Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude is one of the most important things to understand before starting the journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The trek moves through warm valleys, forested hills, traditional villages, river gorges, alpine sections, and finally reaches Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m (13,550 ft).

This complete Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude guide explains the day-by-day sleeping altitude, highest altitude, altitude gain, altitude loss, and important elevation points from Kathmandu to ABC and back.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation Quick Table

Day	Route	Sleeping Altitude	Highest Altitude	Altitude Change
Day 1	Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara	Pokhara 820 m (2,690 ft)	Kathmandu 1,350 m (4,450 ft)	Around -530 m (1,760 ft) descent by road
Day 2	Drive from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga, then trek to Ulleri	Ulleri 1,960 m (6,430 ft)	Ulleri 1,960 m (6,430 ft)	Around +720 m by drive to Tikhedhunga then +420 m trek ascent to Ulleri
Day 3	Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani	Ghorepani 2,860 m (9,385 ft)	Ghorepani 2,860 m (9,385 ft)	Around +900 m (2,955 ft) ascent from Ulleri
Day 4	Ghorepani to Poon Hill viewpoint, then trek to Tadapani	Tadapani 2,630 m (8,629 ft)	Poon Hill 3,210 m (10,525 ft)	+350 m ascent to Poon Hill then descent and mixed trail to Tadapani
Day 5	Trek from Tadapani to Chomrong	Chomrong 2,165 m (7,103 ft)	Tadapani 2,630 m (8,629 ft)	Around -465 m descent from Tadapani
Day 6	Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya	Himalaya 2,890 m (9,481 ft)	Himalaya 2,890 m (9,481 ft)	Around +725 m (2,378 ft) ascent from Chomrong
Day 7	Trek from the Himalaya to ABC	ABC 4,130 m (13,550 ft)	ABC 4,130 m (13,550 ft)	Around +1,240 m (4,069 ft) ascent from the Himalaya
Day 8	Trek from ABC to Bamboo	Bamboo 2,350 m (7,700 ft)	ABC 4,130 m (13,550 ft)	Around -1,780 m (5,840 ft) descent from ABC
Day 9	Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda	Jhinu Danda 1,780 m (6,393 ft)	Sinuwa 2,360 m (7,743 ft)	Around -570 m descent from Bamboo
Day 10	Drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara	Pokhara 820 m (2,690 ft)	Jhinu Danda 1,780 m (6,393 ft)	Around -960 m (3,150 ft) descent by road
Day 11	Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu	Kathmandu 1,350 m (4,450 ft)	Kathmandu 1,350 m (4,450 ft)	Around +530 m (1,760 ft) gain by road

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Day by Day Altitude

The altitude profile of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek changes almost every day. The day-by-day altitude tables below explain how the elevation changes at each important place.

Day 1 Altitude: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 1 begins in Kathmandu at around 1,350 m. From Kathmandu, you drive west toward Pokhara, which sits at around 820 m.

This day does not include trekking. Instead, the route loses altitude as you leave the Kathmandu Valley and move toward the lower lakeside city of Pokhara. The altitude drop is around 530 m.

The drive follows river valleys, roadside settlements, green hills, and the Prithvi Highway. Since Pokhara is lower than Kathmandu, the air feels warmer and easier. This day gives you time to prepare before the trekking section begins.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Kathmandu	1,350 m (4,450 ft)	Starting altitude
Pokhara	820 m (2,690 ft)	-530 m (1,760 ft) descent from Kathmandu

Day 2 Altitude: Drive from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga, then trek to Ulleri

Day 2 begins in Pokhara at around 820 m. After breakfast, you drive toward the trekking region through Nayapul, Birethanti, and Tikhedhunga.

From Pokhara, the road first moves toward Nayapul at around 1,070 m. This section gains about 250 m. The drive continues toward Birethanti at approximately 1,025 m, creating a small descent of around 45 m.

After Birethanti, the road follows the Bhurungdi Khola valley toward Tikhedhunga at about 1,540 m. This section gains around 515 m and brings you closer to the walking trail.

From Tikhedhunga, the trek begins with a suspension bridge crossing and a steady uphill climb toward Ulleri at around 1,960 m. This final section gains about 420 m and includes stone staircases, forested paths, and hillside villages.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Pokhara	820 m (2,690 ft)	Starting altitude
Nayapul	1,070 m (3,510 ft)	+250 m (820 ft) from Pokhara
Birethanti	1,025 m (3,363 ft)	-45 m (147 ft) from Nayapul
Tikhedhunga	1,540 m (5,050 ft)	+515 m (1,690 ft) from Birethanti
Ulleri	1,960 m (6,430 ft)	+420 m (1,380 ft) trek ascent from Tikhedhunga

Day 3 Altitude: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Day 3 begins in Ulleri at around 1,960 m. From here, the trail climbs toward Ghorepani at approximately 2,860 m.

