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How Long Does It Take to Reach Annapurna Base Camp? Complete Guide
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a highly popular trekking route in Nepal, offering beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes, and a unique cultural experience. The ABC trek is possible within 7 to 12 days, depending on your schedule, trekking pace, and acclimatization need. However, the actual time spent may be determined by the weather conditions condition, your health, and your trekking practice.
One of the biggest deciding points of how long the trek takes is the route you take. The fastest itinerary will be 6 to 7 days, taking the most direct path through Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong, this is ideal for experienced trekkers with short time. The classic trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill adds 10 to 12 days to the trek, with a more gradual climb, offering breathtaking sunrise views as well as better acclimatization. For thrill-seekers and those looking for a longer trek, it is also possible to join the trek with Mardi Himal or the Annapurna Circuit, which takes more than 12+ days. Regardless of which path is used, meticulous planning and pacing are necessary to maximize the hike and reduce altitude risk.
This trekking plan, offered by Tidy Himalaya, will provide you with extensive information about trek time to Annapurna Base Camp, trekking routes, determinants of trek time, and important information about planning a successful trek. Due to our educated expert experience and meticulously planned itinerary schedules, you will be ready for an unbeatable trekking adventure in the Himalayan wilderness.
How Much Time Does it Take to Go to Annapurna Base Camp?
ABC trek usually takes 7 to 12 days on average, depending on the starting point, trekking route, and trekking pace. The following is an approximate trekking timetable:
Quick Route:
6 to 7 days (for expert trekkers, without Poon Hill and Ghorepani)
Traditional Route via Ghorepani:
10 to 12 days (non-direction direct route with acclimatization overnight halts)
Longer Trek:
12+ days (for those who want to trek to other places like Mardi Himal or who do not mind remaining in the vicinity longer)
What Determines the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Duration
1. Route Choice
There are some trails to Annapurna Base Camp, and each takes a different duration:
Shortest Route (Direct Trek via Jhinu Danda or Ghandruk):
This trail circumvents Ghorepani and Poon Hill, the quickest route (6 to 7 days).
Classic Route through Ghorepani and Poon Hill:
This longer trek adds additional days but offers magnificent sunrise over Poon Hill (10 to 12 days).
ABC Long Trek (including Mardi Himal or Annapurna Circuit):
Some trekkers do a longer trek, combining ABC with Mardi Himal or the Annapurna Circuit, including extra trek days for more than 12+ days.
2. Trekking Pace & Fitness Level
Regular trekkers can complete the trek in a shorter time, trekking 6–7 hours a day.
Recreational or novice trekkers can spend extra days, trekking for shorter hours a day.
3. Acclimatization & Rest Days
Ascent must be gradual in case of high-altitude trekking to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
A slow, intermittent schedule allows the body time to acclimatize to decreasing oxygen levels, reducing health risks.
4. Weather & Trail Conditions
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) get ordinary weather, easy walking.
Winter (December-February) may stop trekkers by laying snow on paths.
Monsoon (June-August) makes trails slippery and landslide-tendency, slowing the pace.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Detailed Itineraries
The length of your Annapurna Base Camp trek is based on your choice of route, trekking experience, and interests. The following two well-planned routes with itineraries are provided below: one for a quick trekker and the other for a slow trekker to witness views as well as get good acclimatization.
7-Day Itinerary (Quick Trek, Direct Route via Jhinu Danda/Ghandruk)
Most appropriate for experienced trekkers who wish to finish the trek in less than 2 days but would like to have sufficient time to enjoy the Annapurna scenery.
Day 1: Pokhara drive to Jhinu Danda (1,780m); Trek to Chhomrong (2,140m) (5-6 hours)
The trekking begins with a drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda, a small but scenic village with natural hot springs. From there, the trekking begins with a challenging but rewarding climb towards Chhomrong, a scenic Gurung village with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and Annapurna South.
Day 2: Chhomrong to Himalaya (2,920m) trek (6-7 hours)
From here, descending to Chhomrong Khola, the trail goes up through forests, villages, and stone trails. The trail becomes more secluded while you walk through Sinuwa and Bamboo to the Annapurna Conservation Area, densely forested and populated with wild animals. It ends at Himalaya, a serene overnight stop before ascending to higher altitudes.
Day 3: Trek from Himalaya to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3,700m) (5-6 hours)
The day's trek is a gradual but consistent ascent, passing through Hinku Cave and Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). The landscape dramatically shifts here, with towering peaks towering over the path. The nearer you are to MBC, the thinner the air, so a consistent but gradual ascent is necessary.
Day 4: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130m); Back to Dovan (2,505m) (7-8 hours)
This is the day we have all been waiting for on the trek! A challenging but wonderful walk from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp offers wonderful 360 degrees views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. You'll hang around at ABC, enjoying the wonderful scenery, then descend down to Dovan, retracing your route down the valley.
Day 5: Dovan to Chhomrong (2,140m) (5-6 hours)
Down, forest and river are crossing through to Bamboo and Sinuwa before Chhomrong. This is a relaxed walk down, though the last section involves passing through some rough stone steps.
