Annapurna Base Camp
Classic 9-day sanctuary trek to the 4,130 m amphitheatre under Annapurna I.
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads you straight into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks over 7,000 m, with Annapurna I (8,091 m) towering directly above. At 4,130 m, ABC is lower than Everest Base Camp, which makes it one of the best high-mountain treks for first-timers and those with limited time.
The trail starts in the lush middle hills near Pokhara, climbing through Gurung villages, terraced farmland and dense rhododendron forest before entering the steep-walled sanctuary. Most itineraries fold in the Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint for a near-360° panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
It is a comfortable teahouse trek with short transfer times from Pokhara, making it ideal for a 7–10 day Himalayan experience. Spring brings the famous rhododendron bloom; autumn brings the clearest skies.
Highlights
- ▸Stand inside the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m, encircled by 7,000 m+ peaks
- ▸Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m) over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- ▸Rhododendron forests ablaze in spring
- ▸Warm Gurung village hospitality and culture
- ▸Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way down
- ▸Short access from Pokhara — big mountains, less time
Day-by-day itinerary
Most trekkers · balanced pace · 1 acclimatisation buffer day · ~5–6 h walking days
What's included — from $720
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse / lodge accommodation on the trail
- ✓Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
- ✓All trekking permits and national-park / conservation-area fees
- ✓Ground transport between Kathmandu/Pokhara and the trailhead
- ✓Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and lodging
- ✓Government taxes and official paperwork (TIMS where required)
- ✕International flights to and from Nepal
- ✕Nepal entry visa fee
- ✕Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Meals in Kathmandu / Pokhara and on rest days in cities
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and bottled/boiled water on the trail
- ✕Tips for your guide and porter
- ✕Personal expenses and anything not listed under “included”
Best time to go
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost in 2026?
A guided ABC trek typically costs USD 600–1,000 per person, including guide, porter, lodging, trail meals and the ACAP permit. It is one of the most affordable major treks because access from Pokhara is short and by road.
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
ABC is graded Moderate. The maximum altitude of 4,130 m makes altitude sickness less likely than on EBC, but there are long flights of stone steps. Reasonable fitness is enough; no technical skills are needed.
How many days is the ABC trek?
Most ABC itineraries run 7–10 days, often combined with the Poon Hill viewpoint. A focused ABC-only route can be done in about 7 days from Pokhara.
What permit do I need for Annapurna Base Camp?
You need the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), and a licensed guide is required. Lekaly arranges the permit for your nationality.
When is the best season for ABC?
March–April for the rhododendron bloom and October–November for the clearest skies. The sanctuary can hold avalanche risk after heavy winter snow, so spring and autumn are safest.
Is ABC good for first-time trekkers?
Yes — its moderate altitude, short access, comfortable teahouses and spectacular payoff make it one of the best introductions to Himalayan trekking.
Can I combine ABC with Poon Hill?
Most trekkers do. The Poon Hill detour adds 1–2 days and one of the finest sunrise panoramas in Nepal for very little extra effort.
Do I need a guide for the ABC trek?
Yes. Current Nepal regulations require a licensed guide in the Annapurna Conservation Area, and a guide helps with route, weather and altitude.
Related treks
Plan Annapurna Base Camp with Lekaly
Get this itinerary, offline maps, verified teahouse contacts and permit help in the Lekaly app — or request a quote from vetted local agencies.