The short version
The complete Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek guide for 2026 — itinerary, cost, difficulty, permits, and best season. The most rewarding Himalayan trek accessible to fit beginners, into a sanctuary of 7,000m peaks.
- ABC ends directly beneath Annapurna I (8,091m) at 4,130m — a glacial amphitheatre and the most rewarding trek accessible to fit beginners.
- A budget trek costs roughly $600–850 per person (2-person group); comfort-level $1,000–1,500. No flight needed — you drive from Pokhara.
- Graded moderate; the lower max altitude than EBC makes acclimatisation more forgiving, but ascend steadily above Chhomrong.
- You need an ACAP and a TIMS card, both arranged by your agency.
The sanctuary trek
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek climbs into a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks over 7,000m, ending directly beneath Annapurna I (8,091m) at 4,130m. It blends rhododendron forest, Gurung villages, and high-mountain grandeur — and it's the most rewarding trek accessible to fit beginners, with teahouses the whole way.
ABC at a glance
Duration: 7–11 days · Max altitude: 4,130m · Difficulty: Moderate · Start: Pokhara (drive to Nayapul/Phedi) · Best seasons: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr · Permits: ACAP + TIMS · Accommodation: Teahouses.
The classic 9-day itinerary
Drive Pokhara → Nayapul; trek via Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,870m); dawn at Poon Hill (3,210m); on to Chhomrong, Dovan, Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) for an unforgettable sunrise; descend via Jhinu Danda's hot springs back to Pokhara. A 7-day version skips the Poon Hill loop.
How much does it cost?
A budget ABC trek costs roughly $600–850 per person (2-person group) including guide, permits, and teahouses; comfort-level around $1,000–1,500. No expensive flight is needed — you drive from Pokhara. See our full cost breakdown at our Nepal trekking cost guide.
How hard is it?
Graded moderate. The Ulleri stone staircase and the climb into the sanctuary are the toughest sections. Because the max altitude (4,130m) is lower than EBC, acclimatisation is more forgiving — but still ascend steadily above Chhomrong. A few weeks of fitness preparation makes it very achievable.
Although the 4,130m max altitude is more forgiving than EBC, altitude is still real in the sanctuary. Climb steadily above Chhomrong and don't rush the final push to Base Camp.
Permits
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card — both arranged by your agency. See the Nepal permits hub for current fees.
Best time to trek
October–November for the clearest views and stable weather; March–April for warmth and blooming rhododendrons. Winter is doable but cold and occasionally snowy near the sanctuary; monsoon brings cloud and leeches.
Aim for October–November for the clearest, most stable views, or March–April for warmth and blooming rhododendrons. Avoid the monsoon, which brings cloud and leeches.
Why choose ABC
It delivers the up-close grandeur of an 8,000m massif, teahouse comfort, beautiful villages, and manageable altitude — all from Pokhara with no flight. For many, it's the perfect first Himalayan trek. Read our deeper Annapurna Base Camp hub, or compare it with the best treks in Nepal.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost?
A budget ABC trek costs roughly $600–850 per person in a 2-person group, including guide, permits, and teahouses. Comfort-level trips run about $1,000–1,500. No internal flight is required, which keeps the cost down.
Is ABC suitable for beginners?
Yes. It's graded moderate and, with a max altitude of 4,130m, acclimatisation is more forgiving than EBC. A few weeks of fitness preparation makes it very achievable for fit beginners, and teahouses line the whole route.
Ready to walk into the sanctuary? Contact us to arrange your ABC trek with permits and a guide.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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