Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A Quick Glimpse

• Trip Duration: 14 Days
• Trekking Duration: 8 Days
• Starting Point: Kathmandu
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Maximum Elevation: 4,130 meters / 13,549 feet
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Seasons: September to May
• Key Highlights: Gurung and Magar culture, Traditional Villages with Gurung Architecture, rice fields, Waterfalls, Rivers, Blooming Flowers like Rhododendron and Himalayan Cherry, Sunrise and Sunset Views from Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and Chhomrong, Green Forests
• Mountain Views: Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Nilgiri, and more
• Customizable: Yes

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a moderate-level mountain trek in Nepal and the easiest base camp trip among high-mountain base camps. It is located in the Annapurna Region, west of Kathmandu and near Nepal’s second-largest city, Pokhara.

The Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) above sea level offers 360-degree views of the Annapurna Mountains at close range. The color of the mountains at sunrise and sunset is captivating.

The 9-day actual trekking to Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara to Pokhara, including 5 more days from arrival in Nepal to departure, includes one day in Kathmandu for a tour, 2 days of Kathmandu- Pokhara- Kathmandu travel, and the final departure home.

I recommend trekking from October to December and March to May; however, most companies recommend September too, but it rains a lot due to climate change (You do not find authentic evidence in any trusted sites like Wikipedia, but I am sharing my experience, which I have been experiencing for a few years). November and December offer the most pleasant weather, so you can enjoy crystal-clear mountain views from morning to evening. But the temperature will be cold. I suggest wearing warmer clothes.

Namaste! I am Rajesh Thapaliya, operating trekking and tour services in Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp treks, and I trek every year, so I am up to date with the region. I am sharing my personal experience to provide authentic, up-to-date information about the trek conditions for people who are planning to go there.

I started trekking to the ABC and other mountain regions in 2000 and have experienced lots of changes due to climate change and road construction. This trip used to take 10-15 days, but now it can be completed in 8-9 days thanks to improved road infrastructure to higher elevations.

What is the Best Time of Year to Trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

Autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) are considered the best times to trek to Annapurna Base Camp; however, as I already mentioned above, September has lots of rain, and late May can be rainy in the lower region and bring soft hail at higher elevations. The views might not be clear if it rains, snows, or drops soft hail.

So far, I strongly recommend visiting the Annapurna Base Camp from October to December and from March to the first half of May. January and February are also doable with extra warm clothing because it snows less compared to a decade ago due to climate change.

Check some major differences between spring and autumn below:

After some quick information about spring and autumn above, I am going to provide detailed information about these two different seasons below:

Pre-Monsoon Season (March to May)

Spring comes before the monsoon, Nepal's driest season. It begins in March and ends in May. It is a dry and warm season, but it brings the most beautiful nature, with colorful flowers blooming in the forests.

If you do not like super cold temperatures, spring can be the best time to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. You do not have to pack super warm clothes for April and May; however, March is still cold.

Because of dryness and almost no rain, the environment will be hazy from dust and smoke, and you won’t be able to see mountain views from a long distance. Rivers and Waterfalls are small during this dry time along the way.

Post-Monsoon Season (September-November)

It rains a lot in Nepal from June to August; then autumn comes. September marks the start of autumn; it still rains a lot for a few years because of the changing climate. This season offers the finest weather with dark greenery, blue skies, and bright mountain views even from a far distance.

The waterfalls will be roaring, and the Himalayan cherry flowers will be blooming along the Annapurna Base Camp route. The temperature will be colder, especially in November, than in September and October.

The trekking trail will be crowded in autumn. It is the festival season in Nepal, so many domestic trekkers will be walking this trail during their holidays. The guesthouses are often full, so people who trek without a guide in autumn may struggle to find a place to sleep.

Winter Season (December to February)

Not many people trek in winter because of the cold. However, December offers the best views from morning to evening. December is the first month of winter, which is why I did not keep it in the autumn section. Trekking in a quieter environment and with the finest views, December is the best month of the year. However, you must pack warmer clothing than in other months.

There are trekkers on this route in January and February too, but it may be snowing a lot some days and be risky.

How Much Does the Annapurna Base Camp Trip Cost?

