Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days

Annapurna · 6 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,130m (13,549 ft) at Annapurna Base Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

6 Days

Max Altitude

4,130m (13,549 ft)

at Annapurna Base Camp

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is one of Nepal's most iconic short treks - a 6-day journey straight into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m. You sleep at the foot of Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m), surrounded on all sides by 360 degrees of snow peaks. For trekkers with limited time who still want the full Himalayan basecamp experience, ABC is unbeatable.

This direct route from Pokhara via Chomrong, Bamboo and Deurali skips the longer Ghorepani approach to deliver you to base camp in just 4 days of walking. Perfect for first-time Nepal trekkers or those returning for a focused short adventure.

Highlights

  • Sleep at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) - amphitheater of Himalayan giants
  • Views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre
  • Cross Modi Khola valley through rhododendron and bamboo forests
  • Visit traditional Gurung villages of Chomrong and Jhinu Danda
  • Optional hot springs at Jhinu Danda
  • Compact 6-day itinerary - perfect for short trips
  • All ACAP permits and TIMS card included
  • Walk through changing climate zones from subtropical to alpine

Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Chomrong (2,170m)

⏱ Jeep + 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to trailhead near Siwai, then climb to the traditional Gurung village of Chomrong with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Day 2

Chomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend to the Chhomrong Khola and climb through bamboo forests to Bamboo lodge.

Day 3

Bamboo to Deurali (3,200m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue up the Modi Khola through forests, passing Himalaya and Hinku Cave to Deurali.

Day 4

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~7 km ▲ 4,130m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) and continue to ABC. Sunset and sunrise views from this glacial cirque are unforgettable.

Day 5

ABC to Bamboo

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent back through Deurali to Bamboo. Knees will appreciate trekking poles.

Day 6

Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, Drive to Pokhara

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking + 3 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Hike to Jhinu Danda - optional hot springs visit - then jeep drive back to Pokhara.

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What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance, food and accommodation included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers in lodges
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

The Quickest Path to a Himalayan Basecamp

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) sits in a vast natural amphitheater called the Annapurna Sanctuary - a glacial cirque ringed by some of the world's most spectacular peaks. The trek is one of Nepal's most popular short itineraries because it offers a true Himalayan basecamp experience in less than a week of walking.

The Sanctuary

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a sacred valley enclosed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The base camp lodges sit at 4,130m on a flat shelf with 360-degree mountain views. Sunrise here is one of the great experiences of Nepali trekking.

Geography and Approach

The trek begins from Pokhara with a jeep drive to the trailhead near Siwai or Chomrong. From there you climb through Gurung villages, descend into bamboo forest along the Modi Khola, then ascend through Deurali into the alpine sanctuary. Base camp is reached on day 4, with the descent following the same route.

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Both arranged by our Kathmandu office.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The base camp altitude is 4,130m. Most trekkers experience mild symptoms (headache, fatigue) on the climb from Deurali. The brief stay at high altitude (one night at base camp) limits the risk. Diamox is optional but recommended.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons in bloom
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest visibility

Winter is possible but the upper sanctuary may have heavy snow and avalanche risk. Monsoon should be avoided.

Fitness

Moderate. Days are short but include significant elevation gain. Some hiking experience helpful. 1-2 months of cardio preparation.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2-3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 60L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox optional, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

Is this trek good for beginners?
Yes - ABC is one of the most beginner-friendly basecamp treks in Nepal. Some hiking experience helps but is not essential.

How dangerous is the avalanche risk?
There are seasonal avalanche zones above Deurali. Our guides know safe timing and we monitor conditions daily. The trail is closed if conditions become risky.

How crowded is ABC?
Moderate - busier than restricted treks but quieter than EBC. October and April are peak; shoulder months are quieter.

Can I do it in fewer days?
Technically yes (helicopter return cuts day 5-6), but 6 days is the minimum for safe acclimatization.

Is there a hot shower at base camp?
Yes, but they cost extra (USD 3-5) and may be cold/inconsistent.

What is the food like?
Standard teahouse menu - dal bhat, momos, noodles, pancakes, eggs, pizza in lower villages.

How cold is base camp?
-5 to -10°C overnight in shoulder seasons. A -10°C sleeping bag is sufficient.

Can children do this trek?
Yes - kids 10+ with hiking experience do well. We tailor pacing for families.

Are Wi-Fi and charging available?
Wi-Fi yes (paid), charging yes (paid). Bring a power bank as backup.

What is the difference vs the longer Ghorepani-ABC trek?
This 6-day version goes direct. The 10-day combo adds Ghorepani-Poon Hill at the start.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $800

per person

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