Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara - 6 days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara Distance

Starting from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp, the total distance is approximately 82 kilometers, along with a road drive to reach the starting point, Ghandruk. Meanwhile, the walking distance after the road drive demands 5-6 hours of hiking, covering 8 to 12 kilometers, whereas 57 to 72 km, in total, from the route starting till the finishing line. 

If referred to the exact distance, it is uncertain, as it highly varies on the route you are opting for and the itinerary along with the pace level of the trekkers, but because it is only 6 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, the distance remain same, that is 57 kilometers in total. Throughout this trek, it passes by several settlements, including some of the notable stops like Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda, Himalaya, Ghandruk Phedi, and finally ascends to the highest elevation of 4130 meters at the foothill of the world's 10th tallest mountain - Mt Annapurna. 

What is the Best Time for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk?

Despite any beginning point or route, the ideal time for the Annapurna Base Camp Ghandruk Trek from Pokhara is the same, which is during Spring (mid-March to late May) and Autumn, just like any Himalayan adventure. However, it is also considered an all-year-round trek by many, as every season rewards visitors with something distinct, which is worth undertaking; it's all about one's personal choices and feasibility, which season they are willing to opt for.

While winter demonstrates the snowy, frosty peaks and trails covered with snow, it comes with major drawbacks, as the route might become too slippery and strenuous to proceed further, due to heavy precipitation, but if you are an experienced hiker, then you can easily complete this ABC Trek from Pokhara in winter as well. For several reasons, we highly recommend the following seasons for the 6-day Annapurna Base Camp Trekking: one remains for safety, and another, of course! The great views, let's take a deep dive into what each ideal peak seasons unfold during the expedition:

Spring (March to May)

The spring season in the land of the Himalayas - Nepal, turns into heaven with the vibrant blooming flowers, and along the route, the whole region thrives in the vibrant color of rhododendrons and golden agricultural farms en route, hence making it one of the ideal seasons for this trek. Not only that, you can expect a chill hike in the mild temperature, as winter just says goodbye and leaves a spark of cool weather, the temperature usually ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius on the lower trails, however, moving to the upper sections to the base camp, it falls to 5 to 0 degree celsius, hence, you can settle in at the tea houses being cozy at night time.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn tends to be another peak time and an ideal season to meander throughout the Annapurna region, as this span of the idyllic year presents something distinct from any other months, as the main festivals - Dashain and Tihar fall in between September and October. Apart from that, as this season comes right after monsoon, the heavy rain days, the weather becomes clear, with almost zero chances of precipitation, delivering the widest range of the great Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, in its best form, marking its place as one of the best times for the trip to ABC from Pokhara.

How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara?

Even though the ABC Trek from Pokhara ascends at such a high elevation of 4163 meters, it is still considered an easy to moderately challenging trek in Nepal; however, it highly depends on one's physical endurance and mental positivity, as well, as that's what matters at high altitude expeditions. This 6-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek passes through several kinds of terrains, from fine pathways to dense forest, to rugged and steeply remote sections, and finally the slippery glacier valleys. You must have a basic level of physical fitness at least to cover such a route.

Besides, this trek also demands 5 to 6 hours with daily distance coverage of 10 to 12 kilometers; it might be strenuous for some who have never been on any treks before; however, compared to Everest Base Camp or any other expeditions, it remains easy and doable by beginners as well, with prior preparations beforehand. The only thing to highly consider is the high elevation gain, your body spots at such thin air of mountains, as ascending with low oxygen level can be fatiguing to some and can even lead to altitude sickness, if the preventive guidelines are not taken beforehand.

However, as our Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara itinerary is carefully tailored with the elevation gain of only 300 to 500 meters per day, without rushing things and ascending with a high level of panic, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is bare minimum. Mostly, experienced hikers go all their level out and even try to commence this hike for 3-4 days, and later on leads to adverse situations, but that won't be case here, as keeping these things in mind, we've crafted this itinerary for 6 days, so you can safely ascend without any issue, making it a doable expedition without demanding age limits, and prior experiences.

