



The Annapurna Base Camp Trek — commonly known as the ABC Trek — is Nepal’s most beloved and most accessible high-altitude trekking experience. Beginning from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara and ascending through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and stunning alpine terrain to the spectacular glacial amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters, it is a journey that transforms everyone who completes it.
Before the trek begins, every trekker needs to answer one practical yet important question: how do I get from Pokhara to the starting point of the ABC trek? The answer depends on which trailhead you choose, your group size, your budget, and how much time you want to spend on the road versus on the trail.
This 2026 guide by Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd covers every aspect of the Pokhara to ABC trek starting point vehicle journey — all trailhead options, vehicle types, costs, departure logistics, and expert tips that will ensure your ABC trek adventure starts perfectly from the very first kilometer.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the world’s great Himalayan adventures. The trail leads into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a magnificent glacial basin encircled by thirteen peaks above 6,000 meters, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth highest mountain in the world, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Gangapurna (7,455 m).
The trek combines outstanding natural beauty with rich cultural experiences in Gurung and Magar villages. It is suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike, and with proper planning, it can be completed in as few as 7 days from Pokhara.
| ABC Trek Key Facts | Details |
| Annapurna Base Camp Altitude | 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) |
| Total Trekking Distance | Approximately 76–97 km, depending on the starting point |
| Trek Duration | 7 to 14 days (most common: 10–12 days) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate (suitable for fit beginners) |
| Best Starting Points | Nayapul, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, Kimche, Siwai |
| Main Peaks Visible | Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna |
| Permits Required | ACAP + TIMS Card |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
There are five main starting points for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, each offering a different entry into the trail system. Nepal Vehicle Hiring provides vehicle services to all of these trailheads. Choosing the right one depends on your itinerary, the number of trekking days you have, and whether you want to include or skip certain trail sections.
| Starting Point | Distance from Pokhara | Drive Time | Altitude | Best For |
| Nayapul | 42 km | 1.5–2 hours | 1,070 m | Classic route, most common trailhead |
| Ghandruk | 55 km | 2.5–3 hours | 1,940 m | Direct Gurung village entry, shorter approach |
| Jhinu Danda | 50 km | 2–2.5 hours | 1,760 m | Return point or alternate start via Chhomrong |
| Kimche | 50 km | 2–2.5 hours | 1,640 m | Shorter approach to Ghandruk, less-trodden |
| Siwai / Syauli Bazaar | 45 km | 2–2.5 hours | 1,100 m | Alternative entry to Ghandruk via Modi Khola valley |
Nayapul is the most popular and most commonly used starting point for the ABC Trek. Located approximately 42 kilometers northwest of Pokhara, at an altitude of 1,070 meters, Nayapul is a small roadside village at the confluence of the Bhurungdi and Modi rivers. Almost every standard ABC trek itinerary begins from Nayapul.
The Pokhara-Nayapul route follows the Pokhara-Baglung Highway through Phedi, Naudanda, and Kande. The road is mostly paved and in good condition for the majority of the route. A private jeep, van, or car handles this route comfortably.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Pokhara | 42 km |
| Drive Time | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Road Condition | Mostly paved, some rough patches after Kande |
| Private Car Cost | NPR 2,500–4,000 one way |
| Private Jeep Cost | NPR 4,000–6,000 one way |
| Sharing Jeep Cost | NPR 500–800 per person |
| Local Bus Cost | NPR 200–350 per person |
| Return Vehicle from Nayapul | NPR 2,500–6,000, depending on vehicle |

