Annapurna Base Camp 10-Day Trek¶

Ten-day Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill sunrise, through the Annapurna Sanctuary to the 4,130m base camp beneath the south face.

Overview¶

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of Nepal's most rewarding moderate routes, penetrating deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre ringed by giants including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The 10-day itinerary via Poon Hill provides a longer and more varied approach than the direct route, adding the spectacular Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) and the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the return.

Day 1: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga¶

Depart from Nayapul by jeep or on foot from Pokhara. The trail follows the Modi Khola river through Gurung and Magar villages, crossing several suspension bridges before the first real climb to Tikhedhunga.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani¶

The longest climb of the trek: the famous 3,200 stone steps ascending through the world's largest rhododendron forest. In March-April the hillsides are ablaze in crimson, pink, and white. Take it slow and rest often — the altitude gain is substantial.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani¶

Early pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the celebrated sunrise panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast, continue east to Tadapani through ancient oak and rhododendron forest.

Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong¶

Chhomrong is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and the last large village on the route. A mandatory ACAP checkpoint is located here. Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) dominates the skyline to the north — one of Nepal's most beautiful mountains and permanently off-limits to climbers.

Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo¶

Descend stone steps from Chhomrong into the Modi Khola gorge before climbing through dense bamboo forest. The trail enters the Modi Khola valley — the corridor leading into the Sanctuary.

Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali¶

The Sanctuary walls begin to close in as the valley narrows. The corridor between Himalaya (3,100m) and Deurali passes through multiple avalanche runout zones — move quickly and don't linger. Deurali marks the true entrance to the Sanctuary.

Day 7: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp¶

The most dramatic day: the Sanctuary opens up suddenly at Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) into a perfect cirque of 8,000m peaks. Continue up moraines to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) — a full 360° amphitheatre. Spend the afternoon exploring and watching seracs calve from the south face.

Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (Return)¶

Long descent retracing the approach route. The views from the Sanctuary look entirely different on the way out — Annapurna South dominates the southern view. Descend quickly through the avalanche corridor.

Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda¶

Continue the descent via Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda, diverging from the ascent route. Jhinu is famous for its natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola river — arguably the best trail reward in the Annapurna region.

Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (Bus to Pokhara)¶

Final gentle descent to Nayapul through the river valley. Jeep transport or local bus to Pokhara (1–1.5 hours). Celebrate the completion of one of Nepal's finest treks with lakeside dinner in Pokhara.