Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7 Days) — Cost, Itinerary & Guide for 2026

The itinerary climbs from Pokhara (822 m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in four days and comes back down in three. Day 1 gains more than 1,300 m, but all of it below 2,200 m, where altitude is rarely a problem. The big step is Day 3, from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which gains 1,180 m.

Day 4 is short but high, ending at Annapurna Base Camp with the Annapurna range all around. On Day 5 the descent covers in one day what took two days to climb. Day 6 ends at the Jhinu Danda hot springs, and Day 7 returns to Pokhara by jeep from Siwai.

The 7-day trek can also start from Nayapul or Kande instead of Jhinu Danda. Both options add village walking on the first two days and join the main route at Chhomrong or Jhinu Danda. The upper part of the trek, from Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp, stays the same. Ask for either version when booking.

Starting from Nayapul

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk (6 - 7 hrs trek)
Day 1 is a drive of just over an hour from Pokhara to Nayapul, then 6 to 7 hours on foot to Ghandruk. The trail follows the Modi Khola through Birethanti, Syauli Bazaar and Kimche before the climb to the village. It covers about 15 km. Ghandruk is a large Gurung village with stone lanes.

Day 2: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (5–6 hrs trek)
Day 2 runs from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,119 ft), about 10 km and 5 to 6 hours. The trail drops to the Kimrong Khola and climbs back up to Chhomrong, so it is not all downhill. The steps are steep and often wet. Take the descent slowly and place each foot firmly.

Day 3: Chhomrong to Dovan (6 - 7 hrs trek)
Day 3 goes from Chhomrong to Dovan in 6 to 7 hours. A steep track drops to the Chhomrong Khola, and a suspension bridge leads to the climb to Sinuwa for lunch. From Sinuwa the trail runs through bamboo forest to Bamboo village and follows the Modi Khola to Dovan for the night.

Day 4: Dovan to MBC (6 hrs trek)
Day 4 follows the Modi Khola from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp in about 6 hours. The trail climbs through forest to Hinku Cave and on to Deurali for lunch. After lunch, alpine scrub and grass lead up to MBC. This day gains more than 1,000 m, so walk slowly and drink often.

Day 5: MBC to ABC (2-3 hrs trek)
Day 5 is the short climb from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp, about 2.5 hours on a rocky path that is often snow-covered. In summer, alpine meadows line the trail. The afternoon is free to explore base camp and take photos. The night is spent at ABC, below the south face of Annapurna I.

Day 6: ABC to Bamboo( 6-7 hrs trek)
Day 6 is a long descent of almost 17 km from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo, taking 6 to 7 hours. The trail retraces the route past MBC, Hinku Cave and Dovan. It is well marked, and most of the day is downhill. Knees feel this day more than any other, so trekking poles help.

Day 7: Bamboo to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara (6 - 7 hrs trek and 2 hrs drive)
Day 7 starts on stone steps and crosses the suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. From there the trail descends steeply to the Modi Khola and on to Jhinu Danda, a busier village than the others on the route. A jeep then drives back to Pokhara in about 2 hours.

Starting from Kande

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Kande to Landruk (1 hr drive and 5 - 6 hrs trek)
Day 1 is a one-hour drive of about 20 km from Pokhara to Kande, then 5 to 6 hours on foot. The trail climbs to Australian Camp (2,030 m), then passes Pothana and Deurali before dropping to Landruk. The day covers about 16 km.

Day 2: Landruk to Jhinu Danda (6 - 7 hrs trek)
Day 2 is a shorter day from Landruk to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 5,840 ft), about 9 km. The trail drops to the Modi Khola, crosses at New Bridge and follows the river to Jhinu Danda. The afternoon is free for the hot springs below the village.

Day 3: Jhinu Danda to Bamboo (6 - 7 hrs trek)
Day 3 starts with the long stone staircase from Jhinu Danda up to Chhomrong, then drops to the Chhomrong Khola suspension bridge. From the bridge, the trail climbs to Sinuwa and runs through forest via Kuldighar to Bamboo village. The day takes 6 to 7 hours, and most of it is on steps.

