Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days

Standing at 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking destinations, attracting thousands of trekkers every single year! Although the sanctuary is surrounded by some of the tallest mountains, its base camp is among the few that can be completed comfortably in just a week.

It’s surely a dream trek for many, and Altitude Himalaya’s 7-day itinerary is exactly what you need! Our 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is specialized for trekkers who want a full Himalayan experience that comes with a well-paced, safe trek led by a trusted team.

Our expert, professional, government-licensed guides will handle your logistics, help you navigate the steep stairways, choose the best lodges, and ensure your overall safety during the changing mountain conditions.

We’ve already served thousands of happy trekkers already, and this short ABC journey is one of the most in-demand trips in our travel book.

We begin the journey by picking you up from your Kathmandu hotel and escorting you to the domestic airport. After a short 30-minute flight, you’ll reach Pokhara and then get onto a private jeep to Ghandruk, where you’ll spend a night.

Your 7-day ABC trek only starts the next morning. From Ghandruk, you’ll pass through Chhomrong and Lower Sinuwa before reaching Upper Sinuwa for the night stay. Upcoming is a long hiking day that takes you through Bamboo, Dovan, Upper Dovan, Himalaya, and finally Deurali. In between, you even get to see the 108 Chahara Waterfalls along with the sacred Pojenhyam Baraha Temple.

The final ascent day is when you get face-to-face with the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, particularly the Annapurna mountains. Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Gandharva Chuli (a.k.a. Tent Peak, 5,690 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Annapurna Fang (Baraha Peak, 7,647 m), and more snow-capped peaks!

You’ll enjoy a memorable lunch stop at Machhapuchhre Base Camp with 360° mountain views before making the iconic walk to Annapurna Base Camp for that picture with the iconic ABC board.

After witnessing a magical sunset over Machhapuchhre and a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna range, you’ll go back the same trail the next day. There will be a night stop in Bamboo before your return to Chhomrong.

The final part of the trek is where you land in Jhinu Danda, where we can take you for optional hot springs. Then, you’ll continue to Samrung to catch a jeep back to Pokhara.

The return flight to Kathmandu will only be on Day 7, although we are open to listening to sightseeing requests in Pokhara. Your Annapurna adventure ends with a well-deserved completion certificate.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Well, even we’re thrilled to welcome you here in Nepal. Be sure to go through this complete guide before hitting that “Book Now” button.

Facts About Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Key Stops Along the 7-Day ABC Route

Before we begin with the itinerary and its details, let’s check out the main places on the ABC trail. These are the landmarks where you’ll stop for a night or take a break before continuing on to your final destination:

Ghandruk: A Scenic Start to Your ABC Journey

A trending destination of Kaski district, Ghandruk is a Gurung village nestled right on top of a hill that offers surreal views of Mt. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. This place is even popular among non-trekkers, and it has become a central hub for everyone wishing to see mountains.

What’s more fascinating about the spot is that you get to try Gurung attire, try local food, and communicate with a culturally rich community. 

In this ABC trip, you’ll spend your first night after a short drive, and it also serves as the starting point of the trek. That morning view of the Annapurna range is exactly how you’d like your hike to begin.

Chhomrong: Stairway Village to Annapurna

Your major stop is another Gurung village of Chhomrong. The views are pretty similar to those of Ghandruk, but it comes with a more local vibe. Even this spot is great to try Gurung cultural attire, but many are unaware of it. There’s also a tourist checkpoint where you have to show your permits before proceeding forward.

Chhomrong is surely a perfect spot to rest and have lunch while watching those beautiful mountains. There are even bakeries that make you crave those brownies and pastries.

You’ll meet hospitable people and learn about their lifestyle. You get to see terrace fields, lush green forests, rhododendron trees, and cattle grazing on the ground. Oh, and yes, don’t forget about the donkeys and mules that may cross your path, so give them the way.

Sinuwa: Your First Stay in the Trek

After a steep uphill climb from Chhomrong Khola, you’ll reach a popular settlement of Sinuwa. There are actually two parts of this place: the lower Sinuwa (used to be called Bhanuwa) has only a few lodges, while the main Sinuwa (Upper Sinuwa) is what most prefer to stay in.

From here onwards, the mountains become even closer. And that particular view of Mt. Machhapuchhre from the side angle is something that will linger in your mind for a long time.

Sinuwa is perhaps the cosiest place you’ll get to stay. After this, you won’t find any other place that offers a fireplace in the ABC trail (as of 2025).

Bamboo: A Forested Stop Between Hill Slopes

A straight downhill from Sinuwa takes you to Bamboo, a place well-known for its bamboo forest. But besides that, you’ll also find pine, fir, birch, and juniper trees scattered around the area.

While you won’t be treated to full mountain views (only glimpses of the peaks), it makes for a perfect rest stop for lunch. In this itinerary, we have included an overnight stay during the return, ensuring you don’t push the downhill too much.

