Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025 and 2026 | Cost and Itinerary
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the premier destinations for all adventure seeker in 2025. Whether it is for natural adventurer or those who crave for cultural immersion, the ABC Trek has it all.
Situated at an altitude of 4130 meters (13549 feet), the ABC trek offers magnificent and breathtaking views of mountains, cultural activities, and experiences.
This trek lasts from 10 to 14 days and during the journey, this trek takes you across the beautiful villages, terraced farming fields, rhododendron and bamboo jungles.
And once for all, you will be blessed with the sights of the Annapurna Massif, Machapuchhre Peak, Dhaulagiri Massif, and many others.
Annapurna Base Camp is also known as “the Sanctuary” and it is indeed a sanctuary for the body and the mind.
What is more appealing is that even being a high altitude trek of more than 4000 meters, it is moderate difficulty. It means this trek is best for both beginners and professional hikers.
Get ready to push yourself, meet fellow trekkers, and find peace in the beautiful region of Annapurna.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- 360 degree views of Annapurna I, Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli.
- Diverse flora, fauna, and ecosystem inside Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Explore traditional Nepali culture and costumes, rich in cuisine, language, and hospitality.
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
- Explore Tal Barahi and go for boating in Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
- Scenic drive to Pokhara via Prithivi Highway.
Why Go For Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025 is designed for those trekkers who crave for exploring new destinations. It is recommended for people who enjoy nature, love mountains or any traveler who would like to experience real Nepali culture.
The trek is undoubtedly one of the great mediums to get in touch with Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri massifs and golden views of sunrise and sunsets. In the meantime, the Gurung cultures mesmerize your journey, while the traditional Nepali cuisine will surely be one of the major attractions.
What To Expect During The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025/2026?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025 is surely the best journey you can look forward to experience the remote beauty of Mid-Western Nepal. And there are lots of thing you can expect during this trip.
Every day starts with a mentality of exploring the new culture and environment. And every section welcomes you with easy but adventurous walking trails. You will find kind and hospitable community. What you will find exciting is that you will accommodate in warm tea houses, with basic facilities like hot food, communal bathrooms, and a place to relax.
On average, expect to walk for about 4-7 hours a day, which includes short rests and stops for acclimatization. And last but not least, the Himalayan beauty is the undeniable entity that welcomes you with its snow-covered faces.
Difficulty Level of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate. It means that even trekkers with average fitness levels can complete their trek.
As mentioned earlier, daily hike lasts 4 to 6 hours on average. It includes short breaks and chance to acclimatize and avoid mountain sickness.
The trails are well-maintained but tend to get steep and rocky at times. So, trekkers are recommended to pack well with sturdy hiking boots and other travel gears.
Even though you don’t need to have prior trekking experience for this, some physical training is recommended. Besides, it is crucial to pack safety kits for your safe journey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
On the first day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we will prepare to leave for a 6–7 hour bus ride to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
We will drive alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers which creates pleasant views during the drive. On the way, we can have experience the beauty of Dhading and Tanahun District in route of 200 kilometers distance.
Upon reaching Pokhara after 6 to 7 hours, you will check in to your respectibe hotels for rest. Pokhara is enclosed in a lovely valley offering the views of peaks, such as Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.
We will move to a hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul-Birethanti-Tikhedhunga and Trek to Ulleri
The second day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with a warm breakfast in Pokhara. We will start our journey by driving to Tikhedhunga, which takes around 2 to 3 hours from Pokhara.
As you drive by, the route is easy through Nayapul and Birethanti. During this journey, you can have beautiful views of terraced farms along the Bhurungdi Khola River.
After leaving Birethanti, the road becomes rough and takes us to Tikhedhunga, the starting point of the trek. The trail meanders through the lovely villages of Sudame and Hile up to Ulleri, which is at an altitude of 2,073 meters.
Ulleri is the accommodation point for Day 2 of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
Today’s journey begins with a climb towards Ghorepani. This phase of journey comes with sweeping views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
The trail stretches through beautiful rhododendron trees, where you may encounter wild animals, streams, and some rivers. The view is gorgeous as we get to Ghorepani, a lovely little village located on the top of the ridgeline.
