



Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) — the sacred glacial sanctuary cradled at 4,130 meters within a ring of some of the world’s highest and most beautiful mountains — is Nepal’s most iconic trekking destination. Every year, tens of thousands of trekkers from around the world journey to Pokhara, then take a vehicle to the Annapurna foothills to begin one of the most rewarding treks on earth.
But choosing the right trailhead, vehicle, and transport strategy is not as simple as it sounds. There are seven trailheads accessible by vehicle from Pokhara, ranging from the classic Nayapul trailhead to advanced off-road destinations like Jhinu Danda and Ghandruk. The choice of trailhead dramatically affects your trek distance, your time at altitude, and — most importantly — which sections of the ABC trail you experience on foot versus by vehicle.
This complete 2026 transport guide covers every vehicle option from Pokhara to the Annapurna Base Camp trailheads — all seven road-accessible starting points, full 2026 costs, road conditions for each route, the best trailhead for different trek durations and styles, and why Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd is the most trusted transport partner for your ABC adventure.
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,550 ft) lies at the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a hidden glacial amphitheater enclosed by thirteen Himalayan peaks exceeding 6,000 meters and four peaks exceeding 7,000 meters. The centerpiece of the sanctuary is Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth-highest mountain on Earth and, historically, the first 8,000-meter peak ever summited by humans (French expedition, 1950).
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate-grade trek suitable for fit beginners through to experienced mountain trekkers. The full route typically takes 7 to 10 days from Pokhara. It involves no technical climbing — all walking on well-marked trails through diverse ecosystems ranging from subtropical rice terraces at 1,000 meters to glacial moraines at 4,130 meters.
| Route Detail | Information |
| Total ABC Trek Distance | 81 km (Pokhara to ABC and return — road + trek combined) |
| Annapurna Base Camp Altitude | 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level |
| Pokhara to Nayapul (Road) | 42–46 km | 1 to 1.5 hrs | Paved highway |
| Pokhara to Jhinu Danda (Road) | 50–56 km | 3 to 4 hrs | Paved + off-road |
| Pokhara to Ulleri (Road) | 48–52 km | 2.5 to 3.5 hrs | Paved + steep off-road |
| Pokhara to Ghandruk (Road) | 55–61 km | 3 to 4 hrs | Paved + rough off-road |
| Best Season | October–November (Autumn) and March–May (Spring) |
| Permits Required | ACAP + TIMS Card — both obtainable in Pokhara |
| Trek Duration | 6 to 10 days from Pokhara, depending on the route |
Key Insight: There is NO single ‘Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp’ vehicle route — the road takes you to one of several trailheads at the base of the Annapurna foothills. From there, ALL travel to ABC is on foot. The choice of trailhead determines how much walking you do on the lower sections and when the spectacular mountain scenery begins.
One of the most important and least understood decisions in planning ABC transport is choosing which trailhead to use. Each trailhead offers a different entry point into the ABC trek, with different distances, road types, and trekking experiences:
| Trailhead | Distance from Pokhara | Travel Time | Road Type | Trek Start Altitude | Best For |
| Nayapul | 42 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Paved highway | 1,070 m | Traditional start, all vehicles |
| Birethanti | 44 km | 1.5 hrs | Paved → rough | 1,025 m | Slightly deeper than Nayapul |
| Ulleri | 50–52 km | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Off-road 4WD | 1,960 m | Skip Tikhedhunga stone steps |
| Ghandruk | 55–61 km | 3–4 hrs | Off-road 4WD | 1,940 m | Via Gurung village, cultural start |
| Jhinu Danda | 50–56 km | 3–4 hrs | Off-road 4WD | 1,760 m | Direct to Chhomrong approach, hot springs |
| Kimche | 53 km | 3–3.5 hrs | Off-road 4WD | 1,640 m | Ghandruk approach, shorter final walk |
| Siwai / Kyumi | 23 km | 1 hr | Paved + light rough | 1,100 m | Budget option, longer trek |

Nayapul is the most traditional and most commonly used ABC trailhead. It sits at the junction of the Bhurungdi and Modi rivers, approximately 42 km from Pokhara, on the fully paved Beni-Baglung Highway. From Nayapul, the classic ABC trail passes through Birethanti, Tikhedhunga (with the famous 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri), Ghorepani (optional Poon Hill detour), Tadapani, Chhomrong, and up through the Annapurna Sanctuary to ABC.
A private jeep can reach Ulleri directly from Pokhara — bypassing the legendary 3,300 stone steps between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri that are one of the most demanding sections of the lower ABC trail. By starting at Ulleri, trekkers save approximately 2 hours of steep climbing and begin their trek with significantly more energy.

Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region, accessible by 4WD jeep from Pokhara via Birethanti. Starting your ABC trek from Ghandruk immerses you immediately in authentic Gurung culture — cobblestone lanes, traditional stone houses, the Gurung Museum, and extraordinary close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The Ghandruk-to-Chhomrong section of the trail is one of the most scenic on the entire ABC route.
Jhinu Danda (also spelled Jhino) is the trailhead offering the most direct access to the Chhomrong approach to the ABC trek. It is located on the Modi Khola river and is famous for its natural hot spring pools — a perfect way to relax tired muscles at the end of the trek. Many ABC trekkers use Jhinu Danda as both their start and end point, creating a beautiful circular route through Chhomrong, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and back.
Siwai and Kyumi are small roadside villages located approximately 23 km from Pokhara on the Beni-Baglung Highway. The road to these villages is mostly paved and accessible by standard vehicles. From Siwai, a 1- to 2-hour uphill hike leads to Jhinu Danda. This is the most economical trailhead option — useful for budget travelers willing to add extra walking time.

| Transport Option | Best Trailhead | Capacity | 2026 Cost | Best For |
| Private Jeep (Scorpio/Hilux) | Any trailhead | 4–7 passengers | USD 90–160 (full vehicle) | Groups 2–6, trekkers with gear |
| Private Car (Sedan) | Nayapul / Birethanti only | 2–3 passengers | USD 60–90 (full vehicle) | Pairs/solo to Nayapul |
| Private Hiace Van | Nayapul / Birethanti | 8–14 passengers | USD 150–200 (full vehicle) | Large trekking groups |
| Shared Jeep (per seat) | Multiple trailheads | 7–9 total | USD 10–20 per person | Budget solo travelers |
| Local Bus to Nayapul | Nayapul | Many pax | NPR 200–300 per person | Tightest budget option |
| Helicopter (return) | ABC / MBC direct | 5 per heli | USD 450–650 per person | Luxury/emergency return |
A private 4WD jeep is the recommended and most widely used mode of transport for trekkers heading from Pokhara to any ABC trailhead. It provides door-to-door hotel pickup in Pokhara, direct access to all seven trailheads, including the off-road endpoints (Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda), flexible departure time, and ample roof rack space for trekking luggage.
Best Value: With 6 trekkers sharing a private jeep to Jhinu Danda for USD 120, the per-person cost is just USD 20 — marginally more than a shared jeep but with massive advantages in comfort, hotel pickup, and flexibility.
Shared jeeps depart from Baglung Bus Park and Hari Chowk in Pokhara and serve all major ABC trailheads. They are the most affordable motorized option and are widely available during peak trekking season.

A private sedan is suitable only for Nayapul and Birethanti — the paved highway trailheads. Beyond Birethanti, the road becomes off-road and unsuitable for sedans. Ideal for trekkers who plan to walk the full traditional ABC trail from Nayapul.
For large trekking groups of 8 or more, a private Hiace van is the most economical option for the paved Nayapul or Birethanti trailheads. The Hiace cannot access the off-road trailheads (Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda) due to road type limitations.
Local buses run from Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara to Nayapul throughout the day. They are the cheapest form of transport but the slowest, with multiple passenger stops.
An increasingly popular option for trekkers with limited time or physical fatigue is the helicopter return from Annapurna Base Camp (or Machhapuchhre Base Camp) directly to Pokhara airport. This saves 3 to 4 days of descent walking and provides extraordinary aerial views of the Annapurna massif.

