5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Itinerary Breakdown & Cost

The first time you see the Annapurna range from Pokhara, you can guess how special 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek would be. The mountains loomed in the distance, majestic, untouchable, and teasing you with glimpses of snow-capped peaks long before you took the first step on the trail.

By the time you reach Ghandruk, Machapuchare will steal your heart. Its fishtail summit pierced the sky, flanked by the towering Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. But this was only the beginning.

Over the next few days, the mountains played hide and seek. At Sinuwa, Machapuchare peeked through the trees like a shy deity. In Dovan, only its sharp tip was visible, as if testing my patience. Then, when you think the forest would never end, Himalaya and Deurali opened up, and suddenly, there it was: Machapuchare in its full, breathtaking glory.

At Machapuchare Base Camp, the giants surrounded you with Annapurna I, South, Gangapurna, Mt. Fishtail, and Hiunchuli. All these mountains will be close enough that you can feel their icy breath. And finally, Annapurna Base Camp showed a humble bunch of lodges sitting opposite a massive glacier. You will be impressed with the Annapurna massif in all its raw, unforgiving beauty.

The Annapurna Base Camp 5-day Trek doesn’t just show you the mountains; it makes you feel them. And if you are thinking of taking on the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 2025/26, here is everything you need to know.

5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

🗓️Days required: 5-6 days

⏱️Distance: 55 km/34.17 mi (Jhinu-ABC-Jhinu)

📈Highest point: 4,130 m/13,550 ft on Annapurna Base Camp

⭐Difficulty: Moderate level

🌤️Best Time: Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov), & Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but clear

💵Budget: 550–700 (depending upon routes and logistics)

🛂Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit required

📶Connectivity: Spotty WiFi (paid in teahouses), occasional SIM signal at ABC

🛏️ Accommodation: Basic tea houses

🚗 Transport:

• Kathmandu→Pokhara: 6-7 hours by road/25 minutes by air
• Pokhara→Jhinu Danda: 3.5 hours by Jeep

Where does the Annapurna Base Camp trek start?

This 5-day ABC trek normally starts after the 3.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda. You can enjoy a soothing dip in the hot springs after the first day’s hike, making it a great choice. This variation typically takes 5-6 days and combines mountain scenery with a chance to unwind.

You can also take a Jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk village and start the trek from there. For this route, you can take a public bus or Jeep until you reach Ghandruk. There you can enjoy the beautiful scenic view and the beautiful village, and then we start our trek. It takes around 2 hours to reach Jhinu from here. This variation typically takes 6-7 days and combines the beautiful homestay in Ghandruk.

The classic ABC + Poon Hill combo trek often starts at Birethanti. From here, you can ascend through stone steps to Ghorepani. Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) rewards you with a breathtaking sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trail then continues through lush rhododendron forests to Chhomrong, merging with the main ABC route. This extended itinerary (8–10 days) is perfect for those wanting panoramic Himalayan views.

How difficult is the 5-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The 5-day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a moderate but achievable itinerary designed for fit trekkers with limited time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its difficulty:

• Good for beginners: Requires good fitness and good knee conditions.
• Fast-paced: Covers ~9 to 12 km/day with ascents/descents (especially the Chhomrong & Sinuwa steps).
• Altitude gain: Goes from 830m (Pokhara) to 4,130m (ABC) in just 5 days, increasing mild altitude risk.

The 5-day Annapurna Base Camp trek presents several key challenges that make it more demanding than longer itineraries. The relentless stone steps in Chhomrong, Sinuwa, and after Bamboo are particularly tiring. These stone stairs are more than 5,000 steep steps, testing both stamina and knee strength. You feel your knees, especially pushing during the descent. Long hiking days of 6-8 hours with significant elevation changes leave little room for recovery.

While ABC’s elevation is lower than Everest Base Camp, the fast ascent leaves minimal time for acclimatization. Additionally, basic teahouse conditions at higher elevations mean cold nights (often below freezing), limited food options, and no heating. This might add physical discomfort to your mental challenges. The itinerary’s tight schedule also eliminates rest days, requiring you to push through fatigue. The hardest stretch is while returning from Sinuwa to Jhinu with steep climbs and descents. While achievable for fit, experienced hikers, these factors make the 5-day ABC trek significantly more strenuous than 6 to 8 days.

Our 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary

Annapurna Base Camp trek unveils nature’s grand theater with the beginning of emerald foothills where waterfalls cascade past traditional villages, their stone houses adorned with drying corn. As you ascend, the trail transforms into a mystical gorge where the roaring Modi Khola carves through cliffs draped in hanging glaciers.