From Ghorepani, you can have stunning views of the high Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South and Barah Sikhar, and the Fish Tail. Tonight, we will stay at a tea house at Ghorepani.
Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani/Chuile
The 4th day’s adventure begins in Ghorepani. After a warm breakfast, we move on to Poon Hill for sightseeing of sunrise and the Himalayas.
This popular viewpoint is surrounded by Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and over 32 peaks within the Annapurna ranges.
If you are a photography enthusiast, there will be lots of time to take in the beautiful environment, so carry your best cameras.
After enjoying the views, we’ll go to the lodge for breakfast and set off for the Tadapani (2,630m/8,630ft) trek. In between Deurali (2,960m) and Banthanti, there is an option to visit the nearest Chuile Village if the time permits.
Day 5: Trek from Tadapani/Chuile to Chomrong/Sinuwa
Today’s trek route varies depending on where we stay overnight. If we stayed in Tadapani, we would have breakfast and take off towards Chomrong (2,165m/7,105ft) with toil over Chuile.
On the way, we will take a steep descent from Ghandruk Village to the Kimron River while enjoying picturesque views of Annapurna South and Fishtail peaks flanking us.
If we had spent the last night in Chile, Chomrong would not have been the final destination today, and we would have rested for the night at Sinuwa instead.
Day 6: Trek from Chomrong/Sinuwa to Himalaya/Deurali
Today’s hike will be a bit longer, though it may vary slightly according to where you spent your previous night.
If you were in Chomrong, you would descend the steep stone steps leading to Chomrong Khola and climb up through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron trees until you reach Sinuwa.
If you start from Sinuwa, you will have the advantages.
On the way, wonderful views of Machhapuchre and Annapurna welcomes you. After Khuldigar village, the trail goes down to the Bamboo Lodge villages and back up to the Himalaya peak, at 2890m (9425ft).
From Sinuwa, the last day includes a night stay in Deurali.
Day 7: Trek from Himalaya/Deurali to ABC via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Today, we’ll follow a trail through the narrow Modi Khola Glacier Valley. We will pass through dense forests and the famous Hinku Cave, an overhanging rock. After that, we will continue our journey past the lodges at Deurali.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp is the next stop before reaching the base camp. It offers a panoramic vista of the nearby peaks, but we’ll continue northwest to reach ABC.
As we reach Annapurna Base Camp, the excitement reaches next level. The 360-degree views are spectacular here, which provides the views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.
We’ll spend the night at Base Camp, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 8: Trek from ABC to Bamboo
Once we have explored the Annapurna Base Camp, it is time to return. We will get on our descend towards Bamboo as we will walk towards beautiful green carpets and soft trails.
Tonight, we will stay at a tea house and rest.
Day 9: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
We will begin the journey towards Jhinu Danda today.
The path first goes down to Kimrong Khola, then climbs through quiet and cooling forests of rhododendrons, bamboo, and oak before finally reaching the destination.
Located near Jhinu Danda are natural hot springs that are very calming, where you can rest.
Springs aside, gorgeous views show the lush rhododendron jungle surroundings and the hot springs, making it a perfect getaway for tired travelers.
Day 10: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi and Drive to Pokhara
On the second last day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we will depart from Jhinu Danda. We will take a scenic drive along the Modi Khola River to Siwa.
From there, we will take a drive to Pokhara, which should take a few hours. We will spend a comfortable night in Pokhara, with the beautiful memories made during the journey.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today, we will return to Kathmandu, completing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach the capital city and after reaching there, we will rest at our hotel.
Besides, you can explore the nearby attractions such as Thamel and go for shopping.
Essential Info for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025/2026
Preparation for the Trip
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025/2026 is a moderate trek with some physical demands. Therefore, it is advised to work on your physical fitness before going on the trek.
There is also the need for mental preparation; physical exercise might take a toll on you psychologically, hence the need to train for positive thoughts and resilience.
Also, you must acquire suitable travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking. Check the visa terms applicable to you and obtain the necessary trekking permits on time.
You should also carry warm clothes, shoes, and basic trekking equipment. It is advised to book your hotels beforehand to travel to Nepal during the peak season. It’s useful to know a few words in Nepali as the locals admire such efforts from their visitors, giving your journey an extra touch.