How to be prepared for the trek to ABC from Pokhara?

This ABC Trek from Pokhara does require some preparations beforehand, prior to some days or even weeks, if you want a hassle-free journey, without any leg-trembling situations and mentally fatiguing conditions. Even though the Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Hike has merely hazardous conditions, as the trails are well maintained and placed with fine lodgings en route, having yourself fully prepared not only leads to a successful trip, but also makes the trek even more exciting and enjoyable.

The first and foremost essential thing to consider is making yourself fully ready physically, and making sure that you can venture out on this journey without any back pain and shaking your legs, after a full ascent and descent round off. For that, you can just engage in any cardiovascular exercises, like cycling, treadmill (running or walking with high incline), swimming, or weight training, like squats, lunges, and many more. However, if hitting the gym isn't your forte, then you can just stroll nearby parks or streets, completing 10,000 steps just to strengthen the leg muscles, or even just do home workouts or ace 100 ascents and descents via staircase.

Another thing to keep in mind is creating a positive mindset, setting an enthusiastic perspective toward the expedition, and being prepared for any uncertain weather conditions and climatic changes. Hence, expect the unexpected, along the trailhead throughout the 6-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and also, the main part is, someone who is new to the Himalayas might be unfamiliar with the tea houses and lodges available en route, so do proper research and only opt for the expedition. Above all, make sure that you acclimatize properly, and do not go overboard and stray from the itinerary planned; follow your pace with the assistance of the guide navigating through a safe route.

Nonetheless, considering these necessary things, your journey to the highlands promises to be successful. Just do research and make your mind and body ready for this adventurous voyage, you are good to go!

Meals Availability and Drinking Facilities

As the Annapurna region caters to the tastes of every individual across the globe, you will not have to compromise your taste palette or any other specific dietary plan, as vegan, non-veg, and vegetarian meals are available in every tea house. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara package covers all the standard foods: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with a cup of tea or coffee as per your choice. The meals will be cooked accordingly.

Just make sure while ordering the food, state your dietary plans, and any allergic items that your body reacts to. Varied options from local cuisines to international meals are available, such as dumplings, sandwiches, rolls, pizzas, any soupy noodles, and soups, along the delicious breakfast items like granola, toasted bread, museli, fruit salads, coffee, oat means, peanut butter and jam as a side option, everything are served in every tea house, you will be settled in.

For the drinking options, one can find many beverage items from cold to hot ones, from Diet Coke to cozy soups, whereas it is impossible to find fresh juices, so make sure to carry dry fruits to maintain your diet. For the drinking water, hot water is served in every other meal, taking care of hygiene and tackling the cold at the same time. You can find bottled water at every other lodge, but it costs you double the price; hence, carrying a bottle and filling the water in tea houses is a better option than paying $3-4 for just 1 bottle of water. 

Accommodations during the 6 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Throughout these 6 days, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, you will be accommodated at the finest lodges available along the route; however, do not expect it to be luxury and premium, as all the lodges are basic, which is why it is named a tea house - run by the locals themselves. The bedding configuration is facilitated with twin beddings in most parts, with shared washrooms, at the high elevations, but if you are a solo traveler, then single private bedrooms can be managed with attached bathrooms in many sections. 

Nonetheless, the rooms are well kept with maintained and hygienic rooms that are comfortable and cozy enough to settle in, with a comfy bed, pillows, blankets, and clean bed sheets. For ease, one can bring a sleeping bag if travelling in winter, as the blankets might not be heated enough for newborns after crossing Chhomrong, closer to the base camp.

Note: The sleeping bags will be provided by us if you don't have one for the expedition, but they must be returned after the trip ends. It's just a service that we provide, so you do not have to rent or buy it, paying hundreds of dollars.

Do you need Travel Insurance for this adventure?

