The Complete 2026 Guide
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK
Into a sanctuary ringed by peaks over 7,000m, ending beneath Annapurna I (8,091m) at 4,130m. The most rewarding Himalayan trek accessible to fit beginners — no flight, teahouse comfort, and unforgettable scenery. This is the complete 2026 guide.
The Essentials
ABC at a Glance
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
7–11 days
Moderate (no technical climbing)
4,130m
Pokhara (drive to Nayapul/Phedi)
October–November, March–April
ACAP + TIMS
Teahouses throughout
Day by Day
The Classic 9-Day Itinerary
Drive Pokhara → Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri (1,540–1,960m)
4–5 hrs.
Climb the Ulleri stone steps to Ghorepani (2,870m)
6 hrs.
Dawn at Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
6 hrs.
Tadapani → Chhomrong (2,170m)
5 hrs. Gateway to the sanctuary.
Chhomrong → Bamboo → Dovan (2,600m)
5–6 hrs.
Dovan → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
5 hrs.
MBC → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). Sunrise here is unforgettable. Descend to Bamboo
6–7 hrs.
Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (1,780m). Relax in the natural hot springs
5 hrs.
Jhinu → Nayapul → drive to Pokhara
4 hrs.
Shorter 7-day (skip the Poon Hill loop, via Chhomrong) and relaxed 11-day versions available. Day-by-day deep dive: /blog/annapurna-base-camp-itinerary-2026
Budget
How Much Does ABC Cost?
Includes guide, permits, teahouses. Excludes international flights, visa, insurance, tips, gear.
Full breakdownThe Real Challenge
How Hard Is ABC?
Moderate, non-technical
No climbing skills needed. The Ulleri stone staircase and the climb into the sanctuary are the hardest parts.
Forgiving altitude
At 4,130m max, acclimatisation is gentler than EBC's 5,545m. Still ascend steadily above Chhomrong.
Train a few weeks
4–8 weeks of cardio, leg strength, and hill walking makes it very achievable for fit beginners.
TrainingPaperwork
Permits You Need
Your agency arranges these for you before you set out.
All Nepal permitsWhen to Go
Best Time to Trek ABC
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Best — clear, stable, fine views.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Excellent — rhododendrons bloom across the forests.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and possibly snowy near the sanctuary; doable lower down.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Cloud and leeches — not recommended.
Gear
What to Pack
The essentials for ABC: a layering system (base, mid, shell), a fleece plus a down jacket, a -10°C sleeping bag, broken-in waterproof boots, sun protection for the high-altitude glare, and reliable waterproofs. Pack light — porters and weight limits apply.
Full packing listWhich First?
ABC vs EBC
ABC is lower (4,130m vs 5,545m), needs no flight (drive from Pokhara vs the Lukla flight), is shorter and gentler on acclimatisation, and costs roughly half — making it the better first big trek. EBC is higher, more iconic, and more demanding.
Compare moreCommon Questions
Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQ
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The standard ABC trek is 7–11 days. The classic 9-day version includes the Ghorepani/Poon Hill sunrise loop; a 7-day version goes directly via Chhomrong. There's no flight, so the itinerary is flexible and starts and ends in Pokhara.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?
A budget ABC trek costs $600–850 per person (in a 2-person group), including guide, permits, and teahouse accommodation. Comfort-level trips run $1,000–1,500. Because you drive from Pokhara rather than fly, it's significantly cheaper than Everest Base Camp.
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
ABC is graded moderate and non-technical. The hardest parts are the Ulleri stone staircase and the sustained climb into the sanctuary. At 4,130m maximum, the altitude is more forgiving than EBC. Fit beginners who train for a few weeks complete it comfortably.
What is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
October–November (autumn) for the clearest views and stable weather, and March–April (spring) for warmth and blooming rhododendron forests. Winter is cold with possible snow in the sanctuary; the monsoon brings cloud and leeches.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes — a licensed guide is now required for ACAP trekking areas, and strongly recommended for safety. A guide manages permits, navigation, altitude awareness, and teahouse logistics, and greatly enriches the cultural experience.
Is Annapurna Base Camp good for beginners?
Yes — ABC is one of the best treks in Nepal for fit beginners. It offers genuine high-mountain grandeur with teahouse comfort, no flight, and forgiving altitude. As long as you're reasonably fit and prepared for some long stair-climbing days, it's an ideal first major Himalayan trek.
Ready for the Annapurna Sanctuary?
We’ve guided trekkers into ABC since 1998 with NMA-certified local guides, from our home base in Pokhara — 45 minutes from the trailhead. Let’s plan yours.