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Guide to Annapurna Base Camp Trek
How did your 2024 go? Did you just sit in your office or at home while watching the usual television shows and eating the foods you have been eating for years? Did you know that in 2024, around 244,000 people left their comfort zone and, from the hustle and bustle of the city, embarked on a trekking adventure to Nepal’s Annapurna region? It’s 2025, and you need a vacation. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is the best option out there. The number of visitors is supposed to increase in 2025, and you can be one of them. But, besides the traveling motivation, you will also need a guide to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and this article is just that.
Annapurna Base Camp is located in theAnnapurna Sanctuary inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Throughout the trek, you will see beautiful landscapes and charming villages of indigenous people, adding a cultural aspect to your trek. This multi-day trek will take you to some of the best places on earth while providing awe-inspiring views of peaks like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Regardless of experience level, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate trek suited for everyone. Having said all this, let us jump into a complete guide, including everything you need to know about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Table of Contents
Trek Route of Annapurna Base Camp
Even though the final destination is the same, the path leading to the Annapurna Base Camp is different, at least in the initial phase of the trek. You can follow three significant routes on your trek to Annapurna Base Camp. All three routes meet at Chomrong, after which the path is the same until the base camp. Here are all the three routes ;
Ghorepani Poon Hill Route
The Ghorepani Poon Hill route combines the traditional Annapurna Base Camp trek with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. It is the longest route to explore the ABC and surrounding areas. In this trek, you will not only observe the mighty Annapurna range, including Annapurna south, but also the Dhaulagiri range from Poon Hill. With this route, it will take you around 10-12 days to complete the trek. The route highlights are as follows;
Nayapul – Tikhedhunga – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Chomrong – Bamboo – Dovan – Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – ABC
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
4 Days
Trekking
USD 299 per person
3 Days Poon Hill Trek
3 Days
Trekking
USD 260 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Poon Hill
9 Days
Trekking
USD 625 per person
While ascending back to Pokhara, you can take another route from Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda to explore more.
Ghandruk Route
It is more of a traditional route to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. It suits anyone who has less time but still wants to explore the region. This route allows you to choose your starting point for the trek. If you are short on time, you can book a jeep and reach Ghandruk to start your trek. If not, you can take a local bus to Nayapul and start your trek there On this route, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp are popular stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The route highlight is as follows-
Nayapul – Bire Thati – Syauli Bazar – Kimche – Ghandruk – Kimrung – Chomrong – Bamboo – Dovan – Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – ABC
While returning, you can take a detour from Chomrong and reach Pokhara via Jhinu Danda and Phedi, adding diversity to your trek.
Dhampus Route
Similar to the Ghandruk route, this is also for someone who wants to explore the base camp but is short in time. However, unlike the Ghandruk route, this route takes you through the charming villages of Dhampus and Landruk. It is perfect for beginners because of the easier ascent. The route highlights are as follows:
Pokhara – Phedi – Dhampus – Landruk – Jhinu Danda – Chomrong – Bamboo – Dovan- Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – ABC
You can detour at Jhinu Danda on this route and explore Ghandruk Village via Kimche. However, that will add length to your trek. So, while preparing your itinerary, you can descend via Ghandruk. If you are not short on time, you can also take a detour towards Ghorepani.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents, descents, and longer walking hours. Like any other trek, altitude sickness is one of the major challenging factors for the ABC trek. Let us look at a few factors that define the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty;
- Altitude Sickness—The trek’s highest point is Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The thinning oxygen level at such a high elevation poses a risk of altitude sickness.
- Duration—Although the ABC trek is shorter than most popular treks, such as the EBC and Annapurna Circuit Trek, it still takes 5 to 12 days to complete. Walking continuously for days on the trek can be physically and mentally challenging.
- Trail Conditions— The trail includes uneven surfaces, rocky paths, and steep ascents and descents in many sections, especially from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. Moreover, the trail can be slippery during monsoon or winter. You are at risk of injuries and accidents in such trials. Hence, the trails require you to be physically strong.
- Weather Conditions—The weather in places near ABC can be unpredictable. It can change rapidly with the rapid decrease in temperature at higher altitudes. The weather becomes more unstable and unpredictable in the off-seasons (winter and monsoon).
