Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation

Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek elevation is the first step in preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Its moderately difficult trail makes it suitable for novice and seasoned trekkers. There is no age restriction so any trek enthusiasts can participate.

The Annapurna Base Camp is at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet). It is popular among trekkers for its natural beauty, majestic mountain views, unique culture, and traditions. Similarly, trekkers can complete the trekking route in a time duration as short as a week. 

The scenic landscape also adds to the beauty of the trail. Similarly, you will travel through the luscious forests of rhododendrons, bamboo, oaks, and alpine meadows. Along the way, you will travel through terraced fields and charming villages with tea houses and lodges. You can watch the most beautiful sunrise surrounded by mountain views from Poonhill.

The highlight of the trek is the majestic up-close view of Annapurna mountain. As you move to a higher elevation, you also get to view mountains like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and more. You will travel by a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, you can witness various flora and fauna along the trail. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek will provide a fulfilling and awe-inspiring experience. 

Trekking Route Elevation to Annapurna Base Camp:

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is possible to be completed in a week. We at Nepal Alternative Treks have carefully crafted a trekking package of 10 days for the best experience. But we also have other various packages for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can customize the package to suit your requirements. All our itinerary considers the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation for best results. 

This section will discuss the trekking route elevation to Annapurna Base Camp. We have not included Kathmandu and Pokhara. We have taken the reference of our 10-day trekking package to provide you with a clear idea of the trek. Here’s an overview of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation. 

Banthanti Elevation

The trek will begin after you arrive in Pokhara from Kathmandu. It takes around 8 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Similarly, you can take a flight from Kathmandu which takes only around 30 minutes. From Pokhara, you will take a jeep drive through Baglung Highway to Sudame (1,350 meters). It takes around 2 hours to reach Sudame. From there your trekking to Annapurna Base Camp will begin. 

You will slowly climb your way on stone staircases. Along the way, you will pass by terraced fields and villages of Hile and Tikhedhunga. The trail will continue uphill to Ulleri and you will reach Banthanti, situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters. The day’s trek will end there and you will rest overnight at a lodge. 

Ghorepani Elevation 

After staying overnight at a lodge in Banthanti, your next destination is Ghorepani. The trail passes through the forests of rhododendrons towards Nangethanti. You have to continue trekking for 1 and a half hours before you reach Ghorepani. Situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters, Ghorepani is the next stop where you will stay the night. 

The Ghorepani village is a popular trekking stop for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit trek. The locals in the village belong to the Magar and Gurung communities. Similarly, there are many teahouses and lodges in the villages. It also serves as an important stop for acclimatization.    

Tadapani Elevation 

The next morning, you will set out for a morning hike to Poonhill. It takes an hour to climb up to Poonhill which sits at an elevation of 3,193 meters. From there you can view the most beautiful sunrise among panoramic mountain views. You can get the mountainous views of Mt. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Himalchuli, and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

After the stunning sunrise, you will make your way back to Ghorepani village. Then, you will start your trek in the northeast direction. Your next destination is Tadapani village. You will continue to trek through the rhododendron forests towards Tadapani. The small village is situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters. Your journey for the day ends here. 

Chhomrong Village Elevation

From Tadapani village you can enjoy the mountain views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, etc. Your next destination is a trek to Chhomrong village. You will continue to climb northeast through lush green forests. Then, you will have to descend a little to reach Chuile village before climbing again.

Along the way, you will pass by Ghurjung village and hike through the exposed ridge. Finally, you will reach the Chhomoring village situated at an elevation of 2,130 meters. Gurungs are the major residents of the village. You will stay in the village overnight. It is a beautiful village where you can experience the culture, tradition, and hospitality of the Gurung people.

Bamboo Elevation

Your next destination is Bamboo which sits at an elevation of 2,300 meters. You will climb downhill towards Chhomrong Khola. After reaching the Chhomrong Khola, it’s time to ascend uphill. You will slowly walk uphill towards Sinuwa village.

Up until Sinuwa village, you will walk through the green forest. Then, the scenery will change, and the trail will now pass through the bamboo forests. Similarly, you will also feel the temperature change. The Bamboo village is situated amidst the bamboo forests. The temperature also starts to get colder. It is an important rest stop for acclimatization. From here onwards, you will ascend to a higher elevation.

Deurali Elevation

After resting for the night in the bamboo forest, it’s time to climb uphill towards Dovan. The hilly trail also changes into rocky paths. You will climb through the rocky path towards an exposed ridge. Along the way, you will enjoy scenic views of mountains and the beautiful Modi River.

Similarly, you can also take a detour to Hinku Cave. It is an ice cave formed by icy mountain water. Then, you will reach Deurali and stay there overnight. It lies at an elevation of 3,200 meters. This is also an important stop for acclimatization.

