Annapurna Trek Map & How to Get There — Routes, Airports & Access (2026)

The Annapurna base camp map outlines the trails, durations, landmarks, and many more for trekkers. It is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal. The Annapurna trek is difficult but fun at the same time. 

It is best for you to know the exact geography, starting points, and access routes before you head towards Annapurna. This guide provides clear maps, starting and end points for the trek, and transport options for 2026 travel planning.

The Annapurna base camp trek is one of Nepal's most popular routes in Nepal. It has a slightly shorter distance than the Annapurna full circuit. You will love to see the beautiful mountain views. The culture and tradition are unique and lively to witness at the Annapurna routes.

Trekkers normally complete the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 6 to 9 days. About 20,000 international trekkers visit each year, which is a lot. Especially during the peak season, the mass is even difficult to handle. The routes are full of people. 

For this, you need a roadmap to reach. Below, you will understand what routes you need to take and the accessibility of the Annapurna Trek.

Where Exactly Is the Annapurna Region?

The Annapurna massif sits in north-central Nepal. It reaches three districts: Kaski, Manang, and Mustang. These districts are the main heart of Nepal's mountain tourism. If you have visited this destination once, you will want to go again and again.

There are major spots that overwhelm you in the Annapurna Region.

Annapurna I stands at 8,091 m elevation. This is one of the tenth-highest mountains on Earth and not just in Nepal. The next spot is Machhapuchhre at 6,993 m. This mountain has its own religious importance. That is why it is  sacred to local people. Likewise,  Hiunchuli sits at 6,441 m. These peaks form a beautiful scenery above the valleys.

Similarly, the Annapurna Conservation Area protects the Annapurna region. Local people call it ACAP. It covers 7,629 sq km of mountains, forests, and farmland. This is also one of Nepal's largest protected zones.

About 120,000 people live within ACAP boundaries. The livelihood here is mostly dependent on both farming and tourism income. The conservation area balances protection with local economic needs. These are also used for schools and construction purposes.

If we talk about Pokhara, it is the main gateway to the Annapurna region. The city sits about 200 km west of Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you can reach the trekking places in just 2 to 3 hours by jeep. This easy availability makes Annapurna a perfect place for travelers who have limited time. 

If you want to have some time in peace away from the city chaos, away from your busy, hectic schedule, Annapurna is the choice. Make it happen and see how the mountain does its wonders.

[Internal Link: Permit & Insurance Guide — Learn about ACAP permit requirements and costs]

Annapurna on the Map

If you are planning on trekking to the Annapurna Region, it is necessary for you to know where you are heading. For easy navigation, trekkers can carry the paper maps. Paper bags do not need batteries, or you can carry digital tools to know the way. But digital tools are dependent on your phone batteries. You might have to face slight problems if your phone battery is dead.

[Internal Link: Altitude & Acclimatization Guide — Understand elevation changes and how to prepare your body]

Getting to Pokhara — Your Gateway to Annapurna

Pokhara is the entry point for all Annapurna treks. The city is on the shores of beautiful Phewa Lake. You can find good hotels, restaurants, and supply shops. There are a variety of gift shops too. You have to spend one night before starting your Annapurna trek journey.

If you want a comfortable trip, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It saves most of your time. A flight is exactly 25 minutes in the air. You will love the scenery of hills and farmlands from above.

The new Pokhara International Airport is to open in 2023. It accepts international flights directly. This has made the journey to travel easier and more flexible.

However, flight bookings are quite expensive. Also, flights can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.

You have another option as well. You can take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It costs much less money. The bus takes 6 to 8 hours of travel. Timing also depends on road conditions. You have to sit for long hours on a mountain road. 

You will love to see how rural Nepali people live. If you take a night bus, you can depart from Kathmandu at 6 p.m. and arrive in Pokhara by early morning.

ake a private jeep or car if you want more comfort. A private vehicle takes 5 to 6 hours from Kathmandu. It means you have this journey under control. You can start and stop wherever you want. You can also visit viewpoints along the way. Most importantly, you can click pictures if you are fond of photography.

[Internal Link: Cost Breakdown 2026 — See complete pricing for all transport and trekking options]

Starting Points for Annapurna Treks

Different trek types begin from different locations. Your choice depends on which route is flexible for you.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek starts from Nayapul or nearby Ghandruk. You can take a jeep ride from Pokhara. It takes about 2 hours to reach Nayapul.

If you want,  you can also hire a private jeep for more comfort. The trek from Nayapul to base camp takes 5 to 7 days walking upwards. You descend back in 3 to 4 days. Most trekkers complete this route in 6 to 9 total trekking days. Make sure you have ACAP permits with you. The permit costs USD 20 to USD 30 per person.

Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Besisahar or Dharapani. You can take a bus or a jeep from Pokhara. This journey takes nearly 2 to 3 hours. You can also start the Circuit from Kathmandu and bus directly to Besisahar.

The Annapurna Circuit circles the entire Annapurna massif. It covers about 160 km of trail. The trek takes 12 to 16 days. But it depends on your pace. You cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. You will find it difficult, but the scenery you see here is just magical.