Preparation for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Since the ABC trek is moderately difficult, proper preparation is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trekking experience. You can rely on your trekking agency for permits, guides, porters, and logistics, as they will provide you with lists of gear and equipment you need to acquire. It is physical and mental preparation that you have to do by yourself. Let us look at what you can do;
Physical Preparation
The rugged terrain and the longer walking hours make the ABC trek physically taxing. You might often stop just to catch your breath, and your legs might give up sooner than you imagine if you are not physically prepared. You need to train your body. You should focus on;
- Cardiovascular Exercises – Running, Swimming, Cycling
- Strength Exercises- Squat, Sit-ups, Bench Press, Push-ups
- Flexibility- Yoga and stretching exercises.
Mental Preparation
Annapurna Base Camp might also test your mental endurance. Walking continuously for 5 to 12 days with minimal facilities can be stressful. And, if any unforeseen situation arises, you must be calm and handle it with utmost care. So, for mental preparation, you can practice mindfulness and meditation. You can also go on short hikes with a backpack to simulate the trekking conditions, boosting your confidence.
Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You will need two permits to hike to Annapurna Base Camp. These permits ensure your safety while regulating the region’s trekking activities and tourism flow. Whether you are trekking independently or in a group, following permits are compulsory;
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
7 Days
Trekking
USD 449 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Since ABC Trek lies in the Annapurna Sanctuary of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), you need this permit to enter and trek in the region. The permit price is NPR 3,000 (~$22) for international trekkers and NPR 1,000 (~$8) for SAARC nationals. The children below 10 years don’t have to pay for the permit. You can obtain ACAP from the Nepal Tourism Board, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, or at the entry gate.
TIMS Card
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit, including ABC, is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. This permit regulates the flow of tourism, ensures your safety during the trek, and helps locate you during an evacuation. The price for a TIMS card is NPR 2,000 (~$15) for non-SAARC nationals and NPR 1,000 (~$8) for SAARC nationals. You can obtain this card from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). You need to apply through a registered trekking agency to obtain this permit.
Food and Accommodations on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Foods
You shouldn’t compromise on food to conquer the Annapurna Base Camp. The hotels, lodges, and teahouses along the route offer a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Nepali dishes to international cuisine. Some of the food items available along the trek are;
- Breakfast- Eggs, potato, toast, Tibetan bread, soup, pancake, Museli, et Cetra
- Lunch and Dinner- Dal, Bhat, tarkari (lentils, rice, and curry), meat, pizza, Mo: Mo, spaghetti, noodles, et Cetra.
Accommodations
Along the trek to ABC, the accommodation options are teahouses, lodges, and hotels. Teahouses are family-run accommodations, while lodges and hotels are private ventures. These accommodations will provide proper bedding and amenities like hot showers, wi-fi, and charging. While lodges and hotels are more equipped and offer more comfort, teahouses are more affordable. As you ascend higher, the amenities become limited, and the price might also increase. Besides these options, the other means of accommodation available is camping, for which you will need to bring a permit and probably hire staff.
Perfect Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Among the 4 seasons, many consider the spring and autumn the best time to trek to Annapurna Base camp. On the other hand, winter and summer/monsoon are the off-seasons for the trek. Each season offers a unique set of rewards along with the challenges. Let us look at the table below to determine which season can be the best for you;
| Seasons/Aspects | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (March to May) | 5°C to 20°C | Moderate temperature Stable weather | Clear views Longer Days Blooming Rhododendronns | Crowded accommodations Expensive |
| Autumn (September to November) | -5°C to 15°C | Clear views Longer Days Blooming Rhododendrons | Clear skies Festive season Dry and well-maintained trails | Extremely crowded Hard to find accommodations increased rates |
| Winter (December to Feburary) | -15°C to 10°C | Extremely cold Heavy snowfall Dry atmosphere | Less crowded trails Snow-capped mountain views of the Annapurna mountain range Adventurous Lower trekking prices | Short trekking hours Slippery trails Possibility of avalanche Limited accommodations |
| Summer/Monsoon (June to August) | 10°C to 25°C | Heavy rainfall Humid atmosphere Less visibility Hot days in the lower regions like Ghandruk | Verdant greenery Fewer crowds Waterfalls and streams | Heavy rainfall slipper trails with leeches obstructed views Flight delays |
Note- The temperature range in the above table is the approximate range. The temperature decreases as you ascend. So, the range includes the minimum and maximum daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Highly recommend Himalaya trip for ABC Trek
From day one the communication and support from Himalaya trip has been exceptional. We were initially planning the trip for October 2025, but had to move it to March 2026. The management team was super understanding about the situation and we seamlessly changed plans. Our guide for the trip was Ramesh, along with two porters who made the entire journey so much easier and carefree. Everything was organised and taken care of. March being a busy season, with lodges being overbooked, Ramesh especially made sure that we were always sorted and got the best of the options available. He was very clear throughout about what to expect during the journey and how to prepare. Also took us through the most beautiful routes. During unexpected situations, we consistently felt genuine care and a sense of security around us thanks to Ramesh and the porters. I would highly recommend Himalaya trip for anyone who is considering trekking in Nepal!