Day 6: Chhomrong to Nayapul trek; Drive from Nayapul back to Pokhara (5-6 hours)
The final day is a simple downhill walk to Nayapul, where your trekking finishes. You will be taken back from Nayapul to Pokhara by private car or local transport and can relax unwind and celebrate your great trekking adventure.
10-Days Itinerary (Classic Route via Ghorepani & Poon Hill)
Ideal for trekkers who desire their trek more scenic and less demanding, with plenty of time to take in the scenery and acclimatize sufficiently.
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul (1,070m); Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) (4-5 hours)
It begins with a drive to Nayapul and a walk along the Modi Khola River for the scenery of Tikhedhunga, a serene village of hill terraces and fields.
Day 2: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m) (6-7 hours)
One of the tougher days, as you climb over 3,000 stone steps to Ulleri, a picturesque Magar village. The trail carries on through rhododendron forests, still climbing to Ghorepani, an overnight camp along the way, with stunning mountain views.
Day 3: Sunrise on Poon Hill early morning (3,210m); Trek to Tadapani (2,610m) (6-7 hours)
Wake up early and take a pre-dawn trek to Poon Hill for one of the most stunning sunrises over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After taking in the views, trek to Tadapani, a serene village surrounded by forests.
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,140m) (5-6 hours)
The path continues down through dense rhododendron forest and oak woodland, along small streams and waterfalls. The final climb deposits us in Chhomrong, a comfortable Gurung village and fine views of Annapurna South.
Day 5: Trekketh to Dovan (2,505m) (5-6 hours)
A descent from the Chhomrong Khola leads you upwards from thickly wooded forests as well as bamboo forests to finally arrive at the location of Dovan, a humorously small and serene resting spot.
Day 6: Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3,700m) (6-7 hours)
The hike goes on past Hinku Cave and Deurali, and the trail is altered from forest trails to stone tracks. You have glaciers and big mountains encircling you while you reach MBC.
Day 7: Hike from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130m); Stay overnight
There is a brief but sharp rise to Annapurna Base Camp, and then one can have the magnificent 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Himal. Overnight at ABC allows one to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas, an experience one will never forget.
Day 8: Go back down from ABC to Bamboo (2,310m) (6-7 hours)
Once you've gotten accustomed to the morning landscape, you'll begin the descent hike, going back through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan, to reach finally the Bamboo, a peaceful rest within the forest.
Day 9: Jhinu Danda (1,780m) trek from Bamboo; Hot Springs (5-6 hours)
The trek is downhill to Jhinu Danda, famous for its hot springs. A soak in the hot springs is all that you need after hiking days.
Day 10: Trek to Nayapul; Drive to Pokhara
The final part of the trek is to Nayapul, drive back to Pokhara, and end a great journey.
Whether it's a short and simple trek or a relaxed, panoramic trek with acclimatization days, the Annapurna Base Camp trek will leave its imprint in your mind forever. In the event time is not in your favor, the 7-day trek is a wonderful time-saving way of going about it. But if you would completely relish a slow and participative journey, the 10-day tour on Poon Hill is highly suggested.
Regardless of which trekking itinerary you take, the thrill of standing at 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp and surveying your surroundings at the skyscraper mountains of the Annapurna massif will be one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Best Time to Trek Annapurna Base Camp
The optimum time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov). The weather is pleasant, the dry weather warms the temperatures, and mountain vistas are optimum during these times. Spring provides the bloom of rhododendrons, and autumn provides cool breezes and stable weather.
Winter (Dec-Feb) is peaceful but chilly with snowy paths and no trekkers. Although, below -10°C at high altitudes can be tolerated, so a tough but wonderful trek.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug) is the worst among the lot with incessant rain, landslide, and leeches, although trails are green and isolated.
For the best time for views and ease of trekking, trek during the spring or autumn season.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Tips & Challenges
1. Altitude Sickness Awareness
Stay hydrated and hike high, sleep low.
Watch out for headache, nausea, and dizziness, which may indicate AMS.
2. Physical Conditioning
Physically condition yourself with cardio training, strength training, and hike training before embarking on the trek.
3. Crucial Packing List
Clothing: Layering clothes, down jackets, water-resistant clothing.
Trekking Equipment: Hiking shoes, trekking poles, headlamp.
Safety & Health: First-aid kit, water purification tablets.
4. Permit Requirements
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
5. Cash & Connectivity
No ATMs along the way – carry enough cash.
Poor Wi-Fi and phone reception at higher altitudes.
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of Nepal with a perfect combination of breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and abundant culture. Whether you take a quick 7-day hike, ideal for seasoned trekkers who wish to move forward rapidly or take a 10-12 day scenic hike on Poon Hill, with an easier slope and stunning sunrise vistas, preparation is the key. Physical fitness, intelligent packing, and knowledge of altitude problems beforehand will ensure a comfortable, safe, and richly rewarding experience. No matter which path you choose, standing at 4,130m in Annapurna Base Camp with the imposing figure of the peaks of the Annapurna range looming above is an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
