Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide
The Annapurna Base Camp trek climbs into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre at 4,130 m ringed by a 360-degree wall of 7,000-metre peaks.
A glimpse of Annapurna Base Camp
Watch: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
🎬 "Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp | Travel Video | Most Popular Trek in Nepal" by nepāla360 on YouTube
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of Nepal's most loved Himalayan walks, and for many trekkers the single most rewarding short trek in the country. Starting from Pokhara, the route follows river valleys and stone-stepped ridges up into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin sealed off by an almost unbroken ring of mountains. Stand at base camp and you are surrounded on every side by giants: Annapurna I (8,091 m, the tenth-highest mountain on Earth), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the unmistakable shark-fin spire of Machhapuchhre, "Fishtail", which has never been officially climbed.
What makes ABC special is the sheer density of reward for the effort. In a single trek you pass through terraced farmland and the handsome Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, climb through cool rhododendron and bamboo forest, follow the roaring Modi Khola gorge, and finally break out into the open snow bowl of the Sanctuary itself. The maximum altitude is 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp, high enough to deliver true alpine drama, but low enough that altitude sickness, while a real consideration, is far less of a threat than on the higher Himalayan routes.
Most people complete the trek in 7 to 10 days of walking, depending on where they start the drive and how many acclimatisation or rest days they build in. It is graded moderate: there is no technical climbing and the trails are well-marked and supported by a continuous chain of teahouses, but the relentless stone staircases, especially the long climb in and out of Chhomrong, make a reasonable level of fitness essential.
Because it is comfortably done in around a week, sits at a manageable altitude, and serves up genuine high-mountain scenery, ABC is often the trek that hooks first-timers on the Himalaya. It also pairs beautifully with shorter options nearby, many trekkers combine it with the Ghorepani Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint, or save it as a step up from the gentle Mardi Himal ridge before tackling something bigger like Everest Base Camp.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The classic Annapurna Base Camp route is walked in 7 to 10 days from Pokhara, with a short drive to the trailhead at Siwai or Nayapul at each end. A typical 7-day plan climbs through Ghandruk and Chhomrong, up the Modi Khola gorge via Bamboo and Deurali to base camp, then descends to the Jhinu Danda hot springs.
- Day 1: Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,940 m)
- Day 2: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170 m)
- Day 3: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310 m)
- Day 4: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230 m)
- Day 5: Deurali to MBC and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- Day 6: Sunrise at ABC, descend to Bamboo
- Day 7: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda hot springs, drive to Pokhara
Fit walkers can finish in 5 days; adding the Ghorepani Poon Hill loop makes a fuller 10 to 11 day circuit with an extra sunrise viewpoint.
Read the full ABC itinerary guide: 5, 7 and 10-day plans compared →
Difficulty & Fitness
Annapurna Base Camp is graded moderate. There is no technical climbing, glacier travel or high pass, and the 4,130 m altitude is manageable, but it is not a casual walk: the defining challenge is the endless stone staircases, especially the steep descent and re-climb around Chhomrong, which test the lungs going up and the knees coming down.
Walking days run roughly 5 to 7 hours with 800 to 1,200 m of daily ascent and descent. You do not need to be an athlete, reasonably active people of most ages complete ABC with steady pacing, but 6 to 8 weeks of stair and hill training, plus trekking poles, make a real difference.
Read the full ABC difficulty & fitness guide, with a training plan →
Permits & Regulations
The Annapurna Base Camp trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and needs two documents, there is no climbing permit:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals; SAARC nationals pay less.
- TIMS card: around NPR 2,000 for foreign nationals; SAARC nationals pay less.
Both are issued in Pokhara or Kathmandu with your passport and photos, and agencies arrange them for you. Since 2023 a licensed guide is effectively required in the Annapurna region. Treat fees as 2026 estimates and confirm current rates before departure.
Read the full ABC permits guide: ACAP, TIMS, costs and the guide rule →
Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp is autumn (October to November), when post-monsoon skies give the clearest mountain views, and spring (March to May), prized for the rhododendron blooms around Ghandruk and Chhomrong. Both are busy; both deliver superb conditions.
Winter (December to February) is cold and quiet but carries snow and avalanche risk in the gorge above Deurali, while the monsoon (June to September) brings rain, leeches and cloud-hidden peaks and is best avoided.
Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time for ABC →
Cost & Budget
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the best-value Himalayan walks: no expensive domestic flight, a manageable altitude, and an all-teahouse route. A guided trip typically costs NPR 80,000 to 160,000 per person for 7 to 10 days, while self-organised backpackers can do it for less and a comfort trip with private crew costs more.
On the trail, budget roughly NPR 2,500 to 4,500 a day for food and lodging (more at the high camps), plus a guide at around NPR 3,500 to 4,000 a day, the permits, transport and tips. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash, there are no ATMs beyond Pokhara.
Read the full ABC cost guide: line-by-line breakdown and sample budgets →
Packing, Safety & Tips
Altitude & safety
At 4,130 m, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is possible but less likely than on higher treks. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol high up, and descend if symptoms worsen. The trek's most serious hazard is the avalanche-prone gully above Deurali after heavy snow, cross it early and heed your guide. Carry travel insurance covering trekking to at least 4,500 m with helicopter evacuation.
Read the full ABC altitude sickness & safety guide →
What to pack
Pack a three-layer clothing system, a down jacket and a warm sleeping bag for the cold base-camp nights, broken-in boots, trekking poles, sun protection and water purification. Bulky gear can be rented cheaply in Pokhara.