There are other options as well. You can also go for short treks near Pokhara. It gives you quick mountain experiences. Kande, Dhampus, and Ulleri are common short routes. If you go by Jeep from Pokhara, you will reach in 1 to 2 hours. These treks take 1 to 3 days total. They work well for people who have limited time. Overall, you will love the journey.

End Points and Return Options

Your trek ends at a different location, and it entirely depends on which route you choose. Each ending has different transport options on return to Pokhara.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek ends at the base camp. You spend your last night at a tea house and then start to descend the next morning. The descent normally takes 3 to 4 days back to Nayapul. From Nayapul, a jeep will take you back to Pokhara. It will take almost  2 hours. This transport is included in most trekking packages. 

Similarly, the Annapurna Circuit trek ends in several possible places as well. Many circuits complete it in Jomsom at 2,713 m elevation. There are other options as well. Some trekkers continue to Tatopani or Beni for different return options. Jomsom has flights to Pokhara daily. A flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes 20 minutes. You can fly and enjoy the scenic views from up above.

If you take a jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara, it takes 6 to 8 hours. You drive through valleys and forests. You can also stop for photographs. The road passes through Beni. Beni is a larger town in the foothills. You will love the scenery, changing from mountains to greener valleys. This route costs less than flying, but it definitely takes much longer.

Some trekkers also combine the ABC trek with the Mardi or Khopra Dada Trek. These routes extend your total trekking days. They connect back to the main Pokhara road. These combinations offer more remote experiences than the standard Annapurna Base Camp route.

[Internal Link: Circuit Guide — Explore the full Annapurna Circuit route with daily breakdown]

Travel Infrastructure Updates for 2026

The number of trekkers in the Annapurna region is increasing due to multiple factors. Not only, the beautiful landscapes attract the trekkers, but there are other factors as well:

The new Pokhara International Airport was opened in 2023. It has modern terminals and improved facilities. International flights can now land at Pokhara directly because of this airport. It means some travelers can skip Kathmandu entirely. It gives access to people from India and Southeast Asia. You can also find cafes, money exchange, and rental car counters at most of the airports. This reduces half of your problems.

The road from Pokhara to Besisahar is paved to Ngadi village. The road covers the first 40 km. A good road definitely means faster jeep travel on day one. Because of this, you have to spend less time on rough roads. Beyond Ngadi, the road becomes gravel and dirt. This rough section remains unchanged from previous years. It might also be a new experience for most of the new trekkers.

The Jomsom road is under improvement by the Gandaki Province authorities. Construction crews work throughout the year. It is believed that these small changes will slowly reduce travel time in the coming years.

Nonetheless,  expect rough sections and possible delays during the rainy season. Some sections become muddy and dangerous after heavy rain. You can go to Annapurna Base Camp when there is good weather. 

The jeep ride from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 6 hours. Road improvements bring both benefits and challenges. Faster access lets you spend more time trekking. Earlier road opening means an earlier trekking season. Construction noise may affect the mountain experience in some areas. Some trekkers need quieter and more remote routes. Some need the faster, easier access.

 Choose your trek dates based on your personal needs.

[Internal Link: Duration & Itinerary Cluster — See updated trek timelines with current road conditions]

Sample Travel Flow — Annapurna Base Camp Trek Logistics

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking journey is a moderate trek. The journey begins with a 7-8 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Nayapul.

This will be included in our package. But you have other options as well. You can book a Private Jeep or domestic flight at an additional cost. If you took a domestic flight, you could save almost a day during the trek.

We, The Himalayan Odyssey, will organize the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with the most suitable arrangements. 

However, there can be some issues that are beyond our handling. Heavy rainfall, snow, avalanches, and landslides can extend the trip in the lower altitude region.

This itinerary is only for guidelines. We can customize the itinerary according to your requirements and the time you have.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive or flight to Pokhara

Day 3: Drive to Kilu and trek to Ghandruk

Day 4: Trek to Lower Sinwa

Day 5: Trek to Deurali

Day 6: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Day 7: Trek to Bamboo

Day 8: Trek to Jhinu Dada

Day 9: Drive back to Pokhara

[Note: Insert schematic diagram showing elevation profile across 12 days, with daily stopping points and elevation changes marked clearly]

Nearest Airports & Road Hubs

Flights are often the comfort, but the expensive ones to reach Annapurna Base Camp, everything is worth it. You can reach your destinations through:

Pokhara International Airport

Pokhara International Airport is one of the best entry points for trekkers. This airport is 40 km from Nayapul. From here, your Annapurna base camp trek begins. A jeep makes this drive in at least  2 hours. Daily flights connect Pokhara to Kathmandu. Flight costs are USD 120 to USD 150 for international visitors. You will find the modern facilities, including restaurants, money exchange, and car rental services at Pokhara International Airport.

Jomsom Airport 

Jomsom Airport sits on the Annapurna Circuit route at 2,713 m elevation. Planes land on a short gravel strip. The runway is short but somehow challenging. Only small aircraft land here. Here, the flights are mostly affected by the weather.  Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara cost USD 110 and take almost  20 minutes. It is best if you use this airport after you finish the Circuit trek at Jomsom. 