This day gains around 900 m, making it one of the bigger ascent days in the early part of the trek. The route leaves Ulleri and gradually climbs through hillside paths, forest sections, and small rest stops.

From Ulleri, you continue toward Banthanti at around 2,210 m. This first section gains about 250 m. The trail then moves deeper into rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forest as it rises toward Nangethanti at approximately 2,460 m. This adds another 250 m.

After Nangethanti, the route continues upward through shaded forest and stone-paved sections before reaching Ghorepani at 2,860 m. This final section gains about 400 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Ulleri	1,960 m (6,430 ft)	Starting altitude
Banthanti	2,210 m (7,250 ft)	+250 m (820 ft) from Ulleri
Nangethanti	2,460 m (8,071 ft)	+250 m (821 ft) from Banthanti
Ghorepani	2,860 m (9,385 ft)	+400 m (1,312 ft) from Nangethanti

Day 4 Altitude: Ghorepani to Poon Hill, then trek to Tadapani

Day 4 begins in Ghorepani at around 2,860 m. Early in the morning, you hike to Poon Hill viewpoint at approximately 3,210 m.

This morning hike gains about 350 m. The walk is usually done before sunrise, so the air can feel cold and sharp. Poon Hill is the first major high point of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and gives wide views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and nearby Himalayan peaks.

After spending time at the viewpoint, you descend back to Ghorepani, losing the same 350 m. This helps the body follow the useful mountain pattern of hiking higher and returning lower.

After breakfast, the route continues toward Deurali at around 2,990 m. This section gains about 130 m from Ghorepani. From Deurali, the trail moves through ridges, forests, small descents, and uphill sections toward Banthanti at around 3,180 m.

After Banthanti, the trail descends toward Tadapani at approximately 2,630 m. This final section loses around 550 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Ghorepani	2,860 m (9,385 ft)	Starting altitude
Poon Hill	3,210 m (10,525 ft)	+350 m (1,140 ft) ascent from Ghorepani
Ghorepani	2,860 m (9,385 ft)	-350 m (1,140 ft) descent from Poon Hill
Deurali	2,990 m (9,810 ft)	+130 m (425 ft) from Ghorepani
Banthanti	3,180 m (10,443 ft)	+190 m (633 ft) from Deurali
Tadapani	2,630 m (8,629 ft)	-550 m (1,814 ft) descent from Banthanti

Day 5 Altitude: Trek from Tadapani to Chomrong

Day 5 begins in Tadapani at around 2,630 m. From here, the trail descends through forested paths toward Chuile at approximately 2,309 m.

This first section loses about 321 m. The trail passes through quiet rhododendron and oak forest, with the sound of birds and views across the valley.

From Chuile, the route continues toward Gurjung at around 2,041 m. This section loses another 268 m. Gurjung is a traditional Gurung village with stone houses, terraced fields, and views of the Annapurna region.

After Gurjung, the route continues across hillside trails toward Durbin Danda at approximately 1,580 m. This section creates another descent of around 461 m. From Durbin Danda, you can see Chomrong village across the valley.

The final part of the day climbs toward Chomrong at around 2,165 m. This last ascent gains around 585 m and can feel tiring after the long descent earlier in the day.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Tadapani	2,630 m (8,629 ft)	Starting altitude
Chuile	2,309 m (7,575 ft)	-321 m (1,054 ft) from Tadapani
Gurjung	2,041 m (6,696 ft)	-268 m (879 ft) from Chuile
Durbin Danda	1,580 m (5,184 ft)	-461 m (1,512 ft) from Gurjung
Chomrong	2,165 m (7,103 ft)	+585 m (1,919 ft) ascent from Durbin Danda

Day 6 Altitude: Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya Village

Day 6 begins in Chomrong at around 2,165 m. This day moves deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary route.

The trail first descends on stone steps toward the Chomrong Khola before rising again toward Sinuwa at approximately 2,360 m. Compared with Chomrong, Sinuwa sits about 195 m higher, but the actual walking effort feels greater because the route first drops and then climbs.

From Sinuwa, the trail continues through forested sections toward Khuldigar at around 2,380 m. This section gains only about 20 m, but it includes small trail changes and shaded walking.