It costs 1099 USD for a single trekker and covers from arrival in Nepal to departure on a full-board basis. The price covers international airport transportation, tourist coach transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara, private transport to the trekking starting point, and after the trek, all necessary paperwork including the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) permit, guide, three nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu, two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu, and all meals and guesthouse accommodation in the mountains.

Still, the cost for the Annapurna Base Camp depends on the hotel category in the cities and other requested services. It also differs by group size. A family, couple, or friends who book the trip at the same time can get special offers and discounts.

• 1 Trekker – 1099 USD
• 2-4 Trekkers – 1025 USD per person
• 5-10 Trekkers – 975 USD per person

Breakdown of Cost for the Trek

Transportation Cost

• Kathmandu-Pokhara Tourist Bus: 10 USD
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Flight: 100 USD
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Public Bus:9 USD
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Private Car: 150 USD
• Pokhara-Birethanti Private Car: 25 USD
• Pokhara-Banthanti Jeep: 70 USD
• Samrung-Pokhara Private Jeep (after the trek): 70 USD

Food Cost

• 10-15 USD per meal

Drinks, Hot Shower, and Battery Charging Cost

• 10-15 USD per day

Accommodation Cost

• 5 USD per night

Permit Cost

• Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA): 3000 NPR

Guide Cost

• 25 USD per day

Porter Cost

• 18 USD per day

In addition, extra drinks, shopping, and tipping the guide and porter are extra expenses.

What Permits are Required to trek Annapurna Base Camp?

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) entry permit is the only permit required for this trek. Trekkers must have a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permit, but it is not required at present; the next regulation will be announced by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Free Individual Trekkers (FIT) can also obtain the ACA permit from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) offices in Brikutimandap, Kathmandu, and Pokhara, at the counter or online via the website. For the counter request, trekkers must have a physical passport-size photo, and for the online application, they can upload a digital photo with details from the applicant’s passport.

It costs 3000 NPR for all trekkers except for the South Asian trekkers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. It costs 1000 NPR for them, and no permit is required for Nepali domestic trekkers, guides, and porters.

Outline Itinerary of the Trek

I have set up a 14-day trip Itinerary from arrival in Nepal to departure, including a 9-day walk in the mountains from Pokhara to Pokhara. According to the itinerary I have set up for this package, we pick our client from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, trip meet and Kathmandu day tour on the second day, drive to Pokhara (flight optional available), on the third day, drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri on the fourth day, trek to Ghorepani on the fifth day, hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani on the sixth day, trek to Chhomrong on the seventh day, trek to Himalaya Hotel on the eighth day, trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) on the nineth day, then return the same way to Bamboo on the tenth day, trek to Jhinu Danda on the eleventh day, drive from Samrung to Pokhara on the twelveth day, drive back to Kathmandu on the thirteenth day, and departure to the airport for the client’s final flight to home.

Here is the day-to-day itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, with altitudes and walking times below, for your ease of understanding.

1. Arrive in Kathmandu, 1,350 meters  (4,429 feet)
2. Full-day Kathmandu City Tour.
3. Drive to Pokhara, Lake City 8,20 meters  (2,690 feet). 6- 7 hrs.
4. Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti for 2 hrs, then trek to Ulleri, 2,050 meters (6,725 feet). 5 hrs.
5. Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani, 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), for 5- 6 hrs.
6. Hike up to Poon Hill, 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), and trek to Tadapani, 2,610 meters (8,562 feet). 5 hrs.
7. Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong, 2,170 meters (7,119 feet). 5 hrs.
8. Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya, 2,900 meters (9,514 feet). 7 hrs.
9. Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 meters (13,549 feet). 6 hrs
10. Trek back from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo, 2,310 meters (7,578 feet). 5-6 hrs.
11. Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda 1,780 meters (5,839 feet) 5 hrs.
12. Drive from Samrung to Pokhara 8,20 meters (2,690 feet), 4 hrs.
13. Drive back to Kathmandu—farewell dinner with Frolic Adventure.
14. Departure for the international airport

For day-to-day details on the itinerary mentioned, please visit the main itinerary section and click the expand button.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Vs Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek

It depends on your time limit, budget, physical fitness, and experience with high altitudes when choosing between Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Everest Base Camp (EBC) treks. The ABC is a shorter, lower-altitude trek (4,130 meters/13,549.87 feet), low-budget, and more affordable for everyone, including beginners with some hiking experience. On the other hand, Everest Base Camp (EBC) is longer, at a higher elevation (5,364 meters / 17,598.43 feet), and the ground transportation connection to the trek is not easy; flights to Lukla are often canceled, and domestic airline fares are high. However, it is a rewarding trek for experienced high-altitude trekkers, offering hundreds of high-mountain views, including the world’s highest peak.

