The Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days itinerary is a good option for trekkers who want to experience the Annapurna Sanctuary but do not have enough time for a longer trek. The journey combines a short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a scenic drive to Jhinu Danda, and several days of walking through villages, forests and the high Himalayan landscape.
The trekking route reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, passing through Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary.
This itinerary also gives you a proper arrival day in Kathmandu and a departure day at the end of the trip. That makes the program easier for international travelers who are booking their entire Nepal holiday with Igloo Himalaya Treks.
The 9 days include the travel time between Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as the complete trekking route. The walking days normally involve around 5 to 8 hours of trekking, depending on the trail, weather, group pace and overnight stops.
Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days at a Glance
| Day | Itinerary | Max. Altitude | Distance | Walking Hours | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,400 m | — | — | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jhinu Danda – Chhomrong | 2,170 m | 5–7 km | 3–4 hrs | Chhomrong |
| Day 3 | Chhomrong – Sinuwa – Bamboo – Dovan | 2,600 m | 10–11 km | 6–7 hrs | Dovan |
| Day 4 | Dovan – Himalaya – Deurali | 3,200 m | 10–11 km | 5–6 hrs | Deurali |
| Day 5 | Deurali – MBC – Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m | 7–8 km | 5–6 hrs | ABC |
| Day 6 | ABC – MBC – Deurali – Bamboo | 2,310 m | 14–18 km | 7–8 hrs | Bamboo |
| Day 7 | Bamboo – Sinuwa – Chhomrong – Jhinu Danda – Pokhara | 1,780 m | 10–12 km | 5–6 hrs | Pokhara |
| Day 8 | Pokhara – Kathmandu by flight | 1,400 m | — | — | Kathmandu |
| Day 9 | Final departure from Nepal | — | — | — | — |
Distances and walking hours are approximate. The actual figures can change depending on the exact trail, road conditions, weather and walking pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal.
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, an Igloo Himalaya Treks representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
After checking in, you can take some time to rest after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you can also walk around the nearby area and get your first look at Kathmandu.
Your trekking guide can meet you later and explain the Annapurna Base Camp trek, check your equipment and make sure you are ready for the journey ahead.
There is no trekking today, so you can keep the day relaxed.
Altitude: Approximately 1,400 m
Walking: No trekking
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, Drive to Jhinu Danda and Trek to Chhomrong
Today you leave Kathmandu and head toward the Annapurna region.
After breakfast, you take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight is short, and on a clear morning you may get views of the Himalayan mountains.
After arriving in Pokhara, you continue by road toward Jhinu Danda, the starting point for today’s walk.
From Jhinu Danda, the trail climbs toward Chhomrong. The route passes through green hills and local settlements, with sections of stone steps along the way.
After several hours, you reach Chhomrong at approximately 2,170 meters. This is one of the main villages on the Annapurna Base Camp route and a good place to spend your first night in the mountains.
Maximum altitude: 2,170 m
Walking distance: Approximately 5–7 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Chhomrong
Day 3: Chhomrong to Sinuwa, Bamboo and Dovan
After breakfast, you start walking deeper into the Annapurna region.
The trail first descends from Chhomrong through a series of stone steps toward the Chhomrong Khola. After crossing the suspension bridge, you climb toward Sinuwa.
From Sinuwa, the trail continues through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The forest provides shade in many sections, but the trail still has plenty of uphill and downhill walking.
You pass through Bamboo before continuing toward Dovan.
Dovan is located at around 2,600 meters, so today’s overnight stop brings you further into the higher part of the valley.
Maximum altitude: Approximately 2,600 m
Walking distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Walking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Dovan
Day 4: Dovan to Himalaya and Deurali
The fourth day takes you further into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
From Dovan, you follow the Modi Khola valley toward Himalaya. The trail continues through forest, rocky sections and areas surrounded by steep mountain walls.
After Himalaya, you continue toward Deurali.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes thinner and the temperature begins to drop. The surrounding mountains also become more visible.
You spend the night at Deurali, around 3,200 meters.
Because you are now getting close to 4,000 meters, it is important to keep a comfortable walking pace and drink enough water.
Maximum altitude: Approximately 3,200 m
Walking distance: Approximately 10–11 km
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Deurali
Day 5: Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Today is the main highlight of your trek.
You leave Deurali after breakfast and continue toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC).
The landscape changes as you move above the tree line. The forest becomes much thinner, the valley opens up and the surrounding Himalayan peaks appear much closer.
After reaching MBC, you continue toward Annapurna Base Camp.
The trail enters the famous Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by huge Himalayan peaks. After several hours of walking, you finally reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
This is the highest point of the trek.
Take your time to enjoy the mountain scenery and the atmosphere of the sanctuary. If the weather is clear, you can see several impressive peaks surrounding the base camp.
Maximum altitude: 4,130 m
Walking distance: Approximately 7–8 km
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is generally listed at 4,130 meters above sea level in Nepal tourism information.
Day 6: Annapurna Base Camp to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Bamboo
Wake early if the weather is clear. Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp can be one of the best moments of the trek.
After breakfast, you begin descending through the Annapurna Sanctuary.
You retrace the trail toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continue down to Deurali. From there, you pass Himalaya and Dovan before continuing toward Bamboo.
