The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Nepal, taking you from subtropical forests to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre surrounded by 7,000-8,000 metre peaks. The standard trek takes 7-12 days, costs approximately USD 500-1,200 depending on your style, requires ACAP and TIMS permits, and is rated moderate in difficulty — achievable by any reasonably fit person without prior trekking experience. The trail reaches a maximum altitude of 4,130 metres at Annapurna Base Camp, where you stand surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).
What Is the Best Day-by-Day Itinerary for ABC Trek?
The classic ABC trek itinerary spans 10-11 days from Pokhara and back. This moderate-paced schedule allows proper acclimatisation, avoids the rushed 7-day variants that increase altitude sickness risk, and includes rest days for weather flexibility.
Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hours), then trek through rice terraces and villages to Tikhedhunga. Easy walking, 4-5 hours. Your first taste of Gurung and Magar villages.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,874m) The day begins with the infamous 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri — a brutal but beautiful climb through forests of rhododendron and oak. Continue ascending gradually to Ghorepani. Strenuous, 5-6 hours. Teahouses here are well-equipped.
Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani (2,630m) Pre-dawn start (4:30 AM) to climb Poon Hill (3,210m) for one of Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoints — a 360-degree panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and the Annapurna range. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through rhododendron forests (spectacular in March-April) to Tadapani. Moderate, 6-7 hours including Poon Hill.
Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m) Descend through forests to the Kimrong River, then climb to Chhomrong — the largest settlement on the ABC trail and the last significant village before the Sanctuary. Moderate, 5-6 hours. Chhomrong offers bakeries, hot showers, and charging stations.
Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m) Descend to the Chhomrong River, climb to Sinuwa, then drop down into dense bamboo forest. The vegetation closes in as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary's gateway. Moderate, 4-5 hours. Bamboo is a small settlement with basic teahouses.
Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m) Trek through bamboo groves, past cascading waterfalls, and into increasingly alpine terrain. The trail follows the Modi Khola (river) upstream. The forest thins as altitude increases. Moderate, 5-6 hours. Watch for avalanche debris zones — follow your guide's instructions on timing through these sections.
Day 7: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) The big day. Trek through Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m), where the famous fishtail peak dominates the skyline, then continue to Annapurna Base Camp. The landscape transforms from alpine meadow to glacial moraine. Arrive at ABC by early afternoon and spend the rest of the day absorbing the 360-degree amphitheatre of peaks. Strenuous, 5-6 hours. Altitude effects may be felt — headache, breathlessness, and fatigue are normal.
Day 8: ABC to Bamboo (2,310m) Enjoy a second sunrise at ABC (the light on Annapurna South is exceptional in early morning), then begin the descent. The return is faster — downhill and on a known trail. Strenuous (on the knees), 6-7 hours.
Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) Continue descending to Chhomrong, then take the alternative route to Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola river. The hot springs (NPR 100 entry) are a welcome reward for tired legs. Moderate, 5-6 hours.
Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara Final descent to Nayapul through terraced farmland and riverside trails. Easy, 4-5 hours. Jeep or bus back to Pokhara (1.5 hours). Celebrate with a lakeside dinner.
What Permits Do You Need and How Do You Get Them?
Two permits are required for the ABC trek, both obtainable in Pokhara or Kathmandu:
1. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit
- Cost: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 200 for SAARC nationals
- Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara (Lakeside) or Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap)
- Requirements: Passport, 2 passport photos, completed application form
- Processing time: Same day (15-30 minutes)
2. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card
- Cost: NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers (FIT), NPR 1,000 for group/agency trekkers
- Where to get it: Same offices as ACAP
- Requirements: Passport, 2 passport photos, trek details (entry point, exit point, duration)
Important notes:
- As of 2025, Nepal requires all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide for treks in the Annapurna region. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted.
- Permits are checked at multiple checkpoints along the trail. Keep them accessible (not buried in your backpack).
- If trekking with an agency, permits are typically arranged for you — confirm this before departure.
How Much Does the ABC Trek Cost?
The ABC trek is remarkably affordable compared to Himalayan treks in other countries. Here is a realistic breakdown:
Budget style (NPR 60,000-80,000 / USD 450-600):
| Expense | Cost (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Permits (ACAP + TIMS) | 5,000 |
| Guide (10 days) | 25,000-30,000 |
| Teahouse accommodation | 3,000-5,000 (NPR 300-500/night) |
| Food on trek | 20,000-30,000 |
| Pokhara hotel (2 nights) | 3,000-5,000 |
| Transport (Pokhara-Nayapul return) | 2,000-3,000 |
| Miscellaneous (hot showers, charging, snacks) | 5,000-8,000 |
Comfortable style (NPR 120,000-160,000 / USD 900-1,200): Add a porter (NPR 20,000-25,000), better teahouse rooms, more varied food, and equipment rental if needed.
Agency package (USD 700-1,500): All-inclusive packages from Pokhara-based agencies include permits, guide, porter, accommodation, and meals. Prices vary widely — compare several agencies and check recent reviews.