Dovan: A Peaceful Break Along the Valley

A tiring uphill from Bamboo takes you to Dovan, another settlement in the heart of the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. Just like Bamboo, it’s nestled between the hill slopes, but with the added advantage of clear mountain views.

Similar to Sinuwa, this landmark is divided into lower and upper sections. To reach Upper Dovan from Lower Dovan (or just Dovan), you’ll need to hike for about 30 minutes.

Dovan also serves as the gateway to Pojemhyam Baraha Temple and the 108 Chahara Waterfalls. From here, please keep in mind that spitting or littering is strictly prohibited. It’s a holy site, and locals will be deeply offended if it is disrespected.

Himalaya: A Calm Rest Stop

After a strenuous uphill climb on the recently constructed stairway trail, you’ll reach Himalaya. This part of the trail introduces you to numerous waterfalls all around. It’s a scenic yet one of the most difficult uphill stretches of the trek.

The settlement of Himalaya is small but perfect for a brief stop before reaching the second day’s destination, Deurali. Many trekkers even opt to stay here, but since the elevation gain from here to ABC becomes 1,230 m, that can be a bit risky.

Also, note that you won’t have proper mountain views from Himalaya, as it is tucked right between the hills, just like Dovan and Bamboo.

Deurali: A Stay Before the Base Camp

Once you complete the uphill after Himalaya and cross the Hinku River (aka Modi Khola), you reach another major destination called Deurali. In English, ‘Deurali’ translates to ‘ridge,’ and it is exactly what the place is about. It’s named after the hilltop that sits right above the river.

The fresh and chilly mountain air, along with the spectacular landscape of the region, makes for a perfect evening to end a tiring day. Be sure to keep yourself warm from here, and if you’ve never been this high, note that you might show signs of altitude sickness. Be wary of that!

Macchapuchre Base Camp: First 360 Degree Mountain View

We promise to take you to the base camp of Annapurna, but here’s a secret… you’ll even get to visit and have lunch at the base camp of Mt. Machhapuchhre, aka Fishtail. It’s an iconic mountain that will come into view as soon as you land in Pokhara.

The base camp is right on the way to ABC, just 3 km away. So, it becomes the final rest point (particularly for lunch in our itinerary). As soon as you’re here, the 360-degree view of the mountains unfolds, giving you clear glimpses of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli, and more.

Annapurna Base Camp: Heart of the Sanctuary

Annapurna Base Camp is, without a doubt, one of the iconic destinations to reach. It’s a dream of many trekkers from all around the world, and when you reach this altitude, you feel a true sense of accomplishment.

For adventure and mountain lovers, you won’t stop roaming around the region. The towering views of Mt. Annapurna South and Annapurna I, along with Hiunchuli and Annapurna Fang, are the major highlights. And right behind, the teasing mountains of Machhapuchhre, Gandharva Chuli, and Annapurna III simply make it perfect!

There are just a number of hotels to accommodate the crowd, so pre-booking is essential here. In case the lodges are full, you might have to make a stop at MBC. Thankfully, on your 7-day journey, you’ll be able to reach Annapurna Base Camp by the late afternoon, giving you enough time to get accommodation.

There are plenty of viewpoints around, one of which is the Maurice Herzog statue point. Moreover, there are prayer flags all around, and the view from the top is, simply put, extraordinary!

Jhinu Danda: The Hot Spring Finale

Upon return, we take a different route from Chhomrong to go downhill and reach Jhinu Danda. This is a spot famous for its natural hot springs in the evening and morning. But if you really want the experience, our Altitude Himalaya team is ready to make it happen at any time of the day.

Also, Jhinu is the final stop from where you get the final crisp mountain views before your jeep ride back to Pokhara. So, savour the moments before folding your trekking pole at this endpoint of the 7-day ABC Trek.

Major Scenic Attractions on Your ABC Trip

Visiting the Annapurna region of Nepal is nothing short of heaven. Both locals and tourists flock to this area throughout the year, and the primary reason is the spectacular views of the Annapurna range.

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the places within the Annapurna Conservation Area that gets you very close to the mountains. Although this route isn’t used for climbing purposes due to technical difficulties, it’s still favoured among trekkers for breathtaking views of the Annapurna range.

Here are some of the major attractions you’ll encounter:

Reach Different ABC Viewpoints

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most iconic trekking destinations, and there’s no doubt about that. But many just reach there, check into a hotel, and do not explore the area well.

You can hike for about 30 minutes to reach the main sunrise viewpoint for an even closer view of the Annapurna mountain range. There are actually plenty of vantage points around, each offering 360-degree views from slightly different angles.

You get to witness the towering view of Mt. Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Annapurna Fang / Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), and Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m). Turn back, and the views of Mt. Fishtail / Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Gandharba Chuli (6,204 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), and Gangapurna (7,455 m) will surprise you!

Particularly speaking, afternoon views of the Machhapuchhre range and morning views of the Annapurna range are the best part of this 7-day adventure!

Besides the mentioned peaks, you even get sights of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Tare Kang (7,138 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), and Tharpu Chuli/Tent Peak (5,691 m).

