Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 days

Best Seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) stands out as an all-around adventure, where you can undertake this journey any time of the year; however, during the seasonal time, it plays a huge role in the trail conditions, weather patterns, and visibility.

Thus, considering these factors, the ideal seasons are Spring, starting from March till the end of May, and Autumn, from mid-September to November, with the stable climatic situations, moderate mild temperature and less likely chance of heavy precipitation.

During spring, the route gets exhilaratingly adorned with the blooming red and pink rhododendrons, lush green valleys, and the panoramic views of the himalayan peaks on the crystal clear skies, with minimal chance of rain or snowfall. As the season comes after the conclusion of winter, the snowy trail gets washed away, and remains dry and smooth to traverse throughout, without any possible hurdles of landslides, avalanches, or weather disrupting the navigation to the sanctuary.

On the other hand, the autumn, is considered as most peak time, where the hikers come acrooss the globe, due to holiday weekend time, and locals, fill the trail more, as the main festivals, of the himalayas; Dashain and Tihar, falls, in between this season, showcasing another perspective of the himalayas, than, just reaching the destination. After the monsoon, this seasonal time arrives, offering zero chances of precipitation, offering the great insights of the mountains and landscapes, throughout and from the vantage point, with brown hills, fall seasonal perks, and a chance to experience the cultures of the locals, more lively.

The trail can be commenced during the off-season time of winter and monsoon as well (December to February) and June to August, but the genuine question is, are you ready for the slippery terrains, muddy steep sections, and have a prior hiking experience, as the trail gets 2x more challenging than the actual hike during the off-season time. But, can surely undertake with proper preparation, planning and packing gears and essentials accordingly.

Get to know more about the ideal seasons for annapurna sanctuary on our recently updated article.

Elevation and Distance

Annapurna Base Camp sits at an elevation of 4130 meters above sea level and offers a panorama of the Annapurna Range from every stride, making the ABC one of the remote expeditions in the land of the Himalayas- Nepal. To reach such a high elevation, you must start the journey and pass through several settlements in between, depending on the route that you undertake.

Due to the rapid changes in the altitude gain, you can feel the thin air at such heights; hence, proper acclimatisation days are required to avoid certain challenges that happen in mountain areas. That is why we've set this itinerary accordingly, so you can hike in a free mind without any mentally frustrating situations and leg-trembling conditions. 

The distance and length of the Annapurna Sanctuary simply depends on the route that you undertake, as there are many routes to reach the legendary ABC, whereas starting from Pokhara- Birethati with a drive, it covers approximately 97 km of hiking trail, bypassing many stopping points such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Upper Sinuwa, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Ghandruk, Deurali, Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC), to finally reach the base camp of Mount Annapurna I (8091 m) and descend back to Bamboo, Jhinu Danda, Ghandruk, retracing the same pathway in 11 days.

The journey till we reach here is only accessible through several sections, step by step, so you can finally immerse yourself in the breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna range and unveil the unique insight of majestic peaks. To learn more in detail and prepare accordingly, you can explore our blog post, ABC elevation guide. 

Risk of Altitude Sickness and Prevention

There's no doubt, when heading to the mountain areas, there is always a certain risk, circulating 24 hours, unlike city areas, the environment there is unusual, from what we experience with the basic, limited rescue amenities as well. The most crucial thing to highly consider during the trek is the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), as in every high altitude adventure, it is quite expected, no matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.

Meanwhile, if you are panicking, whether you could get one, do not settle back, as this itinerary is set with a gradual ascent without going over the board with 500 meters maximum elevation gain of the rising meters, ensuring the possibility of AMS remains low. 