Day 4: Bamboo to Deurali (6 - 7 hrs)
Day 4 runs from Bamboo to Deurali in 6 to 7 hours. The first section through bamboo forest is steep, then the trail reaches Himalaya, where the valley widens and the trees thin out. One final steep climb leads to Deurali for the night. Sleeping at Deurali gives a gentler climb than stopping at MBC.

Day 5: Deurali to ABC (4 - 5 hrs)
Day 5 climbs gradually along the Modi Khola from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp in 4 to 5 hours. Lunch is at Bagar, about 3 hours from Deurali. From Bagar it is about another hour to ABC, where the whole Annapurna range comes into view. The night is spent at base camp.

Day 6: ABC to Dovan (6 - 7 hrs)
Day 6 is the descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan, taking 6 to 7 hours. After sunrise and breakfast at base camp, the trail retraces the route down past MBC, Deurali and Himalaya. It is mostly downhill but long. The night is spent at Dovan, back in the forest.

Day 7: Dovan to Jhinu Danda to Matque and drive to Pokhara (5 - 6 hrs and 2 hrs drive)
Day 7 goes from Dovan to Chhomrong for lunch, crossing a suspension bridge and passing through forest on the way. From Chhomrong the stairs lead down to Jhinu Danda, where a jeep waits for the drive back to Pokhara. The walk takes 5 to 6 hours and the drive about 2 hours.

These are the standard start and finish points, but the trek also connects with the Khopra Danda, Hidden Lake and Mardi Himal treks and other routes in the Annapurna region. Any combination can be arranged from Pokhara. Ask the team for a variation when you enquire, and the itinerary will be adjusted to your dates.

Trekking distance from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp
While starting from Nayapul, the total trekking distance from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp is 76 kilometers.

Trekking distance from Kande to Annapurna Base Camp
While starting from Kande, the total trekking distance from Kande to Annapurna Base Camp is 84 kilometers.
Moreover, we suggest you take different routes for hiking to base camp and returning to Pokhara to cover more places within the same timeframe and money.

The best months for the Annapurna Base Camp trek are October and November, followed by March to May. Autumn brings the clearest mountain views and the most stable weather. Spring brings rhododendrons in flower, warmer days and more afternoon cloud. The monsoon and deep winter are possible, but both make the trail harder.

Spring Season

Spring runs from March to May and is the second-best season for ABC. The rhododendron forest between Sinuwa and Deurali flowers in March and April, and there is usually still snow around base camp. Cloud tends to build after midday, so mornings are the best time for views. Days are warm below Deurali.

Autumn Season

Autumn, from September to November, is the main trekking season on this route. Skies are clearest in October and November, days are warm, and nights at MBC and ABC drop below freezing. Dashain and Tihar fall in these months. October is the busiest month on the trail, so lodges fill up early.

Summer Season

Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon. Expect rain most days, muddy stone steps, leeches between about 2,000 m and 3,000 m, and cloud over the peaks. The trail is quiet and the forest is at its greenest. For a drier trek in these months, Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow north of the Himalaya.

Winter Season

Winter runs from December to February and suits experienced trekkers with flexible dates. Early December is cold but often clear, and departures still run then. From late December to February, snow can lie above Deurali, and the section around Hinku Cave can become avalanche-prone after heavy snowfall. A warm sleeping bag is essential.

The ABC trek is a "teahouse trek," meaning you stay in small, locally-run mountain lodges with strict guidelines from Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). 

Accommodation Standard

Rooms are generally twin-sharing with basic wooden beds and foam mattresses. In lower villages like Chhomrong, you may find lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers. However, as you move higher toward Deurali and ABC, facilities become more communal, and hot water is often provided in buckets for an extra fee.

