Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsThe same Annapurna Sanctuary as our 14-day trek, on a faster route via Ghandruk, with our own licensed guides
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek: What to Expect
360-degree glacial amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli at 4,130m
Direct route via Ghandruk and Chhomrong, without the Poon Hill loop
Every trek is led by one of our own guides, not a freelancer hired for the trip
Natural thermal pools on the Modi Khola riverbank. The best way to end 6 days on trail
This is the fast way into the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Pokhara you walk about 70km over 6 days, starting at Syauli Bazaar and going up through Ghandruk and Chhomrong to base camp at 4,130m. You come back down the Modi Khola valley and stop at the Jhinu hot springs on the way out. It reaches the same place as our 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 4 fewer days, for $252 less. ACAP and TIMS permits are included. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one.
There are no rest days. The hardest days are Day 6, from Himalaya Hotel up to base camp with 1,200m of climbing, and Day 7, a 16km descent to Bamboo. The faster pace gives your body less time to adjust above 3,000m. This trip suits fit trekkers who have hiked before. If you’re new to trekking or to altitude, the 14-day trek is the better choice.
Trail highlights:
- Ghandruk: one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, with direct views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
- The bamboo and rhododendron forest between Chomrong and Himalaya Hotel, steep, dense, and one of the most atmospheric sections on any Annapurna trail
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m with the sacred Fishtail peak rising directly overhead
- Sunrise at ABC: first light hitting Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from inside the glacial basin
For a comparison of the Express and 15-day ABC read our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at arrivals and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. That evening we hold a pre-trip briefing covering the full route, kit check, and permit paperwork. Bring your passport. If you need last-minute gear, Thamel shops open from 8am and stock everything from trekking poles to sleeping bags.
Drive to Pokhara
The tourist bus departs at 7am from Sorakhutte, a short walk from Thamel. The 200km drive along the Prithvi Highway takes 7 to 8 hours with two scheduled stops. Arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon with the evening free. Phewa Lake is 10 minutes from most hotels. If you are prone to motion sickness take medication before boarding.
Drive to Syauli Bazaar, Trek to Ghandruk
A private jeep takes you from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar in 1.5 hours, where the trail begins. The climb to Ghandruk takes 3 to 4 hours through terraced farmland and stone steps. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal with direct views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Explore the stone-paved streets and Gurung Museum before dinner.
Trek to Chomrong
A varied day with a descent to the Kimrong Khola suspension bridge before a long steady climb through rhododendron forest to Chomrong. This is the last permanent settlement before the sanctuary and the gateway to ABC. The stone steps into Chomrong are steep. Views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre open up as you arrive.
Trek to Himalaya Hotel
A steep descent to the Chomrong Khola then a sustained climb through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. The trail passes Sinuwa, Bamboo, and Dovan, staying deep inside the Modi Khola gorge with waterfalls on both sides. Vegetation thins above Himalaya Hotel as you approach the glacial zone. This is where the landscape changes completely.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
The highlight day. From Himalaya Hotel the trail enters open alpine terrain above the treeline, passing Deurali and the avalanche-prone section before Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m. The final 30 minutes into the sanctuary reveals the full 360-degree amphitheatre. Annapurna I at 8,091m, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre rise directly above you on all sides. This is a big jump in altitude. Walk slowly, drink plenty, and tell your guide about any headache. If you feel unwell, we stop at MBC for the night.
Descend to Bamboo
Wake before dawn for the sunrise over the Annapurna range before beginning the long descent. The views looking back as you leave the sanctuary are as good as the views going in. The 16km descent back through Deurali, Himalaya Hotel, and Dovan to Bamboo takes 6 to 7 hours and puts real pressure on the knees. Poles are essential.
Trek to Jhinu Danda, Drive to Pokhara
Trek back through Sinuwa and up to Chomrong, then descend to Jhinu Danda where natural hot spring pools sit on the banks of the Modi Khola. Soak for as long as you want. A private jeep picks you up at the suspension bridge for the 2-hour drive back to Pokhara. Hotel, hot shower, and a proper bed tonight.