However, apart from that, one must follow several preventive guidelines to minimise the risk or avoid the risk of altitude sickness. Here are 5 useful tips that we highly suggest from past experiences:

1. Make sure that you stay hydrated throughout the journey, with 4-5 litres of water per day. If that sounds too much, then follow the substitutional process, like having soupy items, fruits, or noodles, which avoids the dryness of the mouth.
2. While taking a higher ascent, do not rush yourself out, and take a slow uphill walk. Sometimes, what happens is that hikers get overexcited or nervous, speeding their climb. Walk slowly and breathe slowly, don't try to speed up your pace.
3.  Avoid consuming hard drinks, caffeine, or smoking cigarettes, as they can make you out of breath and also make the body dehydrated, leading to severe altitude sickness.
4. If you aren’t allergic to ginger items, then remember to carry dry ginger (available in every mart) and consume ginger soups in the evening. It helps to warm the body and energise the muscles.

Can I do ABC as a beginner?

Soaring at the highest elevation of 4130 meters, the overall ABC Trekking demands almost 5 to 6 hours of daily hiking with a coverage of 9 to 12 kilometres per day, so there is no doubt that this trip falls into moderately challenging treks in Nepal. That is why beginners who are willing to opt for this journey should engage in physical training and follow some preventive guidelines to avoid unfortunate conditions that might arise along the way without enough preparation. Even though this trek does ascend to such high terrains, with a complex, confusing route, walking with the assistance of a guide, this trek is safe and free from any danger to undertake, and can be easily done by beginners as well. 

Just on June 3rd, 2025, the marathon in the Annapurna Base Camp Trail was hosted, where many individuals across the globe participated, even the beginners, who looked forward to pushing the limits, and mark new heights and introduce themselves in the world of the Himalayas. Thus, it clears the doubt, and the questionnaire on whether the trail can be ventured out by beginners or not. On top of that, the trail is well-maintained and easy enough to pass through, even though there are several steep uphill walks from Ulleri and downhill descents to Sinuwa. With some training, one can smoothly complete the expedition, but with a positive, enthusiastic mindset and a slow yet effective approach to the trek. 

If you are a beginner and willing to conquer the height of 4130 meters with ease, then take a brief overview of our new blog: Beginner's Guide to Annapurna Base Camp, which provides thoughtful tips to tackle challenges, especially for newbies to the mountains.

How to be prepared for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

Even though this trek is not so strenuous to navigate, it is always best to prepare yourself fully just to make the trip go more smoothly. Especially if you are a beginner, you must take some considerations beforehand so that while making your way for 5-6 hours to the next destination stop, you don't feel any kind of challenges during the Annapurna Base Camp Hike.

There are 3 major factors to keep in mind while prepping: Physical, Mental, and Medical Considerations.

Physical Fitness

First things first, you have to have proper physical fitness since the journey is long and there are some physically challenging sections on the trail. Start training your body 2-3 months before the trip. Cardio is king. Your cardio needs daily sessions of 30-40 minutes at least four times weekly through swimming, hiking, running, and walking, which provides additional health benefits. Your legs, back, and core require major support, so they need dedicated strength training. You should begin hiking while carrying a backpack on weekend days, starting from short distances to longer distances.

Positive Mindset

While we always tend to give 100% to strengthen our bodies and be fully geared up, we often tend to overlook the mindset aspect. YES! It is your mind that keeps you going when your body tries to give up. Use positive thinking and remind yourself why you chose this expedition during times of diminished motivation. Meditation and yoga help to keep your mind focused so you can enjoy the beauty of the journey, not the difficulties. Make your mindset filled with positivity and have that extra glow of enthusiasm. Do some research beforehand, so on the trail, you don't feel any sort of confusing shock, which becomes completely different from expectations.

