A Complete Guide of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Many travelers choose Annapurna Base Camp over Everest Base Camp because it is shorter and relatively more economical. However, they are unaware of the unique characteristics and significance of Annapurna. The trek is about walking below humongous mountains inside unique flora with a sensational touch of a distinct culture.

You can complete the moderate Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in just one week. The days can be extended by adding alternative routes like the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek. Furthermore, the trek can be continued from the Annapurna Circuit too.

In this post, we are going to take a detailed guide to Annapurna Base Camp. Stick until the end. 

Looking for an Annapurna Base Camp overview?

Total days: 6–12 days

Total distance: 80 km/50 mi

The highest point: 4,130 m

Permits: :ACAP permit & TIMS card (optional)

Guide: Not mandatory but mandatory after 1st April 2023

Starting point: :Ulleri/Ghandruk

Ending point: Jinu Danda

Here is the Annapurna Base Camp Highlight

• I was overwhelmed by the overwhelming view of Annapurna Massif.
• Discover Gurung and Magar culture.
• I enjoyed a short and sweet trek in Nepal.
• The trail is well-managed and features standard tea houses.
• Lush green forest with diverse flora and fauna.
• Sleep surrounded by mountains at 4,100 meters.
• End the trek with a relaxing natural hot spring.

Here is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Here, we have a brief itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp trek:

Note: This is a normal itinerary; this trek is quite flexible. It can be optimized and extended according to your day's availability.

Poon Hill Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map:

Annapurna Base Camp Altitude with Chart Shows Ascending and Descending on the Trip.

Annapurna Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters above sea level. This equates to a height of 13,550 feet above sea level. Furthermore, which will be the highest point of the trek? Here, we have provided the detailed altitude chart of the ABC trek via Poon Hill:

Are you curious about the Annapurna Base Camp distance?

From Jhinu Danda to Annapurna Base Camp and again to Jhinu Danda is approximately 80 kilometers/50 miles. If you want to trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill, then it can add around 35 kilometers/22 miles.

Where is Annapurna Base Camp located on the map?

Annapurna Base Camp is located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area under the Annapurna Rural Municipality, named after Annapurna Mountain. It is located in the central part of Nepal in the Kaski district of Gandaki Province, around 50 kilometers away from Pokhara.

Chhomrong village is the entrance gate of Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies in the heart of the Annapurna Massif. At the height of 4,130 meters above sea level, the campsite has an overwhelming view of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Tent Peak, Khangsar Kang, Hiunchuli, and many more.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek does require permits . The permits required are the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

An ACAP permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkuti Mandap. On the other hand, you can obtain the TIMS permit from the TAAN Head Office, located on Ganeshthan Marg. You can also obtain both permits from Pokhara.

The ACAP permit is mandatory and has several checkpoints throughout the route. While TIMS permits are optional nowadays, authorities do not check for them.

Are you looking for the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?

Autumn and spring are the best to visit Annapurna Base Camp. These seasons have pleasant weather along with clear visibility. It is also known as the peak season for trekking.

Autumn is also the festival season of Nepal, bringing joy and prosperity. Meanwhile, the spring season covers lush forests with blooming flowers. 
The spring season consists of March, April, and May. The autumn season runs for three months, from September to November.

The winter season can be favorable for trekking unless it starts snowing. Definitely, the temperature goes down more than the average; however, it is the low season with clear weather.

It rains almost every day in the monsoon season. Therefore, trekking is not recommended due to the muddy and wet conditions of the trails. Furthermore, there are high chances of getting leech attacks.

What is the average temperature of Annapurna Base Camp?

The average temperature of Annapurna Base Camp is around 5°C. Mostly, the base camp is always cold, so you need warm clothes to keep yourself comfortable and warm.

The lowest temperature recorded is -20°C during the winter season. The warmest temperature was around 15 °C during the summer. Overall, keep in mind it is always cold.

How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp?

Trekking in Nepal is not an easy task. However, Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate- to difficult-level trek that anyone can enjoyeffortlessly. The trail goes through the forest, hills, and rocks with ups and downs. Some sections of the trail involve ascending and descending on a stone path.  So, you must be well prepared to cope with such difficulties during the trek. You need to do physical fitness training a few months before your trip starts. Walking on home stairs up and down, hill climbing with your day backpack, cycling,yoga, and swimming will help to increase physical stamina.
They have well-managed the trails and provide good accommodation and food service. Furthermore, Annapurna Sanctuary has less risk of landslides and avalanches, which makes it the safest place to trek.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Suitable for Beginners?

