Do I need a licensed guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 2026?

Yes. Under regulations enforced by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), hiring a government-licensed trekking guide or certified porter-guide is mandatory for all foreign trekkers within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Trekkers need two official permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit (NPR 3,000 for foreign passport holders) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card (NPR 2,000).

Can the Annapurna Base Camp trek be done in less than 10 days?

Yes. Fit trekkers on tight schedules can complete a direct 7-day or 8-day itinerary starting and finishing at the Matque or Siwai roadhead, bypassing the Ghorepani Poon Hill detour.

What is the best month to do the 10-day ABC trek?

October and November (autumn) offer the clearest skies, stable weather, and sharpest mountain vistas. March and April (spring) are equally popular for warmer temperatures and blooming wild rhododendron forests.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary: Complete 10-Day Guide (2026)

Q: How difficult is the 10-day Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The 10-day ABC trek is rated moderate to strenuous. While it does not require technical climbing skills or ropes, it involves walking 5 to 7 hours per day across steep stone staircases (such as the 3,300 steps of Ulleri) and ascends to a maximum altitude of 4,130 meters (13,549 ft).

Key points

This sample route starts near Pokhara and builds towards Annapurna Base Camp over several walking days.
Check current permit rules, transport and daily elevation gain before following the itinerary.
Review each day’s walking distance and elevation before treating the sample as a fixed schedule.
Build in a spare day for delays and recovery.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (often called the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek) is one of the world’s most rewarding Himalayan journeys. Set inside the heart of our comprehensive Annapurna Region Guide, unlike high-altitude circuit treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek that require weeks of remote walking, the 10-day ABC route takes you straight from lush subtropical rhododendron forests into a glacial basin surrounded by 360-degree views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

While fit hikers on tight schedules can complete a direct round-trip from Nayapul or Siwai in 7 days, this extended 10-day itinerary is the gold standard: it incorporates the iconic dawn excursion up Ghorepani Poon Hill for acclimatization and finishes with a therapeutic soak in the riverside hot springs at Jhinu Danda. (For a shorter scenic alternative, explore the Mardi Himal Trek).

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Route Map with 10-Day Itinerary

At a glance: 10-Day ABC Trek at a Glance

Feature	Details
Total Duration	10 Days (Round-trip starting and ending in Pokhara)
Maximum Altitude	4,130 meters (13,549 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp
Trek Difficulty	Moderate to Strenuous (approx. 5 to 7 hours of daily hiking)
Starting / Ending Point	Pokhara → Nayapul / Birethanti (Return via Jhinu Danda / Siwai)
Permits Required	ACAP Permit (NPR 3,000) + TIMS Card (NPR 2,000) · Calculate Permit Fees
Altitude Tracking	Check daily climbs on our Elevation Profile Calculator
Guide Regulation	Mandatory licensed guide or certified porter-guide
Accommodation	Traditional teahouses / mountain lodges with private twin rooms
Best Seasons	Autumn (Oct-Nov) for crystal skies; Spring (Mar-May) for blooming rhododendrons

Where is Annapurna Base Camp Located?

Annapurna Base Camp is situated in the Gandaki Province of western Nepal, nestled deep inside the Annapurna Sanctuary - an enormous glacial amphitheater encircled by a ring of twelve towering Himalayan peaks.

The gateway to the Annapurna region is the lakeside city of Pokhara, located approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is easily accessible by a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu (see our Kathmandu to Pokhara flight ticket guide) or a scenic tourist bus drive. Before starting your journey from the capital, choose your neighborhood base with our guide on where to stay in Kathmandu.

The entire trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), Nepal’s largest protected biodiversity zone covering 7,629 square kilometers across Kaski, Myagdi, Mustang, and Manang districts. Managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), the sanctuary protects endangered snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and red pandas.

Official 2026 Permit Fees & Regulations for ABC

Before starting your trek from Pokhara, you must obtain your permits and arrange a licensed guide:

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit:
- Foreign National Fee: NPR 3,000 (approx. $23 USD).
- SAARC Citizens: NPR 1,000.
- Nepali Citizens: Free.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
- Foreign Trekkers: NPR 2,000 (approx. $15 USD).
- SAARC Trekkers: NPR 1,000.
Mandatory Licensed Guide Requirement:
- Current NTB/TIMS rules may require a licensed guide on designated routes, and requirements can change by route and date. Confirm the applicable rule before departure and carry the required permits at checkpoints.

