Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara: 5 Days

Reach Annapurna Base Camp in five days with seamless transfers and epic trails

A five-day trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, with a licensed guide, mountain teahouse stays, and trekking permits included. You start from either city on the same morning schedule, fly or drive to the trailhead at Simrung, trek through forests and alpine terrain via Sinuwa, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, then descend with a complimentary soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda before returning to Pokhara by 5:00 PM on day five. Meals and porter service are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Simrung and trek to Sinuwa

• Pickup from Kathmandu hotel
• Flight to Pokhara
• Jeep drive to Simrung
• Trek to Sinuwa
• Overnight at Sinuwa teahouse

Day 2 — Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

• Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests
• Pass waterfalls and Himalaya settlement
• Overnight at Deurali teahouse

Day 3 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Trek via Machhapuchhre Base Camp valley
• Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp
• Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp teahouse

Day 4 — Descend from ABC to Sinuwa

• Sunrise and breakfast at ABC
• Trek down through Deurali, Himalaya, Dobhan, Bamboo
• Overnight at Sinuwa guest house

Day 5 — Return to Pokhara via Simrung

• Trek to Jhinu Danda hot springs
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Trek to Simrung
• Drive back to Pokhara

The Experience

The trek moves fast. You leave your Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel early—7:00 AM from Kathmandu, 8:00 AM from Pokhara—and both groups reach the trailhead at Simrung at the same time. If you start in Kathmandu, you fly to Pokhara first; if you're already in Pokhara, you skip the flight and go straight to the jeep. Either way, the synchronized timing means no waiting around.

The route climbs through three distinct zones. Day one is a 5-to-6-hour trek from Simrung to Sinuwa at 2,340 meters, passing through Jhinu Danda and Chomrong. Day two pushes higher: a 6-to-7-hour hike through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest to Deurali at 3,230 meters, with waterfalls visible along the trail and a stop in the mountain settlement of Himalaya. Day three is the summit day—a 5-to-6-hour push through Machhapuchhre Base Camp valley to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, where you sleep at a teahouse and watch the sunset over the Annapurna range. The descent takes two days: day four drops back to Sinuwa, and day five follows Jhinu Danda down to Simrung, where you soak in the natural hot springs for free if you want to, then drive two hours back to your Pokhara hotel.

You trek with a licensed English or Hindi-speaking guide who carries first aid, water purifying tablets and an oximeter. Mountain teahouses provide four nights of accommodation; you can borrow trekking poles, a sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag if you need them. Trekking permits and national park fees are arranged. The shared jeep handles transport between Pokhara and the trailhead both ways. Meals and drinks are your own cost, and if you want a porter to carry your pack, that's a separate arrangement.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
• domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (for Kathmandu option).
• shared jeep transport to and from the trailhead.
• licensed trekking guide speaking English or Hindi.
• four nights in mountain teahouses.
• trekking permits and national park fees.
• borrowable trekking poles, sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag.
• first aid kit, water purifying tablets and oximeter managed by your guide.
• complimentary soak in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Cordial Trek Pvt. Ltd.

Is this one for you?Start from Kathmandu if you want the full experience including a domestic flight and airport logistics handled; start from Pokhara if you're already there or want to skip the flight and begin trekking the same morning. Either way, the synchronized schedule means no wasted time waiting for groups to align.

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Top questions

How do the Kathmandu and Pokhara starting points work?

Kathmandu travelers are picked up from their hotel, transferred to the domestic airport, and fly to Pokhara, then join a jeep to Simrung. Pokhara guests are picked up directly from their hotel and driven straight to Simrung. Both groups arrive at the trailhead at the same time, so the trek itself is identical regardless of where you start.

What's the altitude gain like, and is this trek suitable for someone with moderate fitness?

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 meters. The trek is designed for moderate fitness—the climb is spread across three days with overnight acclimatization stops. The operator does not recommend this trek for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but moderate fitness and a willingness to move at a steady pace are the main requirements.

What happens at Annapurna Base Camp, and how long do you spend there?

You arrive at Annapurna Base Camp on day three after a 5-to-6-hour trek through Machhapuchhre Base Camp valley. You spend the night at a teahouse at base camp itself, watch the sunset over the Annapurna range, and have time for a sunrise view the next morning before beginning your descent.

Is there really a free hot springs soak on the way down?

Yes. On day five, the trail passes through Jhinu Danda, which is known for natural riverside hot springs. A soak is completely complimentary if you want to stop and use them—it's a chance to ease muscle soreness before the final drive back to Pokhara.

What gear do I need to bring, and what can I borrow?

You can borrow trekking poles, a sleeping bag, down jacket and duffel bag from the operator. Bring your own trekking boots, layers, rain gear, and personal items. The guide carries first aid and water purifying tablets, and an oximeter is available if needed for altitude monitoring.

When exactly do I get back to Pokhara, and what's included in the price?

You arrive at your Pokhara hotel no later than 5:00 PM on day five. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, the domestic flight (Kathmandu option only), jeep transfers, a licensed guide, four nights in mountain teahouses, trekking permits and national park fees, and gear rental. Meals, drinks and porter service are separate costs.