Suddenly, the forest parts to reveal the alpine sanctuary. The frozen amphitheater where Annapurna’s icy fangs pierce the sky and Machapuchare’s fishtail summit glows at dawn. Descending through rhododendron tunnels alive with monkey chatter, you will pass steaming hot springs that beckon weary muscles.

Finally, return to Pokhara’s lakeside embrace with the Himalayas forever etched in your memory. Not just as peaks, but as living giants who whispered their secrets as you walked among them.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and trek to Sinuwa

Route: Jhinu Danda-Taulung-Chhomrong-Tilche-Sinuwa

Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek for 5 days begins with an early morning drive from Pokhara. We will pass through winding mountain roads, offering glimpses of rural Nepalese life. After 2-3 hours, you will reach Jhinu Danda (1,780 m). Here, you can enjoy a refreshing tea break with your first proper views of Annapurna South. The trek starts with crossing a dramatic 190 meter suspension bridge that sways above the roaring waters. From here, a challenging 2-hour climb brings you to Chhomrong village (2,170 m). Here you will stop for lunch amidst stunning mountain vistas. The final push to Sinuwa (2,360 m) takes about 1.5 hours through lush rhododendron forests, with Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) dominating the skyline.

Key Highlights:

• Jhinu’s natural hot springs (5-min side trail)
• First proper views of Annapurna South (7,219m)
• Crossing traditional Gurung villages

Day 2: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

Route: Bamboo-Dovan-Himalaya-Deurali

You will first descend through dense forests to Bamboo (2,310m), where the trail begins following the Modi Khola’s thunderous gorge. The path steadily climbs through ever-changing vegetation, with occasional glimpses of langur monkeys in the treetops. You will reach Dovan (2,600m) by mid-morning. After a lunch break at the Himalaya Hotel (2,840m), the landscape transforms dramatically as you enter the avalanche zone. The final ascent to Deurali (3,230m) takes you through a breathtaking canyon with towering cliffs, where you will feel the altitude as the air thins. Arriving by mid-afternoon gives you time to rest and acclimatize, sipping ginger tea while surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Key Highlights:

• Thrilling canyon walk beneath hanging glaciers
• Spotting langur monkeys in bamboo forests
• First sightings of Hiunchuli peak

Day 3: Trek from Deurali to ABC

Route: MBC - ABC

An alpine start takes you through frosty meadows as dawn breaks over the mountains. The trail to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m) winds through a surreal landscape of glacial moraines and icy streams. After warming up, the final 2-hour push to ABC (4,130m) reveals the breathtaking amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you enter this natural cathedral of rock and ice, the 360-degree panorama of Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna will leave you speechless. Afternoon exploration might include short hikes to nearby viewpoints or simply absorbing the majesty of your teahouse’s dining hall.

Key Highlights:

• Walking into the amphitheater of giants – Annapurna I (8,091m) towers above
• Rare Himalayan blue sheep sightings
• Incredible stargazing if the skies are clear

Day 4: Trek from ABC to Sinuwa

Route: MBC - Deurali - Himalaya - Doban - Bamboo - Sinuwa

Wake before dawn for the beautiful sunrise over the Annapurna massif. The peaks glow fiery red in the morning light. The descent begins with a careful retreat through the sanctuary’s boulder fields, retracing your steps to MBC for breakfast. Morning is the safest time to pass through the avalanche zone, where you will move quickly between protective overhangs. The afternoon’s long descent through regenerating forests becomes a meditation on your journey, with tired legs carrying you back to Sinuwa by late afternoon.

Key Highlights:

• Morning alpenglow on Annapurna’s south face
• Easier breathing as oxygen levels increase
• Celebratory apple pie at Bamboo teahouse

Day 5: Trek from Sinuwa to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara

Route: Tilche - Chhomrong - Jhinu - Pokhara

Your final trekking day begins with a knee-testing descent of steps to Chhomrong. The trail winds through terraced fields to Jhinu Danda. Soak for an hour in the 30°C mineral waters before the drive back to Pokhara.

Key Highlights:

• Soothing tired muscles in 40°C hot springs
• Last views of Fishtail from Chhomrong

How much does the 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost?

The 5-day Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek typically costs around USD 500 per person, depending on the season, and services. This estimate usually includes essential expenses such as teahouse accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), necessary permits, a licensed guide, and transportation between Pokhara and the trek’s starting point. Additional costs may arise if you hire a private porter, opt for better lodging, or require extra amenities like Wi-Fi or hot showers.

Flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara (if needed) can be added. Tipping guides and porters is customary, with an additional tip as a gesture of appreciation. The weather is clear and trails are in good condition, though prices may be slightly higher during these peak seasons. Winter (December–February) offers cheaper rates but colder temperatures, while the monsoon season (June–August) is less crowded but wet and slippery.

Do I need a guide for the trek?

Since there is no mandatory rule, hiring a guide is the best option for the ABC trek. It ensures a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience. Solo trekkers have faced risks like getting lost, altitude sickness, and emergencies without support.

A guide can provide significant support, ensuring safety, helping with altitude sickness, and offering assistance if any unexpected challenges arise. Guides are familiar with the terrain, weather conditions, and emergency protocols. This can be crucial in a region where conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, a guide can enhance your experience by sharing knowledge of the local culture, history, and traditions, enriching your trek beyond the physical challenge.

While the ABC route is well-marked and supported by teahouses, solo trekkers need to manage accommodations and meals themselves, which can be time-consuming and require careful planning.

If you prefer a hassle-free experience with someone taking care of the logistics, hiring a guide might be the way to go. While it does add to the cost, it offers peace of mind and can make the journey more enjoyable.

When is the best time for trekking?

The best time for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). The weather is most stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are comfortable for hiking.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is one of the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, offering a perfect mix of mild temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron forests. The trails come alive with vibrant colors, especially in April when the hillsides are blanketed in red and pink flowers. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for trekking, while nights remain cool but not freezing. Visibility is excellent, providing stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. However, afternoons can sometimes bring clouds, and popular routes may get crowded during peak periods like April.

Summer/Monsoon (June–August)

Trekking during the monsoon season is challenging due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and frequent leeches. The constant downpours can cause landslides, making some sections risky or impassable. Cloud cover often obscures mountain views, reducing the scenic appeal. However, the landscape becomes incredibly lush and green, and the trails are nearly empty, offering a peaceful experience for those who don’t mind the rain. Teahouses are quieter, and prices may be lower, but proper rain gear and waterproof footwear are essential.

Autumn (September–November)

Considered the prime trekking season, autumn provides stable weather, crisp air, and breathtaking mountain vistas. With the monsoon gone, the skies are crystal clear, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayas. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, while nights are chilly but manageable. The trails are busy with trekkers, creating a lively atmosphere, but this also means teahouses fill up quickly. October is particularly the most popular month, so booking guides and accommodations in advance is recommended.

Winter (December–February)

Winter brings cold temperatures and snow-covered trails, making the ABC trek more demanding but also uniquely beautiful. Days are sunny and calm, but nights can drop well below freezing, especially at higher elevations. Snow may block certain routes, and some teahouses close due to fewer visitors. However, those who brave the cold are rewarded with serene, crowd-free trails and stunning snowy landscapes. Proper winter gear, including insulated layers and sturdy boots, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek.

What is the accommodation like on the trek?

You will stay in teahouses, which are simple, family-run lodges that provide basic but cozy shelter. Here is what to expect during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Rooms

• Basic twin-share rooms with wooden beds, thin mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth).
• No heating—rooms are unheated, so nights can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes.
• Shared bathrooms (usually squat toilets; some teahouses have Western-style toilets). Hot showers are available for an extra fee (lower altitudes only).

Dining & Common Areas

• A communal dining hall with a central stove (often the only heated space) where trekkers eat and socialize.
• Menus feature Nepali staples (dal bhat, noodles, soups) and some Western dishes (pasta, pancakes). Prices increase with altitude.

Facilities

• Electricity is available for charging devices (sometimes for a fee).
• Wi-Fi is rare and unreliable; purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity.
• Blankets are provided, but they’re thin—pack a sleeping bag (rated for -10°C).

Higher Altitude (ABC & Machapuchare Base Camp)

• More basic conditions—fewer amenities, colder rooms, and shared toilets.
• Limited water supply—bottled water is expensive; use purification tablets or ask for boiled water.

What is the food like on the trek?

The food on the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is hearty, carb-heavy, and designed to fuel your trekking adventures, with menus featuring a mix of Nepali staples and basic Western dishes. The most common and reliable meal is dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and sometimes meat), which is nutritious, filling, and often served with free refills. Other popular options include noodle dishes (thukpa, chow mein), momos (dumplings), pasta, and Tibetan bread with honey or jam.