Read the full ABC packing list: complete gear checklist →
Hot springs at Jhinu Danda
One of the trek's great rewards is the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola, a short steep walk below Jhinu Danda. After days of stone steps, soaking tired muscles in the warm river-fed pools is the perfect end-of-trek treat, bring swimwear and a towel.
Combining with Poon Hill and other treks
ABC pairs naturally with the short Ghorepani Poon Hill trek: many trekkers add the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint at the start, creating a richer 10-11 day loop through the Annapurna foothills. If you want to build up gradually, the gentler Mardi Himal ridge is a good warm-up, and ABC itself is excellent training before the bigger, higher Everest Base Camp trek. Whichever you choose, base yourself in Pokhara before and after to organise permits, rent gear and recover by the lake.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Annapurna Base Camp trek reaches 4,130 m, high enough that acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk for most trekkers, so acclimatise deliberately. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 4,130 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Annapurna Base Camp: specific hazards
The Modi Khola gorge between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a known avalanche corridor, especially after heavy snowfall (typically December–April). Cross it early in the day, do not linger, and obey any lodge or guide closures, fatal avalanches have struck this exact section in past winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Annapurna Base Camp trek take?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek usually takes 7 to 10 days, including the drive from Pokhara to the trailhead and back. Fit trekkers can complete it in about 7 days by combining stages, while adding the Ghorepani Poon Hill loop or rest days extends it to 10-11 days.
How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
It is graded moderate. There is no technical climbing, but the trail involves thousands of stone steps and long climbs and descents, especially around Chhomrong. With steady pacing and reasonable fitness it is achievable for most active people, including motivated beginners.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?
A guided package typically costs around NPR 55,000-110,000 per person depending on group size and standard, covering a guide, permits, transport, lodging and meals. A more budget approach runs about NPR 30,000-60,000, with daily teahouse food and lodging on the trail adding roughly NPR 3,000-5,500 per day.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
You need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), around NPR 3,000 for foreigners, and the TIMS card, around NPR 2,000. Both can be arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu with your passport and photos, and trekking agencies usually handle them for you.
What is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
The best times are autumn (October-November) for the clearest mountain views and spring (March-May) for the rhododendron blooms. Avoid the monsoon (June-September) for rain and leeches, and be cautious of avalanche risk in late winter and early spring.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. Since 2023 Nepal has required trekkers in many conservation and national-park areas, including Annapurna, to use a licensed guide, ending fully solo trekking on the route. Rules can change, so confirm the current requirement with a registered agency or the Nepal Tourism Board before you travel.
How high is Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 metres (about 13,550 feet) inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by peaks over 7,000 metres including Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Is altitude sickness a problem on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Altitude sickness is possible but less likely than on higher treks, since base camp is 4,130 m. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol high up, and watch for headache, nausea and dizziness. If symptoms worsen, descend rather than continue.
How do I get to the Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara?
The trek starts and ends in Pokhara. You drive 1.5-2.5 hours to the trailhead at Nayapul or Siwai to begin walking, and on the return you drive back from Jhinu Danda or Siwai to Pokhara. Pokhara is also where you arrange permits and rent gear.
Can I combine the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill?
Yes, and many trekkers do. Adding the Ghorepani Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint at the start of the trek creates a fuller 10-11 day loop through the Annapurna foothills, with an extra panoramic viewpoint and beautiful rhododendron forest.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek suitable for beginners?
It is one of the better Himalayan treks for fit beginners. There is no technical difficulty, the altitude is moderate, and teahouses are plentiful. The main challenge is the long stone staircases, so train on stairs and hills beforehand and walk at a steady pace.
What is the difference between Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp?
ABC is shorter (7-10 days), lower (4,130 m) and easier on altitude, reached by road from Pokhara, with a dramatic enclosed amphitheatre of peaks. Everest Base Camp is longer, higher (around 5,364 m), reached via a flight to Lukla, and carries greater altitude risk. ABC is often done first as a build-up to EBC.
Are there hot springs on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. Natural hot springs sit beside the Modi Khola river just below Jhinu Danda, a short steep walk from the village. Most trekkers stop there on the descent to soak tired muscles, so pack swimwear and a towel.
What will I see at Annapurna Base Camp?
Base camp offers a 360-degree wall of mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Sunrise over the peaks, when they glow pink and gold, is the highlight of the trek.
Are there teahouses on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes, the route is lined with teahouses offering basic rooms and meals all the way to base camp, so there is no need to camp. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Pokhara and prices rise with altitude.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Annapurna Base Camp stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base CampThis trek | 🟡 Moderate | 4,130 m | 7–10 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Annapurna, Gandaki |
| Poon Hill | 🟢 Easy | 3,210 m | 3–5 days | Oct–Apr | Ghorepani, Gandaki |
| Mardi Himal | 🟡 Moderate | 4,500 m | 4–6 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Annapurna, Gandaki |
Why these grades?
Annapurna Base Camp 🟡 Moderate, Tops out at 4,130 m in the Annapurna Sanctuary with comfortable teahouses and gentle, steady altitude gain, making it one of the best first Himalayan treks; the main effort is the long stone staircases.
Poon Hill 🟢 Easy, Stays low, peaking near 3,210 m at the Poon Hill viewpoint over just 3–5 short days on well-built stone trails, with comfortable teahouses and almost no altitude risk, an ideal first Himalayan walk for beginners and families.
Mardi Himal 🟡 Moderate, Climbs a quiet forested ridge to about 4,500 m at High Camp over 4–6 days, with short days and good teahouses, but a steep and exposed upper section earns it a moderate grade.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated July 27, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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