Medical Consideration

Even though the route doesn't pass by the remote terrains like any other isolated treks in Nepal, it is always better to go through medical procedures and do a whole body check-up just to know how your body is currently working. It is highly recommended to do a checkup regarding health conditions 1 week before and carry the medication accordingly. As the emergency access to a serious health line is just a helicopter evacuation, to avoid such situations, make sure to follow the preventive guidelines accordingly. Also, to know more in-depth, check our recent blog entitled: How to prepare for ABC?, which has a comprehensive guideline from starting to be fully prepared for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

A Typical Day in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Trail

Every day on the trek to Annapurna Base Camp can be a little different from yesterday's due to weather conditions, changes in landscapes, and your overall mood and physical fitness. All breakfast meals are served at 7 am in the teahouses or lodges where you spend the night. The breakfast options will typically include porridge, along with eggs, bread, and tea or coffee.

Once you hand your bags to the porter, he quickly goes ahead before the rest of your group follows. During our trail hike, we stop at a teahouse to eat noodles or Dal Bhat as our main lunch meal. It is essential to eat proper meals and stay hydrated for well-being throughout the ABC Trekking route.

The trek duration spans between 5 and 7 hours daily. The trek requires a decent fitness level to make walking more comfortable, but it can be done by everyone with patience. The guide will point out important sights and give you cultural insights while you enjoy the surroundings. Please inform your guide if you experience any health problems so he can assist you. Most important of all, take time to admire the breathtaking mountain peaks that tower above you. 

We will reach our lodge to enjoy hot or cold drinks before proceeding to dinner. Bedtime is early, and we suggest limiting your alcohol consumption throughout the adventure. Also, before taking a nap, do not miss out on playing UNO, playing Nepalese instruments such as the Madal and Flute (Basunri), and singing songs while mingling with locals and fellow hikers.

Guides and Porters 

Even though the trek to Annapurna Base Camp can be done without a guide, legally, as there are no such restrictions about solo trekking not being allowed at the trailhead, we highly suggest you hike with an experienced registered guide. If you are wondering why, then these two reasons make your navigation with a licensed guide a must-do adventure. Firstly, having such an experienced partner, who will assist you throughout the journey, ensures that you are hiking via the safest route, covering every highlighted aspect of the Annapurna region. Secondly, they are medically trained as well, which means they follow emergency protocols intelligently and take immediate action if any unfortunate situations arise en route. 

Our Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package covers an experienced licensed English-speaking guide, and all his expenses throughout the journey; hence, there is no additional cost required to hire guides, excluding the tipping factor, which is expected as a respect to their hardships. They are highly experienced with more than 10+ years and locals, being medically equipped as well, hence your safety and comfort are highly taken care of. Meanwhile, if you want a porter, then you can hire one by adding a cost of USD 20 to USD 25 per day; one porter can be shared between 2 hikers, where 22 kgs of backpack can be carried by him, which means 1 porter can be shared between 2 hikers.

Safety and Emergency Procedures during ABC Trekking

The Annapurna Sanctuary adventure is basically a high altitude odyssey that passes through varied kinds of terrains every single day, where you can expect the unexpected situations, where the navigation along such thinning air and lower oxygen is a big challenge in itself.

The trailhead basically follows, the unmarked routes, traversing via forested trail, on the very first half, untill Deurali or Chhomrong, whereas, as you go higher, the route transforms into steep, rugged and remote narrow trails, with landslide prone areas, as well, especially, in between Deurali and Macchapuchare Base Camp, thus, it is mandatory to have a local knowledge, and an experienced support factor, for quick daily response, for safe navigation and ideal decision making in case of emergency.

That is why the assistance of the expert teams, and a local experienced licensed guide is mandatory, who knows your pace level, itinerary, trail conditions, and changing weather patterns, to avoid any unfortunate conditions, like getting lost in trail, stuck in a landslide or in avalanche-prone areas. Besides, the guides are medically trained and equipped as well, so they know how to medically respond in case of an emergency, knowing early AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), monitoring your pulse rate via oximeter at each stopping point, hence, they become your buddy throughout. 

