Annapurna Base Camp Trek Blog

We have prepared this blog, Annapurna Base Camp Trek Blog, with one thought to give you the complete idea to plan this trek in 2025. To make this blog more accurate, we’ve used the most searched queries about this trek on Google. Moreover, all the information provided here is according to the firsthand experience of the trek.

Embarking on this magnificent adventure takes you to the proximity of Mt. Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain. The base camp of Annapurna sits at 4,130 meters from where you’ll see 7-8 elegant mountains of the Annapurna range. It’s a trek to view the graceful mountains from a very close point.

Snow capped Annapurna mountains in January as seen from Annapurna Base Camp — Snow capped Annapurna mountains in January (Image © NepTrek)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, whether for 5 days or 10 days, is a trekker’s favorite trek. It has been Nepal’s most visited trekking destination in any given year.

What to expect in this blog?

This blog has answered considerable queries and topics regarding the trek. For example, the topics like trek itinerary, safety, trek preparations, gears, trek cost, and more are well-detailed. With more pivotal topics on use, we’ve made the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Blog more useful with authentic information and useful tips for you.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost: Is it expensive?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost depends on the itinerary you prefer. The short trek costs less than the ten-day itinerary. Moreover, the additional services also add up to the overall price.

For example, if you want us to arrange the accommodation in Pokhara, getting a two-way private jeep, including a hot shower and other amenities, increases the trek cost.

10-day ABC Trek can cost around USD 850-900. However, increasing the number of trekkers in groups can lower the trek costs.

Pax	Cost Per Person (USD)	Availability	Want to book?
1	900	Available	Inquire Us
2-3	850	Available	Inquire Us
4-5	800	Available	Inquire Us
5 and more	750	Available	Inquire Us

Starting from Pokhara, the shortest, five days Annapurna Base Camp Trek costs around USD 550.

Pax	Cost Per Person (USD)	Availability	Want to book?
1	550	Available	Inquire Us
2-3	520	Available	Inquire Us
4-5	500	Available	Inquire Us
5 and more	460	Available	Inquire Us

If you want to customize the ABC Trek itinerary of your preference, we’ll curate an expert-handpicked itinerary for this trek. However, with further customization, the overall cost of the trek can go up.

Here’s what we’ve set the cost for five and ten days of ABC Trek in the 2025 season.

Trek difficulty: How difficult is ABC trek?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. Thus, it’s an ideal trekking destination for novice trekkers planning to trek in Nepal in 2025.

First, the base camp is at 4,130 meters. Due to low altitude, trekkers don’t get altitude sickness along the trek. Thus, trekkers don’t require any acclimatization stops. Moreover, it shortens the trek itinerary.

Second, the trekking route to Annapurna is among the best and most straightforward. The stone-paved trails are thoroughly maintained. Thus, walking on this trail ensures safety and comfort for trekkers with no associated risk of getting lost.

Moreover, the landscape is more natural and less rugged. Even past Machhapuchhre Base Camp, at around 4,000 meters, the trekking route to ABC Base Camp is less rugged. With a less strenuous trail, novice trekkers can have a comfortable walking experience.

For these reasons, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is less strenuous.

What are the number of trek days to Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable in two ways: short and standard. The short is five days, and the standard is ten days.

Note: The five and ten-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary are from Pokhara.

If you prefer Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, you’ll start with a drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda. From Jhinu, you’ll trek to Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali, and the base camp. On the 4th morning, you’ll return to Bamboo, followed by an hour’s walk to Jhinu and a drive back to Pokhara.

A beautiful summer day while trekking to Ulleri from Hile. it's a popular landmark in 10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — A beautiful summer day while trekking to Ulleri from Hile (Image © NepTrek)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is a 10-day standard trek. Embarking on a ten-day trek lets you explore Poon Hill Vantage Point, Ghandruk, Hile, Ghorepani, and Tadapani. Thus, trekking these places will be an additional 4-5 trek days.

Our recommendation: Instead of ABC Trek for just five days, trekking along the ethnic and scenic destinations of Annapurna Sanctuary is the best. The cultural and scenic blend of the ten-day trek provides you with a wholesome Annapurna Experience.

ABC Trek Itineraries- Five days and ten days

The handful of vantage points, culturally enriched ethnic villages, and elegant mountains make Annapurna Conservation Area a must-visit trekking destination. Thus, you can customize and plan ABC Trek in the 2025 season.

Here, on the blog, we’ve outlined the two popular ABC Trek itineraries.

