Annapurna Base Camp Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsWalk through Gurung villages and over Poon Hill into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacier basin ringed by peaks, with our own licensed guides
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What to Expect
A glacial bowl at 4,130m with Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre on every side
Every trek is led by one of our own guides, with permits and logistics handled for you
Dawn over Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m, one of Nepal's best viewpoints
Natural hot springs by the Modi Khola, a short walk below Jhinu Danda on the way out
This 14-day trip starts and ends in Kathmandu. From Pokhara you spend 9 days on the trail, up through Gurung villages to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then into the Annapurna Sanctuary via Chhomrong. Base camp sits at 4,130m in a ring of peaks. You stay in teahouses every night on the trek. ACAP and TIMS permits are included. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one.
Rated Challenging. The hardest parts are the long stone staircases up to Ulleri and Ghorepani, and Day 8, about 13km from Himalaya Hotel to base camp with 1,200m of climbing. Altitude sickness can start above 2,500m, so walk slowly up high and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. 2 to 3 months of cardio and leg training before you come makes a big difference.
If you are comparing this trek with the Annapurna Circuit, our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide breaks down the differences in detail.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is free to rest, walk the neighbourhood, or sort any last gear. In the evening your guide runs a pre-trip briefing covering the full itinerary, what to expect on trail, and any questions before you leave for Pokhara in the morning.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus
The tourist bus departs Kathmandu early morning and follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to Pokhara. The journey takes 6 to 7 hours with a rest stop midway. Arrive in Pokhara by early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours — walk the lakeside, sort any final gear, and withdraw all the cash you will need for the trek. There are no reliable ATMs after Pokhara.
Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ulleri
A private jeep from Pokhara drops you at Nayapul in roughly 1.5 hours. From here the trek begins along the Modi Khola river through Birethanti before the trail climbs steeply to Ulleri via hundreds of stone steps. It is a short but honest first day on trail. Your legs will know about it by the time you reach the teahouse.
Trek to Ghorepani
A steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest with the trail gaining elevation consistently throughout the day. The stone staircase sections continue but the forest cover makes it cooler than yesterday. Ghorepani is a busy teahouse village with good food and clear mountain views on a clear day. Get to bed early — you are up before dawn tomorrow for Poon Hill.
Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tadapani
Wake at 4am and climb one hour to Poon Hill at 3,210m for sunrise over Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Nepal and earns the early start. After breakfast back in Ghorepani the trail continues through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani, with mountain views opening and closing through the trees all day.
If you are mainly interested in Poon Hill rather than continuing to Annapurna Base Camp, see our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Trek to Chhomrong
The trail descends steeply to Kimrong Khola before climbing back up to Chhomrong, a large Gurung village perched on a ridge with direct views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Chhomrong is the last permanent settlement before the Sanctuary. Stock up on snacks and charge your devices. There are no proper shops beyond here.
Trek to Himalaya Hotel
A steep descent from Chhomrong crosses the Chhomrong Khola before the trail climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forest past Sinuwa and Kuldi. The vegetation gets denser and the valley narrower as you push deeper into the Sanctuary. Himalaya Hotel sits at the point where the forest starts giving way to alpine terrain. The mountains feel noticeably closer by the time you arrive.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
The biggest day of the trek. The trail climbs through Deurali and past Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m before the final push into the Sanctuary. Between Deurali and MBC the trail runs below steep slopes where avalanches can fall after heavy snow, mostly from December to April. Your guide checks conditions in Deurali before you go on. When the valley opens at Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre rise on every side. Take your time here.
Trek to Dovan
After sunrise over the Annapurna massif, the descent begins back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali. The views on the way down are different from the climb. You see the full scale of the Sanctuary walls more clearly going out than coming in. The trail follows the Modi Khola river down through alpine terrain back into forest. Dovan is a small, quiet stop after a big two days.
Trek to Chhomrong
Long descent through bamboo and rhododendron forest past Sinuwa, then the steep stone staircase back up to Chhomrong. The legs are tired by this point but the trail is familiar and the elevation loss makes it manageable. Chhomrong feels like a different place on the way back — quieter, more settled. Good food, hot shower, and an early night before the final push to Jhinu tomorrow.
Trek to Jhinu Hot Spring. Private Jeep ride to Pokhara
A steep descent from Chhomrong brings you to Jhinu Danda in about 2 hours. The natural hot springs sit on the bank of the Modi Khola and are exactly what 8 days of climbing deserves. Soak for as long as you like before the jeep picks you up for the 2 to 3 hour drive back to Pokhara. Arrive in time for a proper lakeside dinner.
Leisure Day in Pokhara
A full free day in Pokhara after 8 days on trail. Sleep in, get a massage, walk the lakeside, or take a boat out on Phewa Lake with Annapurna South reflected in the water on a clear morning. The World Peace Pagoda is a worthwhile hour if your legs are up for one last climb. Most people just eat well and do very little. Both are correct.
Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. Farewell Dinner
The tourist bus departs Pokhara early morning for the 6 to 7 hour return journey to Kathmandu. Arrive mid-afternoon with time to clean up and rest before the farewell dinner in the evening. MountainKick hosts a traditional Nepali meal with your guide — a good moment to reflect on the trek before your departure tomorrow.
