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Popular Stops Along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It is as commercialized as the Everest Base Camp Trek and as popular as the Annapurna Circuit Trek in this region. There are many unique attractions and popular stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which the trekkers and travelers can enjoy.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is excellent throughout the region. You can trek through different terrains, from lower barren wildlands, lush jungles, rocky ridges, and glacial moraines to snowy mountains. Although the ABC trek is beautiful, it is also moderately challenging, so trekkers must prepare for it. So, let’s get into some of the popular stops the trekkers can make and explore during their trek.
Table of Contents
Popular Stops for the ABC Trek
There are a few significant stops for exploring during your ABC trek. Knowing these steps will help you explore the Annapurna region in more detail. So, here are some favorable stops you can explore in detail and enjoy your trek to ABC trek.
Poon Hill
One of the most underrated places to explore or stop during your ABC Trek is the Ghorepani Poon Hill. It might be the most popular vantage point in Nepal. From there, you can see the entirety of the Annapurna region, Pokhara, and the Fewa Lake. Poon Hill is at an elevation of 3,210m from where the trekkers can see wide views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, etc.
Trekkers on the ABC trek often make a memorable trip to Poon Hill to see the mountains light up with vibrant colors at sunrise. To get there, they start their hike early in the morning before dawn, walking through rhododendron forests from Ghorepani. Trek to Poon Hill will provide the trekkers with the reason for trekking the region. The trek to Poon Hill is the perfect mix of physical challenge, fantastic view, and overall perfect trekking experience for beginners.
3 Days Poon Hill Trek
3 Days
Trekking
USD 260 per person
Poon Hill ABC Mardi Himal Trek
12 Days
Trekking
USD 775 per person
Pokhara
Pokhara is another major stop the trekkers will make during their ABC trek. It is the gateway to the Annapurna region and is the central tourist hub in Nepal. Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, and it has a lot of tourism potential. There are several places for trekkers to explore in Pokhara, like Fewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Falls, etc.
Pokhara has a pleasant climate and a peaceful atmosphere. The natural attractions of Pokhara are mesmerizing for trekkers, including caves, lakes, and waterfalls on different terrains. Known as the “city of lakes,” it is a main attraction on the ABC trek because it offers many activities for visitors. Whether starting or finishing your trek, the city has something for everyone. You can go boating on Phewa Lake, visit Davis Falls, relax at Begnas Lake, or watch the sunrise at Sarangkot.
Ghandruk
Ghandruk is another fantastic and popular stop where trekkers can enjoy the view of mountains and valleys. Another significant advantage of reaching Ghandruk is meeting the Gurung people and immersing themselves in their culture and traditions. It is at an elevation of 1,940 meters and is located inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. Ghandruk originated from the Nepali word “Ghana,” which means big, and “Rukh,” which means trees. The name makes sense since the place is in the middle of the Annapurna Conservation Area, covered with trees.
Trekkers can stop in Ghandruk for several purposes, such as to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. They can also visit different places, such as the Gurung Museum, enjoy the cultural heritage, and see beautiful mountain views. Ghandruk is also a popular place for paragliding, as is Meshrom Baraha Temple, which trekkers can find along the trail.
Ulleri
Ulleri is another trekking hub at 2,020 meters (6,627 feet). Despite being small, it is among the most beautiful villages where trekkers can have lunch or stay in the teahouse at night. Ulleri is mainly famous for its iconic Magar statue, particular stone stairs, and 3000 steps. Despite being a small village, the people of Ulleri are still very welcoming and respect the culture of the visitors, which is why they also expect you to respect their culture and tradition.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp
The government of Nepal does not allow Climbing Mount Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain. However, many trekkers still visit the base of this untouched mountain. It remains unclimbed because locals view it as a sacred peak. At 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) high, this spot is a highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
The view from Fishtail Mountain is stunning as it shows the unique shape of the mountains. You can see spectacular mountains from the base camp, like the Annapurna and Gangarpurna ranges, and the sight of Annapurna I.
Annapurna Base Camp
The final and last stop for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Even before the start of the trek, the trekkers are excited to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, and throughout their journey, they stop at lots of stops before reaching their destination. The base camp is also the highest elevation of the trek, at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet).
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
7 Days
Trekking
USD 449 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour
2 hours Days
USD 490 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Poon Hill
9 Days
Trekking
USD 625 per person
The major attractions of the ABC trek are the stunning mountain views and the sense of accomplishment. As you start gaining elevation, the temperature decreases, and the air becomes more relaxed. When you finally reach the base camp, you see a beautiful circle of mountains, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli.
