Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2026: Itinerary, Difficulty & What to Pack
What is the Annapurna Base Camp trek? The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a teahouse trek in central Nepal ending at the 4,130 m Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Most itineraries run 7–13 days from Pokhara. Here’s the 2026 practical breakdown.
Two main routes to ABC
- Classic (via Ghandruk): Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghandruk → Chhomrong → Deurali → ABC. Scenic, with Gurung villages.
- Via Poon Hill (Ghorepani): adds the famous Poon Hill sunrise; ~12–13 days total. See our Nepal trekking permits guide for the ACAP permit needed here.
| Plan | Days | Max altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Express ABC | 7–9 | 4,130 m |
| ABC + Poon Hill | 12–13 | 4,130 m (Poon Hill 3,210 m) |
Difficulty and fitness
ABC is moderate — steep stone steps below Chhomrong are the toughest section. No technical climbing. Good for fit first-time Himalayan trekkers who train with cardio and leg strength beforehand.
Permits (2026)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 for foreigners.
- TIMS card: required; blue card for organized groups.
What to pack
- Layered clothing; a warm down jacket for the cold sanctuary nights.
- Trekking poles for the stone-step descents.
- Water purification and a refill bottle (free refill stations in many teahouses).
- Headlamp, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.
FAQ
Can beginners do ABC?
Yes — it’s one of Nepal’s most beginner-friendly high-altitude treks, provided you acclimatize and keep a steady pace.
Is ABC open after the 2024 floods?
Trail repair continues on sections damaged by the 2024 monsoon; most routes are operational in 2026. Check local ward notices before departure.
Best season?
October–November and March–April are ideal. Winter is quiet and cold; the monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings leeches and cloud.
Featured image: Annapurna Base Camp, via Wikimedia Commons (CC).
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