Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 Days: Kathmandu to ABC with Flight

Summary

From Kathmandu to Annapurna’s heart on foot, forest trails and mountain tea houses

You’ll start in Kathmandu with an early pickup and fly to Pokhara before trekking through forests and villages toward Annapurna Base Camp. Expect steaming dal bhat lunches, misty sunrises over glaciers, and a dip in Jhinu’s hot springs on your return — plus plenty of laughs (and maybe sore legs) along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me wasn’t the mountain air — it was the sound of my boots crunching gravel outside Simrung. We’d flown out of Kathmandu so early I barely tasted my coffee, but by the time our guide Ramesh pointed at the distant white peaks, I felt awake in a way I can’t really explain. The road from Pokhara was bumpy and loud, Nepali pop music leaking from the driver’s radio. By the time we started walking toward Sinuwa, the world felt smaller and bigger at once. Somewhere along those first switchbacks, a local woman passed us carrying what looked like half a house on her back. She smiled at my clumsy “namaste.”

The second day was mostly green — thick rhododendron forests that smelled like wet earth after last night’s rain. Sometimes you’d hear water before you saw it: tiny falls tumbling down rocks, cold spray on your face if you got close enough. Lunch was dal bhat at a teahouse in Himalaya village; Ramesh swore it gives you “energy for hours,” and honestly he was right. My legs were jelly by Deurali but there was this quietness up there I still think about — just boots on dirt and the occasional birdcall.

Reaching Annapurna Base Camp itself didn’t feel real at first. There’s this moment when Machhapuchhre suddenly appears between clouds and everyone just stops talking for a second. The air is thin but not sharp; it smells faintly metallic, almost like snow before a storm. At sunset, everything turned gold except for the prayer flags flapping wild colors against all that white stone. I tried to take photos but none of them caught it right. That night in the teahouse was cold — someone handed around ginger tea and we all compared blisters like old friends.

The walk back down felt faster somehow (gravity helps), though my knees disagreed by Bamboo village. We stopped at Jhinu Danda for a soak in the hot springs — honestly, sitting in warm water with your feet pruned after days of trekking feels better than any spa back home. The last drive into Pokhara was quiet; everyone stared out windows or napped as Ramesh chatted with our driver about football scores.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fly to Pokhara and trek to Sinuwa

• Pickup from Kathmandu hotel
• Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
• Drive to Simrung
• Trek to Sinuwa via Jhinu Danda and Chomrong
• Overnight at Sinuwa teahouse

Day 2 — Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

• Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali
• Pass waterfalls and dense forest
• Overnight at Deurali teahouse

Day 3 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Continue trek to Annapurna Base Camp
• Enjoy sunset views at Annapurna Base Camp
• Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp teahouse

Day 4 — Return trek to Sinuwa

• Watch sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp
• Breakfast at base camp
• Trek down to Sinuwa via Deurali, Himalaya, Dobhan, Bamboo
• Overnight at Sinuwa guest house

Day 5 — Trek to Simrung and drive to Pokhara

• Trek from Sinuwa to Jhinu Danda
• Enjoy hot spring bath at Jhinu Danda
• Drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
• Celebrate trip completion and farewell

Top questions

How long is the trek from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp?

The full trip takes 5 days including travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.

Is hotel pickup included for this Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup in Kathmandu is included at the start of your tour.

What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet).

Are meals included during the trek?

Meals are available at teahouses along the route but are not specifically listed as included; expect local dishes like dal bhat.

Do I need a guide for this day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style trek?

A licensed trekking guide is included throughout your journey to Annapurna Base Camp.

Can I enjoy natural hot springs during this trek?

Yes, you’ll have time to soak in Jhinu Danda’s natural hot spring bath on your way back from base camp.

Where do we stay overnight during the trek?

You’ll stay in traditional mountain guest houses (teahouses) each night along the route.

How do we get from Pokhara to Simrung for the trek start?

You’ll be driven by shared vehicle from Pokhara Airport to Simrung where your trek begins.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Kathmandu, one-way flight tickets to Pokhara, shared vehicle transfers between Pokhara and Simrung, all trekking permits and national park fees covered up front, four nights’ accommodation in mountain guest houses (teahouses), plus an experienced English- or Hindi-speaking licensed trekking guide throughout your adventure before returning to Pokhara by car at journey’s end.