| Trip code | |
| Package name | Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek |
| Duration | 9 |
| Max. elevation | 4130 m |
| Level | Moderate |
| Transportation | Tourist Bus/ Private |
| Accomodation | Included ? 4 nights at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. First few days: Private rooms with attached bathrooms. After that: comfortable teahouses with shared bathrooms. |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
Experience the heart of the Himalayas in just nine days. No shortcuts on experience — only on time.
There's a moment that stays with every trekker who reaches Annapurna Base Camp: the silence. You're standing at 4,130 metres, completely surrounded by a circle of peaks that climbers dream about for a lifetime — Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna — and the world feels impossibly still. That moment is why people fly halfway across the planet to be here. And with the Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek, you can reach it in nine days without compromising the quality of the experience.
This itinerary has been carefully designed for trekkers who have limited time but unlimited drive. Whether you're a first-time Himalayan trekker or a seasoned traveller squeezing Nepal into a two-week window, this route delivers everything the classic ABC trek offers — the dramatic trail, the teahouse culture, the rhododendron forests, the glacial moraines — just with a tighter, more purposeful schedule.
At Majestic Trails Nepal, we've guided this route for years. We know every turn, every teahouse, and every weather window
| Trek Name | Duration | Difficulty | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 14 Days | Moderate | From USD 940 | Scenic Annapurna views with lush rhododendron forests |
| Mardi Himal Trek | 9 Days | Moderate | From USD 630 | Secluded trail with close-up Mardi Himalayan views |
| Pikey Peak Trek | 10 Days | Moderate | From USD 1,090 | Quiet trails, cultural villages, panoramic Everest region views |
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a Majestic Trails Nepal representative, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. After some rest, you will meet the owner and trekking guide for a briefing session, where you will receive important details about the trek, including safety protocols, route plans, and necessary gear. If you need to rent or purchase any trekking equipment, our team will assist you in finding the best stores in Thamel, Kathmandu’s popular tourist hub.
In the evening, you can explore Kathmandu, visit cultural sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple, or simply relax at your hotel.
Today, after a hearty breakfast, you'll leave Kathmandu behind and begin your scenic journey to Pokhara, a popular destination known for its natural beauty and tranquil lakes. The journey by bus will take approximately 7-8 hours, with the route winding through hilly landscapes, rivers, and small villages. The road conditions are not the best, so you should expect a long, bumpy ride. Despite the rough ride, the views along the way are stunning, offering glimpses of terraced fields, rivers, and lush forests. If you'd prefer a more comfortable and quicker journey, you can opt to fly to Pokhara, which takes just 30 minutes but incurs an additional cost of around $90. Once in Pokhara, check into your hotel, and if you have time, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Phewa Lake, where you can take a boat ride or relax by the lakeside cafes.
This morning, after breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting jeep ride from Pokhara to Jhinu Dada. The jeep ride takes around 2-3 hours, driving through picturesque rural landscapes, passing small villages, terraced fields, and dense forests. From Jhinu Dada, the real trekking begins as we set off on foot towards Sinuwa. The trek from Jhinu Dada to Sinuwa is moderate, taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete. As you ascend, the trail leads you through rhododendron forests and charming settlements. Sinuwa offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a peaceful spot to spend the night, giving you a taste of the serene beauty of the Annapurna region.
Today, you will begin your trek from Sinuwa to Deurali, an ascent that will take you through thick bamboo and oak forests. The path is steeper today, but the journey is incredibly rewarding as you pass through lush landscapes and gain altitude. Along the way, you will be treated to more panoramic views of the Annapurna massif and the surrounding peaks. As you approach Deurali, the trail begins to open up, offering dramatic views of the snow-capped mountains ahead. Deurali is located at an altitude of 3,230 meters, and the cool mountain air here feels refreshing after a day of hiking. You will spend the night at a lodge in Deurali, enjoying the beauty of the mountains surrounding you.
This is the most exciting day of your trek, as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the pinnacle of your journey. The trek from Deurali to ABC is long and challenging, but every step brings you closer to the heart of the Himalayas. The landscape changes as you ascend, with more alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and dramatic views of the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and the mighty Annapurna I. The path is dotted with small tea houses where you can take breaks and enjoy the stunning vistas. Once you reach Annapurna Base Camp, at an altitude of 4,130 meters, take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Range. The 360-degree view of the snow-capped peaks is absolutely breathtaking and makes the challenging trek worthwhile. After enjoying the views, you will rest at the Base Camp and reflect on your remarkable journey.