Significant Attractions for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You can stop for lunch and rest at a few popular stops. However, there are also a few prominent places and attractions that trekkers would like to explore and enjoy. These places of attraction can be villages or settlements and simple places to explore and rejuvenate.
Chhomrong
Chhomrong is a beautiful but friendly village in the Annapurna region of Nepal. After leaving Pokhara, it is a thriving settlement at an elevation of 2170m. Like Ghandruk, Chomrong is a prevalent Gurung community for its welcoming hospitality and unique culture. It also has several teahouses, which makes it perfect for acclimatization.
Fewa Lake
Another major attraction that the trekkers can enjoy during their Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the infamous Fewa Lake. When trekkers arrive in Pokhara and visit the lakeside area, they are greeted by the beautiful Fewa Lake—many local and foreign trekkers like to spend time in Fewa Lake with their children. Activities like boating are pretty standard.
Jhinu Hot Springs
Jhinu Danda hot springs are another major attraction for people who are trying to explore Annapurna Base Camp. The unique feature of the Jhinu Danda Hot Spring is that it is natural and does not require any additional artificial force. This hot Spring rejuvenates you from the hard trek throughout and is also quite therapeutic.
Highly recommend Himalaya trip for ABC Trek
From day one the communication and support from Himalaya trip has been exceptional. We were initially planning the trip for October 2025, but had to move it to March 2026. The management team was super understanding about the situation and we seamlessly changed plans. Our guide for the trip was Ramesh, along with two porters who made the entire journey so much easier and carefree. Everything was organised and taken care of. March being a busy season, with lodges being overbooked, Ramesh especially made sure that we were always sorted and got the best of the options available. He was very clear throughout about what to expect during the journey and how to prepare. Also took us through the most beautiful routes. During unexpected situations, we consistently felt genuine care and a sense of security around us thanks to Ramesh and the porters. I would highly recommend Himalaya trip for anyone who is considering trekking in Nepal!
Our ABC Trek experience with Himalaya Trip was incredible
Our experience with Himalaya Trip was incredible. We were guided by Ramesh who is an absolute delight and 12/10 as a guide – a trip full of laughter, great stories, and thoughtful insights into Nepal and its culture. We went as a group of 4 to Annapurna Base Camp trek and it was unforgettable as a trip. We also hired porters who were also very kind, smiley and friendly – this genuine warmth and kindness from every member of Himalaya trip company really made our trip. Ramesh was expert level guidance in everything from food recommendations, to what to wear and expect the next day in the terrain. Everything was well organized and easy to follpw. He also really made us feel safe when my sister got sick from the altitude. We really felt we experienced Nepali hospitality where we were treated as guests, welcomed, and cared for. Communication was great throughout, reliable, and easy to follow. There was everything from time for photos, rest, trekking, and challenges in between. I definitely plan on returning and hopefully doing Everest base camp with Himalaya Trips and maybe even summiting!!! Thank you Ramesh and amazing team 🙏
Jay: What a great guide
We had a really nice trek to ABC. Unfortunately we faced rain and then snow (30 cm). Jay, our guide, was very professional ensuring our safety and getting us down the mountain in time, and obtaining extra blankets at our booked guest houses. You could tell he had the experience needed for such situations.
I also would like to share that Harka, the tour manager, was extremely helpful and flexible with changing our itinerary and transport method as needed due to weather conditions. As important, Harka was very honest in dealing with us.
We highly recommend both of them. Enzo and Flavio
We are very happy to have successfully completed the Nepal ABC Trek
We are very happy to have successfully completed the Nepal ABC Trek and sincerely thank the “Himalaya Trip Private Limited” Trekking team.
Special thanks to Harka for providing detailed information before departure, arranging airport pickup and drop-off, and thoroughly explaining the itinerary.
Ramesh took great care of us throughout the journey, ensuring our meals and accommodation were well-managed. When he noticed that we were struggling with our physical stamina, he suggested an alternative route. Although it was slightly longer, the path was easier to navigate. Since the porter couldn’t always stay with us, Ramesh also helped carry some of our belongings, making it possible for us to complete the trek. His arrangements were truly flexible and considerate.
Markus and Aita always had bright smiles on their faces. They helped with our luggage, checked our rooms to ensure nothing was left behind, chatted with us along the way, and took photos with us. They gave us a sense of genuine warmth and simplicity that is hard to find in the city.
Once again, a heartfelt thanks to Harka, Ramesh, Markus, and Aita ? ?
P.S. The Himalaya Trekking team celebrated uncle and aunt’s birthdays for two consecutive days, which was truly a wonderful surprise and deeply touching.