Drive to Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner
Tourist bus back to Kathmandu, 200km in 7 to 8 hours along the Prithvi Highway. Arrive by early evening. That night your guide takes you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of dal bhat, momos, and traditional Nepali dishes. A good moment to let 6 days in the Annapurna Sanctuary sink in.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to the airport timed to your flight. If you have time before departure, Boudhanath is 20 minutes by taxi and worth a final morning visit.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu Private vehicle, arrival and departure
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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3-star hotel in Pokhara 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek 5 nights, twin-sharing throughout
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Pokhara return Both directions, departs 7am from Sorakhutte
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Jeep to and from the trailhead Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar on Day 3, Jhinu Danda to Pokhara on Day 8
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Government-licensed trekking guide English-speaking, with your group for the whole trek
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Porter service One porter for every two trekkers. Keep your duffel to about 10 to 15kg
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All staff costs Salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Required entry permit for the Annapurna region
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TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal with your guide
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Duffel bag Yours to keep as a souvenir
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee 15 days $30 / 30 days $50 / 90 days $125, available on arrival
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Travel insurance Must cover trekking to 4,130m and helicopter evacuation
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All meals on trek Budget $30 to $40 per day. Teahouses serve breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Except the farewell dinner
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us. We lend trekking poles for free
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging Small charge at teahouses, typically $2 to $5 each
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Guide and porter tips Customary. Roughly 10-15% of the trip price
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Personal expenses Snacks, bottled water, laundry, souvenirs
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Extra nights if flights or roads are delayed Hotel nights and meals from weather or road delays are paid by you
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Helicopter rescue Paid to the helicopter company by your insurer, or by you. We arrange it but don't pay for it
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Two tiers on this trek. Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3-star hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included. On trail, Ghandruk and Chomrong have the best teahouse facilities with some attached bathrooms, hot showers at extra cost, and reliable dining. Above Chomrong, from Bamboo through Himalaya Hotel to ABC, facilities become progressively more basic. Rooms are unheated, bathrooms are shared, and hot showers are scarce above Dovan. ABC itself is cold at night with thin blankets. A sleeping bag rated to -5°C is essential. Jhinu Danda on the descent has comfortable teahouses and natural hot spring access a short walk below the village.
- Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-star hotel, private bathroom, breakfast included
- Ghandruk and Chomrong: established teahouses, some attached bathrooms, solar hot showers at extra cost
- Bamboo to Himalaya Hotel: basic teahouses, shared bathrooms, limited hot water
- Annapurna Base Camp: very basic, unheated rooms, cold nights, bring all your layers to bed
- Jhinu Danda: comfortable teahouses, natural hot springs 30 minutes downhill on Modi Khola
- Sleeping bag rated to -5°C recommended throughout
Teahouse menus are consistent from Ghandruk to ABC: dal bhat, garlic soup, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, eggs, pancakes, and ginger tea. Dal bhat is the safest and most nutritious option at every stop, cooked fresh to order. Do not eat meat above Chomrong. Freshness cannot be guaranteed inside the sanctuary where everything is porter-carried. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Prices increase with altitude. ABC charges the most as all supplies are carried in on foot or by helicopter. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks on trail, slightly more at ABC.
| Meals on trail | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi (where available) | $2 to $3 |
| Battery charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $2 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“Perfect trek for a short holiday”
With limited time in Nepal, the ABC Express trek was ideal. Kumar kept us moving at a comfortable pace without ever making it feel rushed. The scenery was incredible, and reaching base camp in just a few days felt like a real achievement. MountainKick organized everything smoothly.
“Amazing experience in the Annapurna region”
Jeevan looked after us really well throughout. The days were fairly long, but he was always checking in and knew when a short break was needed. The mountain views got more beautiful as we neared ABC. A great option if the longer Annapurna treks don't fit your schedule.
“Short, challenging and completely worth it”
Gopal made this trip fantastic. It's not an easy trek, you cover a lot of ground in a short time, but the route is beautiful and finally arriving at Annapurna Base Camp was unforgettable. Gopal was calm, experienced, and easy to travel with. MountainKick handled the arrangements without a hitch.
“Beautiful trek and excellent organization”
This was our first time trekking in Nepal, and MountainKick made us feel well taken care of. Hari was friendly and helpful throughout. The trail through the forests and villages was lovely, and waking up surrounded by the Annapurna mountains was the highlight of the whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Express Trek different from the 14-day ABC Trek?
Both reach the same base camp at 4,130m. The Express goes straight in via Ghandruk and Chhomrong in 10 days, skips Poon Hill, and costs $252 less. Our 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek adds Poon Hill and a slower pace, which gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Choose the Express if you’re fit and short on time.
How difficult is the Express ABC Trek?
Challenging (Level 3 on our scale). Daily hiking averages 5 to 7 hours with no rest days. The hardest day is Day 6, pushing from Himalaya Hotel through Machhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC in 6 to 7 hours at altitude. Day 7 is a 16km descent that puts real pressure on the knees. The faster pace means less time to adjust above 3,000m. Prior trekking experience and good cardiovascular fitness are strongly recommended. This is not a beginner trek. See our full trek difficulty guide for context.
How fit do I need to be and how should I prepare?
You need to be happy walking 5 to 7 hours a day for 6 days in a row, with a daypack of up to 8kg. Train for 8 to 10 weeks before you come, with cardio 4 or 5 times a week: running, cycling, stair climbing or long hikes. Do some 5 to 6 hour hikes on back to back days. Practise going downhill too, for the long Day 7 descent.