Required Permits For The Trip
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
- Required to enter the Annapurna region.
- Costs NPR 3000 for international trekkers, NPR 1000 for Indian Trekkers, and NPR 100 for Nepalese Trekkers
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
- Necessary for tracking and emergency purposes.
- Costs NPR 2000 for all trekkers
[These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara with support from most trekking agencies.]
Basic Packing List For Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2025/2026 (Trekking Gears & Items)
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Insulated jacket and thermal layers
- Waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)
- Sleeping bag (-15°C rating)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottles or hydration pack
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
Things to Know Before Going on This Trip
The Annapurna Base Camp trek poses both physical and logistical challenges. Weather in the Annapurna region is often erratic and can change within minutes as one gains altitude.
Trekkers are accommodated in teahouses, which offer limited comforts compared to hotels.
There may be extra charge for charging and hot showers, and the wi-fi connection is often limited.
When traveling in a foreign country, learning a bit about its culture and customs is always advisable, making the trip all the more worthwhile. Even a few Nepali phrases, a slight bow, and observing local practices can help achieve the purpose.
Accommodation
The accommodation along the trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek represents a real flavor of the hospitality and lifestyle of the Himalayas. During the journey, hikers are accommodated in comfortable tea houses owned and run by local people, where the only provided convenience is a bed, blanket, and shared washroom.
The tea house varies in size and degree of comfort but is characterized by a homely feeling. Be prepared for simple but decent-looking rooms thinly furnished with unpainted walls.
Some teahouses will have hot showers for an additional fee; others may have a place to plug in my electronics. The practicalities might be few; however, these teahouses’ beauty and coziness provide a great experience that enables tourists to interact well with the locals and other people touring the country.
Food Options
Most of the meals are made from local ingredients to bring about an authentic Nepalese experience. Dal bhat, which consists of rice, lentil soup and vegetable curries, is available in plenty.
It is very well suited for long days of trekking as it is nutritious, energizing and sustaining in nature. Most teahouses serve oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, and Tibetan bread, which is very popular in the region.
Teahouses along the trail may also serve cheese, bread, meat dishes, rice dishes, pasta, and seasonal vegetables to cater to diverse cultures. Light refreshments with tea and coffee are served throughout the day, enabling trekkers to be active.
Electricity and Water
Most teahouses along the Annapurna Base Camp trek have electricity for trekkers to charge their necessary appliances; however, an extra charge is often imposed per device.
In some isolated places, solar panels are often installed on rooftops, providing enough power for users to charge their devices, but this also depends on the weather.
Water is convenient everywhere during the trek as it can be bought in bottled water or collected from various alternative sources. Trekkers should be aware that bottled water is expensive and adds to the waste problem; therefore, refillable bottles with water purification pills or a portable filter should be carried.
Many teahouses provide certain trekkers with boiled or filtered water at a small cost to ensure they can drink clean water while on the trip.
Communication
The facilities for communication along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are limited. Some teahouses have Wi-Fi connections, although the internet is slow and unreliable, mostly at higher altitudes.
If the trekkers plan to communicate often, buying a local SIM card with 5G data, preferably Ncell or Nepal Telecom, is best.
Tipping
It is not customary in Nepal to tip on treks, but they are highly expected. It is considered support to the guides, porters, and other support personnel who work hard to ensure the trekkers are safe and comfortable.
Trip Extension
After the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will have various options for trip extensions, depending on the travel agencies you choose to book this package. For those wishing for more trekking after base camp, another trek to Poon Hill can be included in the itinerary as it has one of the breathtaking views of the rising sun above the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Similarly, trekkers can travel south and visit Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features many wildlife species, such as elephants, rhinos, and various birds, for which Nepal is famous.
Alternatively, some may spend a few more days in either Kathmandu or Pokhara, indulging themselves in the unique culture of Nepal, visiting temples and monasteries, and enjoying local food. You may also want to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, further to enhance the cultural and historical aspects of Annapurna.
If not, you can visit the nearby destination from Kathmandu, such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Balthali Village, and more.