Even though the ABC Trek from Pokhara doesn't possess any challenges, it will be better if you opt for good travel insurance for this 6-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as it leads you to the high elevations over 3000 meters each day. As we all know, the mountain areas are not a joke like a stroll around a park, but come with several unfortunate conditions; the best thing to do is to get a great deal of information about the trip insurance from your home country if possible. Do not miss out on including trip cancellation or delay, theft, and most importantly, helicopter evacuation over 2500 meters, as it is the only way possible for severe injuries like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). You can either grab the insurance from Pokhara or Kathmandu, but it is always better to grab it from your homeland.

Transportation Facilities 

To reach Pokhara to start the Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk adventure, you can either take a flight to Pokhara or drive via tourist or local bus as per your choice; the airfare might cost approximately. USD 70 to 100, and the bus ride costs around USD 10 to 25, depending on the comfort bus you choose. Meanwhile, our ABC Trek from Pokhara covers a private jeep drive to reach the starting point of the trek - Ghandruk, and also a returning jeep ride from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara (PKR). Hence, you do not have to pay extra for the IN and OUT transportation facilities; meanwhile, you can minimize the cost by opting for a shared jeep as well.

Note: If you want a transportation facility to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu, then it can be arranged by us, where we'll only charge the cost for the ride, without overcharging you, and also considering your feasibility and comfort.

Essential Packing Lists

Starting from Pokhara, this 6-day ABC Trek from Pokhara oes require some essentials to fit in, and include in your packing list, and backpack, as there are minimal amenities available along the trail; hence, proper packing helps you to hike with ease, without worrying much about the services en route. Here are some of the recommendations to include in your packing essentials during this trek:

• Dry Fit T-shirts and Breathable Hiking Pants - comfortable to wear and easy to dry in
• Down Jacket or Puffer Jackets (any) - that's warm enough to wear in
• Hiking shorts and full-sleeved t-shirts 
• Rain Cover and Backpack cover to tuck in
• Cotton trousers or joggers (any)
• Woolen Balacava and Woolen muffler
• Normal Cap, and a woolen hat (while hiking, and also required while settling at the tea house)
• Innerwear and Underwear
• Other items: Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Moisturizer, Toothbrushes, toothpastes, towels, soaps, and other hygienic products
• Power banks and Batteries
• Chargers and head torches
• Sunglasses and Trekking poles

Booking Procedure

To make your Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, if you have not yet arrived in Nepal, you can book your trip via the website by clicking the "Book This Trip" section and paying 20% of the total trip amount as a booking deposit. Payment can be made using various methods, such as debit card, credit card, website, or whatever is feasible for you.

However, if you are already here in Nepal, then the payment can be made in person as well, either in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the remaining amount must be paid before the season, before 1 month, if possible, if not, or at least 2 weeks before the expedition, so we can make arrangements accordingly. Meanwhile, for the last-minute booking, you must pay 100% amount for this trek to ABC from Pokhara. If you have any queries, then you can either call or WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814 or just email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com. 

Essential Tips for 6 days ABC Trek from Pokhara

• Please, take note that, no matter which season you are in, whether it is a peak season or an off time, while packing the gears and clothing, it is crucial to consider other seasonal times as well, for instance: If you are undertaking this odyssey, in Spring and Autumn, then, you should also, consider, packing rain cover, rain coat, half light weighted and short sleeves t-shirt, for percipitation and also, include, winter essentials, like down jacket, wind proof or water proof jackets, and even sleeping bag, as well.
• The luxury standard lodge that you will ever come across throughout this six-day trip is the starting point: Ghandruk village. Then, as you go higher, the amenities become quite remote, with wifi and charging sockets only available at the dining area, so do not miss out bringing a power bank, and carry a local SIM Card, for communication purposes, and charge your gadgets quickly.
• Throughout the journey, you will find a wide variety of meals, options from vegetarian to non-veg to vegan options; however, we might not be aware, about your choices/preferences, thus, ensure us beforehand, or you can create diet chart as well, that caters your taste buds and health habits.
• Take a gradual ascent, and follow the itinerary, as it includes a gradual moderate hike, of 5-6 hrs, with an altitude gain of 300-400 meters on a daily basis.
• Do not get influenced by others to speed up the hike, and just follow the experienced trekking local guide.