Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide: Route, Permits & Cost (2026)

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is, mile for mile, the most rewarding short trek in Nepal. In ten days you walk through subtropical jungle, rhododendron forest, and high alpine terrain before arriving at a natural amphitheater ringed by seven peaks above 6,000m — with Annapurna I (8,091m), the world’s tenth-highest mountain, filling the sky directly above your teahouse. The maximum altitude of 4,130m keeps altitude sickness manageable for most fit trekkers, and the route begins and ends near Pokhara, making logistics far simpler than the Everest region. Whether you are an Indian trekker planning your first Himalayan adventure or an experienced hiker looking for exceptional scenery in a compact itinerary, the ABC trek delivers something rare: genuine mountain grandeur without a three-week commitment.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek — At a Glance

Detail	Info
Duration	8–10 days trekking (10-day itinerary recommended)
Maximum Altitude	4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Difficulty	Moderate to Challenging
Best Months	October–November, March–April
Start / End Point	Nayapul or Jhinu Danda (via Pokhara)
Guided Cost	₹50,000–₹90,000 (approx. USD 600–1,100)
Independent Cost	₹25,000–₹40,000 (approx. USD 300–480)
Permits Required	ACAP + TIMS (or NTT for foreigners)
Daily Walking	5–7 hours
Accommodation	Teahouses throughout

Day-by-Day Itinerary: 10 Days to Annapurna Base Camp

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul — Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)

The journey starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, a dusty junction town where the trail officially begins. From here the path follows the Modi Khola river valley, passing through the villages of Birethanti and Hile before the first real climb up to Tikhedhunga. The terrain is gentle today — lush sub-tropical scenery with suspension bridges over rushing water, and local life very much on display in the villages along the way. Walking time is around four hours. Tikhedhunga sits at 1,540m and has several solid teahouses where you can enjoy a warm dal bhat and get to bed early, because Day 2 is the hardest climbing day of the entire trek.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (3,210m)

This is the day the Annapurna Base Camp trek earns its “challenging” tag. The trail out of Tikhedhunga immediately hits a near-vertical flight of stone steps — thousands of them — climbing 1,670m in a single push to Ulleri and then onward through dense rhododendron and oak forest to Ghorepani. In late March and April those rhododendrons bloom scarlet and pink, turning the forest into something that looks painted rather than real. Walking time is six to seven hours. The altitude gain is significant and the steps seem to go on forever, but every trekker who suffers through this day agrees it is entirely worth it. Ghorepani has excellent teahouses with mountain-facing dining rooms where, on a clear evening, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) appears over the ridge like an apparition.

Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) — Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)

Set your alarm for 4:30am. The 45-minute climb up Poon Hill in the dark is a ritual — dozens of headlamps winding upward through the cold, then a crowd gathering at the hilltop viewpoint as the sky behind Dhaulagiri turns coral. When the light finally touches Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (the Fishtail peak, never permitted for climbing), you understand why people fly to Nepal for this single view. It is one of the most spectacular sunrises accessible by foot anywhere in the Himalayas.

After breakfast, the trail descends through forest to Tadapani (2,630m), a small village perched on a ridge with open views south toward the Modi Khola valley. Walking time from Poon Hill descent plus the Tadapani approach is around five hours. This is a quieter night on the trek — fewer groups, more honest teahouse cooking.

Day 4: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m)

Today the trail drops into the Kimrong Khola valley before climbing back up to Chhomrong, the last major village before the restricted inner sanctuary. The views from Chhomrong are the first serious preview of what lies ahead — Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rise almost directly above the village, and on a clear afternoon the scale of these peaks makes the 3,000-4,000m elevation feel surprisingly modest. Chhomrong is well-served with teahouses, bakeries, and even wi-fi strong enough to call home. Walking time is five to six hours with one major descent-and-climb sequence.