10-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek Day-by-Day Itinerary

Below is the proven, balanced 10-day itinerary designed for safe altitude acclimatization, steady climbing, and memorable panoramic viewpoints:

Day	Trail Route	Elevation (m)	Walking Time	Highlights
Day 1	Pokhara → Nayapul drive → Tikhedhunga	1,560 m	4-5 hrs	Scenic countryside drive, suspension bridges, Bhurungdi Khola
Day 2	Tikhedhunga → Ulleri → Ghorepani	2,850 m	5-6 hrs	3,300 stone steps of Ulleri, ancient oak & rhododendron forests
Day 3	Ghorepani → Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani	2,610 m	5-6 hrs	360° sunrise over Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges, Deurali Pass
Day 4	Tadapani → Chhomrong → Sinuwa	2,340 m	5-6 hrs	Descent to Kimrong Khola, terraced Gurung village of Chhomrong
Day 5	Sinuwa → Bamboo → Dovan → Deurali	3,200 m	6-7 hrs	Entering the narrow Modi Khola gorge, lush bamboo forests
Day 6	Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) → ABC	4,130 m	5-6 hrs	Walking into the Annapurna Sanctuary, golden sunset on Annapurna I
Day 7	ABC sunrise → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Bamboo	2,310 m	6-7 hrs	Spectacular sunrise inside the sanctuary, long descent to lower valley
Day 8	Bamboo → Sinuwa → Chhomrong → Jhinu Danda	1,700 m	5 hrs	Scenic return, relaxing soak in natural riverside hot springs
Day 9	Jhinu Danda → Landruk → Pothana	1,900 m	5-6 hrs	Crossing long suspension bridge, traditional Gurung villages
Day 10	Pothana → Australian Camp → Kande → Pokhara	820 m	2 hrs hike + 1 hr drive	Final mountain views from Australian Camp, lakeside celebration

Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul Drive & Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,560m)

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara Lakeside, meet your guide and take a 1.5-hour private taxi or jeep drive to Nayapul (or the Birethanti checkpoint).

After checking your ACAP permits and TIMS cards, the trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola river valley through sub-tropical farmland and terraced fields. You will cross several suspension bridges and pass small settlements like Hile before arriving in the peaceful village of Tikhedhunga.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge in Tikhedhunga.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,850m) via the 3,300 Steps of Ulleri

Start early to conquer the legendary 3,300 stone steps of Ulleri. While physically demanding on the calves, the stone staircase climbs through welcoming Magar villages with breathtaking backward views of the valley.

After reaching Ulleri (2,070m), the incline eases as the trail enters dense, fairy-tale forests of oak, moss, and giant rhododendrons. By mid-afternoon, you arrive at Ghorepani, a bustling mountain hub offering welcoming bakeries and cozy lodge dining rooms centered around wood-burning stoves.

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2,610m)

Rise at 4:45 AM with your headlamp for a 45-minute hike up to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m).

As the sun breaks over the horizon, watch a mind-blowing Himalayan panorama light up in shades of gold and amber: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then trek across ridgelines and through shaded river canyons to Tadapani.

Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani.

Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong & Sinuwa (2,340m)

Descend steeply through rhododendron forests to the suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola.

A steady climb brings you up to Chhomrong (2,170m), the largest Gurung village on the upper trail and the official gateway to the sanctuary. Take a break to enjoy fresh apple pie at a local bakery with views of Annapurna South towering directly overhead. From Chhomrong, descend 2,500 stone steps down to the Chhomrong Khola, cross the bridge, and climb back up to Upper Sinuwa.

Overnight: Teahouse in Sinuwa.

Day 5: Sinuwa to Deurali (3,200m) via Bamboo and Dovan

Leaving Sinuwa, the trail plunges into the narrow, steep-sided Modi Khola gorge. The terrain transitions from dense bamboo jungle to high alpine birch and rhododendron.

Pass through Bamboo and Dovan (2,600m), stopping for hot Sherpa garlic soup (widely known for aiding altitude acclimatization). Pass the sacred Hinku Cave and continue upward along rocky trails to reach Deurali (3,200m). Above Deurali, the treeline vanishes and the valley opens into rugged alpine tundra.

Overnight: Teahouse in Deurali.

Day 6: Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) & Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

Today is the crowning highlight of your expedition. Climb gently from Deurali past high avalanche corridors through the narrow gateway between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.

After 3 hours, the valley dramatically opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary as you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 meters. Rest for lunch with towering views of the sacred Fishtail peak.