Our ABC Trek experience with Himalaya Trip was incredible
Our experience with Himalaya Trip was incredible. We were guided by Ramesh who is an absolute delight and 12/10 as a guide – a trip full of laughter, great stories, and thoughtful insights into Nepal and its culture. We went as a group of 4 to Annapurna Base Camp trek and it was unforgettable as a trip. We also hired porters who were also very kind, smiley and friendly – this genuine warmth and kindness from every member of Himalaya trip company really made our trip. Ramesh was expert level guidance in everything from food recommendations, to what to wear and expect the next day in the terrain. Everything was well organized and easy to follpw. He also really made us feel safe when my sister got sick from the altitude. We really felt we experienced Nepali hospitality where we were treated as guests, welcomed, and cared for. Communication was great throughout, reliable, and easy to follow. There was everything from time for photos, rest, trekking, and challenges in between. I definitely plan on returning and hopefully doing Everest base camp with Himalaya Trips and maybe even summiting!!! Thank you Ramesh and amazing team 🙏
Jay: What a great guide
We had a really nice trek to ABC. Unfortunately we faced rain and then snow (30 cm). Jay, our guide, was very professional ensuring our safety and getting us down the mountain in time, and obtaining extra blankets at our booked guest houses. You could tell he had the experience needed for such situations.
I also would like to share that Harka, the tour manager, was extremely helpful and flexible with changing our itinerary and transport method as needed due to weather conditions. As important, Harka was very honest in dealing with us.
We highly recommend both of them. Enzo and Flavio
We are very happy to have successfully completed the Nepal ABC Trek
We are very happy to have successfully completed the Nepal ABC Trek and sincerely thank the “Himalaya Trip Private Limited” Trekking team.
Special thanks to Harka for providing detailed information before departure, arranging airport pickup and drop-off, and thoroughly explaining the itinerary.
Ramesh took great care of us throughout the journey, ensuring our meals and accommodation were well-managed. When he noticed that we were struggling with our physical stamina, he suggested an alternative route. Although it was slightly longer, the path was easier to navigate. Since the porter couldn’t always stay with us, Ramesh also helped carry some of our belongings, making it possible for us to complete the trek. His arrangements were truly flexible and considerate.
Markus and Aita always had bright smiles on their faces. They helped with our luggage, checked our rooms to ensure nothing was left behind, chatted with us along the way, and took photos with us. They gave us a sense of genuine warmth and simplicity that is hard to find in the city.
Once again, a heartfelt thanks to Harka, Ramesh, Markus, and Aita ? ?
P.S. The Himalaya Trekking team celebrated uncle and aunt’s birthdays for two consecutive days, which was truly a wonderful surprise and deeply touching.
I sincerely hope to hike with your team again in the future ?
13 pax group for ABC trek with Harka
We arranged for a 13 pax group for the ABC trek with Harka. Even with a big group size, Harka and his team took good care of us. The itinerary was customized based on our needs and fitness level. Top-notch service was provided throughout our 10 days in Nepal. Our guide, Hari did an amazing job ensuring all of us were able to cope with the altitude and long trek well. During the trip, we requested some changes to the itinerary and they were able to accommodate our last-minute request. Would totally come back to them if we are planning for EBC and recommend it to those who wish to visit Nepal.