Before opting for this adventure, on the very first hand, we advise you to let us know your experiences, health and pace level, so that the itinerary can be crafted accordingly, matching your fitness, so that you ascend adjusting to the rapid altitude growth, rather than blindly following just the itinerary or group. Throughout the journey, make sure to follow the navigation of the guide, and stay with him/her, without being influenced by others easily, and rooting another shortcut routes instead. 

If any symptoms of AMS, illnesses, or injuries occur, inform the guide immediately and get a quick medical checkup, as the trail is remote and has no hospitals or health posts, so getting travel insurance is a must for the emergency evacuation process, if things get out of hand. While getting your travel insurance, make sure to comprehensively review what is included, and ensure that medical expenses, hospital bills, heli evacuation upto 5000 meters, theft, trip delay/cancellation are included in the policies, to save extra cost, and hassle free journey.

Accommodation 

The Annapurna Base Camp route is a popular trailhead for trekkers, as hundreds of visitors pass by the track each day. There are many tea houses and lodges available, so you don’t need to worry about lodging.

The lodging in this area is simple and includes sharing or attached bathroom, comfortable mattresses, cushions, and pillows, but extra charges are added regarding Hot water buckets, wifi, laundry, and charging. Although the tea houses are not so fancy as all are operated by the locals here, you'll get a comfortable stay. In lower areas, single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the trekking regions, but finding them becomes difficult at higher altitudes as lodges are limited throughout the trailhead.

Your comfort and stay throughout the trip are guaranteed by the organisation, whereas you don’t need to worry about pre-booking and safety at lodges. We'll accommodate you in the best lodges in the region and try to manage a single room for every stay. But do not expect this in the higher regions, as there are only a few lodges available.

For deeper insights on specific lodges and seasonal availability, explore our detailed guide: Accommodation Along the ABC Trail.

Meals and Drinking Water

Our Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package covers 3 standard meals throughout the expedition, with a cup of tea or coffee. Along the trailhead, you can find a wide range of foods from traditional foods to international cuisines like Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan that cater to the taste of every visitor.

On the breakfast menu, a wide range of food options are available, like Tibetan bread served with veg curry and boiled eggs, Roti (Indian Chapati), Fresh toast with butter, jam, and omelettes, Oatmeal items, and hot porridge. On top of that, here you’ll also get hot chocolate, espresso, and an Americano, which just gives a perfect kick to heat the body before starting the hike.  

For Lunch and Dinner, you get a variety of traditional Nepalese cuisines and Tibetan local cuisines like Thukpa (made of noodles and vegetables), non-veg momo, or Spanish Momo, that you surely don’t want to miss out! Other options like Ramen, Spaghetti, Fried rice, non-veg and veg curry, dry meats, Thenduk, momo, Pizza, Burgers, and Spaghetti are served. Sounds appetising, right?

While having dinner, take advantage of the dining area seating. Here you can enjoy the heater made out of clay (a traditional heater of the Himalayas), providing warmth to such cold altitudes. So, make the best out of this. We recommend you have dal bhat before the trek, as it is a nutritious food that allows you to continue the trek with a happy tummy.

Throughout the trail head, the natural water sources are available; however, as the foreign hikers, or beginners, might not be used to the himalayan natural untreated water, it might not be safe, with the high possibility of allergic reaction. So, to avoid such conditions, you can consider drinking hot boiled water from the tea houses, on a kettle basis, with small fare, and use a water purification tablet to purify the water as well.

We do not suggest buying bottles, promoting sustainability and the protection of the Annapurna Conservation Area, so it is best if you drink hot boiled water, which is clean, hygenic, and safe to drink as well.

WIFI, Network and Communication on the ABC Trail

Every tea house has the accessibility of WIFI, which you can connect to at the dining area (higher section), or even rooms, upto Chhomrong; however, the WIFI coverage works great, while covering the Ghorepani poon hill route, as it is on the lower elevation side, and stands out to be more facilitated. At the peak season time, due to huge traffic and only limited coverage, the wifi might not be stable in the rooms; however, it connects well to call back home, and use social media. For the wi-fi as well, an extra cost is charged between USD 2 and USD 4 at the upper trails, due to limited availability.