10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill Itinerary

Here’s how we organize the 10 days of ABC Trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti. Trek to Ulleri (2,050 meters, 5 hours)
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874 meters, 5 hours)
Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters, 1 hours). Trek to Tadapani (2,630 meters, 6 hours)
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170 meters, 5 hours)
Day 5: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (7 hours, 6 km, 2,600 meters)
Day 6: Trek from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 meters, 6 hours)
Day 7: Trek from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters, 3 hours)
Day 8: Sunrise at ABC. Trek to to Bamboo(2,310 meters, 7 hours)
Day 9: Trek from Bamboo to Ghandruk (2,012 meters, 6 hours)
Day 10: Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara (3 hours)

5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek- Itinerary from Pokhara

Check out our complete five-day ABC Trek package for the 2025 season.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Samrong via Nayapul. Trek to Upper Sinuwa (2,340 meters, 5 hours)
Day 2: Trek from Upper Sinuwa to Deurali (3,200 meters, 6 hours)
Day 3: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters, 5 hours)
Day 4: Sunrise view at the base camp. Trek to Bamboo/Upper Sinuwa (2,340 meters, 7 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 meters, 5 hours). Drive to Pokhara (3 hours)

How to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

As a trekker, you must plan and prepare the trek for at least two months before joining it. Despite being an easy trek, you still need good preparation.

Here are some ways to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025:

Buying Trekking Gears

For a better trek experience, you must wear appropriate clothes and trek gear. Thus, the first thing you should do after confirming the trek is to get the apparel and essential trek gear. In other words, it’s also called packing list. To know what packing list is best for ABC Trek, read this blog.

Physical Fitness

You’ll walk for at least five hours each day on the trek. And, to walk for five/to ten days and around 8 km daily demands a certain level of physical fitness.

You must be physically sound to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Thus, you must work on fitness exercises like swimming, cycling, running, hiking, etc.

With decent preparations, you can hike up to the base camp of Annapurna.

Health check-up and Travel Insurance

Existing health conditions can put you at risk while trekking. However, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek isn’t difficult and that high to trek. Still, you must get a suggestion from your doctor if you have any existing health issues. And once you get the green light, you’re eligible to trek.

Moreover, you’ll need travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage. The highest altitude you’ll reach on this trek is 4,130 meters. Thus, you must get travel insurance with helicopter coverage up to this altitude.

Sometimes, trekkers get altitude sickness and injuries. At such times, a helicopter evacuation is a must. Also, if you plan ABC trek in January or March, the heavy snowfall often blocks the route for days. Thus, at such times, only a helicopter flight can bring you to Pokhara safely.

Moreover, your travel insurance covers the health benefits after injuries or mishaps during the trek.

Trek Safety: Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe?

Yes. You’ll be 100% safe while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Trekking with us, we’ll provide an experienced guide who ensures your utmost safety throughout the trek.

Here are a few things you should understand on why you’ll be safe on this trek.

Lesser landslide-prone areas: There are almost zero active landslide zones en route to ABC Trek. The rainy season brings a few landslides. Thus, to avoid it, plan this trek in March-May and September-December.

Lesser probability of altitude sickness: The altitude of the base camp is 4,130 meters. At this altitude, very few trekkers get minor symptoms of altitude sickness. Thus, while trekking with us, you won’t get altitude sickness.

Welcoming hospitality and people: You’ll find everyone on the trek welcoming and friendly. Moreover, you’ll be under the supervision of your trek guide. Thus, there’s a faint probability of theft and robbery of trekkers. Even solo trekkers find this trek welcoming.

Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

A medium-lightweight backpack is enough for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. However, for the 10-day trek, you’llneed a decent 55-60 liter backpack. Or, if you want to trek lightweight, you need a trek porter.

The good part, booking this trek with us in a group of at least two trekkers gets you a trek porter.

Here’s an overview of the trek gear you should consider for this trek. But, for a complete idea, please visit our blog, Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Upper Body

T-shirts (4-5)
Windproof jacket (for possible snowfall)
A down jacket (-10˚C)
Fleece or Pullover
Hat, Beanie, Neck Buff
Sunglass (UV)
Gloves (woolen)

Lower Body,

Trekking pants (one thick and one thin)
Thermals (a pair)
Trekking boot (Salomon or Scarpa hiking boots)
Few pairs of woolen socks (at least 4-5 pairs)
Innerwears

Hygiene and skin care

Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Moisturizer, lip balms
Toilet paper and wet wipes
Quick drying towel
Toothbrush/toothpaste/shampoo/body wash

Other essentials

Power bank, chargers
Book (if you love to read)
Camera (if you have)
Passport and few photos (with zip lock bag)
Chocolates and snacks (it’ll cost a lot if you buy them during the trek)
Sleeping bag (-10˚C)
Trekking poles (a pair)

Stunning Annapurna-I on a clear weather day in July (Image © NepTrek)

Annapurna Base Camp Altitude

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 meters altitude, making it one of the low altitude seated base camps of 8,000 meters peak, Annapurna I.