Unforgettable and its a real adventure
Haari, our tour guide, was great. He is very friendly, patient, accommodating with everyone and a mountain of knowledge about the Himalayas (very very enthusiastic about EBC, haha). He was well prepared with first aids and brought us to places to get gears and stuff that we missed out before our hike. He made plans ahead and keep us informed, totally made our ABC adventure so much more enjoyable and relaxed. The porters were super helpful and thoughtful, despite carrying our bags around the mountains they keep us entertained with their carefree personalities and great dancing skills 🙂 (yeah, they partied at one of the teahouse we stayed). OH did I mentioned, one of our member left his camera at the previous teahouse we stayed and only realised when we arrived at the next accommodation (after 12 hours) and one of the porter volunteered to return and pick up the camera for our member, and I’m sure he was sprinting and down 6 red bull and came back in 5hours. We were very lucky and blessed indeed. Haari’s brother, Harka is the operation/ owner of the tour agency and he was also very kind and did a fantastic job in ensuring our last few days in Kathmandu a pleasant one. We had good conversations with everyone of them and all in all a great experience and a wonderful times in this beautiful country.
our honeymoon trekking
My husband and I spent our honeymoon trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and Harka was our guide. We were so pleased to have Harka as he was the perfect guide for us. Naturally he has excellent knowledge and always gently guided us into the correct decision. We were quite worried about spending so much time with someone we didn’t know. But Harka had the magic ability to know when to leave us in peace and when to spend time with us. He was very gentlemanly, with perfect manners and as I said an innate ability to know what to do. He wasn’t too distant nor too friendly. We did see other guides who didn’t get this balance right and who if they had been with us would have affected our trip for the worse. Harka was just perfect for us and I would recommend him to anyone.
I and my girlfriend took a ABC Trek
In the march of 2012, my girlfriend and I took a trip to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. We have hired a guide Harka Gurung , a local guide (26), who was recommended by my friends.First, he has sent us the list of things to take with us, this information is very valuable for us, since we know what to take with us. The weather conditions were pretty rough, but we did not freeze and need anything. Harka is very fond of safety, starting from the recommendations about the food and water and ending with advice was and how to pass the Avalanche area, steep slopes, and so on. He was very nice to us and told us a lot of stories about Nepali habits, culture, and history; he was always joking and did not show any signs of angriness when we were going to slow or wanted to have rest.
Harka went all the way with us and without him our travel would not have been so nice and safe.I definitely will choose home as a guide for my next trips to Nepal and recommend him to anyone who wants to feel comfortable and nice during the trek.
We met Harka in September 2010
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. WE would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life
We met Harka in September 2010. He was going to be our trekking guide up to Annapurna Base Camp and he was more than that! He became a good friend! He is patient (he kept us going all the way up to ABC!), kind, knowledgeable, and has a real love for sharing his culture and exchanging thoughts life! We had some inspiring chats. He cares about his people, he has a heart of gold. We would trek with him again forever, and more than that, we are still in touch because he did become one very good friend and we wish him all the best for his life. He deserves all the happiness he can get. Namaste saathi!
Love from Spain,
Good, well organised and excellent value trip
I am more than happy to recommend Harka – he was very helpful and organised a good and professional trek (I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek with two friends). Our guide Shyam spoke good English and our two porters were a huge asset, carrying stuff we couldn’t have done ourselves. All for a very reasonable price.
UK, April 2019
amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil
A wonderful 8 day trek, led by our amazing guide Nirmal and porter Anil. It was April, and this is a very busy month, so despite the company booking in advance, we struggled to find a room on several occasions – but the overall experience and mountain views surpassed all. Thank you, Nirmal and Anil, we’ll come again!!
USA, April 2019
Highly recommended, friendly family-run company.
We booked a 7 day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Himalaya Trip in Sep. Communication when booking was excellent and they were very accommodating to fit in with our dates and pick up/drop off locations. The manager, Harka, was very quick to respond and provided good information about what to take. On arrival, Harka met us at our hotel in Kathmandu and explained the full plan for the trip giving us all our tickets and trekking passes. He also met us in the morning to ensure we got on the correct bus to Pokhara where we would meet our guide.
The guide and porter were very good: both were very friendly and couldn’t do enough to make sure we were comfortable and safe at all times. We were particularly impressed when we asked to change the plan for the last day of the trek and he gave us a few options and rebooked our accommodation and transport plan to fit. Even though the porter spoke little English he was friendly and helpful throughout.
Himalaya Trip clearly a local, family-run business and I would highly recommend booking directly with them as it was better value for money than going through an agent in the UK and also supports their local community. We will certainly use them again for future trekking adventures in Nepal.
UK, September 2019
ABC Made Memorable by Harka Gurung and Himalaya Trip !
Our little group of three were introduced to Himalaya Trip and its Founder, Harka Gurung, from another Malaysian who had trekked in Nepal in 2018.
For our trek to ABC, I found Harka and his guide, Om and his two porters, Buddhi Man and Samsher, all Gurungs from their home state, to be exceptionally professional, courteous, friendly and accommodating at all times.
