snow-capped peaks Machhapuchhre at sunrise

Annapurna

Annapurna Base Camp — The Classic Himalayan Sanctuary Trek

A 7-day journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheater ringed by some of the world's highest peaks. Beginner-friendly, deeply cultural, and the most popular trek in Nepal for good reason.

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Typical duration

7 days (trek) + travel days

Difficulty

Moderate

Maximum altitude

4130

Best season

March-May, September-November

Find your way

Location & Map

Map showing the Annapurna Base Camp trek route from Pokhara through Nayapul and Ghandruk

Plan the journey

How to Get There

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most accessible major treks in Nepal — which is part of why it draws trekkers from every corner of the world. Your journey begins not in a mountain village, but in the lakeside city of Pokhara.

Step 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
The gateway to the Annapurna region is Pokhara, roughly 200 km west of Kathmandu.

Options:
- Tourist bus: USD 20–25 / GBP 16–20, 6–7 hours. Most comfortable and scenic.
- Greenline or Buddha Air tourist coaches: USD 25–30 / GBP 20–24, slightly faster and more comfortable.
- Flight: USD 100–130 / GBP 80–105, 25 minutes. Quickest but weather-dependent.

Step 2: Pokhara to Nayapul (Trek Start)
From Pokhara, take a taxi or local bus to Nayapul — the official starting point of the trek. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Some trekkers now begin from Siwai or Kimche instead to shorten the lower-elevation walking.

Step 3: Permit Check at Birethanti
Just past Nayapul, your permits will be checked at Birethanti. Keep them accessible in your daypack — checks happen again at the gates of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Total Kathmandu to Nayapul travel time:** approximately 8–10 hours by road.

A realistic pace

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Pokhara

Board an early morning tourist bus from Kathmandu and enjoy the drive west along the Prithvi Highway. The road winds through river valleys, terraced hillsides, and small towns, with the Trishuli River accompanying you for much of the way. By early afternoon, you arrive in Pokhara — Nepal's second-largest city, sitting quietly beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range reflected in its waters. Spend the evening exploring Lakeside Pokhara: walk along the lake, visit the Tal Barahi Temple on its small island, or simply enjoy a hot meal at one of the many restaurants with views of the mountains. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 2

Pokhara to Nayapul, then trek to Ghandruk

After an early breakfast, drive to Nayapul (about 1.5–2 hours). The trek officially begins here, crossing the Modi Khola river and climbing gently through subtropical forest and terraced fields. By late afternoon, you reach Ghandruk — a beautiful Gurung village with stone houses, slate roofs, and traditional culture still very much alive. Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the community's history, or simply walk through the village and watch the sun set over Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Overnight at a teahouse in Ghandruk.

Day 3

Ghandruk to Chhomrong to Himalaya

Today the trail climbs steadily. From Ghandruk, descend to the Kimrong Khola and climb up to Chhomrong — the last major village before the sanctuary entrance. From Chhomrong, the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola, then climbs again through bamboo and rhododendron forests. By evening, you reach Himalaya — a small settlement with a handful of teahouses, surrounded by forest and the sound of the river below. The air is noticeably cooler now, and the mountains feel closer. Overnight at a teahouse in Himalaya.

Day 4

Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp

This is the day you have been waiting for. The trail climbs through alpine forest and moraine, passing the Hinku Cave and crossing wooden bridges over mountain streams. Slowly, the trees thin and the valley opens up. By late morning, you reach the entrance of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial bowl ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The sense of entering a hidden cathedral of mountains is overwhelming. A short climb brings you to Annapurna Base Camp itself (4,130m). Spend the afternoon walking around, taking photos, and absorbing the silence. The mountains here are close enough to touch. Overnight at a teahouse at ABC. Be prepared for cold nights — temperatures drop well below freezing.

Day 5

Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

If you can wake before sunrise, do it. Watching the first light hit the Annapurna range from base camp is one of the most memorable moments of any trek in Nepal. After breakfast, begin the descent. The trail retraces your steps back through the moraine and forest. The descent is much easier than the climb, and by afternoon you reach Bamboo — a small settlement surrounded by dense bamboo groves along the Modi Khola. Overnight at a teahouse in Bamboo.

Day 6

Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Today's trek is shorter, giving your knees a break on the descent. From Bamboo, the trail climbs gently back up to Chhomrong, then descends steeply through terraced fields and small villages to Jhinu Danda. The reward at the end of the day: natural hot springs by the Modi Khola river, just a short walk downhill from the village. Soak your tired legs in the warm water — it is one of the most underrated pleasures of the entire trek. Overnight at a teahouse in Jhinu Danda.

Day 7

Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

A short descent in the morning takes you back to Nayapul, where you catch a jeep or taxi back to Pokhara. Most trekkers arrive by early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to rest, explore Pokhara's lakeside, or simply enjoy a hot shower and a proper meal before heading back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Pokhara.