I sincerely hope to hike with your team again in the future ?
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
We arranged for a 13 pax group for the ABC trek with Harka. Even with a big group size, Harka and his team took good care of us. The itinerary was customized based on our needs and fitness level. Top-notch service was provided throughout our 10 days in Nepal. Our guide, Hari did an amazing job ensuring all of us were able to cope with the altitude and long trek well. During the trip, we requested some changes to the itinerary and they were able to accommodate our last-minute request. Would totally come back to them if we are planning for EBC and recommend it to those who wish to visit Nepal.
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
Haari, our tour guide, was great. He is very friendly, patient, accommodating with everyone and a mountain of knowledge about the Himalayas (very very enthusiastic about EBC, haha). He was well prepared with first aids and brought us to places to get gears and stuff that we missed out before our hike. He made plans ahead and keep us informed, totally made our ABC adventure so much more enjoyable and relaxed. The porters were super helpful and thoughtful, despite carrying our bags around the mountains they keep us entertained with their carefree personalities and great dancing skills 🙂 (yeah, they partied at one of the teahouse we stayed). OH did I mentioned, one of our member left his camera at the previous teahouse we stayed and only realised when we arrived at the next accommodation (after 12 hours) and one of the porter volunteered to return and pick up the camera for our member, and I’m sure he was sprinting and down 6 red bull and came back in 5hours. We were very lucky and blessed indeed. Haari’s brother, Harka is the operation/ owner of the tour agency and he was also very kind and did a fantastic job in ensuring our last few days in Kathmandu a pleasant one. We had good conversations with everyone of them and all in all a great experience and a wonderful times in this beautiful country.
our honeymoon trekking
My husband and I spent our honeymoon trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and Harka was our guide. We were so pleased to have Harka as he was the perfect guide for us. Naturally he has excellent knowledge and always gently guided us into the correct decision. We were quite worried about spending so much time with someone we didn’t know. But Harka had the magic ability to know when to leave us in peace and when to spend time with us. He was very gentlemanly, with perfect manners and as I said an innate ability to know what to do. He wasn’t too distant nor too friendly. We did see other guides who didn’t get this balance right and who if they had been with us would have affected our trip for the worse. Harka was just perfect for us and I would recommend him to anyone.
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
In the march of 2012, my girlfriend and I took a trip to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. We have hired a guide Harka Gurung , a local guide (26), who was recommended by my friends.First, he has sent us the list of things to take with us, this information is very valuable for us, since we know what to take with us. The weather conditions were pretty rough, but we did not freeze and need anything. Harka is very fond of safety, starting from the recommendations about the food and water and ending with advice was and how to pass the Avalanche area, steep slopes, and so on. He was very nice to us and told us a lot of stories about Nepali habits, culture, and history; he was always joking and did not show any signs of angriness when we were going to slow or wanted to have rest.
Harka went all the way with us and without him our travel would not have been so nice and safe.I definitely will choose home as a guide for my next trips to Nepal and recommend him to anyone who wants to feel comfortable and nice during the trek.
We met Harka in September 2010
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. WE would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. We would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Love from Spain,
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023
Amazing Annapurna Base Camp Trek
An amazing trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp). The views of Fishtail and Annapurna were extraordinary and the hiking through Ghandruk was beautiful. The guide (Milan) and the porter (Misak) were excellent and we had a great time chatting to them in English (and also in Nepalese!) They were very kind, offering us fruits after dinner and cushions to sit on when we took breaks. The trip was very well organised and all the hotels had been organised and booked in advance. We highly recommend taking this trek with Himalaya Trip.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another small village in the Annapurna region that you will reach during your ABC trek. The town is surrounded by bamboo forests, where the village got its name. Often, trekkers reach Bamboo, spend time for lunch, and move forward, as there are only a few teahouses to stay overnight. Another factor that makes bamboo attractive to trekkers is the chance to see endangered animals like the snow leopard, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, etc.
Khopra Ridge
Khopra Ridge is a beautiful trekking destination in Nepal’s Annapurna region, known for its stunning views. Trekkers begin in Nayapul, passing through villages like Ghandruk and Tadapani before reaching Khopra Ridge at 3,660 meters. The trail through the Khopra Ridge takes you to the ridge’s peak, from where trekkers can see the stunning views of the Annapurna region and the mountains.
Conclusion
Hence, these are some of the most popular stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These are the places where trekkers can stop to explore, take lunch, for food, and even for accommodation purposes.
So, if you were thinking of exploring the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and looking for popular places and major attractions, we hope our blog has helped you make a decision.
