.
The route takes you from Dhampus to the forest camps climbing up to High camp and then Mardi Himal base camp. Then you descend to Low camp and re-route to Jhinu Danda and enter the ABC trail. From Jhinu Danda, you follow the same route and trek to Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, MBC and finally reach Annapurna base camp. This combined journey lets you experience both developed as well as less popular and off the beaten trails of the Annapurna base camp trek route.
Route: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Dhampus - Forest Camp - High Camp - Mardi Himal High Camp (4,500m) - Low Camp - Jhinu Danda - Chhomrong - Bamboo - Deurali - Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara
Start-point: Kathmandu
End-point: Pokhara
Duration: 12 to 15 days
Highlights of the route:
- Combines the Mardi Himal ridge trail with Annapurna base camp route in one trip
- Mardi Himal High Camp at 4,500m with direct close-up views of Machhapuchhre's south face
- Significantly quieter and less crowded trail on the Mardi Himal section compared to the main ABC corridor
- Exposed ridge walk between Low Camp and High Camp with open Himalayan views throughout
- Covers two of the most rewarding treks on the Annapurna south side on varied terrains
Who is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Mardi Himal Perfect for?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Mardi Himal is the perfect route if you:
- Want to reach three basecamps, ABC, MBC and Mardi Himal base camp in one single trek
- Want a quiet, less popular route to the Annapurna base camp
- Want direct and dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Mardi Himal
Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Mardi Himal Itinerary
Day 1- Drive to Dhampus from Kathmandu via Pokhara
Day 2- Trek to Deurali
Day 3- Trek to Forest Camp
Day 4- Trek to High Camp
Day 5- Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & Back to Low Camp
Day 6- Hike to Jhinu Danda
Day 7- Trek to Bamboo
Day 8- Trek to Deurali
Day 9- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via MBC
Day 10- Descend to Bamboo
Day 11- Hike to Jhinu Danda
Day 12- Drive to Pokhara
Which Route is Best for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Trekking to Annapurna presents you with various route options from the classical route via Ghorepani, direct route via Chhomrong, cultural option from Ghandruk, short route from Jhinu Danda as well combined route with Annapurna circuit and Mardi Himal. Finding the best Annapurna base camp trek route for you depends on what you look for and your preferences.
All of these routes are best ABC trekking routes in their own right. Each of them have their own specialty and highlights they are known for. So you can say that there is no single fixed Annapurna base camp trek route which can be called the “best”.
However, the routes suit trekkers according to their trekking experience and style. In this sense, some routes are the best for you for what you want out of your trekking journey to the Annapurna base camp.
With so many options for choosing the Annapurna base camp trek route, picking the “best” one for you depends on how much time you have, your trekking experience, and what you are expecting out of the trek.
If you are a beginner trekker, avoid the strenuous Annapurna circuit and ABC trekking route. Stick with the standard beginner friendly route. Choose the direct or classical ABC route with Ghorepani Poon Hill if you want a complete ABC experience with rhododendrons.
If culture draws you more than trails, scenery and adventure, the cultural route of Annapurna base camp from Ghandruk is your perfect option. And opposite to that if you love adventure and want a challenging journey that covers 2 or more destinations in a single trip, the combo of Annapurna circuit with ABC or Mardi Himal with ABC will be the best for you. Likewise, if you want to visit ABC but have less than a week, the Short Annapurna base camp trek fulfills your need.
All of them take you to the breathtaking Annapurna base camp, but deciding the best Annapurna base camp trek route for you comes down to you, your time and preference.