Ghandruk is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and famous Gurung villages, perched at 1,940 meters in the hills above the Modi Khola valley, with direct views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Driving to Ghandruk rather than trekking from Nayapul saves a full day of walking and places you immediately in a rich cultural environment at altitude.
The road from Pokhara to Ghandruk goes via Nayapul, then turns off the main highway onto a progressively rougher jeep track that climbs steeply into the hills. The road beyond Syauli Bazaar to Ghandruk is rough, unpaved in sections, and requires a 4WD jeep. A standard car is not recommended beyond Nayapul for the Ghandruk road.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Pokhara | 55 km |
| Drive Time | 2.5 to 3 hours (can be longer in rain) |
| Road Condition | Paved to Nayapul, rough/unpaved jeep track to Ghandruk |
| Vehicle Required | 4WD Jeep mandatory beyond Nayapul |
| Private Jeep Cost | NPR 6,000–10,000 one way |
| Private Car Cost | Not recommended beyond Nayapul |
| Sharing Jeep Cost | NPR 1,000–1,500 per person |
| Return Vehicle from Ghandruk | NPR 6,000–10,000 (private jeep, booking essential) |
Jhinu Danda (sometimes called Jhinu) is located at an elevation of approximately 1,760 meters. It is more commonly used as a return point after the ABC Trek, particularly famous for its natural hot springs beside the Modi River. However, some trekkers also choose Jhinu Danda as a starting point, from where the trail climbs steeply to Chhomrong before heading toward the Annapurna Sanctuary.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Pokhara | 50 km |
| Drive Time | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Road Condition | Rough jeep track — 4WD recommended |
| Private Jeep Cost (One Way) | NPR 5,500–8,500 |
| Sharing Jeep Cost | NPR 900–1,300 per person |
| Popular Use | Return vehicle pickup after ABC Trek |
| Hot Spring Entry Fee | NPR 200–300 per person |

Kimche is a small village at an elevation of approximately 1,640 meters, located on the hillside trail between Nayapul and Ghandruk. Driving to Kimche rather than Nayapul saves approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of walking time, since the road bypasses the lower valley. From Kimche, it is a manageable 1-hour climb to Ghandruk village. The road to Kimche is rough, and a 4WD jeep is required.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Pokhara | 50 km |
| Drive Time | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Road Condition | Rough, unpaved JeepWDp required |
| Private Jeep Cost (One Way) | NPR 5,000–8,000 |
| Walking Time from Kimche to Ghandruk | 1 hour |
| Best For | Trekkers shortcutting to Ghandruk |
Siwai (also spelled Samrung or Syauli Bazaar) is another alternative starting and finishing point used by some ABC trekkers. It is located at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters in the Modi Khola valley. Some trekking agencies use Siwai as the return vehicle pickup point rather than Nayapul, as it is accessible by jeep and avoids retracing the full trail back to Nayapul.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Pokhara | 45 km |
| Drive Time | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Road Condition | Rough, narrow jeep track |
| Private Jeep Cost (One Way) | NPR 5,000–7,500 |
| Use Case | Return vehicle pickup point after the ABC trek |
| Vehicle Required | 4WD Jeep |
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd offers three main types of private vehicles for transfers from Pokhara to the ABC trek starting point. Here is a complete comparison:
| Vehicle | Capacity | Nayapul Cost | Ghandruk Cost | Best For |
| Private Car (Sedan/SUV) | 2–4 pax | NPR 2,500–4,000 | Not recommended* | Nayapul only – couples, small groups |
| PJeepte Jeep (4WD) | 4–6 pax | NPR 4,000–6,000 | NPR 6,000–10,000 | All trailheads – most popular |
| Toyota Hiace Van | 7–10 pax | NPR 8,000–12,000 | NPR 10,000–15,000 | Larger trekking groups |
| SJeepng Jeep (per person) | 7–8 pax | NPR 500–800/pax | NPR 1,000–1,500/pax | Budget solo travellers |
| Local Bus (per person) | Open | NPR 200–350/pax | N/A | Cheapest option to Nayapul only |
Private cars (2WD sedans) are not suitable beyond Nayapul due to the rough, unpaved jeep track to Ghandruk, Kimche, Jhinu Danda, and Siwai. A 4WD jeep is mandatory for all trailheads beyond Nayapul.
| Destination | Private Car (NPR) | Private Jeep (NPR) | Hiace Van (NPR) | Sharing Jeep/pax | Local Bus/pax |
| Nayapul | NPR 2,500–4,000 | NPR 4,000–6,000 | NPR 8,000–12,000 | NPR 500–800 | NPR 200–350 |
| Ghandruk | Not recommended | NPR 6,000–10,000 | NPR 10,000–15,000 | NPR 1,000–1,500 | N/A |
| Jhinu Danda | Not recommended | NPR 5,500–8,500 | NPR 9,000–13,000 | NPR 900–1,300 | N/A |
| Kimche | Not recommended | NPR 5,000–8,000 | NPR 8,500–12,500 | NPR 800–1,200 | N/A |
| Siwai/Syauli Bazar | Not recommended | NPR 5,000–7,500 | NPR 8,000–12,000 | NPR 800–1,200 | N/A |
Note: All private vehicle prices include driver and fuel. Prices are approximate and may vary by season and demand. Contact Nepal Vehicle Hiring for a confirmed quote.

