Itinerary · 10 days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary, 10 Days From India
Ten days is the standard ABC trek rhythm: 1 day Kathmandu arrival, 1 day fly to Pokhara, 7 days trekking to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill, 1 day return via Kathmandu. The trek itself is 7 days; the framing days are flight transit. Shorter and you miss Poon Hill; longer adds rest days that most fit trekkers do not need.
The 10-day arc
Arrive Kathmandu plus transfer to Thamel hotel.
Boudhanath Stupa plus Pashupatinath Temple visit.
Pre-trek briefing plus dinner at Yangling Tibetan restaurant.
Fly to Pokhara (25 min) plus drive to Nayapul trailhead (90 min).
Trek begins: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (3 hours, easy gradient).
Tea house dinner plus rest.
Long climb via Ulleri (3,200 stone steps).
Reach Ghorepani (2,860m) plus rest.
Dal-bhat dinner plus stargazing.
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for Annapurna sunrise.
Trek to Tadapani (2,630m).
Tea house dinner.
Trek through rhododendron forest to Chhomrong (2,170m).
Village exploration plus rest.
Mountain views from Chhomrong tea house.
Steep descent to Modi Khola plus ascent to Bamboo (2,300m).
Continue to Deurali (3,200m).
Altitude acclimatization dinner.
Steady climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m).
Final push to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
Sunset on Annapurna I from base camp.
Sunrise at ABC plus descent.
Long descent to Bamboo (2,310m).
Tea house dinner.
Descent to Jhinu Danda plus hot springs soak.
Drive to Pokhara plus check in to hotel.
Phewa Lake sunset plus celebratory dinner.
Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 min).
Kathmandu Durbar Square plus shopping.
Flight back to India.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Visa on arrival free for Indians; bring 2 passport photos
- ACAP plus TIMS permits required (around USD 60 total); OJ processes pre-arrival
- Trekking insurance with high-altitude evacuation coverage is mandatory; do not skip
- Tea house quality: book vetted partner tea houses; cheap roadside lodges have hygiene issues
- Gear: do not buy cheap Kathmandu fakes; bring proven trekking boots from home
Frequently asked
Can I do ABC in less than 10 days?
Possible but rushed. 8 days: skip Poon Hill detour. 9 days: minimal rest. 10 days is the comfortable rhythm allowing Poon Hill sunrise plus proper acclimatization. Below 8 days altitude risk rises sharply.
Is ABC harder than EBC?
Significantly easier. ABC max altitude 4,130m is below high-altitude sickness threshold. EBC max altitude 5,545m crosses it. ABC is the natural first Himalayan trek for moderate-fitness trekkers; EBC requires prior experience plus stronger fitness.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 78,000 solo mid-range including flights, permits, guide plus porter. One of the most affordable Himalayan treks for the experience delivered.
When does the OJ ABC trek run?
October plus November (autumn season, clear mountain views). Trip cost INR 78,000 for 10 days including flights from Bangalore.