Choose the ABC Trek under these conditions:

If you are a beginner, the lower altitude carries a very low risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If you are not familiar with high altitudes, the ABC is perfect for you; you can try the EBC once you have acclimatized to the ABC.

If you have limited time, it is a shorter trek with easy access to transport to the city. If you have limited time, Annapurna Base Camp is the best option because you can complete your trek on time and won't have to worry about missing your international flight.

Low-budget trek: If you are looking for a low-budget mountain trek that takes you close to the high mountains, the ABC trek can be done on a low budget and takes you very close to the high mountains within a few days’ walk from the city.

Choose the EBC Trek under these conditions:

If you are a regular hiker, have high-altitude experience, and have a big wish to stand at the bottom of the world’s highest mountain: The EBC is at high altitude (5,364m (17,598 ft) and you must have prior high-elevation experience to experience stepping at the bottom of the world’s highest mountain.

If you want to explore high-alpine scenery and a greater number of mountains, the EBC trek is better if you like high-mountain glaciers, high-alpine atmosphere, high-Himalayan settlements, and the lifestyle.

If you love to see Sherpa culture and experience their hospitality: Sherpas are the local inhabitants of the Khumbu Everest Region. They are well-known as great mountain climbers. The EBC trek is perfect for you if you are curious about their culture, lifestyle, daily activities, and want to experience their hospitality.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Vs Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT)

Accordingly, you might also be interested in the differences between Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and the Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT). Both treks are in the same mountain region and require a similar ACA permit, obtained from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). However, there are vast differences between these two treks, even though they are in the same mountain region.

It depends on your time limit, budget, physical fitness, and experience with high altitudes when choosing between Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT). The ABC is shorter, at a lower altitude (4,130 meters / 13,549.87 feet), low-budget, and more affordable for everyone, including beginners with some hiking experience. On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is longer, at higher elevations, includes a crossing of the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769.03 feet), and costs more due to its longer duration. However, it is a highly rewarding trek for physically fit, acclimatized trekkers who want to experience dramatically changing climate zones and cross one of the world's highest trekking passes.

Choose the ABC Trek under these conditions:

If you are a beginner or have limited time, the lower altitude carries a very low risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and it is a shorter trek with easy access to transport from Pokhara. If you are not familiar with high altitudes or only have a week to spare, the ABC is perfect for you to complete on time without missing your schedule.

If you want to be surrounded by close-up peaks, the trek takes you straight into the Annapurna Sanctuary, placing you in a massive glacial basin surrounded by a 360-degree amphitheater of towering, close-up mountain walls.

If you are looking for a low-budget mountain trek that takes you close to the high mountains, the ABC trek is a good option. With simple overland transport and fewer trekking days, it can be done on a low budget and brings you very close to the high mountains within a few days' walk from the city.

Choose the ACT Trek under these conditions:

If you are a regular hiker with great stamina and a strong desire to cross a massive mountain pass, the ACT requires you to cross the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,769 ft). You must have excellent fitness and properly acclimatize to step over this high-elevation milestone.

If you want to explore drastically changing landscapes: The ACT is better if you like to explore an incredible variety of scenery, walking from lush green subtropical jungles and deep river gorges up into the dry, high-alpine desert atmosphere in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

If you love to see diverse cultures and experience ancient mountain traditions: The ACT trek takes you through a massive shift in local demographics. It is perfect for you if you are curious to experience the transition from Hindu villages in the lower foothills to deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist communities, ancient monasteries, and the distinct highland lifestyle of Manang and Mustang.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Booking with Frolic Adventure

Frolic Adventure offers trekking trips to Annapurna Base Camp with experienced, English-speaking guides authorized by the Nepal Government and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). The guides are well-trained in altitude sickness management and knowledgeable about Nepal, the mountain regions, and the Annapurna Base Camp route.

Our goal is to provide memorable trips at a very reasonable cost, with safety and satisfaction for our clients. We offer easy online booking with secure payment options. So, book your trek now with a 10% advance deposit and pay the rest later to save your seat.