| Your Situation | Best Starting Point | Reason |
| First-time trekker, 10–12 days | Nayapul | Classic route, full experience, easy road |
| Limited time (7–8 days) | Ghandruk | Saves 1–1.5 days walking, drives you to the altitude |
| Want Ghorepani Poon Hill + ABC | Nayapul | Only the Nayapul route accesses the Poon Hill circuit |
| Large group, shared vehicle | Nayapul (Hiace Van) | Smooth road suitable for vans and larger vehicles |
| Solo budget trekker | Nayapul (sharing jeep/bus) | Cheapest and most frequent transport option |
| Return pickup after trek | Jhinu Danda or Nayapul | Arrange in advance with Nepal Vehicle Hiring |
| Short on time, want direct ABC | Ghandruk or Kimche | Closest road access to the Chhomrong trail |
For the vast majority of trekkers heading to the ABC Trek starting points, a private 4WD jeep from Nepal Vehicle Hiring is the clear best choice. Here is why:

For larger trekking groups of 7 to 10 people, the Toyota Hiace van is the most practical and economical private vehicle for the transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul. While the Hiace is not suitable for the rough roads beyond Nayapul, it is perfect for the well-paved Pokhara-to-Nayapul section, offering air-conditioned comfort for all group members.
| Detail | Information |
| Capacity | 7 to 10 passengers comfortably |
| Route Suitable For | Pokhara to Nayapul only (smooth paved road) |
| Beyond Nayapul | Separate 4WD jeeps are required for the Ghandruk/Kimche routes |
| Cost from Pokhara to Nayapul | NPR 8,000–12,000 |
| Air Conditioning | Full front and rear AC |
| Luggage Space | Large rear storage for full trekking bags |
| Best For | Groups of 7–10 trekkers with Nayapul as start/end point |
The recommended departure time from Pokhara for the ABC trek starting point transfer is between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. This allows you to reach Nayapul between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, giving you a full day of trekking to reach Ghandruk, or at least Ulleri, on the first day.
For Ghandruk departures, aim to leave Pokhara by 7:00 AM at the latest to ensure you arrive at the village with enough daylight for a walk around and a comfortable first evening.
With a private vehicle from Nepal Vehicle Hiring, a jeep picks you up directly from your hotel or guesthouse in Pokhara Lakeside. There is no need to travel to a bus station or public terminal. Confirm your hotel address when booking, and your driver will arrive at the agreed time.
For sharing jeeps to Nayapul, the departure point is Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara, approximately 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Pokhara Lakeside.
All trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area are required to show a valid ACAP permit and TIMS card at the checkpoint in Birethanti, a short walk from Nayapul. These permits must be obtained before you depart from Pokhara or Kathmandu. The Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside is the most convenient place to obtain both permits on the morning of your departure.
ACAP Permit fee: NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers. TIMS Card fee: NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers. Both are required without exception.
Most ABC Trek itineraries end at a different point than where they began. The most common return scenarios and vehicle arrangements are:
| Return Point | Distance to Pokhara | Vehicle Required | Pre-Booking | Cost (NPR) |
| Nayapul | 42 km | Any private vehicle or a Jeep | Recommended | NPR 2,500–6,000 |
| Jhinu Danda Bridge | 50 Jeep | WD Jeep mandatory | Essential – book before trek | NPR 5,500–8,500 |
| Siwai / Syauli Bazar | 45 Jeep | WD Jeep mandatory | Essential – book before trek | NPR 5,000–7,500 |
| Ghandruk | 55 Jeep | WD Jeep mandatory | Essential – book before trek | NPR 6,000–10,000 |