Final Departure
Your guide transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you have time before your flight, a final walk through Thamel is worth it. Allow at least 3 hours before departure for check-in and immigration.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers Arrival and departure in a private vehicle
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Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara Twin-sharing with breakfast. 2 nights in Kathmandu, 3 in Pokhara
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout, 8 nights
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Licensed guide for the full trek nglish-speaking, with your group for the whole trek
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Porter service One porter for every two trekkers. Keep your duffel to about 10 to 15kg
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ACAP permit Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee
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TIMS card Trekkers Information Management System
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by your guide throughout the trek
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Jeep to and from the trailhead Nayapul on Day 3 and Jhinu Danda on Day 11
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Pokhara and return
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on your final evening
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MountainKick duffel bag Yours to keep
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All taxes and official charges No hidden fees added after booking
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee On arrival: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days
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Travel insurance Must cover trekking to 4,130m and helicopter evacuation
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All meals on trek Budget $30 to $40 per day at teahouses
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Except farewell dinner on Day 13
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Guide and porter tips Customary and appreciated
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Personal expenses Hot showers, wifi, charging and snacks
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Extra nights if flights or roads are delayed Hotel nights and meals from weather or road delays are paid by you
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Helicopter rescue Paid to the helicopter company by your insurer, or by you. We arrange it but don't pay for it
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
ABC GUESTHOUSE
Twin-sharing rooms throughout. A comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on city nights, traditional Gurung-run teahouses on the trail — warm, simple, and well positioned for each day’s walking.
- Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-star hotel, private bathroom, hot shower, breakfast included
- Trail: twin-sharing teahouse, shared facilities throughout
- Standards are good from Nayapul to Chhomrong, more basic above Sinuwa
- Single supplement available on request
- Hotel upgrades in Kathmandu and Pokhara available on request
A typical Dal Bhat set
Meals on the trail are pay as you go. Teahouse menus cover dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, momos, porridge and ginger tea. Dal bhat is always the right call — cooked fresh, refillable, and the most reliable option at any altitude. Above Chhomrong avoid meat as freshness cannot be guaranteed. Prices increase with altitude as everything is carried in by porter.
| Meals on trail | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Wifi where available | $1 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $2 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“Fantastic trek and a great local company”
Three of us did the Annapurna Base Camp trek together and had a brilliant time with MountainKick. Kumar made the trek feel relaxed even on the longer days, and he seemed to know everyone along the trail, which gave us a much better sense of the local villages and culture.…
“Our first trek in Nepal”
None of us had any high-altitude trekking experience, so Jeevan's patience really made a difference with our small group. He explained each day clearly and never made us feel rushed. The trail itself was beautiful, forests, villages, and eventually the mountains around Annapurna Base Camp. MountainKick kept the whole process…
“Beautiful trek with an excellent guide”
Lok Raj was great company for the week and especially good at pacing things for a family of four with different fitness levels. The scenery kept shifting the whole way, and arriving at ABC surrounded by mountains on all sides was incredible. MountainKick handled the logistics well, and getting things…
“An unforgettable few days in the Annapurna region”
I trekked with a small group and had such a good time. Furi was friendly and knowledgeable, and clearly paying attention to how everyone was coping. The early morning walk into ABC was one of the best parts of the whole trip, watching the mountains slowly appear around us. MountainKick…
“Great experience from beginning to end”
Gopal looked after our group of friends really well, easygoing, knowledgeable, and always seemed to know when we needed a break or a bit of encouragement. The villages, waterfalls, and mountain views made every day of the trek enjoyable, and reaching Annapurna Base Camp was a genuinely special moment. MountainKick's…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The ABC trek is rated Challenging. You will walk 5 to 7 hours a day for 9 days on terrain that includes sustained stone stair climbs, river crossings, and high alpine paths above 3,700m. There is no technical climbing — no ropes, no ice axe. The difficulty is the relentlessness of it, particularly the stone steps between Nayapul and Ghorepani and the long push to base camp on Day 8.
The altitude tops out at 4,130m, which is well below EBC, but it still requires preparation. Anyone in good cardiovascular health who trains consistently for 8 to 10 weeks before the trip can complete this trek. Our trek difficulty guide shows where ABC sits against other Nepal routes.
Do I need a licensed guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one. One of our own licensed guides is with you for the whole trip, and permits are checked at points along the trail.
Do your group dates run if I’m the only one booked?
Yes. Every group date runs, even with one booking. Groups are small, 8 trekkers at most. The group price is $820 per person. If 4 or more of you book together, you each pay $760.
Can I do this trek solo?
Yes. You can book a private trip at the solo price of $1,280, or join one of our group dates at $820. Every group date runs, even if you’re the only one booked. Female guides are available on request.
What permits do I need for the ABC trek?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included, and we arrange them before you leave. ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Permits are checked at Birethanti on Day 3 and at a few points on the way up.
How fit do I need to be and how should I train?