The highest point is around 4,130 meters, so there is less chance of getting altitude sickness. This also makes the trail an ideal starting point for beginners. We have tips for beginner trekkers. Make sure to check them.

As mentioned above, Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek. This trek is not as strenuous as other trekking routes. But if you are a beginner, you should be physically fit enough to be able to walk 5–6 hours every day. 

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness during the ABC Trek?

Altitude sickness, known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a sickness that usually occurs at high altitudes due to low oxygen levels and low atmospheric pressure. The symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and so on. 

Annapurna Sanctuary does not take to high altitudes like other trekking routes, but you should be concerned about altitude sickness. Most trekkers can still digest high altitudes, but prevention is better than cure.

Good news! You can prevent altitude sickness.  The best way to fight back is acclimatization. Eat enough carbohydrates and stay hydrated. In case you are not feeling well, you can take Diamox tablets too.

What Kind of Transportation Do We Expect During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The primary means of transportation to Annapurna Base Camp is ground transportation. Recently, roads have reached various villages in the Annapurna region. Half of the roads remain unpaved due to delayed development.

The roads are connected to some famous villages like Ulleri, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, and Ghorepani. Ghandruk and Jhinu Danda have been great spots to start the trek to the Annapurna base camp. It is usually a 4- to 5- hour ride from Pokhara.

There are plenty of public buses and jeeps from Pokhara. Which buses are cheaper options than Jeeps? They leave at different time intervals, but most of them in the morning. Furthermore, you can reserve a Jeep for the fastest and most convenient ride. You can catch buses from Baglung Buspark and jeeps from Hari Chowk of Pokhara.
The last option to reach ABC is through the direct helicopter ride. The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is also one of the most famous tours in the wilderness. It is the quickest as well as the easiest way to Annapurna Base Camp.

What Types of Accommodations Are Expected for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a tourist destination that is more focused on the satisfaction of tourists. The design and services of the teahouses and lodges are exceptional. Surprisingly, almost every tea house is clean and well-sanitized.

But, in upper settlements like ABC, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, etc., the teahouses are at a basic level. Furthermore, the rooms are in the dormitory system. However, throughout the year, the number of tea houses is growing rapidly. 

Besides that, in other places, you can wisely choose a teahouse with your preference. Most of the rooms are twin rooms with clean bedsheets and blankets. You can even get a room with an attached toilet.

Here are the names of the teahouses en route to Annapurna Base Camp with their phone numbers, respectively.

What kind of food and beverages are available on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Every teahouse and lodge serves food and beverages. As the accommodation is top-notch, the food is also very delicious and all organic and fresh. The menu and food availability might surprise you. Likewise, there are plenty to choose from for hot and cold beverages.

All of the lodges and teahouses serve local foods along with some continental foods. And always be ready to fill your hunger with “Dal Bhat.”
Talking about beverages, you can choose alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Don’t forget to try the local wine “Raksi” on your way to Annapurna Base Camp. Every food and beverage is pricier than in the city area due to remoteness and inaccessible transportation.

You cannot consume meat after crossing Dovan. If you have meat snacks in your bag, leave them at a camp before Dovan. According to popular belief, meat is not acceptable in Annapurna because it is a sacred place, and doing so will result in bad things happening.

Are electricity and internet available in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Electricity is available throughout the route, even in ABC. Nowadays, tea houses do not charge money for charging devices. Furthermore, charging plugs are available in every room.

But in upper settlements, charging ports are only available in the dining hall. Therefore, you might stay in the queue to charge your devices. It is better to carry a power bank just in case.

Likewise, WiFi is available all around the route. Tea houses charge USD 1 to USD 4, depending on the place you are staying. It is not fast enough because everyone will be using the same wifi, but it is ready to go.

Is any mobile network available in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Yes, Nepal Telecom and Ncell have excellent connectivity all around the trail. But occasionally the network does not work during harsh weather.

Explore the ABC Trek Throughout the Video

Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Affordable?

Trekking at Annapurna Base Camp is not as expensive as the Everest Base Camp trek. However, it also comes with a price tag. With the perfect budget planning, it can be a lifetime experience. 

When it comes to food, the most expensive item is Dal Bhat, which costs USD 6, or NPR 750. This implies that a three-time meal can cost up to USD 18. Additionally, an expensive beverage can cost approximately USD 2, which equates to a daily expenditure of $6. At maximum, you will spend around USD 25 per day on food and beverages.

Room charges depend upon a couple of factors: the level of tea houses and the type of room (common and attached). It can cost between USD 4 and USD 9. Furthermore, other expenses are wifi, hot showers, and so on.

