Plan your visit
Plan your Trek
You need 7 to 12 days to complete the 70 to 115-kilometer trail. Secure cash in Pokhara before you start walking.
Getting there
You must reach Pokhara before heading to the mountain trailheads.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway city for the trek. | 6-8 hours | $10-$25 | A scenic but long drive on mountainous roads. Book in advance during peak season. |
| Tour: Short domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. | 25-30 mins | $100-$125 | The fastest way to start the trip; avoids the long and sometimes bumpy road journey. |
| Car: Jeep or taxi from Pokhara to trailheads like Nayapul, Jhinu Danda, or Ghandruk. | 2-3 hours | $20-$50 | Using new road extensions significantly reduces total walking days, though roads can be rough. |
| Walk: Trekking from the trailhead to Annapurna Base Camp and back. | 7-12 days | null | Involves daily walking of 4 to 6 hours with substantial elevation changes, entirely on foot. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Hike in Spring (March-May) to see blooming rhododendrons. Go in Autumn (September-November) for crisp air and the clearest views of Annapurna I. Winter brings heavy snow and avalanche risks near Deurali.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
There are no ATMs on the mountain.
Bring enough Nepali Rupees to cover meals and hot showers.
How the day runs
Daily hiking schedules
A typical daily routine involves moderate hiking followed by teahouse rest.
- Breakfast
Eat breakfast at your teahouse before the trail gets crowded.
- Morning Hike
Walk for 3 to 4 hours while the weather is clear.
- Lunch Stop
Stop at a mid-way settlement for Dal Bhat to refuel.
- Afternoon Hike
Complete the remaining 2 hours of walking for the day.
- Arrival
Reach your next teahouse. Rest and order dinner.
The final push from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC.
- Wake Up
Rise early at MBC (3,700m) and dress warmly.
- Final Ascent
Hike the short distance to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
- Sunrise
Watch the sun illuminate Annapurna I and Annapurna South.
- Glacier Views
Walk carefully along the moraine ridge beside the teahouses.
- Descent
Begin the long walk back down the Modi Khola valley.
Packing strictly for altitude
Temperatures drop below freezing at night. Pack thermal base layers, a down jacket, and a four-season sleeping bag. Teahouse blankets are often not enough above 3,000 meters. Bring trekking poles to help with the thousands of steep stone stairs on the trail.
Protect yourself from the sun and altitude. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and altitude sickness medication (Diamox). Carry reusable water bottles and purification tablets, as plastic bottles are banned in the sanctuary.
Easiest way to do it
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
312 h 5.0 (181)
- Lunch
- Guesthouse accommodation in twin-share and dormitory rooms (8 nights)
- Dinner
- All government taxes, VAT, tourist service charges, official expenses
From$1,399per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where do I sleep?
You sleep in teahouses along the trail. These provide basic beds, hot meals, and shared bathrooms.
How do I charge my phone?
Teahouses offer charging outlets in the communal dining rooms. You usually pay a small fee per device.
How do I prevent altitude sickness?
Walk slowly and stay hydrated. Drink purified water constantly. Sleep lower if possible, and carry Diamox in your first-aid kit.