Mountain Reflections at Frozen Pond

On your way to the Annapurna Base Camp, just 1.5 km away from Machhapuchhre Base Camp, is a small glacier pond that reflects the mountains on all of its sides. Taking a picture or video has become a trending activity among trekkers, and you, our dear readers, don’t forget to do so!

While the pond is small, the reflections of both Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges make it a spot to definitely rest your legs before the final stretch to ABC. Even when we visit here ourselves, we make sure to take tons of shots in this beautiful spot.

Soothing Sounds of Modi Khola aka Hinku River

Right from the melting glaciers of the Annapurna range, a small river flows all the way down and mixes with the Kali Gandaki River. It’s called Modi Khola and is often known as Hinku River (in Deurali). The sounds of this river will keep you company right from the first day of the ABC trek.

In fact, once you reach Deurali, you’ll have to cross this river. In the past, river crossings used to be a challenge, and on top of that, this section is where avalanches and landslides are most common.

Thankfully, a new bridge has been constructed a little above the trail. Our tip is to cross this section very carefully in one go, especially when doing the ABC trek in the monsoon and early autumn season.

Watching the crystal-clear waters of Modi Khola right from different cliffs is sure to make you feel refreshed!

Shimmering Waters of 108 Chahara Waterfall

On your way to Himalaya from Upper Dovan, there’s a big waterfall that will make you drop your bags and stand right on the cliff edge. A viewpoint bridge has been constructed by the community to ensure trekkers are not just safe but also get a proper view of the waterfall from here.

This is yet another photogenic spot on the trail, which is right next to the Pojemhyam Baraha Temple (more about this sacred site later). Its name, 108 Chahara, comes from the fact that there are about 108 small streams flowing below from the melting Annapurna and Gangapurna glaciers.

Walk Through Rhododendron, Oak, and Bamboo Forests

The lower sections of the Annapurna Base Camp trail present you with a forested route, which continues up to Himalaya. The blooming rhododendrons in spring and wildflowers in monsoon and autumn make the ABC trail heavenly.

Besides, you’ll find a persistent amount of bamboo and oak trees, too. In fact, the bamboo forest has given its name to one of the places called Bamboo. Since you’ll be trekking in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, expect to find pine, fir, birch, and juniper trees as well.

Spotting wild animals is rare on this trek. However, during the right season, you could actually see Himalayan langurs, colorful pheasants, blue sheep, and other common mammals. In case you’re incredibly lucky, we definitely don’t rule out the chance to spot snow leopards, clouded leopards, and Himalayan black bears.

Beyond Hikes: Cultural Highlights of ABC Trek

This 7-day short Annapurna Base Camp trek isn’t just about hiking and enjoying the mountain views. It’s also about interacting with the local Gurung community, who are the most prevalent in the region.

You get a closer glimpse into their way of living. Some are involved in local tourism, running restaurants and lodges, while most are farming and herding cattle. You’ll even get to taste the local flavours of fruits and vegetables along the trails that are grown by these local communities.

Let us now walk you through the cultural highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp trek:

Meet and Interact with Gurung Community

The Gurung people are the indigenous ethnic group of Nepal, who are abundantly found in the Annapurna region. They are the native inhabitants of the Annapurna Base Camp trail, and most of the people you meet along the way are Gurungs themselves.

A small number of Magar communities, along with Thakali, Manange, and Bhotia, also reside in the area. But the majority are Gurungs who follow Tibetan Buddhism. Considering that there’s also a Hindu temple, you may encounter a few Brahmins and Chhetris too.

Another interesting fact about the Gurungs is that they speak their own Sino-Tibetan language (mainly derived from the Tibeto-Burman language family). They can clearly communicate in Nepali, and some can also speak English.

Our team at Altitude Himalaya guarantees that these hospitable people are going to make your stay on the ABC trail totally worth it!

Try Gurung Attire in Ghandruk or Chhomrong

Speaking more about this wonderful community, a trending activity during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is trying the traditional Gurung attire.

This is especially popular among women, as they can try wearing a maroon ghalek, patuki, and pachyauri. Along with that, the traditional dress includes coral necklaces, nose rings, and Sirbandi (a headpiece).

Even men can try on traditional dress, which includes bhangra (a kind of sling or bag worn on the chest), kachhad (for the lower body), and a topi (cap).

A Stop at Pojenhyam Baraha Temple

Pojenhyam Baraha Temple is a sacred spot along the ABC trail that many pass by without knowing just how holy it is. That’s mainly because the 108 Chahara Waterfall usually takes the spotlight.

Right at the viewpoint itself, the pagoda-style temple houses a shaktipeeth (shrine dedicated to goddess Adi Shakti), and next to it, there’s a Shiva lingam as well. Considering that, the place and entire region are considered holy, which is why people are requested not to litter or spit around.

This is a spot that combines the beliefs of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It’s a temple sacred to both religions and also shows how, in Nepal, the two faiths are deeply connected.