Money on the trail: Carry enough Nepali rupees for the entire trek. There are no ATMs beyond Pokhara. Tea house payments are cash only. Budget NPR 2,500-4,000 per day for food and accommodation.
How Difficult Is the ABC Trek and What Fitness Do You Need?
The ABC trek is rated moderate, making it one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in Nepal. However, "moderate" does not mean easy — you will walk 5-7 hours daily on uneven terrain, climb and descend thousands of metres over the course of the trek, and deal with altitude effects above 3,000 metres.
Physical requirements:
- Able to walk 5-7 hours per day on trails (not flat roads)
- Comfortable climbing 1,000-1,500 steps in a single ascent (Day 2 to Ulleri)
- No specific prior trekking experience required, but hill walking experience helps
- Basic cardiovascular fitness — if you can walk briskly uphill for 30 minutes without stopping, you have a foundation to build on
Preparation (recommended 6-8 weeks before):
- Walk or hike 3-4 times per week, building to 3-hour walks with elevation change
- Stair climbing — find a building with 10+ floors and climb repeatedly
- Squats and lunges for leg strength, particularly downhill stability
- Cardio — running, cycling, or swimming, 30-45 minutes, 3 times weekly
- Practice with your daypack loaded to the weight you will carry (5-8 kg)
Altitude considerations: The maximum altitude of 4,130m is above the threshold (2,500m) where acute mountain sickness (AMS) becomes a risk. The 10-day itinerary provides adequate acclimatisation for most people, but symptoms are still possible. Key points:
- Do not ascend more than 500m per day above 3,000m
- Stay hydrated — 3-4 litres of water daily
- Watch for symptoms: persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be taken prophylactically — consult your travel doctor before the trip
- The golden rule: if symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Every teahouse is lower than the next one up.
When Is the Best Season for the ABC Trek?
The ABC trek is walkable for most of the year, but conditions vary dramatically by season:
Autumn (October-November) — BEST Clear skies, stable weather, and spectacular mountain views. Temperatures at ABC drop to -5 to -10°C at night but are comfortable during the day (10-15°C). This is peak season — expect full teahouses and crowded trails. Book accommodation in Pokhara through BookGarum well in advance.
Spring (March-May) — EXCELLENT Second-best season with a bonus: rhododendron forests in full bloom (March-April) paint the lower trail in vibrant reds and pinks. Slightly warmer than autumn. Visibility is generally good, though afternoon clouds are more common. Fewer trekkers than autumn.
Winter (December-February) — CHALLENGING Cold but beautiful. ABC temperatures drop to -15 to -20°C at night. The trail is quiet — sometimes you will have the teahouses to yourself. Clear winter skies offer the best mountain visibility. Drawbacks: some teahouses close above Chhomrong, the trail above MBC can be snow-covered, and the cold is genuinely extreme. Not recommended for first-time trekkers.
Monsoon (June-September) — NOT RECOMMENDED Heavy rain, leeches, slippery trails, zero mountain views, and high landslide risk. Some intrepid trekkers do it — the lush green landscape is beautiful between downpours — but for most visitors, this season should be avoided.
What Should You Pack for the ABC Trek?
Packing right is critical — too much weight destroys your knees, too little leaves you freezing at 4,000 metres. Here is a tested packing list:
Clothing:
- 2-3 moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool is ideal)
- 1 fleece mid-layer
- 1 down jacket (essential above 3,000m)
- 1 waterproof/windproof outer shell
- 2 pairs trekking trousers (zip-off legs are practical)
- 3-4 pairs merino wool socks
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter
- Gloves (liner gloves + waterproof outer gloves)
- Thermal underwear for sleeping above 3,000m
Footwear:
- Broken-in trekking boots with ankle support — this is the single most important item. Never trek in new boots.
- Camp shoes/sandals for teahouse evenings
Equipment:
- 30-40 litre daypack (if using a porter for main bag)
- 60-70 litre backpack (if carrying everything yourself)
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (can rent in Pokhara for NPR 100-150/day)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended, reduce knee strain by 25-30%)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- 1-litre water bottle + water purification tablets
- Sunscreen SPF50 + lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Personal:
- Basic first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, Diamox, painkillers, oral rehydration salts, blister treatment
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, hand sanitiser)
- Quick-dry towel
- Earplugs — teahouse walls are thin, and snoring is universal at altitude
Total pack weight: Aim for 8-10 kg in your daypack, 12-15 kg if carrying everything. A porter can carry up to 25 kg for NPR 2,000-2,500 per day.
Pre-trek accommodation in Pokhara, where most trekkers spend 1-2 days preparing and buying/renting gear, can be found on BookGarum — Lakeside properties are most convenient for accessing trekking shops and the permit office.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek delivers an extraordinary Himalayan experience without the extreme commitment of Everest Base Camp or the technical demands of higher-altitude routes. Ten days of walking, one lifetime of memories, and a view from 4,130 metres that will redefine your understanding of scale.