Furthermore, the hiring guide and porter can add 30 to 40 USD to your bill. On top of that, a permit for ACAP costs NPR 3,000, which is around USD 25. NPR also had to pay USD 18 (or 2000) for TIMS.

If you spend your money wisely, you can enjoy a whole day between USD 30 and USD 35. In Switzerland, this amount might only cover a single meal.

Annapurna Base Camp Complete Package

The travel agent's exclusive service package, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package, aims to make your trip simple and convenient. There are various local and international travel agents to choose from.

The package includes a three-time meal with any hot beverage along with room charges. The package also covers the wages of the guide and porter, as well as their food expenses. The package includes all transportation services. The package also includes hotel services in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 
As mentioned above, the main aim of the package is to enjoy your trek with the best services without any headaches. If you are in search of a trustworthy local agency, then you are at the right place. Just a minute and check out our Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package.

Are guides and porters needed for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

No, you don't need guides and porters to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Anyone can travel in the Annapurna region without the need for additional assistance. It is a paradise for solo travelers. 

However, we highly recommend hiring a guide and porter. You can understand the culture and history of Nepal even better. In addition, a porter can help carry all your stuff. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, “Trekkers are required to hire a guide after 1st April 2023.” 

What should you pack for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Remember, a light backpack with all essential gear and equipment is the key to unlocking a successful trek. Your backpack should have everything important, but don’t overdo it. 

Here, we have a packing list for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

1. Down jacket.
2. Rain jackets.
3. Hiking pants.
4. There were several T-shirts.
5. Hiking boots.
6. I have a pair of sneakers.
7. Thermal innerwear.
8. Undergarments.
9. Warm socks.
10. Gloves.
11. Buff/neck warmer.
12. Warm cap.
13. Lightweight towel.
14. Sunglasses.
15. Sunscreen.
16. I have a medication/first aid kit.
17. Dried fruits and nuts.
18. These are Energy chocolate bars.
19. Tissue rolls and wet wipes.
20. Portable charger.
21. Sanitary pads (for women)
22. Thermos bottle.
23. Trekking poles.
24. Crampon.
25. Head torch.
26. Sleeping bag.
27. Fun games like Uno, cards, etc. 

This is a standard packing list; please refer to them for a detailed version. 

How many days does it take for a short Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara?

Pokhara is the gateway for most of the trekking routes in the Annapurna region. So starting the trek from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp is not a topic of surprise. The terms "Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara" and "Short ABC Trek" are interchangeable. 

Meanwhile, a new international airport has been established in Pokhara. It will be easier to start the Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara. The trek from Pokhara consists of a 7-day itinerary. Below, we have provided an outline itinerary for ABC from Pokhara:

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking Suggested Itinerary: 6 Days

Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (950 m) in 25 to 30 minutes & drive to Samrong Khola (1790 m)/Siwai (1230 m) via Nayapul (1010 m) 2½ ½ to 3 hours & Trek to Chommrong (2140 m) 4 to 5 hours
Day 02: Trek Chommrong to Himalaya (2920 m): 7 to 8 hours
Day 03: Trek Himalaya to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 3 to 4 hours—& visit Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) back to MBC 3 to 4 hours
Day 04: Trek Machhapuchre Base Camp to Jhinu Danda (hot spring) (1780 m)—8 to 9 hours
Day 05: Drive Samrong Khola (1790 m) at Jhinu Danda (Hot spring) to Pokhara (950 m)—2 ½ to 3 hours
Day 06: Drive back to Kathmandu early in the morning by tourist bus (6 to 7 hours) or by taking a 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, then to your destination.

*Note: If you wish to make the changes during the trek, you can also discuss these modifications with your guide. The itinerary is quite flexible.

Are there other alternative trekking routes available for Annapurna Base Camp?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has lots of alternative routes to join through. After Chomrong, the trail is one way to base camp, following the Modi River. However, there are numerous alternative routes to reach Chromong.

As said above, ABC can continue from the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, the Khopra trek, and the Mohare Danda trek. Additionally, after completing the trek, you can explore other side treks to pristine villages such as Sikles, Laung, Dhampus, and others. 

Even some trekkers take the next step by continuing from Annapurna Base Camp on the Annapurna Circuit. If you want a hardcore adventure in Annapurna, then the Annapurna Circuit, which joins Annapurna Base Camp and finishes through Mardi Himal, will be a perfect choice.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a dream for many wanderlusts around the globe. But without any preparation, a slight mistake can ruin your dream to conquer ABC. This post focuses on preparing for your next trip to Annapurna. If this post was helpful, give us a kind review. We look forward to seeing you again soon.