On this day, you’ll rise early to catch the incredible sunrise over the Annapurna Range. The first rays of sunlight hit the towering peaks, casting a warm golden glow on the snow-covered mountains—a truly magical experience. After taking in the sunrise, you will begin your descent back to either Bamboo or Sinuwa, depending on your pace. The downhill trek is easier on the legs, but still requires careful attention to the trail. You’ll pass through dense forests and small villages, reliving the beauty of the landscapes in reverse. By the time you reach your overnight stop, either at Bamboo or Sinuwa, you will have completed a significant part of the return journey, and you can rest and recuperate after the long day.
Today, you’ll trek from Sinuwa back down to the Jhinu Dada jeep station. The journey back is mostly downhill, passing through lush forests and vibrant villages. Once you reach the jeep station, a private jeep will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. The jeep ride back is a bit bumpy, but it’s much quicker than walking, and it will take around 3-4 hours to reach Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the stunning lake views, maybe even explore some of the local markets or cafes. Reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just experienced in the Annapurna region.
On the final day of your trek, you’ll head back to Kathmandu. The journey can be done either by bus or by flight. If you opt for the bus, the trip will take around 7-8 hours, with rough road conditions along the way. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu, which adds an extra cost of $90 but saves time. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your schedule, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring more of Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, temples, and markets.
Today marks the end of your unforgettable Annapurna Base Camp trek. Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. If you have more time and wish to extend your stay in Kathmandu, we offer various city tours to explore the rich cultural heritage of Nepal’s capital. From ancient temples to vibrant markets, Kathmandu offers endless opportunities for exploration. Let us know if you’d like to add any additional tours before you depart.
Let's be straightforward with you: the Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek is moderately challenging. It is absolutely achievable for fit beginners, but it does demand genuine physical preparation and a realistic understanding of what lies ahead.
Over nine days, you'll cover approximately 65 to 70 kilometres of mountain trail, gaining and losing significant altitude on most days. Daily walking hours range from five to seven hours, with Day 5 — the push to ABC — being the longest and most demanding stretch. You will climb stone-paved staircases that seem to go on forever, cross narrow suspension bridges over turquoise glacial rivers, and navigate trails that cut steeply through dense forest before opening into the high alpine terrain of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp itself at 4,130 metres. For context, this is higher than any peak in the Alps or the Rockies. At that altitude, the air contains roughly 40% less oxygen than at sea level. You may feel breathless on flat ground. Appetite often diminishes. Sleep can be restless. None of this is unusual — it's the body adjusting. What matters is that you ascend gradually and listen to your body.
Who is this trek suitable for? Honestly, anyone who walks regularly and has spent some time building cardiovascular fitness in the months before the trek. You don't need to be a marathon runner. You don't need previous Himalayan experience. What you need is consistency — regular hiking, cycling, swimming, or gym sessions in the six to eight weeks before your trek will make a meaningful difference to your enjoyment on the trail.
Our guides carry a pulse oximeter on every trek. We monitor your oxygen saturation daily, particularly as you gain altitude. Safety is never compromised for the sake of reaching a summit — not on any trek we run. Read our Detailed blogs on Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty.
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: what are we actually sleeping and eating out there?
The short answer is: better than you might expect, and with far more variety than most first-timers anticipate.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels — clean, well-maintained properties with private en-suite rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and either a buffet or à la carte breakfast included. These are the nights to sleep well, so we've chosen accommodation with that in mind.
On the trail, the Annapurna Sanctuary route is served by a well-established network of teahouses — family-run mountain lodges that provide dormitory or private room accommodation and hot meals. The quality of teahouses varies as you gain altitude: lower on the trail in villages like Chhomrong and Sinuwa, teahouses are spacious, well-maintained, and some even have attached bathrooms. Higher up, in Deurali and at ABC itself, accommodation is more basic — twin-bed rooms with thin walls and shared toilet facilities — but blankets and pillows are always provided.
Most rooms at higher altitude teahouses are not heated, and temperatures inside can be very cold at night. A good sleeping bag liner is strongly recommended, and we advise bringing earplugs if you're a light sleeper — mountain teahouses are communal by nature.