Day 5: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

From Chhomrong the trail descends steeply into the Chhomrong Khola gorge — another memorable staircase section, this one going down rather than up — then re-enters the Annapurna Sanctuary proper. The landscape shifts dramatically. The sub-tropical zone gives way to bamboo groves and then dense rhododendron and alder forest, the trail following the Modi Khola as it cuts deep into the mountains. The village of Sinuwa marks the last settlement before the sanctuary zone. Bamboo (named for obvious reasons) is a small collection of teahouses where the sound of the river is constant and the canyon walls begin to close in. Walking time is around five hours.

Day 6: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)

The canyon continues to narrow and the altitude begins to matter. The trail passes through Dobhan, Himalaya, and the thin ridge at Hinku Cave before reaching Deurali, a high-altitude teahouse stop at 3,230m. This section of the trek feels genuinely remote — the walls of the Modi Khola gorge rise steeply on both sides, and the only sky visible is a narrow ribbon directly above. Snow on the trail is possible from late November onward. Walking time is five to six hours. Deurali nights are cold; make sure your sleeping bag is rated below freezing. This is also the section where altitude headaches start for some trekkers — drink extra water and do not push the pace.

Day 7: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)

The day the entire trek exists for. The trail above Deurali breaks out of the gorge into a high glacial valley, and suddenly the world opens up. Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700m is a good acclimatization stop with tea and views of the Fishtail peak in full profile. From MBC the final two-hour push to ABC crosses open terrain with increasingly jaw-dropping angles on Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III. The base camp itself sits at 4,130m in a natural rock amphitheater — peaks above 7,000m on three sides, glaciers pouring down to the valley floor, and not a single tree or ridge to interrupt the view.

The morning you wake up at ABC and step outside your teahouse to see Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli lit orange by sunrise is worth every stone step on the way up. Total walking time Deurali to ABC is around five hours, including the MBC stop.

Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp — Descend to Bamboo (2,310m)

Spend the early morning at base camp for photographs and, if the weather holds, one more sunrise. The descent retraces the route — MBC, Deurali, Himalaya, Bamboo. Going down is faster but harder on the knees; trekking poles are strongly recommended. Walking time is around six hours of descent. The dramatic shift from alpine tundra back to bamboo forest in a single day is one of the trek’s most satisfying contrasts.

Day 9: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760m)

The penultimate day ends at the best possible reward for a completed trek: Jhinu Danda’s natural hot springs. The trail climbs back through Chhomrong and then drops to the small village of Jhinu, where a 20-minute walk down a steep path leads to riverside hot spring pools fed by geothermal water. Soaking in hot water while looking up at the Annapurna massif after eight days of trekking is an experience that has made Jhinu a firm favourite final-night stop. Walking time is five to six hours. Jhinu teahouses are comfortable and the atmosphere is celebratory.

Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul — Drive to Pokhara

The final few hours of walking follow the Modi Khola back to Nayapul, retracing the first day’s steps in reverse. From Nayapul, shared jeeps and taxis run regularly to Pokhara (1.5 hours). Most trekkers arrive at Lakeside in Pokhara by early afternoon — enough time for a lakeside dinner, cold beer, and the pleasant disorientation of returning to a world with paved streets and electric lights.

ABC vs EBC: Which Trek is Right for You?

The honest comparison most booking websites avoid: the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Everest Base Camp trek are genuinely different experiences, not just different levels of the same thing.

Factor	Annapurna Base Camp	Everest Base Camp
Duration	10 days	14–16 days
Max altitude	4,130m	5,364m
Cost (guided)	₹50,000–₹90,000	₹90,000–₹1,50,000
Altitude sickness risk	Lower	Significantly higher
Scenery variety	Jungle, forest, alpine, glacial	Sherpas, monasteries, high plateau
Base from	Pokhara	Kathmandu + Lukla flight
Hot springs at end	Yes (Jhinu Danda)	No
The name factor	Good	Very strong

ABC wins on variety, cost, logistics, altitude safety, and overall scenery quality for most trekkers. EBC wins on prestige and the unique Sherpa cultural experience. For first-time Himalayan trekkers, especially those coming from India, ABC is the stronger recommendation. For those who specifically want to stand at the foot of Everest, EBC is irreplaceable.