| From Pokhara To | Private Jeep Cost | Shared Jeep Cost | Notes |
| Nayapul | USD 60–90 | USD 8–12 / person | Paved road — any vehicle |
| Birethanti | USD 70–100 | USD 10–15 / person | Paved + light rough |
| Ulleri | USD 100–150 | USD 15–20 / person | 4WD essential — steep track |
| Ghandruk | USD 100–140 | USD 15–18 / person | 4WD essential — off-road |
| Jhinu Danda | USD 110–160 | USD 15–20 / person | 4WD essential — off-road |
| Kimche | USD 100–140 | USD 13–18 / person | 4WD essential |
| Siwai / Kyumi | USD 50–80 | USD 8–12 / person | Shorter off-road section |
All private jeep costs are for the full vehicle (one-way), including the driver, fuel, and road tolls. Shared jeep costs are per person. Peak season (October–November and March–May) rates may be 10–15% higher. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd provides all-inclusive pricing with no hidden charges.
Here is the complete ABC trek route from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp, showing all key stopping points with altitude and distance:
| Trekking Stop | Altitude | Distance from Nayapul | Key Features |
| Nayapul | 1,070 m | Start | Classic ABC trailhead, bus/jeep junction |
| Birethanti | 1,025 m | 0.5 km | ACAP checkpoint, Modi Khola riverside |
| Tikhedhunga / Hile | 1,480 m | 5 km | The famous 3,300 stone steps start |
| Ulleri | 1,960 m | 8 km | Magar village, stone steps end, jeep endpoint |
| Ghorepani | 2,870 m | 18 km | Poon Hill gateway, rhododendron forests |
| Tadapani | 2,630 m | 22 km | Rhododendron traverse, Annapurna views |
| Ghandruk | 1,940 m | 16 km alt | Gurung village, Annapurna South views |
| Chhomrong | 2,170 m | 28 km | Key ABC junction, last major village |
| Bamboo / Sinuwa | 2,310 m | 32 km | Dense forest, rhododendron zone |
| Dovan | 2,600 m | 37 km | Steep terrain, waterfall views |
| Himalayan Hotel | 2,920 m | 40 km | Last major facilities before MBC |
| Deurali | 3,230 m | 44 km | Frequent snow/cloud — acclimatize here |
| Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) | 3,700 m | 48 km | Fishtail Mountain views, glacier approach |
| Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) | 4,130 m | 52 km | Ultimate destination — Annapurna Sanctuary |
The lower section of the ABC trek from Nayapul passes through some of Nepal’s most beautiful Gurung and Magar villages. The trail winds through terraced rice fields, the Modi Khola river gorge, rhododendron and oak forests, and traditional stone-paved village paths. This section — approximately 28 km — takes 2 to 3 days to walk and is the culturally richest part of the entire trek.
For trekkers using a private jeep from Pokhara to one of the advanced trailheads (Ulleri, Ghandruk, or Jhinu Danda), a significant portion of this lower section is bypassed by vehicle. The trade-off is saving 1 to 2 days of walking versus experiencing the lower village culture and landscape.
Above Chhomrong, the ABC trail enters a long, deep valley that channels through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest before emerging into an increasingly dramatic high-altitude landscape. The trail passes through Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, and the Himalayan Hotel — each offering progressively more spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the constant roar of the Modi Khola below make this section one of the most atmospherically immersive on the entire trail.
Above Deurali, the trail emerges from the forest into open alpine terrain. The first views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) appear suddenly and dramatically as you round a corner above Deurali — a moment that many trekkers describe as one of the most breathtaking reveals in all of Himalayan trekking. Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) marks the final approach to the sanctuary. From MBC, the final 2-hour walk to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) crosses glacial moraine and passes through increasingly surreal, high-altitude terrain surrounded by towering walls of ice and rock.

Here are the two most popular ABC trek approaches from Pokhara, each using different transport strategies:
| Day | Route | Transport / Trek | Key Activity |
| Day 1 | Pokhara → Jhinu Danda | Jeep: 3–4 hrs | Trek Jhinu → Chhomrong (4–5 hrs) |
| Day 2 | Chhomrong → Dovan | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Forest trail, bamboo groves |
| Day 3 | Dovan → Himalayan Hotel / Deurali | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Steep climb, waterfall views |
| Day 4 | Deurali → MBC → ABC | Trek: 6–7 hrs | Glacier approach, Annapurna Sanctuary |
| Day 5 | ABC → MBC → Bamboo | Trek: 6–7 hrs | Begin descent, rhododendron forest |
| Day 6 | Bamboo → Chhomrong → Jhinu Danda | Trek: 5–6 hrs | Hot springs at Jhinu Danda |
| Day 7 | Jhinu Danda → Pokhara | Jeep: 3–4 hrs | Transfer back to Pokhara |
Hot Springs Reward: Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (natural rock pools on the Modi Khola riverbank) are among the most celebrated rewards on the entire ABC trek. After 5+ days of trekking, soaking in a natural hot spring with views of Annapurna is an unforgettable final evening before the jeep returns to Pokhara.

For trekkers with 9+ days who want to combine the Poon Hill sunrise with the ABC trek, this is the classic Jeepnded route:
This route is widely regarded as the finest combined Poon Hill + ABC trek in Nepal — experiencing both the Ghorepani sunrise panorama and the Annapurna Sanctuary in a single 8-day circuit.
Fully paved and well-maintained national highway throughout. Accessible for all vehicle types, including sedans, buses, and Hiace vans. Road quality has been consistently good with ongoing improvements. This section is manageable year-round in all weather conditions.
Beyond Birethanti, the road becomes a rough gravel-and-earth track, climbing steeply through the Modi Khola foothills. 4WD mandatory. The Hile to Ulleri section is the steepest and most technically challenging — a very rough, narrow, rocky track that requires low-range 4WD and an experienced driver. Best condition: October to May (dry season). Avoid or verify carefully: June to September (monsoon).
The Birethanti to Ghandruk track follows a different route than Ulleri — heading north from Birethanti along the Modi Khola and then climbing steeply to Ghandruk village. 4WD mandatory. Road quality is rough but navigable for experienced drivers in the dry season. The final approach to Ghandruk is very steep and narrow in sections.
The jeep track from the Siwai junction to Jhinu Danda follows a rough riverside track along the Modi Khola. 4WD recommended throughout, mandatory in wet conditions. Some sections cross small stream beds. Driver experience is important on this route.
| Season | Months | Road Conditions | Trek Conditions | Recommendation |
| Post-Monsoon / Autumn | Oct – Nov | Dry, excellent | Crystal clear, best visibility | Best — book early |
| Spring | Mar – May | Dry, good | Rhododendron bloom, warm | Excellent — most popular |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Dry, cold | Snow risk above Deurali | Good — quiet, cold |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Muddy, risky | Heavy rain, leeches, limited views | Not recommended for ABC |
Monsoon Warning (June–September): All off-road trailhead tracks (Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda) are susceptible to landslides and road damage during heavy monsoon rainfall. Always verify road conditions with Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd before travel during the monsoon season. The Nayapul trailhead on the paved highway is always accessible year-round.