Meals are the heart of teahouse life. Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trekking days. The teahouse menus are surprisingly extensive: Nepali dal bhat (lentil soup, rice, vegetables, pickle — the trekker's ultimate fuel), pasta, noodle soup, fried rice, pancakes, apple pie, Snickers porridge, and a range of hot drinks including black tea, milk tea, lemon honey ginger tea, and instant coffee. Dal bhat, famously, comes with unlimited refills and is widely considered the best high-energy trekking meal in the Himalayas — our guides eat it at least once a day, and most trekkers come around to it quickly.
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in the lower sections of the route. However, please note that meat is officially discouraged and generally not available after Dovan, so only vegetarian meals are typically served beyond this point. If you have specific dietary requirements — such as vegan, gluten-free, or any food allergies — please inform us before departure so we can coordinate with teahouses in advance. The trail is well-used by international trekkers, and most teahouses are familiar with accommodating different dietary needs.
Hygiene is a fair concern at altitude. Teahouses on the Annapurna trail are generally clean, and clean drinking water is available in the form of boiled or filtered water purchased from teahouses (we recommend water purification tablets as a backup). Hand washing before meals and use of hand sanitiser is a habit worth maintaining throughout the trek. Read our Detailed blogs on Accommodation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Timing your trek wisely is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and it's one where our experience can genuinely help.
The best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both offer dramatically different but equally compelling trekking experiences.
Spring is the preferred season for most trekkers. Temperatures on the trail range from around 10–15°C during the day at lower elevations to -5°C to -10°C at night near ABC. The rhododendron forests are in full bloom from late March through April, the trail is vibrant with colour and birdsong, and the days are long enough for comfortable trekking hours. Visibility varies — morning skies are often crystal clear before cloud builds in the afternoon, which is standard behaviour for Himalayan weather — but there are frequent windows of exceptional clarity, particularly in March and early April before the pre-monsoon moisture arrives.
Autumn (October and November in particular) is statistically the clearest season in Nepal. After the monsoon washes the air clean, the skies over the Annapurna range can be strikingly sharp and blue, with visibility extending to peaks hundreds of kilometres distant. Temperatures are cooler than spring — overnight lows at ABC can reach -15°C in November — so warm sleeping gear is essential, but the crisp air and the golden light of post-monsoon Nepal are genuinely spectacular.
Avoid the monsoon (June to August) if possible. Rainfall is heavy and relentless, trails become slippery and prone to landslides, leeches emerge in the lower forests, and views of the mountains are almost entirely obscured by cloud. Some experienced trekkers enjoy the dramatic green of monsoon Nepal, but it requires a tolerance for wet conditions and restricted visibility that most first-timers don't have.
Winter trekking (December to February) is possible at lower elevations but the trail above Deurali and into the Sanctuary is frequently snow-covered and can be impassable without crampons and significant cold-weather experience. We do not operate the Express Trek in January and February.
The Sunrise at ABC: Across both seasons, the ABC sunrise is at its most powerful in the weeks around the equinoxes. In October and November, the early morning alpenglow on Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre lasts longer due to the lower sun angle, painting the peaks in shades of rose and amber for sometimes ten to fifteen minutes before full daylight arrives. In spring, the sunrise comes earlier and often with more dramatic cloud formations building below the summits. Either way — either season — that sunrise changes people.
Planning your dates? Contact us and we'll give you honest advice based on real-time conditions and long-range weather outlooks. Read the Complete Blogs on Best Time to trek to Annapurna base camp.
Annapurna Base Camp does not wait. The mountains have their own schedule — season changes, snow accumulation, trail conditions — and the window for a perfect nine-day express trek opens and closes with predictable precision each year.
At Majestic Trails Nepal, we run a limited number of departures each season to ensure every group receives the attention, guiding quality, and logistical support they deserve. We are not a mass-market trekking operation. We are a team of passionate, experienced mountain professionals who care deeply about the experience we deliver.
If you've read this far, the mountains are already calling. Contact us today to check availability for your preferred dates, ask any remaining questions, and take the first step towards one of the most remarkable nine days of your life.
📧 Email us at: info@majestictrailsnepal.com
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The summit is closer than you think. Let's get you there.