Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance Guide

Imagine walking through bright green valleys, crossing rivers, and passing terraced farmlands, with the massive Annapurna mountains rising up all around you. The Annapurna Base Camp trek covers about 120 kilometers (43 to 75 miles) round-trip, and it's way more than a hike. It's an experience that brings all your senses to life. You'll start in warm, tropical forests down low and work your way up to the alpine meadows near base camp. Every step gets you closer to some of the most stunning views you'll ever see.

Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. You'll have mountains all around you: Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Gangapurna. This trek is about more than just reaching base camp. The journey itself is what makes it special. You'll pass through forests full of rhododendrons and meet Gurung and Magar families living in the mountain villages. When the sun rises or sets on the peaks, the view is incredible. The trail climbs gradually, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Every day is different.

Here's what each day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek looks like: the distance, elevation gain, what to expect, and the best parts:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance Detailed Daily Itinerary

A detailed Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary typically involves driving from Pokhara to a trailhead like Nayapul Kimche or Birenthanti, trekking through villages like Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong, ascending to Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and then descending back to a trailhead before driving back to Pokhara

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Distance: 204 km (by road) | Elevation: 820 m | Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek from Pokhara is approximately 70 to 130 kilometers one way

Your journey starts in Kathmandu. The first main stop is Naubise, about 26 kilometers down the road. You'll get there in around 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep heading west and you'll hit Malekhu after another 14 kilometers, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The next stop is Mugling, roughly 20 kilometers from Malekhu. This part takes another 30 to 45 minutes. From Mugling, you'll drive to Damauli, about 15 kilometers away. That's around a 30-minute drive.

Finally, you'll get to Pokhara, which is about 45 kilometers from Damauli. This last bit takes 1 to 1.5 hours, but it depends on traffic and road conditions.

Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, Trek to Ulleri

Distance: 9 km / 5.59 Miles | Elevation Gain: +750 m | Duration: 5 to 6 hours

The distance from Ulleri to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is approximately 50 kilometres

From Pokhara, you'll drive for about 1.5 hours (around 32 km) to Birethanti. That's where the trek starts. The trail goes along the Bhurungdi River, so you're walking next to the water, past small waterfalls and stone paths.

Your first day of hiking takes you to Hile, which is 4 km away. It's about a 2-hour walk through villages where you'll see prayer flags and terraced fields. From Hile, it's another 3 km to Tikhedhunga. That's roughly 1.5 hours of walking.

This is where the real climb starts. You'll tackle stone steps that lead up to Ulleri, covering 2 km over the next 1 to 1.5 hours. The forests around you are full of rhododendron and oak trees. When you take breaks, you might catch views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Ulleri is a lovely village where you can see the mountains around you and get a good night's rest.

Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani

Distance: 10 km / 6.21 Miles | Elevation Gain: +1,100 m | Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Exact distance from Ghorepani to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is approximately 45 km

The day starts in the forest with big rhododendron and oak trees all around. You'll walk past streams and houses on the way to Banthanti, about 5 km and 3 hours from where you started. It's a good place to take a break.

From Banthanti, you trek another 5 km to Ghorepani. This takes 3 to 4 hours. The trees start to thin out and you can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. You'll go through some Magar villages too. Ghorepani sits up in the hills and lots of trekkers stay there. The lodges are pretty comfortable and the mountain views are really something.

Day 4: Ghorepani to Poon Hill, then Trek to Chuile

Distance: 13 km/ 8 Miles | Elevation Gain / Loss: +200 m / -1000 m | Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is approximately 1.5 km

Get up before sunrise and hike 2 km up to Poon Hill. It takes about 45 minutes to get there. Watching the sun come up over the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is incredible. The golden light hits the ridges and valleys in a way you'll never forget.

After sunrise, head back and continue along forest trails. You'll pass through Banthanti and Tadapani, walking through rhododendron forests covered in moss. The whole thing takes about 5 hours and you'll cover 11 km. Along the way, you'll see small villages, traditional stone houses, and terraced fields. You can hear streams rushing in the distance as you walk.