Also worth considering: the Annapurna Circuit for a longer multi-week option, or the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as a shorter 5-day version for those with less time.

Cost Breakdown: What the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Actually Costs

Costs below are per person for the 10-day trek. INR figures use approximate 2026 exchange rates (1 USD ≈ 84 INR, 1 NPR ≈ 0.63 INR).

Guided Package (Recommended for Most Trekkers)

Item	Cost (NPR)	Cost (INR)	Cost (USD)
Guide (10 days)	25,000–35,000	15,750–22,050	190–260
Porter (10 days)	18,000–25,000	11,340–15,750	135–190
ACAP Permit (SAARC)	1,000	630	7.50
TIMS Card (SAARC)	600	380	4.50
Accommodation (10 nights)	5,000–10,000	3,150–6,300	38–75
Food on trail (10 days)	15,000–25,000	9,450–15,750	113–188
Transport (Pokhara–Nayapul)	2,000–4,000	1,260–2,520	15–30
Total	66,600–1,24,000	41,960–78,120	503–936

Independent Trekking (Budget Option)

Without a guide or porter, the same trek runs approximately ₹25,000–₹40,000 (USD 300–480) covering permits, accommodation, food, and transport. Solo trekking is permitted on the ABC trail (unlike some restricted routes), but a guide adds meaningful safety value in the high sections and helps navigate trail junctions after Chhomrong where paths are less clearly marked.

Permit Costs for Non-SAARC (Foreign) Trekkers

Foreign (non-SAARC) trekkers pay significantly more for permits:

• ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 (approx. ₹1,890 / USD 22.50)
• TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 (approx. ₹1,260 / USD 15)

Indian passport holders qualify for SAARC rates, which are substantially lower — one of several reasons the ABC trek is particularly good value for Indian trekkers.

Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Two permits are mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Both can be obtained in Pokhara (at the Tourism Management Office near Damside) or in Kathmandu. You cannot obtain them on the trail.

1. ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit grants entry to the protected conservation area that covers the entire trek. This is the primary environmental fee that supports trail maintenance, conservation, and local community development. Required for all trekkers.

• SAARC nationals (including Indians): NPR 1,000 per person
• Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person
• Children under 10: Free

2. TIMS — Trekkers’ Information Management System

The TIMS card registers your trekking details with Nepal’s tourism authorities and functions as a safety system to track trekkers on popular routes. It is checked at multiple points along the trail.

• SAARC nationals: NPR 600 per person (individual trekkers: NPR 1,000)
• Foreign nationals: NPR 2,000 per person (individual trekkers: NPR 3,000)

For a complete guide to obtaining Nepal trekking permits, including where to go in Pokhara and what documents to bring, see our Nepal Trekking Permits guide.

Difficulty and Fitness Requirements

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is rated moderate to challenging — not because of altitude (4,130m is manageable for most healthy adults with proper acclimatization) but because of the sheer volume of stone steps and daily elevation changes.

The Steps Problem

Nepali trails are built in stone steps rather than graded switchbacks on steep terrain. The Day 2 climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani involves roughly 3,500 stone steps over 7km. On the descent sections — particularly Chhomrong going down into the sanctuary — the same number of steps hammers your knees going the other way. Trekking poles are not optional; they are essential.

What Level of Fitness Do You Need?

You do not need to be an athlete. You need to be comfortable walking 5–7 hours per day for 10 consecutive days, carrying a daypack of 5–8kg (if using a porter for your main bag, which is strongly recommended). If you can walk briskly for two hours without stopping, you can do this trek with proper preparation. Start walking regularly three to four months before your trek, preferably on stairs or hilly terrain.

Altitude Considerations

4,130m is high enough for altitude sickness to affect some trekkers. The itinerary above is designed to ascend gradually, with no day gaining more than 900m net altitude. Key rules: walk slowly (“bistari bistari” — slowly slowly — is the Nepali mantra), drink three to four litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and descend immediately if you develop severe headache, vomiting, or loss of coordination. Most trekkers on this itinerary experience nothing worse than mild headaches at MBC or ABC, resolved by rest and hydration.