The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul along the Pokhara-Baglung Highway is itself a scenic and enjoyable journey. Here are the key highlights you will see along the way:
Shortly after leaving Pokhara, the road passes through Phedi, where the Annapurna foothills begin to rise dramatically. The Annapurna Range becomes increasingly visible behind the ridgelines as the highway climbs out of the Pokhara valley.
Naudanda offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake far below, with the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks towering above. Many drivers stop here for a brief photo opportunity and a tea break at the ridgeline tea houses.
Kande is the junction where the Poon Hill trekking trail departs from the road. If your ABC trek itinerary includes Poon Hill, your driver will point out where the trail begins. It is also a popular short hike from this road junction.
Just past Nayapul is the charming village of Birethanti at the confluence of the Bhurungdi Khola and Modi Khola rivers. This is where the ACAP permit checkpoint is located. The stone-paved village lanes, riverside teahouses, and beautiful river views make Birethanti one of the most welcoming entry points to Nepal’s trekking regions.
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) | Where to Get | Required For |
| ACAP – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit | NPR 3,000 | USD 22 | Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara or Kathmandu | All visitors to the ACAP area |
| TIMS Card – Trekkers Information Management System | NPR 2,000 | USD 15 | Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara or Kathmandu | All trekkers |
Note: Both permits are mandatory and must be shown at the Birethanti checkpoint. Both are available at the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pokhara Lakeside, which is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Obtain them on the morning of your departure or the day before.
Autumn is the finest season for the ABC Trek and the best time for the drive from Pokhara to Nayapul/Ghandruk. Post-monsoon skies are clear, roads are in excellent condition, and the mountain views from the highway are spectacular. October and November offer the very best clarity for mountain panoramas. This is peak trekking season — book your vehicle well in advance.
Spring is the second peak trekking season. Rhododendron forests along the trail are in full glorious bloom. The highway drive passes through spectacularly colorful hillsides in March and April. Mountain views are generally excellent, and the weather is stable. May can see some pre-monsoon haze, but it remains a good trekking month.
Winter trekking on the ABC route is possible and rewarding. The Pokhara to Nayapul road is open year-round. Trail conditions above Chhomrong can involve snow, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC see heavy snowfall. A warm sleeping bag and layered clothing are essential. Mountain views can be outstanding in the crisp winter air.
The ABC trail and the approach roads experience heavy monsoon rainfall. Landslides can affect the Pokhara-Nayapul highway and the jeep tracks to Ghandruk and Kimche. The trail itself becomes slippery and leech-infested above Chhomrong. Travel is not recommended during the core monsoon months.

Booking your Pokhara to ABC trek trailhead vehicle with Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd is simple:
We recommend booking at least 24 to 48 hours in advance for weekday departures and 3 to 5 days ahead during peak season (October, November, March, April).

The most common starting point is Nayapul, approximately 42 km from Pokhara (1.5 to 2 hours by vehicle). Other popular starting points include Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, and Kimche, all of which require a 4WD jeep and 2 to 3 hours of driving.
A private 4WD jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul costs approximately NPR 4,000-6,000 (USD 30–45) one way, including driver and fuel.
A private 4WD jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk costs approximately NPR 6,000-10,000 (USD 45–75) one way. A standard car is not suitable for this route.
A standard car can reach Nayapul as the road is mostly paved. However, for any trailhead beyond Nayapul — Ghandruk, Kimche, Jhinu Danda, or Siwai, a 4WD jeep is mandatory due to rough, unpaved jeep tracks.
Yes. Sharing jeeps depart from Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara and cost approximately NPR 500-800 per person to Nayapul. Departure times are from approximately 7:00 AM onwards. However, sharing jeeps go only to Nayapul, not to Ghandruk or other trailheads.
Most ABC treks finish at Jhinu Danda or Nayapul. A pre-booked return vehicle from Nepal Vehicle Hiring is the most reliable option. We strongly recommend arranging return vehicle pickup before beginning your trek so your driver is waiting at the trailhead when you arrive.
For private vehicles, booking is strongly recommended — especially during October, November, March, and April peak seasons when vehicles are in high demand. Nepal Vehicle Hiring accepts bookings up to the day before departure for off-peak dates.
Departing from Pokhara between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM is ideal. This allows you to arrive in Nayapul by 9:00 to 9:30 AM, leaving a full day to trek to Birethanti, Ulleri, or Ghandruk before dark on the first day.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s greatest journeys — and it begins the moment your vehicle leaves Pokhara Lakeside. Whether you are heading to the classic trailhead at Nayapul for the full experience, driving directly to Ghandruk to save precious trekking days, or arranging a return pickup at Jhinu Danda after completing the circuit, Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd provides the most reliable, professional, and affordable vehicle service for every ABC Trek transport need in 2026.
Our private cars, 4WD jeeps, and Toyota Hiace vans are maintained to the highest standard. Our drivers know the Pokhara-to-Nayapul and Ghandruk roads as well as their own homes, and our booking process is designed to make your ABC Trek preparation completely stress-free.
Book your jeep today — Call or WhatsApp: +977-9851343204
Website: www.vehiclehiringnepal.com
E-mail: [email protected]