Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp gives you the experience of a lifetime. One main question that arises in anyone’s mind wanting to do this trek is about the distance they have to cover to finally reach the base camp. You will cover about 115 kilometers on foot starting from Nayapul. On average, you will walk about 10 kilometers a day which takes about 5-6 hours. But, it varies greatly depending on the terrain and altitude. Rough terrain in high altitudes demands more time.
It also depends on the physical fitness of trekkers. Some people can cover that distance in fewer hours and with few difficulties but some may take more hours. Taking a lot of time walking gives you less time to relax and enjoy. Without preparation, walking for two weeks continuously for several hours daily can prove to be exhausting. Therefore, it is advised that one should prepare prior to the trek by walking similar distances in rough terrain.
Before this trek, you might as well go to higher altitudes and see how your body adapts. Though the difficulty of this trek is moderate and you will only stay at an altitude higher than 3000 meters for two days, you should look for signs.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
There are numerous tour packages designed by Sublime Trails for you to reach Annapurna Base Camp with various trek durations, starting from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Some people also choose to trek to Ghandruk and continue toward the base camp. The most popular Annapurna Base Camp trek takes 13 days.
This classic Annapurna Base Camp trek starts after a drive to Nayapul via Pokhara from Kathmandu. This route takes you to Hile, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Dovan, Deurali, and finally Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp. While returning, you will pass Bamboo, Jhinu Danda, and Nayapul.
While walking an uphill trail or climbing thousands of steps in Ulleri, one must proceed slowly and steadily. More distances can be covered in a short time while passing through some early villages, easy terrains, and downhill trails. Let’s see how much distance is covered each day of this trek.
and Secondly, you can do the straight Annapurna base camp as well by skipping poon hill. Which brings you vis Jhinu, Chhomrong. This 5-day Annapurna base camp trek or 7 days Annapurna base cap trek is short and less costly compared to 13 days trek via poon hill.
Check the map on our website and get a clearer perspective of the route with altitudes and major landmarks in the area.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude and Distance
A drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Nayapul doesn’t require you to set foot outside of your vehicle. From Nayapul, you will start your actual trekking. Read further to know the distance covered and gain in altitude on each day of trekking.
Nayapul to Hile
One-and-a-half-hour ride from Pokhara brings you to Nayapul. Nayapul lies at an altitude of 1070 meters. Walking ahead, you will first get to Birethanti and then to Hile. The total altitude gained will be 360 meters as Hile is 1430 meters high.
It will take you 4-5 hours to get to Hile from Nayapul.
Hile to Ghorepani
This day can be pretty tiring because of the continuous vertical upstairs to Ulleri. After walking uphill for 5-6 hours, you will reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani lies at an altitude of 2874 meters and at the end of the day, you will have gained about 1500 meters in altitude.
Despite the strenuous walking, the beautiful landscape covered in Rhododendron and the mountains in the backdrop makes this day equally enjoyable.
Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani
Hiking up to Poon Hill, an outstanding vantage point takes about an hour. After 5-6 hours of trekking, you will reach Tadapani by covering about 12 kilometers in distance. Today’s trek is a combination of about an hour of ascent to Poon Hill at 3200 meters and mostly descent.
Tadapani lies at an altitude of 2630 meters which means, you are still not at risk of altitude sickness. You will stay at an altitude lower than yesterday.
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Today’s trekking consists of many gentle uphills and downhill climbing. Chhomrong lies at an altitude of 2170 meters which means, today’s altitude gain also is negative.
Trekking from Tadapani to Chhomrong, you will cover a total distance of 7.6 kilometers which takes about 5 hours.
Chhomrong to Dovan
After descending 2500 stone stairs to Chhomrong Khola, you will again walk uphill for several hours with a few downhill trails. After walking for 4-5 hours, you will reach Dovan at a height of 2600 meters. Altitude gain today is 430 meters but, you are still not at risk of altitude sickness.
Dovan to Deurali
Ascending continuously to Hotel Himlayan and then to Dovan brings you at an altitude of 3230 meters. Today, you will cross the safe limits of altitude, so look for any signs and be careful. Since you will have been trekking for a few days now, generally, there won’t be any problem.
The trekking duration for this day will be about 5 hours and you will have covered a distance of 7.7 kilometers.
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Finally, you will get to Annapurna Base Camp on this day. Today’s altitude gain will be 900 meters. This is the highest altitude gain during the whole trek. Ascending a rocky trail for 6-7 hours, you will first reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp and then Annapurna Base Camp.
Return to Bamboo Tea House
Returning to Bamboo Tea House, you will again be at a safe altitude of 2310 meters. Following the same trail, you will mostly descend enjoying anything you might have missed being only focused on reaching the base camp.
After about 6-7 hours, you will reach Bamboo village and rest.
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
This day brings to you several uphill and downhill treks. After 5-6 hours of trekking, this day brings an opportunity to reach and relieve your fatigue in the hot spring in Jhinu. You will cover a total distance of 8.5 kilometers.
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul
This is the last day of Annapurna Base Camp trekking and walking for 5-6 hours brings you to the place where you started trekking. After covering 13 kilometers on foot, a vehicle will return you or get you to your next destination.
Final Thoughts
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a very rewarding trip to take into the Himalayas of Nepal. It also requires very little preparation before the trek and doesn’t keep you at risk of altitude sickness. With the wisdom of experienced guides and a bit of persistence and fitness, anyone can complete this awesome trek.