After Khuldigar, the route descends slightly to Bamboo at around 2,350 m. This creates a small altitude loss of around 30 m. Bamboo sits in a narrow, green valley close to the Modi Khola.

From Bamboo, the trail climbs gradually toward Himalaya at approximately 2,890 m. This final section gains around 540 m. The valley becomes cooler, narrower, and more remote as you move higher.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Chomrong	2,165 m (7,103 ft)	Starting altitude
Sinuwa	2,360 m (7,743 ft)	+195 m (640 ft) net gain from Chomrong
Khuldigar	2,380 m (7,808 ft)	+20 m (65 ft) from Sinuwa
Bamboo	2,350 m (7,710 ft)	-30 m (98 ft) from Khuldigar
Himalaya	2,890 m (9,481 ft)	+540 m (1,771 ft) from Bamboo

Day 7 Altitude: Trek from the Himalaya Village to ABC

From Himalaya, the trail follows the Modi Khola valley toward Deurali at approximately 3,230 m. This first section gains around 340 m. The route passes narrow gorge sections, rocky areas, and places near Hinku Cave and the Weeping Wall.

From Deurali, the trail climbs toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp at around 3,700 m. This section gains about 470 m. The forest becomes thinner, the valley opens wider, and the mountain scenery begins to feel much closer.

Machhapuchhre Base Camp is often used as a lunch stop before the final walk to Annapurna Base Camp at approximately 4,130 m.

This final section gains around 430 m. The trail is not extremely steep, but the altitude makes the walk slower.

As you approach ABC, the Annapurna Sanctuary opens into a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna I.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Himalaya	2,890 m (9,481 ft)	Starting altitude
Deurali	3,230 m (10,595 ft)	+340 m (1,115 ft) from the Himalaya
Machhapuchhre Base Camp	3,700 m (12,140 ft)	+470 m (1,545 ft) from Deurali
Annapurna Base Camp	4,130 m (13,550 ft)	+430 m (1,410 ft) from MBC

Day 8 Altitude: Trek from ABC to Bamboo Village

Day 8 begins at Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m. This is the highest altitude of the entire trek.

After enjoying the morning view, you begin descending toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp at approximately 3,700 m. This first section loses around 430 m.

From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the trail continues down toward Deurali at around 3,230 m. This section loses another 470 m. The landscape slowly changes from open alpine terrain back into a narrower valley.

After Deurali, the route descends toward the Himalaya at approximately 2,890 m. This creates another altitude loss of around 340 m.

From Himalaya, the trail continues down toward Dovan at around 2,600 m. This section loses about 290 m. The route then follows forested sections and river sounds before reaching Bamboo at around 2,350 m, losing another 250 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
ABC	4,130 m (13,550 ft)	Starting altitude
Machhapuchhre Base Camp	3,700 m (12,140 ft)	-430 m (1,410 ft) from ABC
Deurali	3,230 m (10,595 ft)	-470 m (1,545 ft) from MBC
Himalaya	2,890 m (9,481 ft)	-340 m (1,115 ft) from Deurali
Dovan	2,600 m (8,530 ft)	-290 m (951 ft) from Himalaya
Bamboo	2,350 m (7,700 ft)	-250 m (830 ft) from Dovan

Day 9 Altitude: Trek from Bamboo Village to Jhinu Danda

Day 9 begins in Bamboo at around 2,350 m. From here, the trail moves through bamboo and rhododendron forest toward Sinuwa.

The route includes short ups and downs before reaching Sinuwa at approximately 2,360 m. This creates only a small altitude gain of about 10 m, but the walking still takes effort because of forest steps and uneven trail sections.

From Sinuwa, the route continues toward Chhomrong at around 2,165 m. This section loses about 195 m. Chhomrong is one of the main villages on the Annapurna Sanctuary route and offers views of Annapurna South in clear weather.

After Chhomrong, the trail descends toward Jhinu Danda at approximately 1,780 m. This final section loses around 385 m and brings you into a warmer lower valley.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Bamboo	2,350 m (7,700 ft)	Starting altitude
Sinuwa	2,360 m (7,743 ft)	+10 m (43 ft) with mixed ups and downs
Chhomrong	2,165 m (7,103 ft)	-195 m (640 ft) from Sinuwa
Jhinu Danda	1,780 m (6,393 ft)	-385 m (1,263 ft) from Chhomrong

Day 10 Altitude: Drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

Day 10 begins in Jhinu Danda at around 1,780 m. From here, you leave the trekking trail and drive back toward Pokhara.

The road journey first moves down toward Nayapul at around 1,070 m. This creates an altitude loss of about 710 m. The route passes mountain roads, terraced fields, local villages, and river valleys.

