Annapurna Base Camp trek (shortly ABC trek) is an amazing journey in the lap of the Annapurna Massif that offers an adventurous journey through the rich culture, traditional villages, lush green forest, and majestic mountain views. Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and widely chosen trekking trails in Annapurna Sanctuary which takes you close to Mt. Annapurna, the 10th highest mountain in the world. The complete guide for Annapurna Base Camp treks gives insights into essential information from day one.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp trek
- Explore in the very popular lake city in Nepal, Pokhara which is considered the beginning of this trek.
- Stunning landscapes, diverse scenery including both mountains and low hills covered with traditional villages.
- Experience the unique settlements, lifestyle, culture, traditions, and practices of Gurung, Magar, and other ethnic groups through the trek.
- Experience the beautiful sunrise and sunset from Poonhill, Chomrong, ABC, and MBC.
- Stunning views of the highest mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Machapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and numerous snowy peaks.
- Hiking through the subtropical and alpine climate, vegetation in Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Get a chance to encounter numerous exotic wildlife in Annapurna Region.
- Explore the homestay and Gurung museum in Ghandruk village.
- Hot spring in Jhinu Danda, where you can relax your tired muscles after the trek.
- A perfect blend of natural scenery and stunning landscapes through the treks.
About Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC Trek) is one of the most renowned and popular treks in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range. Every year, thousands of tourists explore the beauty of the Annapurna region and witness the most rewarding views of Mt. Annapurna and its surrounding peaks. Normally the treks began from Pokhara, a popular tourist city in Nepal. Then the trek continues towards the Ghandruk village, where you can explore the traditional Gurung village, their lifestyle, culture, and traditions. Further, you can pass through the beautiful alpine forest of Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali and reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here onwards, the terrain looks more different and mountains are the most dominating factor. Continue hiking to the Annapurna Base Camp and experience the panoramic views of mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, Gangapurna, and numerous snowy peaks. Coming back the same way, I stayed in Jhinu Danda and relaxed in the natural hot spring before departing to Pokhara.
Where is the Annapurna Base Camp trek located?
Annapurna Base Camp camp is located in the northwest of Nepal in the Kaski district. From Pokhara, normally people drive to Nayapul and start hiking from that point. This trek is approximately 60km in the total distance but it may vary depending upon where you start your trek. Normally, it takes one week to complete the trek from Pokhara.
How to get on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Normally, we start our trek from Pokhara and drive to Nayapul or Dhampus. From here either you can start via Poonhill Ghorepani or directly you can start from Ghandruk village as well. Alternatively, you can go from Landruk as well and all the trail connects in Chomrong at the end and from here onwards all the way the same until Annapurna Base Camp. From Kathmandu either you can go via Tourist bus which takes 7-8 hour drive or 30 min flight. From Pokhara, if you drive to Nayapul, it will take 2 hours and if you drive to Ghandruk it will take 3.5 hours. Similarly, you can drive to Dhampus from Pokhara also which takes 3 hours,s and can start hiking from there. While returning from the Annapurna Base Camp, normally we follow the same route down to Chhomrong then continue to Jhinu Danda, Matkyou, Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Food and water in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Proper food and pure drinking water is the major part of any kind of high mountain trekking. Annapurna Region trekking is almost inhabited with the different ethnic groups, you’ll get normal teahouses and lodges in entire trekking trails. So, eatery options are easier as compared to other trekking trails in Nepal. The teahouse served meals according to the menu they set. They normally provide the following items during the different meal times.
During Breakfast
They normally serve set breakfast, boiled eggs, Oats, Porridge, Toast, Chapati, and vegetable curry along with Gurung bread, soups, and any style of egg items. Besides this pancakes, fried rice, and other heavy metals are also available for breakfast. Tea, coffee, and similar drinks are normal everywhere during the trek.