On the other hand, for the mobile network coverage, the signals are not consistent at the higher altitudes, as you go deeper into the sanctuary; meanwhile, it runs smoothly in the lower terrains, in fact, on a 4 G / 3 G basis. Just make sure to purchase an NTC (Nepal Telecom) SIM CARD if you do not have any Nepali SIM cards, as it performs effectively, compared to others. 

Besides, the lodges also have a telephone call booth, or satellite phones, for emergency cases, so do not worry! Either way, you will not find any communication issues throughout the journey, as there are always alternative options.

Electricity and Charging Facilities 

As the trekking route is quite remote and a high altitude tea house, it has limited facilities for electricity and charging, so do not expect a quick and exceptional service when it comes to charging sockets and electricity, as it is run by solar energy.

While at the lower trail, the charging plug is attached in the room itself, as you ascend higher, above 3000 meters (Chhomrong), it is only available at the dining area, where you have to wait in a queue to get your gadgets charged, paying an extra fare of USD 3 to USD 5, depending on the lodge.

Even though every, lodges, do include such rechargeable accessibility, waiting in line might be frustrating for some, so it is advisable to bring a powerbank (20,000 mAh), to get your batteries, mobiles, cameras, etc., charged in an emergency.

Whereas, as for the electricity, as the weather changes drastically, at the high points, the power availability sometimes might get affected, due to inconsistency of the sunlight, and all the lodges largely depend on the solar panels, so it is better to carry a powerbank, one extra as well, for such emergency cases.

Transportation 

For the transportation facilities, you will be provided with all the in and out services soon after you land here in Nepal. Even though this trip doesn't include your arrival date, it's your own choice, when you want to arrive here and explore the Kathmandu valley beforehand, you will be received at the airport via private vehicle, and dropped off at the hotel directly and same remains during your date to returning to home, where you will trasnfered to the hotel with the assistance of the airport representative. This airport pick-up and drop-off is not included in the cost; hence, we provide it as a complimentary service for your ease and comfort.

Meanwhile, to reach Pokhara for the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, a comfortable sofa-seated tourist bus with AC will be provided, from Kathmandu to Pokhara, whereas, from Pokhara (PKR), to reach Ulleri, a private jeep is used, rewarding hikers with a 2-hour scenic view. The modes of transportation remain the same to return via private jeep from Siwai to Pokhara and a comfy sofa tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Note: You can upgrade transportation to a flight mode of transportation as well, at an additional cost of USD 100 to USD 130 per head. We can arrange the air transportation happily, or any other private mode of transit, as per your request.

Permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

To trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, one of the most crucial aspects that every trekker must consider is obtaining the required permits for this adventure trail.

To trail along this protected area, there are basically two permits required: firstly, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and secondly, the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card), which can be obtained from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, as well, depending on the starting point of the trip.

While, as of now, as per the 2026 update, the TIMS Card is not required, which used to cost approximately $ 18 for foreign nationals, and only $ 3 per head for the SAARC nationals. However, the requirement of the TIMs varies, every month, or on a seasonal basis, so it's best if you check the recent update for the information.

At present, the only required permit is the ACAP, NPR 3,000 (approximately $27) for foreigners. NPR 1000 (approximately $9) for SAARC countries. The permit fee goes directly to the protection of the wildlife, boosts the local economy and projects, and goes into the upgrade of the trail, and also keeps track of the inflow and outflow of the hikers, ensuring safety on the very first hand, along with sustainability.

After your booking is confirmed with us, we at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition arrange both essential permits and paperwork. Just make sure to send us your valid passport photo, and recent photography, and while being at the trailhead, these permits must be with you throughout the trail.