From Nayapul, the drive continues toward Pokhara at approximately 820 m. This final section descends around 250 m.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Jhinu Danda	1,780 m (6,393 ft)	Starting altitude
Nayapul	1,070 m (3,510 ft)	-710 m (2,883 ft) from Jhinu Danda
Pokhara	820 m (2,690 ft)	-250 m (820 ft) from Nayapul

Day 11 Altitude: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 11 begins in Pokhara at around 820 m. From Pokhara, you drive back to Kathmandu at around 1,350 m.

This road journey gains about 530 m in altitude. The drive follows river valleys, terraced hillsides, roadside towns, and curving mountain roads before entering the Kathmandu Valley.

This day does not affect trekking acclimatization because the mountain walking section is already complete. It simply marks the return from the Annapurna region to the capital city.

Overall, Day 11 ends the Annapurna Base Camp Trek journey with a return to Kathmandu.

Place	Altitude (Approx.)	Altitude Gain / Descent
Pokhara	820 m (2,690 ft)	Starting altitude
Kathmandu	1,350 m (4,450 ft)	+530 m (1,760 ft) gain by road

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude Gain and Loss

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has several important altitude changes.

The journey starts from Kathmandu at around 1,350 m and descends to Pokhara at 820 m. The actual trekking section begins after the drive toward Tikhedhunga and climbs to Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Chomrong, Himalaya, MBC, and ABC.

The largest sleeping altitude gain happens on Day 7, when you trek from the Himalaya at around 2,890 m to the Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m. This day gains about 1,240 m in sleeping altitude.

The largest altitude loss happens on Day 8, when you descend from Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m to Bamboo at around 2,350 m. This day loses about 1,780 m.

Key altitude points:

• Starting altitude of the trip: Kathmandu at around 1,350 m
• Lowest major overnight altitude: Pokhara at around 820 m
• First trekking night altitude: Ulleri at around 1,960 m
• First major viewpoint altitude: Poon Hill at around 3,210 m
• Highest point of the trek: Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m
• Highest sleeping altitude: Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m
• Largest sleeping altitude gain: Himalaya to ABC, around +1,240 m
• Largest single-day descent: ABC to Bamboo, around -1,780 m

The route goes up and down many times. This is why the trek can feel more demanding than the final altitude alone suggests.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is less common on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek than on higher Himalayan routes, but it can still happen.

The risk becomes more noticeable after Himalaya, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp. These places are higher, colder, and more remote than the lower villages.

Annapurna Base Camp is located at around 4,130 m. At this height, the body gets less oxygen than it does in Pokhara, Chomrong, or Ghorepani. Some trekkers may feel mild symptoms if they walk too fast, do not drink enough water, eat poorly, or reach ABC already tired.

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Poor sleep
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath while walking

A mild headache may improve with rest, food, water, and slower movement. However, worsening symptoms should never be ignored.

You should always tell your guide if you feel unwell. Continuing higher or staying at altitude with serious symptoms can be dangerous. The safest response to worsening altitude sickness is proper rest, medical attention if needed, and descent.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on ABC Trek?

• To reduce the risk of altitude sickness on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, walk slowly from the beginning. Do not wait until the high-altitude section to control your pace.
• Drink enough water throughout the trek. Dehydration can make headaches and tiredness worse. Warm drinks, soup, and enough fluids help your body manage the altitude better.
• Eat properly even if your appetite becomes lower. Simple meals such as dal bhat, rice, potatoes, noodles, porridge, soup, and tea can help maintain energy.
• Avoid alcohol during the ascent. Alcohol can disturb sleep, increase dehydration, and make altitude symptoms worse.
• Stay warm near Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp. Cold weather can make the body work harder and reduce recovery.
• Listen to your guide and report symptoms early. Headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual weakness, confusion, or severe breathlessness should not be ignored.

The best prevention is simple: walk slowly, drink enough water, eat properly, stay warm, rest well, and descend if symptoms become serious.

FAQs

What is the highest altitude on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The highest altitude on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is Annapurna Base Camp at around 4,130 m (13,550 ft). This is also the highest sleeping altitude of the trek.

What is the starting altitude of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The trip usually starts in Kathmandu at around 1,350 m. The actual trekking section begins after driving from Pokhara toward Tikhedhunga and trekking to Ulleri.

Is the altitude of Annapurna Base Camp difficult?

Annapurna Base Camp altitude is moderate compared to higher Himalayan treks, but it can still feel challenging. The main reason is the large altitude gain from the Himalaya to ABC in one day.