Know before you go

Budget & Costs

Expense	Typical cost	Notes
Kathmandu to Pokhara (tourist bus, one way)	USD 20–25 / GBP 16–20	Round trip USD 40–50
Pokhara to Nayapul (taxi, one way)	USD 15–20 / GBP 12–16	Round trip USD 30–40
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)	USD 23 / GBP 19	NPR 3,000 — required
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)	USD 17 / GBP 14	Required for all trekkers
Teahouse accommodation (per night)	USD 4–6 / GBP 3–5	Basic but clean
Food and drinks (per day)	USD 15–25 / GBP 12–20	Costs rise with altitude
Nayapul to Pokhara (jeep return)	USD 20 / GBP 16	Shared with other trekkers
Total (7-day trek, excluding gear)	USD 220–280 / GBP 180–230	Approximately NPR 25,000–30,000

Where to stay

Accommodation & Food

Accommodation along the Annapurna Base Camp route is exclusively in teahouses — small family-run lodges with shared bathrooms, basic rooms, and communal dining areas. Standards are higher than on more remote treks like PanchPokhari, with many teahouses offering hot showers (for a small fee), Wi-Fi (at lower elevations), and even charging stations.

**In Ghandruk and Chhomrong:** Larger villages with multiple teahouse options. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the dining halls are often warm and social in the evenings.

**At Himalaya, Bamboo, and ABC:** Smaller settlements with fewer teahouses. Rooms are basic but adequate. Hot meals are limited in variety, and prices rise with altitude — expect to pay 20–30% more for dal bhat at ABC than in Ghandruk.

**Cost:** Accommodation is typically free or very cheap (USD 1–3 / GBP 1–2 per night) if you eat your meals at the same teahouse. This is the unwritten rule of the trail.

**Food and Shelter Note:** Food gets noticeably more expensive as you climb higher, but teahouse accommodation remains affordable throughout. Most trekkers spend USD 25–35 / GBP 20–28 per day on accommodation and food combined.

Prepare properly

Planning & Safety

Permits & Entry

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — USD 23 / GBP 19 (NPR 3,000). Required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the Birethanti check post.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — USD 17 / GBP 14. Required for all trekkers in Nepal. Available at the Tourism Board or registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

What to Pack

Trek pants (quick-dry, 1–2 pairs)
T-shirts (moisture-wicking, 3–4)
Undergarments and socks (5–7 sets, including warm socks for higher altitudes)
Down jacket (essential for ABC nights below freezing)
Warm hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking shoes (broken in, waterproof preferred)
Sandals or camp shoes (for evenings at teahouses)
Daypack (30–40L) with rain cover
Water bottles (2–3 liters total capacity) or hydration bladder
Power bank (no electricity above Chhomrong)
Headlamp with extra batteries
First aid kit (including altitude medication, painkillers, bandages, blister treatment)
Sun protection (high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm)
Toiletries and quick-dry towel
Cash in Nepali rupees (no ATMs past Birethanti)

Safety

Acclimatize gradually — ABC reaches 4,130m. Although the climb is gradual, altitude sickness is real. Drink water, walk slowly, and tell your guide or teahouse owner if you feel symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness).
Check weather forecasts — The Annapurna region has its own micro-climate. Mornings are usually clear; afternoons can bring rain or snow, especially during monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February).
Carry enough Nepali cash — Card payments are not accepted on the trail. Withdraw cash in Pokhara before starting the trek.
Travel insurance is essential — Make sure your policy covers helicopter evacuation in case of altitude sickness or injury. Helicopter rescue from the Annapurna region is well-organized but expensive.
Stay on marked trails — Especially above Chhomrong, where the trail can be slippery during rain or snow.
Do not trek alone if inexperienced — Although ABC is a popular route, solo trekkers should consider a guide or at least trekking with another person, especially in winter.

Pro Tips

Start the trek from Kimche instead of Nayapul — If you want to shorten the lower-elevation walking and skip the busy first day, take a jeep from Pokhara to Kimche and begin from there.
Wake up early at ABC for sunrise — The mountains glow pink and gold in the first light. It is the single most memorable moment of the entire trek.
Stay two nights at ABC if your schedule allows — Many trekkers do ABC in 5 days and rush back down. Staying an extra night lets you acclimatize properly and enjoy the sanctuary in relative quiet after day-trippers leave.
Bring a hot water bottle — Nights at ABC are freezing. A rubber hot water bottle (the kind locals use) makes sleeping much more comfortable.
Don't skip the hot springs at Jhinu Danda — A short walk down from the village brings you to natural hot pools by the river. Soaking your legs after 5 days of trekking is pure bliss.
Buy a Nepali SIM card in Pokhara, Ncell or Nepal Telecom work in much of the Annapurna region. Useful for emergencies and for staying in touch with family.
Try the local apple pie in Chhomrong — The bakeries in Chhomrong are legendary among ABC trekkers. Stop for a slice, you have earned it.

A closer look

Gallery

Trekkers entering the Annapurna Sanctuary with Machhapuchhre in view

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