During Lunch
Nepali Dal Bhat set ( includes Rice, Lentil Soup, Vegetable curry, pickle, and chicken curry/mutton curry) is normally served at Lunch. The food they normally serve is organic, healthy, and fresh because most of the things are grown there except the last one day in base camp. Besides this, you can go for a western menu and continental menu such as pizza, spaghetti, pasta, and dumplings. Fried rice, chapati, and other local foods are also served during lunch.
Dinner Menu
Normally the above-mentioned menu in breakfast and lunch are the common foods in Annapurna Base Camp trek. Besides this, you can have soup items, fruits, and more hot water during dinner time. If you are trekking with a local travel agency, they normally serve desserts that include fresh seasonal fruits.
Drinking-Water
Water is very essential to make your body hydrated during the trek. You can buy bottled water from the starting to the end of the trek. The price will be slightly increasing every day as you hike higher. Also, another option is you can buy a water filter and water purifier and get the normal water from the hotel and make it drinkable. Also, you can refill your own water bottle with boiled water in the teahouse we meet on the way. The hotel will charge for hot water as well. Additionally, we recommend trekkers bring protein bars, dry nuts, candy bars, and some other energy-giving foods for the trekking.
What is the transportation facility in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Normally, Nayapul is the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. From Pokhara, you can either book a taxi, jeep or also you’ll get the local bus as well. From Pokhara, it takes two hours to reach Nayapul. But, these days, for the short ABC trek, people drive directly to Ghandruk and start trekking. For a normal ABC trek, you can easily get the jeep to Tikhedhunga and hike towards the Poonhill-Ghorepani. All the transportation is available on both public and private hiring basis. For private hiring, you’ve to pay the extra cost.
Best season for Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Trekking in mountains can be done normally in two main seasons. The first season of the year starts from April-June, which is normally called the Spring season. The second favorite and most chosen season start from October to Mid December, which is an Autumn season. Spring is normally best for the flowers, snowy peaks, and astonishing landscapes. Whereas, during the autumn, you can experience the vibes of late monsoon such as waterfalls, wildflowers, and greenery. The weather is more stable and warm in this season. Nature looks more active in Autumn, so it’s the most preferred season for trekking in Nepal.
But, besides this two-season, you can explore Annapurna Base Camp during the monsoon and winter as well with full safety and guidance. The climate, vegetation, landscapes, and views look amazingly different from other regular trekking seasons. Without the support and guidance of a local travel agency, we do not recommend trekking in Annapurna Region during the monsoon and winter seasons.
What is the temperature in the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The temperature in the Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail depends on the season. Normally during the daytime, the temperature remains pleasant and warm. During the evening time, it falls up to negative Celsus. In the first few days in the lower Himalayan range, even in the morning and evening temperature looks pretty normal. Once you cross 3000m altitude, it gets colder. At Annapurna Base Camp, the temperature can go from 2 to -10 degrees celsius depending on the season. For such a situation, you have to wear more layers of clothes. As compared to other popular high altitude trekking like Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Manaslu trek, this one is less cold.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek difficult?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered one of the easiest and moderately graded trekking in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas range. The chances of getting altitude sickness are less as compared to other popular treks in Everest Region and Annapurna Region. The normal requirement is good health and energy that can walk around 6-7 hours per day in uphills and downhills of the mountain environment. Little warm-up, stamina strengthening exercise, and cardio-related activities before the trek would be the plus point for you. At Annapurna Base Camp trek, difficulty can be expected in case of bad weather, avalanche, or any kind of natural calamities. We should be really prepared for those things and need all the essential information from the local travel agency.
What is the normal cost for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done normally on a very low budget as per your requirements. Normally a local travel agency charges 1000-1200USD for the complete ABC package including almost all the expenses. But, if you go solo or if you customize the normal trip, then the cost may vary from the above-mentioned amount. The above-mentioned cost includes all the ground transportation, accommodations, and fooding in the entire trekking, guides, porters, and all the required permits including a few days’ stay in Kathmandu along with sightseeing. If you go for the bigger group, the price would be less.