Best Season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

October–November (Peak Season)

The post-monsoon window delivers the clearest skies and best mountain views of the year. Trails are dry, visibility is exceptional, and the temperature at ABC drops to around -5°C at night — cold but manageable. October is the single best month on the trek: stable weather, clear mornings, moderate crowds. November remains excellent but colder at altitude. This is the most popular season; book accommodation and guides in advance.

March–April (Spring Season)

Spring brings the rhododendron bloom, which transforms the trail to Ghorepani into one of the most visually spectacular walks in Asia. Temperatures are warmer than autumn, making the teahouse nights more comfortable. April can bring afternoon clouds and occasional pre-monsoon showers, so mornings are better for views. The spring season is increasingly popular, especially with Indian trekkers taking advantage of school and Holi holidays.

Avoid: June–September (Monsoon)

The monsoon brings heavy rainfall, leech-infested trails, frequent landslides, and persistent cloud cover that eliminates mountain views entirely. Trails become genuinely dangerous above Chhomrong. The ABC trek during monsoon is not recommended.

December–February (Winter)

Possible but cold and demanding. Snow accumulates above 3,000m and can close the trail above Deurali entirely. Teahouses thin out or close. Suitable for experienced cold-weather trekkers only.

For a full month-by-month breakdown of Nepal’s trekking seasons, see our Best Time to Visit Nepal guide.

What to Pack for the ABC Trek

The ABC trek does not require the heavy cold-weather gear of an Everest or Manaslu expedition. The maximum altitude is 4,130m and every night is spent in a teahouse with a bed. Pack light — a porter can carry bags up to 15kg, which means you carry only a daypack.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2–3)
• Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
• Waterproof outer shell jacket (essential — rain is common)
• Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
• Warm hat, gloves, buff/neck gaiter
• Thermal underlayer for sleeping

Footwear

• Broken-in ankle-support trekking boots (not trail runners — the stone steps demand ankle support)
• Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for teahouse evenings
• Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4–5 pairs)

Gear

• Trekking poles — non-negotiable for knee protection on the descents
• Sleeping bag liner (teahouse blankets are available but a liner adds warmth and hygiene)
• 30–40L daypack for the trail
• Headlamp with spare batteries (Poon Hill sunrise requires 4:30am departure in the dark)
• Rain cover for your daypack
• Water bottles (2 x 1L) — refill and purify rather than buying plastic
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV-protection sunglasses
• Basic first aid: blister kit, ibuprofen, Diamox (altitude sickness medication — consult a doctor before the trek)
• Power bank — teahouse charging is available but unreliable above Chhomrong

One thing you do NOT need: an expedition sleeping bag rated to -20°C. A 0°C to -5°C sleeping bag with a liner is sufficient for October–November trekking on this route.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek for Indian Trekkers

The ABC trek is, in many respects, built for Indian trekkers. Here is why it consistently tops the list of recommended first Himalayan treks for visitors from India.

SAARC Permit Rates Save Significant Money

Indian passport holders qualify for SAARC rates on both the ACAP permit (NPR 1,000 vs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals) and the TIMS card (NPR 600 vs NPR 2,000). On a guided group trek, these savings are meaningful. See our detailed Nepal trip cost from India guide for a full breakdown of expenses for Indian visitors.

Pokhara is Easy to Reach from India

Direct flights connect Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai to Kathmandu (3–4 hours), from where Pokhara is a 25-minute domestic flight or 6–7 hour tourist bus ride. Several airlines also operate direct Kathmandu–Pokhara services. Alternatively, overland entry via Sonauli (UP border) is popular for budget travelers. For detailed logistics, see our Nepal tour from India guide.

No Visa Hassle

Indian citizens do not require a visa for Nepal and can travel on a voter ID card or passport. This removes one of the main administrative barriers for first-time international trekkers.

