Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Updated: 3 days ago
Date: Oct 11th to Oct 14th, 2026
ABC is a renowned trek popular among Indians, Chinese, Bangladeshis, and Southeast Asians, as I discovered from the many I encountered. The trail is mostly composed of endless stairs passing through various villages and tea houses. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of mountains, villages, and the Himalayas, while meeting interesting tourists and locals.
Day 1: After completing the Mardi Himal trek, I traveled from Landruk to Chomrong, covering approximately 11 km. I started early, around 6:15 AM, as the weather was favorable, despite not being fully recovered from diarrhea. At one point, the trail split into two paths, and I chose the less traveled one. Unfortunately, a landslide had occurred at a stream crossing on this route. I fell twice while crossing, which cost me at least 20 minutes and left me somewhat exhausted.
I eventually returned and took the road to Jhinu. There's a long bridge connecting the Jhinu bus
stop to Jhinu Danda, nearly 400 meters long. After reaching Jhinu Danda, I rested and had a snack before continuing to Chomrong. There is a checkpoint at Chhomrong, and since the weather was pleasant, I proceeded to lower Sinuwa. It began to drizzle, prompting me to stay there, though I should have waited for the rain to stop and continued to upper Sinuwa, as the accommodation was better there.
Jhinu Dhanda bridge:
View from Chomrong:
Met an Assistant Electrical Engineering professor from Kathmandu University hiking with his father towards ABC. I should have accompanied them to upper Sinuwa. I had lunch around 3:30 PM and went to my room to rest and sleep around 9 PM. Unfortunately, no other hikers stayed at this place. ;)
Day 2: The next destination was Deurali, about 16 km away with a 1000 m elevation gain. With good weather, I set out early in the morning around 6:30 AM and reached Deurali by 1 PM. As usual, there were many stairs through forested areas, and I encountered many hikers along the way. I saw white monkeys with long tails near Bamboo village and met a couple of female guides on the trail. The steep stairs were exhausting, but I encountered several Indian couples and solo travellers over 60 years old doing the trek. I arrived on time, changed into thermals, and did some stretching. I ordered lunch around 3 PM, enjoying the best Dhal Bhat of all the tea houses in ABC. At night, I had some hot water with herbs and spices tea I brought from India; it was good.
While hiking I met this chinese lady whom I thought have great pace, bit faster than me and hiking alone. Generally chinese hike in a group and not alone, however she doesnt speak proper english. Interestingly I met her again near my hotel in Pokhara at an artist store.
Temple beside lot of small waterfalls, it is fater Davon village, its good to take some photos and relax at the same time :)
One will start getting the glimpses of Mt. Machapuchre aka Fishtail as we come close to Dhavon village. As the weather was good I was able to see beautiful fishtail mountain.
Met American Mexican Victor, and we had an interesting conversation about his experience completing the Appalachian Trail in 3 1/2 months, which usually takes around 5 months. He shared photos of food, rattlesnakes, and bears he saw on the trail. It was an amazing experience, and I might visit the US again to do this.
Porters resting before moving to Deurali at the Buddha statue rest point.
Day 3: The final day to ABC at 4200 m elevation, passing through Machapuchre Base Camp (MBC) with a 900 m elevation gain over 7 km. I started early around 6:15 AM after having some hot water tea. Unlike the stone stairs, this time it was a proper trail, which was easier on my knees. Along the way, I encountered a herd of sheep grazing, which are later used for mutton during the Dussain/Dusshera festival. After passing them, I started meeting hikers returning from ABC. You can begin to see full view of the Machapuchre mountain. I reached MBC around 8:30 AM, rested for about 15 minutes, took photos, and had my first snack. The sun was barely behind the mountain, so I couldn't get good photos at this spot.
View of the Mt Machapuchre till up from the base camp:
View of the Mt Fishtail range to the left and Annapurna mountain ranges to the right.
Around 9 AM, I headed towards ABC, meeting many hikers coming down. The Annapurna peaks are visible from MBC, offering great views. I stopped several times to take photos on the way up, almost obsessively. I noticed many helicopters visiting ABC as tourists want to see the breathtaking Himalayas.
Surprisingly I met the electrical engineering assistant professor and his father again so decided to take selfie, interestingly they recognised me so it was really nice to seem them again.
There is a mirror lake or a small mushy pond called Mirror Lake between MBC and ABC where one can take reflective photos of the Annapurna mountains, so I spent few minutes again to take full advantage of it.
And while returning I took the photos gain:
I reached ABC around 10:30 AM, but by then, the mountains were covered in fog. I rested and met Victor again at the same guest house, Annapurna Sanctuary. The tea house was nice, and the host was very accommodating. I played volleyball with Victor's group and a bluff card game, enjoying my usual Dhal Bhat with many hikers around. I decided to stay another day, but the other hikers left the next day. The following day, I had clear views of the mountains, took many pictures, and when everyone left, I was the only one relaxing, sunbathing in the mountains. I met a 75-year-old particle physicist from Tata Research Center who saw me from a distance and introduced himself. He also conducted a short interview about my experience.
Various photos of Annapurna mountain range during the sunrise:
View of the Mt. Machapuchre (Fishtail) from the Annapurna Base camp, interestingly Fishtail mountain is a sacred mountain worshipped as an abode of Lord Shiva. I did a hike in Gomukh Tapovan which also had the Mt. Shiv Ling which kind of looks similar.
Mt. Fishtail Mt. FIshtail
As you can see to the left is the Annapurna mountain range and to the right is the Machapuchre mountain range
I met this guide at the ABC who seems to recognise me at previous hikes. He was staring at me so I had a little chat and he mentioned that he has seen me in 3 previous hikes. It was interesting to meet such people as we might end up friends later. He was cool enough to pose for me so that I can remember next time when I meet him.
Day 4: I decided to travel all the way to Jhinu bus stop from ABC, covering 24 km, as I wanted to reach Pokhara the same day. I started at 6:30 AM, taking a few photos before heading to Jhinu. I had very few snack breaks, mostly short water breaks. My plan was to arrive by 1 PM, but I reached Jhinu at 3:30 PM, just as the last bus to Pokhara was leaving. Unfortunately, there was no bus, so I shared a jeep, which was fine with me.
On the way down, I passed the same herd of sheep, which blocked our path for at least 20 minutes.
I met Victor again downhill, and this time we exchanged numbers to stay in touch. I reached Pokhara at 7 PM and had my first meal of the day at Rice Garden, my go-to place for a hearty millet Dhal Bhat.
Here are couple of meals I cooked after I reached at Pokhara stay
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