You'll end the day in Chuile, a peaceful village surrounded by hills. The evening here feels really calm, and you can watch the mountains glow as the sun sets.

Day 5: Chuile to Chomrong

Distance: 9 km/5.59 Miles | Elevation Gain / Loss: +700 m / -400 m | Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Distance from Chomrong to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is approximately 33-35 km

From Chuile, walk 2 km to Kimrong Khola. This takes about 45 minutes. You'll cross suspension bridges over the river along the way. From there, the trail takes you through traditional Gurung villages, stone paths, and terraced farms. The climb up to Chomrong is 7 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Chomrong is a nice village with stone houses and wooden bridges. It sits right below the Annapurna South cliffs and the mountain views are clear. As you walk through, you'll smell food cooking from local kitchens, see prayer flags hanging in the wind, and notice people doing their usual daily tasks.

Day 6: Chomrong to Dovan

Distance: 10 km/6.21 Miles | Elevation Gain: +800 to 900 m | Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Dovan to ABC Trek Distance 19 to 20 km (11.8 to 12.4 miles)

From Chomrong, you walk downhill to Chomrong Khola which is about 1 km. You'll get there in about 15 minutes. The path then follows the Modi River valley, passing through bamboo forests, small waterfalls, and streams. You'll stop briefly at Sinuwa, 3 km away, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach.

The next 6 km to Dovan takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The trail is quiet and shaded by tall trees. When you stop for a break, you might see distant peaks through the trees. Dovan is a small settlement with a calm feel to it. It's a good place to take a break before you start climbing higher into the alpine areas over the next few days.

Day 7: Dovan to Deurali

Distance: 7 km/4.34 Miles | Elevation Gain: +600 m | Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Deuarli to ABC Trek Distance 9 to 10 km

Today the trail takes you through some thick green forests and past a few waterfalls along the way. After about 3 km, you'll reach Bamboo in around 1.5 hours. It's a great spot for a tea break while you listen to the river.

From there, you'll continue for 4 km to Deurali, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The scenery starts to change as you go higher. The trees get smaller, the air gets cooler, and the views of the peaks around you become more impressive. Deurali is quiet in the evening, with views of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The excitement builds as you get closer to the final stretch to ABC.

Day 8: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (via Machapuchare Base Camp)

Distance: 9 km/5.59 Miles | Elevation Gain: +900 m | Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Distance from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) to ABC is approximately 2.5 to 4 kilometers (1.6 to 2.5 miles)

From Deurali, walk 2 km to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC). This takes around 1 hour. The trail gets rocky and you'll cross a few small streams. You'll have wide open views of Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I.

From MBC, keep going for another 7 km to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). This takes about 3 to 4 hours. The trail winds through open glacial fields and past small streams. When you arrive, you'll be surrounded by 360° views of the Himalayan peaks and the Sanctuary's massive icefalls. In the evening, the sun hits the mountains and lights them up in gold. It looks incredible.

Route	Activity Type	Distance	Duration	Elevation Change
Deurali → Machapuchhre Base Camp	Trek	4 km	2.5 hrs	↑ 370 m (3,230 m → 3,600 m)
Machapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp	Trek	4 km	2.5 hrs	↑ 530 m (3,600 m → 4,130 m)
Total	Trek	8 - 9 km	5 hrs	↑ 900 m (net gain 3,230 m → 4,130 m)

Day 9: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Distance: 12 km/7.45 | Elevation Loss: -1,600 m | Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Start heading back from ABC along the same beautiful route. The first 9 km take you past MBC and Deurali again, which takes about 4 hours. You'll walk through open fields, past waterfalls, and across alpine meadows.

From there, keep going for another 3 km to reach Bamboo (2,350 m). This part takes 2 to 3 hours as you walk along rivers and through forests. The trail is peaceful at the end of the day. The soft light on the mountains creates a calm, relaxing vibe. You'll spend the night at Bamboo, which feels really comfortable after a long day of walking.

Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

Distance: 10 km/6.21 Miles | Elevation Loss: -500 m | Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Walk 3 km from Bamboo to Sinuwa, which takes about 1.5 hours. Then keep going for another 4 km along easy forest paths to reach Jhinu Danda in about 2 hours. Along the way, you'll pass small villages, streams, and suspension bridges where you can see how locals live.

At Jhinu Danda, you can relax in natural hot springs. They're perfect for easing your tired muscles after several days of trekking. The forest and river around you make it a really nice spot to rest for the evening.

Day 11: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara

Distance: 15 km/9.32 Miles | Elevation Loss: -1,000 m | Duration: 5 to 6 hours trekking + 1.5 hours drive

From Jhinu Danda, follow the trail through terraced fields and small villages to reach Nayapul. It's about 15 km and takes 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you'll see views of the river, friendly villagers doing their daily work, and colorful terraced landscapes.

From Nayapul, you'll drive back to Pokhara in about 1.5 hours. Once you're there, you can celebrate finishing the Annapurna Base Camp trek with dinner by the lake and watch the sunset over Phewa Lake. It's the perfect time to relax, swap stories with other trekkers, and soak in the lakeside vibe while you think back on the adventure you just had.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance from various location

Preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Essential Tips for Trekkers

Before you start the Annapurna Base Camp trek, a little preparation goes a long way. It'll make your trip smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable. This trek will test your endurance and how well you handle high altitudes, so it's important to know what to pack, how to plan your days, and how to take care of yourself. Here's what you should think about:

1. Good Shoes Are a Must: Get yourself a solid pair of trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Make sure you break them in before the trek. This helps prevent blisters and makes those long walks over rocky, uneven ground way more comfortable.
2. Layer Your Clothes: The temperature changes a lot as you go from the warm lower areas to the cold high-altitude base camp. Pack light base layers, warm mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers so you can stay warm and dry no matter what.
3. Pack Smart: Bring a light backpack with water bottles, snacks, a first-aid kit, a rain jacket, and a reusable water filter. Having what you need for small emergencies gives you peace of mind, especially on longer sections where tea houses are spread out.
4. Stay Hydrated and Fed: Drinking enough water is really important on this trek. Bring energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep your energy up during those uphill climbs. Eating small amounts throughout the day works better than one big meal.
5. Don't Rush It: Walk at a steady pace instead of trying to race through. This helps you avoid getting worn out and actually enjoy the trek. Take short breaks at viewpoints, waterfalls, and village tea houses. It gives your body time to adjust and lets you really take in the amazing views.
6. Listen to Your Body: Trekking at high altitude is tough on your body. Pay attention to how you're feeling, take rest days when you need them, and climb gradually. This helps lower your chances of getting altitude sickness.
7. Get Your Mind Ready: Mental preparation matters just as much as physical fitness. You'll have early mornings, unpredictable weather, and some tough terrain to deal with. But you'll also get to see incredible sunrises, peaceful villages, and moments that will absolutely blow you away.

Conclusion

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is an experience you'll never forget. The landscapes change with every kilometer you walk. You'll wake up in villages covered in fog, cross streams with clear water, and breathe mountain air that feels cold and fresh in your lungs. The peaks around you aren't just sitting there in the distance. They guide every step you take and fill you with a sense of wonder that keeps growing as you move along the trail. Every moment becomes part of your own adventure, whether you're sipping tea in a warm teahouse or watching the sun light up the snowy summits in gold.

With Nepal Hiking Team, you're not just following a trail. You're getting a carefully planned experience. Our guides know these mountains inside and out, so you can navigate the distances, handle the climbs, and get back safely without any worries. Porters handle your heavy bags so you can focus on the scenery, the local culture, and actually enjoying the walk. We know when it's time to slow down and let your body adjust to the altitude, and we'll point out some hidden spots along the trail that other people usually walk right past. We make sure your trek goes smoothly, stays memorable, and gives you a real connection to the heart of the Annapurna region. With us, every kilometer is more than just distance. It's a story, a memory, and a chance to celebrate Nepal's incredible landscapes and people.