Breakfast usually consists of porridge, eggs, toast, or pancakes, while soups and garlic-infused dishes (believed to help with altitude) are common for dinner. As you ascend, food becomes more expensive and choices dwindle due to limited supplies, so flexibility is key. While the meals are simple, they are freshly prepared in teahouse kitchens, and hygienic standards are generally good. Stick to cooked foods and avoid raw salads to prevent stomach issues.

Meat is available at lower elevations but becomes rarer higher up, so vegetarians will have plenty of options. Bringing snacks like nuts, chocolate, or energy bars is recommended for extra energy on the trail. Overall, the food may not be gourmet, but it’s satisfying and part of the authentic teahouse experience

Travel insurance for the trek

Travel insurance is essential for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It covers risks such as altitude sickness, accidents, injuries, and emergency evacuations. The trek reaches high altitudes (up to 4,130 meters) and passes through remote areas with limited medical facilities. In emergencies, helicopter evacuations may be required, making proper insurance coverage crucial.

Ensure your policy includes:

• High-altitude trekking coverage (up to at least 5,000 meters)
• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellations or interruptions
• Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings

Always carry your insurance details and emergency contact numbers during the trek for safety and peace of mind.

What to pack for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp trek requires careful packing to handle changing weather, high altitudes, and basic teahouse conditions. Here is a detailed, practical packing list to ensure you are prepared:

Clothing (Layering is Key!)

• Base Layers (2 sets):
  • Moisture-wicking thermal tops & bottoms (merino wool/synthetic)
• Mid Layers:
  • Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
  • Trekking shirts (quick-dry, long & short sleeve) (2 pairs)
• Outer Layers:
  • Insulated down jacket (for mornings/evenings at ABC)
  • Waterproof/windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
  • Waterproof trekking pants (for rain/snow)
• Trekking Pants (2 pairs):
  • Convertible or lightweight quick-dry pants
• Headwear:
  • Warm beanie + sun hat/bandana
  • Buff or neck gaiter (for dust/cold)
• Gloves:
  • Lightweight gloves (daytime) + insulated gloves (ABC mornings)

Footwear

• Trekking Boots:
  • Sturdy, waterproof, ankle-supporting boots (broken in!)
• Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs):
  • Merino wool blend (avoid cotton)
• Camp Shoes:
  • Lightweight sandals for teahouses
• Gaiters (optional):
  • Useful for snow/muddy trails

Gear & Equipment

• Backpack:
  • 30-40L daypack (if using a porter)
  • 50-60L backpack (if carrying your own gear)
• Sleeping Bag:
  • Rated to -10°C (14°F) if you are going in winter
• Trekking Poles:
  • Collapsible poles for steep descents
• Headlamp:
  • Essential for early starts/toilets at night
• Water Bottles:
  • water bottles
  • Water purification (tablets/filters)—bottled water is expensive!

Health & Hygiene

• First Aid Kit:
  • Diamox (for altitude), painkillers, blister plasters, diarrhea meds
  • Electrolyte tablets (for hydration)
• Hygiene Essentials:
  • Biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer
  • Quick-dry towel, and toilet paper (rare in teahouses)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF
• Eye Protection:
  • Sunglasses (UV 400, polarized)

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Documents:
  • TIMS card, ACAP permit, passport copies, travel insurance
• Electronics:
  • Power bank (teahouses charge for electricity)
  • Camera + extra batteries (cold drains power)
• Snacks:
  • Energy bars, nuts, chocolate (expensive on trail)

 At Last

Let’s be real; this is not a stroll through Pokhara’s lakeside cafes. The 5-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is a love letter to grit, written in stone steps, thin air, and muscles you forgot existed. It is the Himalayan equivalent of a high-altitude race, where every gasp comes with a view of the Annapurna ranges smiling at your sweat.

But here is the magic: you will remember the pain less than the euphoria. That moment at ABC when the Annapurna giants rise like frozen titans around you. The Gurung grandmother who refilled your tea with a wink after you shifted into her teahouse.

So, Should You Do It?

✅ If you crave a challenge, it is not just a checklist.
✅ If “slow travel” sounds like a dirty word and you have got strong legs (or a porter) made of steel.

Or… cheat smarter: Add 2-3 days. Breathe deeper. Soak in the beauty of the Poon Hill sunrise or Jhinu Hot Spring. Let the mountains flirt with you longer.

2025/26 costs? Worth every rupee. The itinerary? Brutal but brilliant. The memories? Unstoppable.