If you take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, it costs 200USD extra. If you would like to stay more in Pokhara, in that case also the budget may be raised. When you return back to Pokhara, they will offer a lot of other activities like Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Ultra flights, boating, and many more. If you like to experience all these activities, then your price would go higher. Besides all these activities, only for trekking, it’s one of the affordable and cheapest packages. Foods normally cost Rs 700-1000, water bottles Rs 100-150 and other things are normally standard in rate in that altitude. The higher you go, the prices of most things increase slightly.
Internet, Electricity, and Mobile network in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a renowned and popular trek not only in Nepal but also in the world. So, the facility of Internet, Electricity, and Mobile Newtown is available on almost 90% of the entire trails. Regarding the Internet facility, you can either use mobile data or they offer normal wifi inside the hotel. If you use their wifi, you have to pay a certain amount for that.
About electricity, you can get normal electricity from hydropower until Deurali. So, there won’t be problems with charging your phones, camera, and other essential electronic gadgets. But, in a few places, they sometimes charge very little for charging as well. It’s better to get the power bank and use that for the entire trek to avoid the additional cost. One thing about the internet and mobile network is, the higher you go, the connection strength will be getting weaker.
Normal itinerary
To get to Annapurna Base Camp, there are different routes. Normally, Pokhara is the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, from where either drive to Dhampus and hike towards Landruk is the one route. Another short ABC trek route is to drive to Ghandruk and start trekking from there. Also, Drive to Tikhedunga via Nayapul and reach Poonhill-Ghorepani before reaching Chhomrong. Here, we’ve written the normal and widely chosen itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri
- Day 2: Hike to Ghorepani
- Day 3: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani
- Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong Village
- Day 5: Trek to Dovan
- Day 6: Trek to MBC
- Day 7: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
- Day 8: Trek back to Bamboo
- Day 9: Trek back to Jhinu Danda
- Day 10: Trek to Matkyou and drive back to Pokhara
Travel insurance for Annapurna Base Camp trek
Travel insurance in high mountain trekking is the most needed one which covers all the extra expenditure that might come into account due to sudden situations like health problems, injuries, accidents where you might need emergency rescue, evacuation, and treatment. Besides these, travel insurance also covers the cost of theft and liability, cancellation, and misplacement of your baggage. Make sure that, before planning for Annapurna base Camp or any high altitude trekking in Nepal you have your travel insurance policy.
What is the accommodations facility in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Starting from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll get enough hotels, tea houses, and guesthouses for the accommodations. At Pokhara, you can get from low-budget hotels to five-star hotels and resorts. Furthermore, you’ll get normal sharing rooms with attached bathrooms in a few places. In higher altitudes, the rooms are very basic without any additional furniture inside the room. Some tea houses provide hot shower facilities as well. Although the rooms are very comfortable and there won’t be any heater and AC inside the room. In Ghandruk, Chhomrong you can also get the homestays as well if you want to experience the local lifestyle and settlement from very very close. This offers you to enjoy the local food, culture, tradition, and lifestyle of ethnic people living there.
Permits and Entry Fees of Annapurna Base Camp trek
Trekking in Nepal requires a TIMS and Permit card to enter inside the specific national parts and conservation areas. Likewise, Annapurna Base Camp also lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. For that, you must get two different entrance passes, one is a TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and another is an ACAP permit. Both of these permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and TAAN office in Pokhara.
If you are traveling through the local travel agency, they will manage all the necessary permits and passes to enter the conservation area. You can get both TIMS Card and ACAP Permit by submitting a copy of your passport and two passport size photographs.
Permit fare for SAARC Countries
- ACAP Entrance Fee: Rs 200
- TIMS Card Fee: 20USD for solo travelers and 10USD for group travelers
Permit fare for other Countries
- ACAP Entrance Fee: Rs 3,000 (nearly 25USD)
- TIMS Card fee: 20USD for solo travel and 10USD for group travelers
Both ACAP permit and TIMS cards are valid for single entry to the respective region. Those permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The entire process takes around 15 minutes normally.