This is a long day of walking. Even though you are mostly descending, the distance can be tiring after reaching 4,130 meters the previous day.
Take regular breaks and walk carefully on the downhill stone sections.
By the end of the day, you reach Bamboo and spend the night there.
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,130 m at the start
Walking distance: Approximately 14–18 km
Walking time: 7–8 hours
Overnight: Bamboo
Day 7: Bamboo to Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Jhinu Danda and Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, you begin the final trekking day.
From Bamboo, you walk through the forest toward Sinuwa. From there, you continue toward Chhomrong.
The trail around Chhomrong includes several stone steps and some uphill and downhill sections. After passing Chhomrong, you continue toward Jhinu Danda.
Jhinu Danda is well known for its natural hot springs. If time allows, you can visit the hot springs and relax after completing the main section of your trek.
After finishing the walking section, you meet your vehicle and drive toward Pokhara.
Once you arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Altitude: Approximately 1,780 m at Jhinu Danda
Walking distance: Approximately 10–12 km
Walking time: 5–6 hours
Drive: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Overnight: Pokhara
Day 8: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
The flight is short, and clear weather can provide another opportunity to see the Himalayan range from above.
After landing in Kathmandu, our team will transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax after the trek. You can explore Thamel, buy souvenirs, visit a nearby attraction or simply enjoy some quiet time at your hotel.
Flight: Pokhara → Kathmandu
Walking: No trekking
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 9: Final Departure from Nepal
Your Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days itinerary comes to an end today.
Depending on your international flight time, you can have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your final hours in Kathmandu.
An Igloo Himalaya Treks representative will arrange your airport transfer and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight.
We hope you return home with good memories of the Annapurna mountains, the local villages and the journey to Annapurna Base Camp.
Departure: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Trekking: No trekking
Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days Trekking Hours
You should expect approximately 3–8 hours of walking per day during the trekking section.
The shorter walking day is from Jhinu Danda to Chhomrong on Day 2. The longest day is normally Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo on Day 6, which can take around 7–8 hours.
Walking times are estimates. Your actual time will depend on your fitness, weather, trail conditions and the number of breaks you take.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude
Altitude is an important part of the ABC trek.
The journey starts in Kathmandu at approximately 1,400 meters, while Annapurna Base Camp reaches 4,130 meters.
The major altitude points on this itinerary are:
- Kathmandu – 1,400 m
- Chhomrong – 2,170 m
- Dovan – 2,600 m
- Deurali – 3,200 m
- Annapurna Base Camp – 4,130 m
- Jhinu Danda – approximately 1,780 m
Because the trail reaches above 4,000 meters, maintaining a steady pace is important. If you feel unwell, tell your guide rather than trying to continue without saying anything.
Is Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days Difficult?
The Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days trek is moderate to challenging.
You don’t need previous mountaineering experience or technical climbing skills. However, you should be prepared for several days of walking, steep stone stairs, uneven trails and increasing altitude.
The most physically demanding parts are generally the long walking days and the repeated uphill and downhill sections.
Good preparation before coming to Nepal can make a big difference. Regular walking, hiking, stair climbing and basic cardiovascular exercise are useful ways to prepare.
9 Days vs Longer Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days
If you have more time, a longer itinerary can be more comfortable. The 9-day version is designed for trekkers who want to reach ABC efficiently.
A longer itinerary can allow shorter walking days and more time to enjoy villages and scenery. The 9-day route is better when time is your biggest limitation.
This is also why you should not simply copy another company’s 9-day itinerary. Some versions use Ghandruk, some start higher by road, and some include different overnight stops. Current published itineraries show considerable variation in routes and distances.
Why Choose This Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary?
The main advantage of this itinerary is that it keeps the trip short without removing the main parts of the ABC experience.
You get:
- Kathmandu arrival
- Kathmandu to Pokhara flight
- Drive to Jhinu Danda
- Trek to Chhomrong
- Annapurna Sanctuary
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m
- Jhinu Danda
- Drive back to Pokhara
- Pokhara to Kathmandu flight
- Final departure
It is a practical option for travelers who want to see the Annapurna mountains but have limited time in Nepal.
Why Trek Annapurna Base Camp With Igloo Himalaya Treks?
At Igloo Himalaya Treks, we understand that a short trek needs good planning.
Our local team handles the transportation, trekking arrangements and local support so that you can concentrate on the trail and the scenery.
We don’t expect every traveler to walk at exactly the same speed. Our guide keeps the pace comfortable and takes into account the condition of the group, weather and trail conditions.
The goal is simple: reach Annapurna Base Camp safely, enjoy the journey and return to Kathmandu without making the trek unnecessarily complicated.
Annapurna Base Camp 9 Days: Quick Facts
Trek duration: 9 days
Trekking days: 6 days
Highest point: 4,130 m
Approximate walking distance: 60–70 km
Average walking: 5–8 hours on most trekking days
Starting point: Jhinu Danda
Main villages: Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali
Major highlights: MBC, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary and Jhinu Danda
Start: Kathmandu
End: Kathmandu
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This version is much closer to what I recommend publishing: the itinerary is the main content, every trekking day has the practical information readers actually need, and Igloo Himalaya Treks is present naturally without making the page sound like an advertisement.