Here’s a tabular representation of the altitude profile of different landmarks along the trek.

Landmarks	Altitude
Pokhara	822 meters
Ulleri	2,050 meters
Jhinu Danda	1,780 meters
Ghorepani	2,874 meters
Poon Hill	3,210 meters
Tadapani	2,630 meters
Chhomrong	2,170 meters
Sinuwa	2,340 meters
Bamboo	2,310 meters
Dovan	2,600 meters
Himalaya	3,000 meters
Deurali	3,200 meters
Machhapuchhre Base Camp	3,700 meters
Annapurna Base Camp	4,130 meters

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek best for beginners?

Yes. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the best treks for beginners.

The base camp is at 4,130 meters, less rugged, and altitude sickness-free zone. Thus, you won’t get altitude sickness during ABC Trek.

A comfortable walking experience is a must for beginner trekkers. And this is what novice trekkers experience during ABC Trek. The stone-paved stairs and well-maintained trekking routes here offer a comfortable hiking experience.

Moreover, every tea house on the ABC Trek route offers modern amenities. You can benefit from wider meal choices, twin-sharing rooms, electricity, WiFi, hot water shower, etc.

Also, many novice trekkers who want to challenge themselves with challenging treks like Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek first embark on ABC Trek. It gives them an idea of what trekking in Nepal feels like and how demanding the high-altitude landscape gets.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Solo Trek possible in 2025?

Fact: In September 2024, two Korean solo trekkers went missing in Ghorepani for days. They were without a trekking guide and trekked without any planning. And every year, the incident of missing trekkers is continuing.

Annapurna Base Camp Solo Trek is doable, and many trekkers plan solo ABC Trek. However, during the trekking season, individual trekkers often struggle to find a tea house for accommodation. Also, figuring out everything about the trek can get irritating at times.

Thus, planning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025 with a trekking agency like ours would be the best. Trekking with our experienced trek guides, following expert-curated itineraries, and well-planned trek carters a unique experience.

Best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

ABC Trek is doable all year round except for the snowy February and rainy August.

If you want Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill in particular, Spring is an absolute time. Ghorepani and Poon Hill become elegant with the vibrant rhododendron blossom in April. Moreover, the sightseeing of Annapurna mountains from Poon Hill leaves you in awe.

For a 5 day ABC trek from Jhinu, Spring and Autumn are the best times.

You’ll witness the snow-covered mountains in the early March and April. Also, landmarks like Ghorepani, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and the entire base camp get blanketed with thick snow.

The colorful rhododendron forest of Ghorepani, Ulleri, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Dovan, and Bamboo makes your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring the best.

The mild temperature, crystal clear weather, and rain-free days are best in Autumn. Thus, Autumn season is longer than Spring, from September to November and even till December. An added awe-struck glimpse of the Annapurna mountain range makes it the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Due to these favorable conditions, tea houses on the ABC Trek route get filled with trekkers. Early Autumn is the best for a peaceful walk with fewer trekkers on the route.

Not recommended time for ABC Trek

If your goal to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is for an up-close view of the Annapurna mountains, we don’t recommend you do it in July and August.

These are two intense rainy months in Nepal. These months are rainy, and trekking becomes a nightmare and trouble-filled.

A few sections along the ABC Trek route are landslide-prone. Also, the trekking routes become slippery during rainy days.

Moreover, bugs, mosquitoes, and leeche bites make the trek even more challenging.

Not to mention, the clouds and fog cover the entire mountains and landscape, thus ruining the conspicuous viewing experience.

Snowfall Experience: When is the right time?

Annapurna Base Camp is an ideal destination to experience the snowfall. With snowfall, the base camp and the entire landscape appear as a winter wonderland.

The snowfall at Annapurna Base Camp starts from mid-January till early March.

The best part of ABC Trek is that it is doable in January and February. Plus, the tea houses remain open all year round.

Other than trekking, you can also fly on a helicopter to Annapurna Base Camp in winter to experience the snowfall. The popular Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is affordable and is shareable with five people.