Essential Packing List for ABC Trek

To make your trip a complete success, packing gear and essentials play a crucial role, which can either make or break your expedition, so make sure that proper planning is made regarding what to carry, include, and what to exclude and ignore, and make sure to pack smartly for the 11 days ABC Hike, as it helps you to tackle challenges and at the same time, saves personal spending as well. Here are some of the recommendations that we highly suggest include in your packing checklist:

Clothing: What to wear?

• Dry Fit T-shirts: at least 2 to 3 that are quick to dry and absorb sweat easily
• Breathable hiking pants or shorts
• Down Jacket or Puffer Jacket: whatever is suitable for you
• Full Sleeves T-shirts: to protect from the sun's heat 
• Inner Thermal Wear: warm enough to wear at the tea house, and for a high-altitude hike
• Wind cheater: useful during sunny days and even low precipitation
• Light gloves and woollen gloves

Footwear: Hike with ease

• Flip flops or sandals to wear at the tea house
• Short cotton socks and Long woolen socks - if possible, bring 6-7 pairs
• Hiking boots - have a nice grip and don't slip
• Comfortable sports shoes - useful as an alternative

Gears and Hiking Backpack

• Bagpack: 25 L to 35 Litres
• Waist bag: to quickly fit in and use the gadgets and keep essential items like cash, passports so on.
• Extra Batteries and Power Bank - due to limited amenities available at the trailhead.
• Personal First Aid Kit - basic medicines with doctor's precautions
• Crampons and sleeping bags - if it's winter, it's essential
• Toiletary items and basic hygienic products
• Trekking poles (2) and a water bottle

These essentials fit most adventurers, but gear needs shift by season or fitness. Check our seasonal breakdown: What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp, to get better insights and recommendations on what to include and exclude, with tips on packing based on weather patterns.

Booking procedure

Do not wait any longer for the epic adventure of the Annapurna Base Camp Trip, and book a spot now! To make things easy, we provide everything you need for the trip, including food, lodging, transportation, permits, and expert guides (all of their permits, food, insurance, and so on).

You can email us at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com for the booking confirmation, or you can phone or message us on WhatsApp at +977 9851016814 with any questions. For the payment, you can directly pay through our website or simply transfer the advance payment. To manage everything, we just deduct 10% of the entire fee; the remaining sum may be paid after you get to Kathmandu. 

Last-minute booking

Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition helps us to book your last-minute trek during peak season with ease. You must pay 100% to confirm the last-minute booking since we need to pay for a guide, along with porters, and accommodation in advance to ensure your trip. You can get more information through our WhatsApp or Viber at (+977 9851016814) and also email directly to us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.

Tips for the ABC Sanctuary Journey

• Make sure to withdraw sufficient Nepali rupees from banks in Kathmandu or Pokhara ahead of your trek because ATMs are not available during the trek. The teahouses accept Nepalese cash only.
• Get a local SIM card from Ncell or NTC in Kathmandu or Pokhara to use during emergencies, as these providers supply sufficient network coverage throughout the trek. You can connect with your friends and family, though coverage may be limited at high altitudes.
• Make sure to keep drinking water throughout your trek to prevent dehydration. You can bring a reusable water bottle with a 2-3 litre capacity and refill it in teahouses and use filtration tablets to ensure the water is safe to drink.
• You will need a portable high-capacity power bank or charger when planning to use your phone or camera. Remote areas often lack reliable charging facilities at teahouses, despite some locations providing power sources.
• Even though there are several tea houses along the trail, the prices are very high. Buy quick snacks to grab on the trek, such as granola bars, protein chocolates, and instant noodles.
• Carry only the necessary trekking equipment to keep your backpack lightweight. A fully necessary trekking kit should include layered clothes, proper boots, a sleeping bag, and essential products such as sunscreen, lip balm, moisturisers, and required medications. 
• Make sure to carry an oximeter and check your pulse rate through the oximeter (given by us). If it goes lower than it should, then inform the guide immediately.