The Ideal First Himalayan Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek sits in the sweet spot of Himalayan trekking: high enough to feel genuinely alpine, accessible enough to complete without years of mountaineering experience, short enough to fit in a 12–14 day trip from India, and diverse enough in scenery to satisfy trekkers from jungle-level Pokhara to glacial base camp. The Annapurna region as a whole is Nepal’s most-visited trekking destination for good reason — the trail infrastructure is excellent, the teahouse food is reliable, and the mountain scenery rivals anything in the Himalayas.

If you are planning your first Nepal trek from India and wondering which route to choose, start here. For personalized advice on dates, group size, and itinerary customization, reach out via our trek enquiry form.

Frequently Asked Questions: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

A guide is not legally mandatory on the ABC route, which is one of the few major Nepal treks still open to independent trekkers. That said, a guide adds real value: they navigate trail junctions, communicate in Nepali with teahouse owners for better room allocation, monitor your health at altitude, and carry local rescue knowledge for emergencies. For first-time Himalayan trekkers, the cost of a guide (approximately NPR 2,500–3,500/day) is well worth the safety and experience benefit. A porter is strongly recommended regardless — carrying a 15kg main bag for 10 days at altitude is not advisable and local porters earn fair wages from trekking employment.

Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek safe for solo female trekkers?

Yes. The ABC trail is one of Nepal’s most-trekked routes, heavily trafficked during the October–November and March–April seasons. Teahouses are family-run and generally safe. Solo female trekkers regularly complete this trek without incident. Standard precautions apply: stay on the main trail, stick to established teahouses, share your daily itinerary with a contact back home, and consider hiring a licensed guide for added safety on the high sections. The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) registration also means authorities have your details on file.

What is the best way to reach the Annapurna Base Camp trek from India?

Fly to Kathmandu from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, or Chennai, then take a 25-minute domestic flight or 6–7 hour tourist bus to Pokhara. From Pokhara, a 1.5-hour drive reaches Nayapul, the trek’s starting point. Overland entry via Sonauli (from Gorakhpur, UP) is a budget-friendly option for trekkers from northern India. Indian citizens require no visa for Nepal. See our Nepal tour from India guide for step-by-step logistics.

Can I do the Annapurna Base Camp trek in 7 or 8 days instead of 10?

A 7 or 8-day version is possible by skipping Poon Hill (going directly Ghorepani to Chhomrong without the detour) or by combining certain stages. However, the 10-day itinerary is recommended for two reasons: the Poon Hill sunrise is genuinely one of the trek’s highlights and worth the extra day, and a slower pace reduces altitude sickness risk and makes the overall experience more enjoyable rather than a race to the top. If time is your constraint, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek covers the best part of the lower route in just five days.

How much money do I need per day on the trek?

On an independent trek (no pre-booked guide/porter), budget approximately NPR 2,000–3,500 per day (₹1,260–₹2,205 / USD 15–26) for accommodation and meals. Teahouse room rates are often free or very cheap when you eat your meals at the same lodge. Above Chhomrong, food and accommodation prices increase as supply logistics become harder. Beer, bottled water, hot showers, and phone charging are all extra. Budget trekkers spending NPR 2,000–2,500/day eat well and sleep comfortably; mid-range trekkers at NPR 3,000–3,500/day get more choice and occasional hot water. See our Nepal trip cost guide for the full picture.

What happens if I get altitude sickness on the trek?

Mild altitude sickness (headache, fatigue, minor nausea) above 3,000m is common and usually resolves with rest, hydration, and no further ascent. If symptoms are moderate to severe — persistent vomiting, inability to walk straight, confusion, or breathlessness at rest — descend immediately. The rule is simple: never ascend if you have symptoms. Diamox (acetazolamide) can help prevent altitude sickness but must be prescribed by a doctor before your trek. Helicopter evacuation from ABC to Pokhara takes around 20 minutes and is available for serious emergencies. Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is essential; most standard travel policies do not cover altitude-related emergencies by default — check your policy specifically.

Ready to start planning? Browse the Annapurna region for detailed destination information, explore Pokhara as your base, and check our ABC trek package for current departure dates and group pricing.