Packing list for Annapurna Base Camp trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate graded trekking in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas range. Make sure that you’ll have enough clothes and stuff for trekking. You don’t need too many things while trekking since you will stay in the teahouse for the entire trek. Bring only the most useful things that you really use while trekking. Here is an important list for packing for the Annapurna Base camp trek.
- A pair of hiking trousers and shorts.
- Light polyester trekking shirts.
- A waterproof hiking shoe, a few pairs of thick socks, a pair of gloves, neck, and mouth cover along with one that will be very useful.
- One down jacket, a raincoat, or umbrella are also helpful. Sometimes there might be chances of unexpected snowfall or rainfall depending on the season.
- A sunglass, suncream, and body location for your skin protection.
- Sleeping bag, toilet papers, brush and paste along with a small towel for your daily use.
- Bring medicines if you are taking some regularly. Make sure that you consult with your doctor before starting your trekking.
- Trekking poles, water bottles, water purifiers, and other essential things that are normally used while trekking in mountains.
- Besides these, you can bring some snacks like dry nuts, dry fruits, chocolates, and protein bars. These might help you sometimes for instant energy.
Is solo female trek possible in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Nepal is one of the safest countries for solo travel or solo female travel. Annapurna Base Camp is a popular trekking trail among the chosen ones, so you’ll find all the necessary information and direction while trekking. During the peak trekking season, you’ll get numerous hikers on the way for your company. So, there is very little chance to get lost along the route. However, we recommend trekking in groups with a guide and assistance from the local travel agency. Traveling with local agencies and guides will directly contribute to the community. Also, from the safety point of view, traveling with groups or with a guide is safer than traveling alone. Though, Nepal is the safest country for solo female travel.
Do we need Guides and Porters in the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Hiring Guides and porters normally depends on two things. One is if you are a pro trekker and used to the high mountain environment and climate. In that case, Annapurna is almost safe for trekking without guides and porters. Another part is if you want to contribute to the local people and community, hiring a guide and porter is much appreciated. Also, for the safe trek, right direction, and smooth trekking journey, traveling with a local agency that includes guides, porters are a must. In short, as a travel agency, we highly recommend traveling with a local travel agency for more benefits and safety. Mountains are always unpredictable. You must know to be aware of the consequences of traveling in the mountains.
Acute Mountain Sickness in Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is not a high mountain trek like the Everest Base Camp trek. So, there will be less chance of getting sick because of altitude. Though, some people from low land and less hiking/trekking experience can get sick because of high altitude. The maximum altitude that you will gain will be 4,130m in base camp. Normally, in that altitude, people can experience mild or very few symptoms of altitude. However, some people might feel sick. To avoid sickness, you should be really prepared from the beginning of the trek. That’s why we always recommend traveling with local agencies and guides. They will help you and guide you from the beginning of the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
These are some of the casual symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness
- Headache on both sides or sometimes on one side only.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sometimes you might feel vomiting and nausea.
- Tiredness and dizziness.
- Increase of heart rate and shortness of breathing.
Common Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness
- Make sure that your body is hydrated while trekking for that drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day.
- Take enough food and calories while trekking.
- Take enough rest after finishing your everyday hike.
- Wear warm clothes and protect your head, nose, neck, and feet from cold.
- Save your energy and do not walk faster while ascending towards a higher altitude.
- Descend down to lower altitude if you feel more than mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- Acclimatize if required and walk 5-7 hours daily. Frequently consult with guides and your team members regarding your health condition.
- Few medicines like Diamox will help to prevent and protect from AMS. But, make sure that before taking any medicines related to AMS, consult with doctors and medical experts.
The above-mentioned detailed guide is the normal description for the trekkers. This might not help all the trekkers. If you are looking for hassle-free trekking in the Annapurna region, please always go through the local travel agency. With the help of them, you can fulfill your dream to chase and explore the beauty of the mighty Annapurna Himalayan range. We also provide the options for customized packages with your own requirements. We will make itineraries, budgets, and packages accordingly for all over Nepal. For that, you can contact us anytime.