Two permits are mandatory for trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Both are inspected at the ACAP checkpoint in Birethanti (on the jeep route) and at multiple points on the ABC trail:
Permit Tip: Obtain both permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Lakeside, Pokhara, on Day 1 before departing for the trailhead on Day 2. The office opens at 9:00 AM. Getting permits in Pokhara is faster, more reliable, and avoids any risk of delays or fines at the Birethanti checkpoint.
The single most practical question for most ABC trekkers is: ‘How many days do I have?’ Here is a clear guide to the best trailhead for each trek duration:

You cannot drive directly to Annapurna Base Camp — the road ends at one of several trailheads in the Annapurna foothills. From Pokhara, you hire a private jeep or take a shared vehicle to your chosen trailhead (Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, etc.), then trek from there to ABC over 4 to 7 days. The total distance from Pokhara to ABC combines approximately 42–56 km of road travel and 50–60 km of trekking.
It depends on your available time. For 10+ days, start from Nayapul for the full traditional experience. For 7–8 days, start from Ulleri or Ghandruk by jeep. For the most efficient 6–7 day route, start from Jhinu Danda — the most direct approach to the Chhomrong trailhead with hot springs for the return.
A private jeep or car hire from Pokhara to Nayapul costs approximately USD 60–90 for a full vehicle (one-way), including driver and fuel. For a group of 6, this is only USD 10–15 per person — excellent value.
A private jeep from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda costs approximately USD 110–160 for the entire vehicle (one-way). This includes driver, fuel, and road tolls. 4WD is essential for this route.
No. Regular sedans can only reach Nayapul and Birethanti along the paved Beni Baglung Highway. Beyond Birethanti, all trailhead roads (Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda) are rough off-road tracks that require a 4WD jeep. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd exclusively provides 4WD jeeps for all off-road trailhead routes.
Yes. Two mandatory permits are required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — approximately NPR 3,000 / USD 22 per person) and TIMS Card (approximately USD 10–20 per person). Both can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Lakeside, Pokhara. Permits are inspected at Birethanti and multiple points on the ABC trail.
Yes. Helicopter charter returns from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) or Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) to Pokhara are available, costing approximately USD 450–650 per person. Full helicopter charters (5-seat) cost USD 2,500–3,500. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd can coordinate helicopter bookings in partnership with Pokhara helicopter operators.
October to November (post-monsoon autumn) and March to May (spring) are the best seasons — clear skies, dry roads, and rhododendron bloom respectively. Both are peak trekking seasons, and vehicles should be booked 24–48 hours in advance. Winter (December–February) is quieter with good views. Monsoon (June–September) is not recommended for ABC trekking.
Yes. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd arranges return private jeep transfers from Jhinu Danda, Ghandruk, or Nayapul to Pokhara after your ABC trek. Book at the same time as your outward transfer. Contact your driver via WhatsApp approximately 24 hours before your planned return to confirm the pickup time.
The transport from Pokhara to the Annapurna Base Camp trailheads is the crucial first chapter of one of the world’s greatest trekking adventures. Choosing the right trailhead — Nayapul for the full traditional experience, Ulleri to skip the stone steps, Ghandruk for cultural immersion, or Jhinu Danda for the most efficient ABC approach — sets the tone and pace for your entire trek.
In 2026, a private 4WD jeep from Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd remains the gold standard for ABC trek transport from Pokhara. With all-inclusive pricing, hotel pickup, experienced drivers who know every kilometer of the Beni Baglung Highway and the off-road trailhead tracks, and the flexibility to reach any of the seven road-accessible ABC trailheads, we ensure your Annapurna adventure begins exactly the way you want it to.
Book your Pokhara to ABC trailhead transfer with Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd today — and take the first step toward one of the world’s most extraordinary trekking destinations.
Book your ABC transport today — Call or WhatsApp: +977 9851013196
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vehiclehiringnepal.com