Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation and Distance
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a phenomenal journey in the Annapurna Region, which is renowned for offering exceptional scenery. The trek offers several routes. The most popular two main ways to do the trek are through the direct way and via Poon Hill. The direct route typically starts from Jhinu Danda. Then, it takes you through the villages like Sinuwa (2,340 m), Deurali (3,175 m), all the way to ABC (4,130 m).
This is shorter in distance and duration. It covers a distance of approximately 50 km. Its highest point is at 4,130 meters at ABC. Embarking on a direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek is ideal for those with limited time but still wish to be at high altitude villages and witness the alpine scenery of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
On the other hand, the route via Poon Hill is a common standard itinerary and also provides trekkers an opportunity to view the sunrise over the beautiful mountains. This route usually begins from Hile or Nayapul. The trek passes through villages like Ghorepani (2,850 m), Tadapani (2,640 m) before joining the main ABC trail near Chhomrong. The distance of the trek via Poon Hill is around 75 km- 85 km, depending on the actual variations of trails.
If you choose the route via Poon Hill the itinerary gets extended for a couple of days. However, it facilitates better acclimatization and a more enhanced cultural and natural experience. You can choose any of these routes based on your interest, experience level, fitness and time frame.
The direct trek can be completed in around 9 days, so it is best if you want to complete the trek quickly. The Poon Hill route, however, will take you about 13 days. This route provides a more fulfilling trekking experience. Though they differ in terms of distance and duration, the routes meet before the final ascent to the base camp and provide stunning scenery of the Himalayas from the Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes
Option 1 – Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an enchanting journey in the Himalayas that leads you straight into the core of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek begins from Jhinu Danda following a drive from Pokhara and covers a total distance of around 48 to 50 km.
Trekkers usually walk around 5 to 7 hours daily on this trek. The trail takes you through dense forests, suspension bridges and beautiful villages like Sinuwa and Deurali, before you eventually reach the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp.
This trek is ideal for the trekkers with limited time, with an exceptional mountain, a close-up view of Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), and other surrounding peaks.
Distance Covered on Each Day During the Direct Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Route | Elevation Gain / Loss | Trek Distance | Trek Duration |
| Pokhara (822m) – Jhinu (1,780 m) – Sinuwa (2,340 m) | Pokhara to Jhinu: + 958 m
Jhinu to Sinuwa: +560 m |
5.1 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Sinuwa(2,340 m)- Deurali (3,175 m) | +835 m | 10.9 km | 6 hours |
| Deurali (3,175 m) – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) | +955 m | 7.7 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m- Bamboo (2,300 m) | – 1830 m | 14 km | 5 hour |
| Bamboo (2,300 m) to Jhinu Hot Spring(1,780 m) | – 520 m | 10 km | 6 hour |
Option 2- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill takes you to the scenic trails, covering the distance of approximately 75 km- 85 km. Trekkers typically walk for around 5 to 7 hours daily during this trek.
This trek’s major draw is the early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). The hike rewards you with sunrise views over Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare and many other surrounding peaks.
The trek provides you a chance to explore the villages like Tadapani and Chomrong. You can get glimpses of the authentic culture of the region during the journey. The route via Poon Hill enhances the trek’s visual appeal of the trek. The trek is an excellent option for those who wish to explore this beautiful region at a leisurely pace and witness surreal beauty of diverse Himalayan landscapes.
Distance Covered on Each Day During Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill
| Route | Elevation Gain/ Loss | Trek Distance | Trek Duration |
| Drive from Pokhara (822 m) to Hile (1,630 m) and trek to Ulleri (1,980 m) | Pokhara to Hile: +808 m
Hile to Ulleri: +350 m |
5 km | 4 hours |
| Ulleri (1,980 m)- Ghorepani (2,850 m) | +870 m | 8 km | 6 hours |
| Ghorepani (2,850 m- Poon Hill (3,210 m)- Tadapani (2,640 m) | Ghorepani to Poon Hill: +360 m
Poon Hill to Tadapani: -570 m |
10 km | 6 hours |
| Tadapani (2,640 m) – Chomrong (1,951 m) | – 689 m | 8 km | 6 hours |
| Chomrong (1,951 m- Dovan (2,130 m) | +179 m | 9km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Dovan (2,130 m) – Machapuchare Base Camp (3,720 m) | +1590 m | 9km | 6 hours |
| Machapuchare Base Camp (3,720 m)- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) | +410 m | 3km | 4 hours |
| Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)- Bamboo (2,300 m) | – 1830 m | 16 km | 6 hours |
| Bamboo (2,300 m)- Jhinu Danda (1,760) | – 540 m | 8.5 km | 5 hours |