You need to walk 5 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack, up to 8kg. Train for 2 to 3 months before you come. Do cardio 3 or 4 times a week and leg and core work twice a week. Fit in at least three long practice hikes of 4 to 6 hours with a loaded pack. Stair climbing is the best single exercise, because this trek has thousands of stone steps.
How do I avoid altitude sickness on the ABC trek?
Altitude sickness can start above 2,500m, and this trek reaches 4,130m. Day 8 is a big climb, from Himalaya Hotel at 2,920m to base camp. Walk slowly, drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, skip alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness. Your guide carries an oximeter and checks your oxygen levels each day. If you feel unwell, we stop at MBC for the night or go down. Ask your doctor about Diamox before you travel.
What is the best time of year for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
October and November give the clearest skies and the most settled weather. March to May is the next best, with rhododendrons in bloom around Ghorepani. December to February is cold and quiet. After heavy snow, the trail between Deurali and MBC can be closed for avalanche risk. June to August is the monsoon, with rain, leeches and landslides, so we don’t recommend it.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost in 2026?
MountainKick’s ABC trek starts at $820 per person for groups of 2 to 3. This covers your guide, porter, ACAP permit, all accommodation, tourist bus both ways, airport transfers, jeep to and from the trailhead, farewell dinner, and a duffel bag. Meals on trek are not included — budget $30 to $40 per day for food at teahouses.
On top of the package price budget for your international flights, Nepal visa ($50 for 30 days), travel insurance, personal gear and tips for your guide and porter. For a full breakdown read our Annapurna Base Camp trek cost guide.
What is the accommodation like on the trek?
Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and THREE nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara, both with private bathrooms and breakfast included. On the trail you stay in teahouses throughout — twin-sharing with shared facilities. Teahouses are simple, warm and run by local Gurung families.
Standards are comfortable from Nayapul to Chhomrong and more basic above Sinuwa. Expect shared bathrooms and thinner blankets the higher you go. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least minus 10 degrees regardless. Single supplement is available on request.
How much cash should I carry and where are the ATMs?
There are no ATMs on the trail, so take out all your cash in Pokhara. For the 9 days on the trail, most trekkers carry about NPR 50,000 to 60,000, roughly $350 to $450. That covers meals, hot drinks, showers, charging and a buffer. Bring small notes, as change is hard to find up high. Tips for your guide and porter are on top of this.
Do I need travel insurance for the ABC trek?
Yes. Your insurance must cover trekking to 4,130m and helicopter evacuation. Check this carefully, as many standard policies stop at 4,000m. A helicopter rescue from the Sanctuary usually costs $2,000 to $4,000. If you need one, we arrange it with your guide and your insurer. Your insurer, or you, pays the helicopter company directly. Carry a printed copy on the trail. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains what to look for.
How much should I budget for meals?
Budget $30 to $40 a day for meals on the trail, from Day 3 to Day 11. That comes to about $270 to $360 for the trek. Prices rise as you go higher, and most teahouses only take cash. Breakfast is included at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and so is the farewell dinner.
What happens if roads are blocked or the weather delays us?
Your guide changes the plan to keep you safe, and we rebook any transport at no charge. Extra hotel nights and meals caused by weather or road delays are paid by you. Day 12 is a free day in Pokhara, which gives you a spare day if something goes wrong on the trail.
Should I do ABC or the Annapurna Circuit?
ABC goes into a ring of peaks at 4,130m and takes 14 days with us. The Annapurna Circuit loops around the whole massif and crosses Thorong La at 5,416m in 16 days. ABC is shorter and lower, and it includes Poon Hill. The Circuit has more variety and a high pass, and it’s harder.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ The stone stairs between Nayapul and Ghorepani are relentless. Break your boots in on at least 3 to 4 long walks before you fly. New boots on Day 3 mean blisters by Day 4.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ Temperatures swing 20 degrees between midday on the lower trail and evenings at base camp. The layering system is everything.
Head, Hands and Neck
ⓘ Early morning starts at Poon Hill and base camp are cold regardless of season. Pack these even for spring and autumn.
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel up to 10kg. Your daypack carries everything you need during the walking day. Keep it under 5kg.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. It is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but better discussed with a doctor beforehand.
Toiletries
ⓘ Hot showers cost $3 to $5 and are available at most teahouses to Chhomrong. Above Sinuwa they become less reliable. Wet wipes are your best friend from Day 7 onward.
Documents and Money
ⓘ There are no ATMs after Pokhara. Withdraw all cash before the trek begins and carry small denomination notes.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon on the ABC route means leeches below Chhomrong, landslide risk on exposed sections, and mountain views that are often hidden for days at a time. The trek is possible but demands better gear and more patience than spring or autumn.
Leave at home
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Jeans No stretch, no insulation when wet, takes 2 days to dry in a teahouse.
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Cotton clothing of any kind Absorbs sweat, stays wet, causes chills above 3,000m.
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Full-size towel Heavy and slow to dry. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No use on trail and you will regret the weight after the first stone staircase.
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High heels or fashion footwear Seen more often than you would expect. The stone stairs have no mercy.
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Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Unnecessary risk on trail.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu or Pokhara. We lend trekking poles for free. For anything else, we point you to shops we trust at the briefing. Every trekker gets a MountainKick duffel bag
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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