Annapurna Base Camp Elevation

You will leave Deurali to ascend to Annapurna Base Camp. You will slowly ascend alongside the Modi River. You will also see the change in the surroundings. Your trail will pass through the alpine meadows. Furthermore, you have to climb past an icy cave to reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp situated at 3,700 meters. The Machhapuchhre Base Camp sits at the lap of the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre. 

This double-peaked mountain is located at 6,993 meters above sea level. From the base camp, it takes an hour to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is filled with scenic landscapes and beauty. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 4,130 meters. The base camp sits below Mt. Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. You will be able to get an up-close view of Mt. Annapurna and the Dulagiri ranges. You will camp at the base camp for the night.  

Altitude Gain Data During Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The highest altitude gain during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 4,130 meters. You will walk uphill and descend downhill in a hilly and rocky terrain. To provide you with a clear view of the altitude gain data during the trek, we have prepared the table for you. This table includes the stops we take during the trekking journey, all the way to Annapurna Base Camp.

Elevation Table

Unlike other higher altitude trek routes, there is a minimum risk of altitude sickness in Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But it does not mean that it is completely safe. Trekkers can experience the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms and pay attention to your physical condition. 

Nepal Alternative Treks prioritizes your safety. We have tailored all our itineraries in a way to provide you with the best and safest experiences. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, we gradually ascend to the higher elevation. It helps your body to adjust to the high elevation. Here is a reference of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation regarding our 10-day ABC Trek package. 

Annapurna Base Camp Elevation Chart

To help you further get an idea about the Annapurna Base Camp elevation, we have also prepared a chart for you. This will help you to get a better idea about the difference between Annapurna Base Camp’s elevation and its stop. Take a look:

Annapurna Base Camp Height

Mt. Annapurna is the world’s tenth-highest mountain in the world. It sits at an elevation of 8,901 meters. Meanwhile, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 4,130 meters. The region is home to the ethnic communities of Gurungs and Magars. They consider the mountain as sacred. 

It is a popular trekking route with scenic beauty. Trekkers flock to the route to enjoy majestic mountain views, and scenery, and explore the region’s unique culture, and tradition. In comparison to some other base camps in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is lower. Let us compare the Annapurna Base Camp’s height with some other mountains and world’s tallest structures.

• The highest mountain in the world Mt. Everest has an elevation of 8,849 meters (29,032 feet). Similarly, the Everest Base Camp Trek elevation is 5,364 meters (17,600 feet). The Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 4,130 meters (13,549 feet). Therefore, the Annapurna Base Camp is 1,234 meters lower than the Everest Base Camp. 
• Mt. K2 which is the second highest mountain in the world, its base camp is situated at 5,150 meters. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 1,020 meters lower than the K2 Base Camp. 
• Mt. Kangchenjunga is the world’s third-highest mountain. Its base camp is situated at an elevation of 5,143 meters. Thus, in comparison to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation, it is situated at 1,013 meters higher elevation. 
• The world’s tallest man-made structure is Burj Khalif. Its height is 828 meters. In comparison, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is 3,302 meters taller.
• Similarly, the next tallest structure, Shanghai Tower’s height is 632 meters. So, in comparison to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation, it is 3,498 meters shorter.
• Last but not least, the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower has a height of 601 meters. This world’s third tallest structure is 3,529 meters shorter in comparison to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation. 

As you can see from above, the base camp is situated at quite a high elevation. But it still is not as high as some of the world’s tallest mountains and their base camps. 

Difficulty Due To Elevation in Annapurna Base Camp

Elevation

There is comparatively minimum risk of altitude sickness during Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, some trekkers can get altitude sickness. It can lead to the trekkers facing various symptoms. Therefore, it is highly suggested that the trekkers ascend to the higher elevation gradually. Acclimatization is important for your body to get used to the altitude. Do not neglect the symptoms and take precautions during your trek. 

Terrain

You will have to walk through diverse terrains during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You will start with hilly trails with terraced fields. Then you will have to climb stone staircases along the lush green forests. Your trail will continue through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak. As you move higher, the surroundings will change to alpine meadows. The trail becomes rocky and uneven. Likewise, you will have to cross suspension bridges and glacial moraines as you get closer to the base camp. 

ABC Symptoms & Prevention Method

Trekkers often experience altitude sickness as they ascend to higher elevations. The reason behind this is the low oxygen level. As you climb higher, the oxygen level starts to get lower. This leads to trekkers experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, chest tightness, and rapid pulse.  

It is important to take the altitude sickness symptoms seriously. Many trekkers have lost their lives in the mountains due to altitude sickness. However, it does not mean that facing the symptoms means that you are in immediate danger. There are preventive measures which can help to reduce the risk. Some ways you can prevent measures for altitude sickness are: 

• Acclimatization helps to prevent altitude sickness. It helps your body to adjust to the higher elevation. So your itinerary plan should include an acclimatization day.  
• Ascend to a higher elevation gradually. 
• Keep your body hydrated and avoid excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. 
• Use of medications like acetazolamide. It reduces the problems and also helps to prevent altitude sickness. 
• If the symptoms persist, descend to a lower altitude immediately.