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).

Trek overview

The Annapurna Base Camp trek (also called Annapurna Sanctuary) is a 7–12 day out-and-back route to the base of Annapurna I (8,091 m). Unlike the Circuit, ABC goes deep into the heart of the range, ending in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna I.

Daily breakdown

• Pokhara to Ghandruk (day 1): 3–4 hour drive, then a short walk to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940 m).
• Ghandruk to Chhomrong (day 2): 5–6 hours through terraced fields and rhododendron forests.
• Chhomrong to Himalaya (days 3–4): Enter the Modi Khola gorge; the trail narrows and the valley walls close in.
• Himalaya to ABC (day 5): Via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m). The final 2 hours to ABC (4,130 m) open into the sanctuary.
• ABC to Pokhara (days 6–7): Retrace your steps; most trekkers reach Pokhara by day 7 or 8.

Frequently asked questions

ABC vs EBC — which is harder? ABC is shorter (7–12 days vs 12–16), lower altitude (4,130 m vs 5,364 m), and has no flight dependency. EBC is longer, higher, and requires the Lukla flight. ABC is a better first Himalayan trek.

Is there WiFi? Limited. Some tea houses in Ghandruk and Chhomrong have WiFi; above Himalaya, expect no connectivity.