Is 10 days enough time to reach Annapurna Base Camp safely?
Yes, for fit trekkers with some experience. But there’s no spare day, and Day 6 climbs 1,210m from Himalaya Hotel to base camp. Mild headaches are common up there. Walk slowly, drink plenty, and tell your guide about any symptoms. If they get worse, your guide stops at MBC or takes you down, and your safety comes before the schedule. If you’re new to altitude, the 14-day trek is the safer choice.
Do your group dates run if I’m the only one booked?
Yes. Every group date runs, even with one booking. Groups are small, 8 trekkers at most. The group price is $568 per person. If 4 or more of you book together, you each pay $465.
Can I do this trek solo?
Yes. You can book a private trip at the solo price of $895, or join one of our group dates at $568. Every group date runs, even if you’re the only one booked. Female guides are available on request.
Can altitude sickness be a problem on this trek?
Yes. Base camp is at 4,130m, and the Express climbs faster than our 14-day trek. Mild headaches and poor sleep are common above 3,000m. A dry cough, loss of balance or confusion means you must go down straight away. Your guide carries an oximeter and checks your oxygen levels each day. Ask your doctor about Diamox before you travel.
What permits do I need and are they included?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included, and we arrange them before you leave. ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Bring your passport and two passport photos to the briefing. Permits are checked on the way in and at Chhomrong.
Is a licensed guide mandatory on this route?
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one. On this route your guide also checks avalanche conditions near Deurali and watches for altitude sickness.
What food is available and is it safe?
Teahouses from Ghandruk to base camp serve dal bhat, soups, fried rice, pasta, eggs, pancakes and ginger tea. Dal bhat is the safest choice and gives you refills. There’s no meat above Chhomrong, as the Sanctuary is treated as sacred. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Budget $30 to $40 a day for meals on the trail.
What should I budget beyond the package price?
Plan for international flights, your visa ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days) and travel insurance. On the trail, budget $30 to $40 a day for meals, plus $3 to $5 for a hot shower and $2 to $3 for Wi-Fi where you can get it. For tips, about NPR 1,200 to 1,500 a day for the guide and NPR 1,000 a day for each porter is normal, shared by the group. There are no ATMs on the trail, so take out all your cash in Pokhara. Most trekkers spend $300 to $400 on top of the package.
What travel insurance do I need?
Your insurance must cover trekking to 4,130m and helicopter evacuation, as well as medical treatment and altitude illness. Many standard policies stop at 4,000m, so check yours. A helicopter rescue from the ABC area usually costs $2,500 to $4,000. If you need one, we arrange it with your guide and your insurer. Your insurer, or you, pays the helicopter company directly. Carry a printed copy of your policy. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains what to look for.
How does the Express ABC compare to Mardi Himal or Poon Hill?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes 9 days, costs from $550 and tops out at 3,210m. It’s the easiest of the three and known for its sunrise view. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek takes 10 days, costs from $615, reaches about 4,500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp, and has quieter trails. The Express ABC takes 10 days, costs from $568, and takes you right inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m.
What happens if roads are blocked or the weather delays us?
Your guide changes the plan to keep you safe, and we rebook any transport at no charge. Extra hotel nights and meals caused by weather or road delays are paid by you. This trip has no spare day, so we suggest leaving 1 or 2 days before your flight home.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
- Nothing to pay now
- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Break your boots in before you arrive. New boots on 3,000 stone steps will ruin your trek.
Clothing
ⓘ You need layers, not volume. The same fleece that keeps you warm at dinner is what you wear up Poon Hill at 4:30am.
Head and Hands
ⓘ The Poon Hill summit at 4:30am is cold regardless of season. Pack these even in spring.
Gear
ⓘ Trekking poles are not optional. The stone steps and wet descents below Ghandruk are slippery. Poles prevent falls and protect your knees.
Health and First Aid
ⓘ Your guide carries a full kit and oximeter. Your personal kit covers the everyday issues. Blisters are the most common problem on this trek.
Toiletries
ⓘ Keep it minimal. You are staying in small teahouse rooms with limited space.
Documents and Money
ⓘ Documents and Money category_note: No ATMs past Pokhara. Carry all cash from Pokhara in small denominations — 100, 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. Large notes are hard to change at small teahouses.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for this trek. The trail above Chomrong receives heavy rainfall, avalanche risk increases above Deurali, and views inside the sanctuary are blocked for days at a time
Leave at home
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Jeans or cotton clothing Takes days to dry and has zero insulation when wet.
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on steep trails.
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Excessive snacks from home Dal bhat and teahouse food is cheap and abundant.
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Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
leeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu or Pokhara. We lend trekking poles for free. For anything else, we point you to shops we trust at the pre-trip briefing. Every trekker gets a MountainKick duffel bag
Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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