Note: Direct international flights do not land here.

Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport 

Tribhuvan International Airport is  Nepal's main international gateway. Most flights from outside Asia land here. It is 200 km from Pokhara. You must arrange a transfer to reach the trekking areas. Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara take 25 minutes. Tourist buses take 6 to 8 hours. Private jeeps take 5 to 6 hours. 

Below is a short table summary for the Airports:

Maps and Tools for the Trail

It is advisable to carry both paper maps and digital apps for the safe journey to Annapurna.

Himalayan Map House produces detailed paper maps at a 1:50,000 scale. It shows trails clearly with marked switchbacks. Villages, water sources, and emergency facilities are marked. You can purchase these maps in Kathmandu or Pokhara bookshops. Maps remain accurate for many years. They do not depend on batteries or a signal.

Likewise, Nepal Maps publishes specific maps for Annapurna Base Camp and Circuit routes. The maps include notes from local trekkers and guides. Tea houses and hotels in villages are marked. Emergency shelters are shown. Many local guides recommend them because they reflect current conditions.

Maps.me is a free mobile application. You download the Nepal map before leaving for your Annapurna trek. The app works completely offline without internet. Trails are clearly marked. Nearby villages and emergency services appear on screen. The app uses minimal phone battery. It is the best.

AllTrails tracks your walking route in real time. The app records your elevation gained and distance covered. You can compare your pace to other trekkers on the same route. Offline map downloading lets you use it without a phone signal. The app is free with paid premium options for USD 60 annually.

Gaia GPS has professional-grade mapping tools. It displays detailed topography showing slope angles. You can download maps for offline use on your phone. Serious mountaineers and backcountry trekkers often use this app.

Lastly, ACAP checkpoints are marked clearly on all major routes. Each checkpoint has staff and first aid supplies. Large villages have clear signals at places. Tea houses mark safe water stations. Local guides and porters know all paths and shortcuts. 

Ask questions at tea houses if you get lost on your way. They will be happy to guide you.

[Internal Link: Altitude Guide — Learn about elevation markers and acclimatization strategies]

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting There

What is the nearest airport to Annapurna Base Camp?

Pokhara International Airport is the nearest at 40 km from Nayapul. A jeep takes 2 hours from the airport to the trekking start. Pokhara has flights daily to Kathmandu. International flights connect to Pokhara on several airlines.

Can you see Annapurna from Pokhara?

Yes. On clear days, you can see Annapurna from several locations. Lakeside near hotels provides good views. Sarangkot Viewpoint sits above the city at 1,600 m. The Peace Pagoda sits on a ridge above the lake. You can enjoy the view early in the morning. It is heavenly.

How far is Annapurna from Kathmandu?

Annapurna sits approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. A bus or car takes 6 to 8 hours to reach Pokhara. From Pokhara, another 2 hours by jeep reaches the trekking start point. Total travel time from Kathmandu to the trailhead is almost  8 to 10 hours.

Do you need permits before leaving Pokhara?

Yes. You need ACAP permits and TIMS cards before starting. You can get both from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara. ACAP costs USD 20 to USD 30. TIMS costs USD 20. We can also arrange permits for you.

What months offer the best trekking conditions?

Autumn, from September to November, provides clear skies and moderate temperatures. Spring, from March to May, is also good. You will see the beautiful flowers, pretty skies, and a clear view of the mountains at their best during these two seasons.

Practical Travel Tips for 2026

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a long journey. You need hours of daily walking. It is necessary to be prepared physically, mentally, and financially. This will save your troubles on the way. Let’s see some practical tips below:

Book Pokhara flights early

Best to book at least 2–4 weeks ahead (especially during peak seasons). Flights sell out fast, and prices get costly if not booked in advance.

Get a local SIM on arrival 

Buy an NTC SIM in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is best for coverage in the mountains.

Start trekking early (before 9 am) 

You will find less traffic and perfect light for photos, too

Check current road conditions 

Roads change fast with rain and construction. Be updated on your guides and other sources about the routes.

Pre-book all jeeps/shared transport

We will help you with your hotel bookings. Popular routes fill up. Contact us.

Bring plenty of cash (Nepali rupees) 

No ATMs or cards are on the trail. Withdraw in Pokhara as per your need. Your cash covers food, tea, charging & tips. Better safe than sorry. 

[Internal Link: Preparation Checklist Cluster — Get a complete packing list and pre-trek planning guide]

Conclusion — Your Journey Begins with Understanding the Map

The roads to Annapurna start from Pokhara. They wind upward through green hills filled with villages. The air slowly becomes cooler and clearer. Each mountain you see looks majestic. The journey itself becomes part of your adventure before you even start trekking.

It is best for everyone to arrive prepared. You know what to expect. You make better decisions about pacing, acclimatization, and route choices. Maps and guides help you to experience the mountains confidently.

Contact Himalayan Odyssey today to arrange your 2026 Annapurna journey. We handle airport transfers from Pokhara or Kathmandu. We arrange all ACAP permits and guide bookings.

Let us help you reach the Annapurna mountains prepared and safe by the end of the trek.