From MBC, trek another 2 hours along gentle moraine ridges directly into Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,549 ft). You are now standing inside a complete 360-degree wall of snow-capped giants: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli, and Gangapurna. Watch the sunset turn the 8,000-meter wall of Annapurna I into brilliant fire.

Overnight: Mountain Lodge at Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 7: Sunrise at ABC & Descent to Bamboo (2,310m)

Wake up at dawn to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the morning sun kissing the summit of Annapurna I.

After taking commemorative photos at the iconic ABC elevation marker and enjoying breakfast, begin your descent. Because you are heading down into thicker air, walking feels significantly lighter. Retrace your steps past MBC, Deurali, and Dovan to reach the cozy forest village of Bamboo.

Overnight: Teahouse in Bamboo.

Day 8: Bamboo to Chhomrong & Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (1,700m)

Climb the ridge back up to Upper Sinuwa and descend to cross the Chhomrong Khola bridge.

Conquer the stone steps back up into Chhomrong for lunch, then turn down the lateral ridge toward Jhinu Danda. After dropping your backpacks at your lodge, take a 20-minute walk down to the banks of the rushing Modi Khola to soak in the natural thermal hot springs. The mineral-rich hot pools soothe tired joints and sore muscles after a week on the trail.

Overnight: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda.

Day 9: Jhinu Danda to Pothana (1,900m) via Landruk

Cross the famous Jhinu Danda suspension bridge - one of the longest and highest pedestrian footbridges in Nepal, spanning deep above the Modi Khola canyon.

Follow the contour trail through terraced rice fields and traditional Gurung homesteads to Landruk, a charming stone-paved village. Continue through Tolka and cross Deurali Pass to reach the peaceful forest village of Pothana.

Overnight: Teahouse in Pothana.

Day 10: Pothana to Australian Camp, Kande & Return to Pokhara

Enjoy your final mountain breakfast with sunrise views across the Annapurna range.

A gentle 45-minute walk takes you to Australian Camp (2,060m), famous for sweeping views across the Pokhara Valley and Fishtail Mountain. From Australian Camp, descend for an hour through forested stone trails to the roadhead at Kande. Meet your private vehicle or taxi for a 45-minute drive back to your hotel in Pokhara Lakeside to celebrate a successful trek!

Essential Packing List for 10 Days on the ABC Trail

Teahouse trekking means you do not need tents or cooking gear, but alpine weather demands versatile layering:

Layering System: Moisture-wicking merino thermal tops and bottoms, lightweight fleece jacket, windproof/waterproof breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex), and a heavy down parka (700+ fill power).
Footwear: Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, 3-4 pairs of merino wool hiking socks, and lightweight camp sandals for teahouse evenings.
Sleeping: 3-to-4-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C comfort level) for freezing nights at Deurali, MBC, and ABC. Teahouses provide quilts, but a personal down bag is essential for warmth and hygiene.
Health & Safety: Water purification tablets or a SteriPEN UV purifier (single-use plastic water bottles are strictly prohibited in the upper sanctuary by ACAP environmental rules), blister kit, Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude prevention, and polarized UV sunglasses.

Frequently Asked Questions About 10-Day ABC Trek

How difficult is the 10-day Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The trek is rated moderate to strenuous. You walk between 5 and 7 hours per day over well-marked mountain trails, but steep stone staircases (like the 3,300 steps of Ulleri) and high altitude at 4,130 meters require good cardiovascular fitness.

Do I need a licensed guide for ABC in 2026?

Requirements vary by route and current TIMS/park rules. Check the latest NTB notice and use a licensed guide where the route requires one; independent travel may be allowed on some routes under current conditions.

What permits do I need for Annapurna Base Camp?

You need two permits: the ACAP Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) and the TIMS Card (NPR 2,000), both obtained through your trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Are plastic water bottles allowed on the trail?

No. Above Chhomrong, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project strictly bans single-use plastic water bottles to preserve the fragile alpine sanctuary. You must carry reusable bottles and use water purification tablets or fill boiled water at teahouses.

The Bottom Line

A 10-day Annapurna Base Camp trek combines the best of Nepal’s mountain heritage: ancient Gurung and Magar culture, dense rhododendron forests, Poon Hill’s world-famous dawn panorama, and the awe-inspiring high-altitude amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Plan with a licensed guide, carry appropriate alpine layers, and prepare for one of the most unforgettable trekking adventures on earth.