Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Cost, Itinerary and Difficulty

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek takes you into a natural amphitheatre of Himalayan giants at 4,130 m. It is more accessible than Everest, needs no flight, and combines rhododendron forests, terraced villages and hot springs with close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machapuchare and Hiunchuli. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal for good reason: you get a true high-mountain finale in about a week and a half, with comfortable lodges every few hours along the way. This guide covers everything you need to plan it, from the best itinerary to costs, permits, difficulty and the mistakes to avoid.

Quick facts

Video: Epic Annapurna Base Camp Trek Changed My Life | ABC Trek Nepal (Feet Outside on YouTube)

Why trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

ABC offers a rare combination: a serious Himalayan destination without a flight, a long approach and big altitude gains. The trail passes through varied landscapes, from rice terraces and bamboo forest to rhododendron groves and finally a glacial basin. Villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong give you a close look at Gurung culture, and the hot springs at Jhinu Danda are a welcome reward on the way down. The route is also well supported, with lodges every two to three hours, so you can carry a light pack and set a comfortable pace.

Classic 10-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (or fly) and prepare.
2. Day 2: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri.
3. Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani through rhododendron forest.
4. Day 4: Poon Hill sunrise, then trek to Chhomrong (or Tadapani).
5. Day 5: Chhomrong to Himalaya or Dovan, entering the Modi Khola gorge.
6. Day 6: Himalaya to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m), then ABC if energy allows.
7. Day 7: ABC (4,130 m) at sunrise, then descend to Bamboo.
8. Day 8: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda and the hot springs.
9. Day 9: Jhinu to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
10. Day 10: Return to Kathmandu.

You can shorten the trip by taking the Ghandruk route (7–8 days) or lengthen it with extra rest days and a Mardi Himal extension. See our guides to Poon Hill and Mardi Himal if you want to combine them.

Stage-by-stage highlights

Nayapul to Ghorepani

The first two days climb a long staircase of stone steps (the famous Ulleri steps) through villages and terraced farms. You gain height steadily, so the pace is moderate rather than steep. Ghorepani sits at around 2,860 m and is a hub of lodges, with a sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210 m) for views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Ghorepani to Chhomrong

From Poon Hill you can take the high ridge route via Tadapani and Chhomrong, descending to cross the Kyumnu Khola and climbing again. This section has big ups and downs, so it feels longer than the distance suggests. Chhomrong is a large Gurung village with lovely views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Chhomrong to Machapuchare Base Camp

Beyond Chhomrong the trail drops to Sinuwa and climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forest into the Modi Khola gorge. Himalaya, Hinku and Deurali are the stopping points. Above Deurali you enter alpine terrain, with avalanche-prone slopes in winter and early spring, so guides check conditions closely.

Annapurna Base Camp

The final approach is a gentle ascent through the sanctuary, with peaks on every side. At sunrise the walls of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare glow gold. Most people spend one night at ABC and then descend.

Difficulty

ABC is a moderate trek. The toughest sections are the long staircases to Ulleri and Chhomrong, plus the final days above 3,500 m. Altitude is lower than on the Everest route, but mountain sickness is still possible, particularly if you ascend quickly from Himalaya to ABC. Walking times are usually five to seven hours a day. Most healthy people with some training succeed, and our Everest training plan works well for ABC too. Read the altitude sickness guide before you go and plan at least one extra night in the upper section if you feel any symptoms.

Costs and permits

Package prices are lower than for Everest because there is no flight. A guided ABC trek usually costs USD 700–1,200 depending on the length, group size and lodges. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs about NPR 3,000 (roughly USD 25) per foreigner, and a TIMS card may also be required depending on current rules. Your agency handles both. See the permit guide for current rules and solo trekking rules in 2026 if you are considering going independently.

Best season

Spring (March–May) brings blossoming rhododendrons and warm days, though afternoon clouds are common. Autumn (October–November) brings crystal-clear skies and the best mountain views. Winter is cold, with snow and avalanche risk above Deurali, and the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches and cloud. Our best time to visit Nepal guide explains the full seasonal pattern.

What to pack

You do not need extreme gear, but you do need layers for a wide temperature range. Bring a down jacket, a four-season sleeping bag (or rent one), waterproof shell, warm hat and gloves, trekking poles, a headlamp and sun protection. Our packing list gives a complete checklist.

Accommodation and food

Lodges on the trail range from simple to comfortable. Rooms are twin-share, with shared toilets and hot showers (for a fee). Menus are broad: dal bhat, pasta, noodles, momos and pancakes are standard, and the further you go from the road, the higher the prices. Eating where you sleep is the norm.

ABC compared with other Annapurna treks

• Short on time? Try the Poon Hill trek (4–5 days) or Mardi Himal (5–6 days).
• Want a full circuit? See the Annapurna Circuit.
• Not sure whether to choose Annapurna or Everest? Read Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp.
• Looking for quiet? Compare other options in less crowded treks in Nepal.

How to prepare in the weeks before

You do not need elite fitness, but you do need stamina for consecutive days of stairs. Spend six to eight weeks walking hills or stairs with a loaded daypack, aiming for sessions of two to four hours at the weekend. Add squats, lunges and step-ups twice a week, and practise with the boots and poles you will actually use. Break in new boots with at least 40–50 km of walking. If you will rent a sleeping bag and down jacket in Pokhara, book nothing in advance, but do arrive a day early so you can sort gear without stress.

Sample altitude profile

The jump from Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp and then to ABC is the part that catches people out. If you feel a headache or nausea at MBC, sleep there a second night rather than pushing on; the descent will fix most problems quickly.

Is ABC worth it compared with an easier trek?

If you are choosing between a short sunrise trek and a full base camp, think about what you want from the experience. Poon Hill gives you the big sunrise view in four days with little altitude risk. Mardi Himal gives you a high ridge and fewer crowds in five to six days. ABC gives you the full amphitheatre experience and the sense of arriving somewhere, but it needs a week and more preparation. Many travellers who start with Poon Hill decide to continue to ABC once they see how well they are coping.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Rushing the upper section. Many ABC altitude problems come from climbing from Himalaya to ABC in a single day without adequate rest.
2. Overpacking. Porters carry the bulk, but a daypack over 8 kg slows you down on the stone staircases.
3. Ignoring avalanche conditions. In winter and early spring, trust your guide's decisions about when to cross slopes.
4. Skipping insurance. Make sure your policy covers trekking to 4,200 m and helicopter evacuation (insurance guide).
5. Underestimating the stairs. Train on stairs and hills so your knees and thighs are ready.

Official information and where to check

Protected-area rules and permit information for the Annapurna region are managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and national tourism updates are published by the Nepal Tourism Board. Check both before you travel, because fees and requirements are updated from time to time.

Ready to plan?

Browse our Annapurna region guide or the Poon Hill Trek for a ready-made itinerary, and contact us to extend it to Annapurna Base Camp.

Tours that match this guide

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek (10 days): trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary to 4,130 m.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Annapurna Base Camp?

Plan 7–12 days from Pokhara. A comfortable pace is 9–10 days.

Is ABC suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you are reasonably fit and use a guide. The stone staircases are the main challenge.

Do I need a guide for ABC?

Not legally for all sections, but a guide improves safety, especially in winter, and supports local employment. Check the latest rules in our permit guide.

Is Annapurna Base Camp cheaper than Everest Base Camp?

Generally yes, by USD 400–1,000, mainly because there is no Lukla flight.

Can I trek ABC in winter?

It is possible but cold, and avalanche risk is higher between Deurali and ABC. Go with a guide who monitors conditions.

Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.