We quickly warmed to the Gurungs’ easygoing nature and friendly, no-nonsense dispositions, made all the more memorable by Samsher and Buddhi Man’s mountain songs and spontaneous dancing whilst on the trail!
I cannot therefore recommend Harka, Om, Samsher and Buddhi Man more highly for your next trip to this beautiful land as Nepal Hidden Treks will definitely be my first port of call when I next visit, hopefully with my children.
The defining feature of Harka and his men are that this is a family business for the Gurung tribe which places employment, professional standards and career opportunities on equal if not higher measure than commercial profit, which ultimately benefits the lucky client.
Malaysia, November 2019
Daenerys Had Fantastic ABC Trek
Harka responds quickly to every query, and the guide ( om gurung) and porters ( samsher and buddi man gurung) were so friendly and accommodating. We did the 7 day Annapurna base camp trek and we had a fantastic time. Highly recommended.
Malaysia, November 2019
Amazing 7 Days Trek
Our ABC trek was fantastic, with beautiful scenery! We had a great time with our very friendly guide Ramesh, who organized everything (food, drinks, teahouse rooms) very well, and made us feel safe all the way. We would definitely recommend to book with Himalaya Trip.
Netherlands, September 2022
Harka organised an amazing trip
Harka organised an amazing trip with a porter and guide for us to trek to and from Annapurna Base Camp over 7 days in September. The communication pre and post trip was excellent and our guide and porter during the trek provided an exceptional service. Couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.
UK, September 2022
Superb service
I did ABC trek 7 days with Surpa the guide, he took a very good care of me, checked if I am fine all along the way. Couldn’t ask for any better service. Before the trek Harka also briefed about the route I am going to do both email and in-person.
Thailand, October 2022
Excellent trip in Nepal
We had our trip to Annapurna base camp with Himalaya Trip in november and there were 9 hiking days. We really enjoyed the trip and organisation by the guide Surpa. Everything was thoroughly thought out, i.e accommodation, food, hiking distances etc. Surpa took a really great care of us and ensured us the safety of the trip and all the comforts. Supra is a very friendly, nice and helpful guide. We will definitely recommend Himalaya Trip and Surpa to our friends.
Estonia, November 2023
Authentic ABC Trek
It was a great experience of ABC Trek that the Himalaya Trip company and the guide provided clear details and support for the trip, especially the trekking journey to ABC. I highly recommend this trek.
Hongkong, November 2023
Amazing Annapurna Base Camp Trek
An amazing trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp). The views of Fishtail and Annapurna were extraordinary and the hiking through Ghandruk was beautiful. The guide (Milan) and the porter (Misak) were excellent and we had a great time chatting to them in English (and also in Nepalese!) They were very kind, offering us fruits after dinner and cushions to sit on when we took breaks. The trip was very well organised and all the hotels had been organised and booked in advance. We highly recommend taking this trek with Himalaya Trip.
Itinerary for ABC Trek
An itinerary is important because it will help you properly plan your trip and manage your time and elevation. It will also allow you to relax and not worry about missing any destinations. Hence, here is an example of a seven-day itinerary for the ABC trek.
| Days | Activity | Elevation Gain/Loss |
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Nayapul to Ghandruk | 1,120 m (from Pokhara) |
| Day 2 | Ghandruk to Sinuwa | 320 m (from Ghandruk) |
| Day 3 | Sinuwa to Deurali | 860 m (from Sinuwa) |
| Day 4 | Deurali to ABC | 930 m (from Deurali) |
| Day 5 | ABC to Bamboo | -1,790 m (from ABC) |
| Day 6 | Bamboo to Jhinu | -650m (from Bamboo) |
| Day 7 | From Jhinu to Pokhara to Kathmandu | -790 m (Jhinu to Pokhara) |
Note- You can customize your itinerary and include or exclude the locations depending upon your preference and pace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is your ticket if you want something new in 2025. With changing elevations, landscapes, and views, every day on the trek will be a new experience. And after completing the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will feel a sense of achievement. With the help of trekking agencies, local guides, or porters, careful planning, and preparation, you will be traversing the land of the Himalayas, JUST LIKE THAT. And this will be the best investment you will be making in 2025.
Let this ultimate guide to Annapurna Base Camp help you prepare for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Annapurna region of Nepal in 2025 and the upcoming years! If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us. We are here to help.