Photo: Sneak peek inside the teahouse of ABC trek

Meals Available

Guides keep an eye on kitchen standards, because a stomach upset on a 7-day trek costs more than a day. Dal bhat with unlimited refills is the safest and best-value meal on the trail. Pasta, pancakes, porridge and even pizza are available in most lodges. Hot water for drinking is sold at every stop.

Experience Local Life at ABC Trek

Homestays are possible on the lower part of the trek, in villages such as Ghandruk, Chhomrong and Sinuwa. A homestay night means sleeping in a family house and eating what the family eats. Higher up there are only lodges. Ask for a homestay night when booking, and the team will arrange it.

Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek with no technical climbing and no high pass. You walk 5 to 7 hours a day for six days in a row. The stone steps wear people out more than the altitude does, and most of the steps between Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong and Sinuwa are climbed twice.

Photo: ABC trail (mountain and forest trail)

The longest day is Day 3, from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp: 13 km, 6 to 7 hours and a gain of about 1,180 m. The highest is Day 4, a 2.9 km walk from MBC to ABC. Fit beginners finish the trek regularly. One guest called it “challenging but doable for those who are in reasonable condition”.

A porter makes the biggest difference on a first trek, because carrying only a daypack keeps your knees fresh for the descents. A porter typically costs around USD 25–30 per day. Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons. Winter adds snow and ice above Deurali, and the monsoon brings slippery steps, leeches and avalanche risk around Hinku Cave.

Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 m (13,550 ft), where each breath holds roughly 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Mild symptoms, such as a headache or a poor night's sleep, are common above 3,000 m. Serious altitude sickness is avoidable with the right pace and early reporting of symptoms.

Watch for the early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. These usually appear above 3,000 m.

The usual guidance above 3,000 m is to sleep no more than about 500 m higher than the night before. The 7-day itinerary breaks that rule on one day. Day 3 goes from Dovan (2,520 m) to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), a gain of 1,180 m. The next night, at ABC, is only 430 m higher.

Guides check every trekker's oxygen level with a pulse oximeter every day, and anyone with worsening symptoms goes down rather than up. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, skip alcohol on the upper trail and keep eating even when your appetite drops. Anyone who has had altitude problems before should talk to the Pokhara team before booking.

The section between Hinku Cave and Deurali, below Machhapuchhre Base Camp, is prone to avalanches, especially in winter and early spring. An avalanche near Deurali (about 3,230 m) in January 2020 left trekkers and guides missing. Guides cross this stretch early in the morning and follow local advice on closures.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek needs only one permit in 2026: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and double that if bought at a checkpoint. The TIMS card is not currently required on this route. The ACAP permit is included in every package on this page.

The ACAP must be issued online through a government-registered trekking agency, so individual trekkers cannot buy it themselves. North Nepal Travel & Trek issues it from a passport copy and a digital passport photo, with no printed photos needed. Carry the permit on your phone or on paper. It is checked at Birethanti and again above Chhomrong.

Is a Licensed Guide Mandatory?

Yes, a licensed guide is mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Since 1 April 2023, Nepal Tourism Board rules require foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a government-licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. The package includes a licensed, English-speaking guide for all 7 days.

If you want big mountain scenery on a shorter, gentler, more affordable trek, choose Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). If your goal is to stand at the foot of the world's highest peak and you have more time and budget, choose Everest Base Camp (EBC).

ABC is the better pick for first-time trekkers and those short on time, while EBC is the higher, longer, and more demanding bucket-list classic. Here is how they compare:

Pack light but warm. The two essentials are good broken-in hiking boots and a sleeping bag rated to roughly -10°C, since teahouse nights near ABC get cold. A practical core list:

• Layered clothing: base layers, a fleece, and a warm down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots and trekking socks
• Trekking poles (a real help on the stone steps)
• Sleeping bag (around -10°C rating)
• Sun hat, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
• Basic first-aid kit and any personal medication
• Headlamp, power bank, and quick-dry towel

To prepare physically, build up your cardio and leg strength in the 6–8 weeks before the trek with hikes, stair climbing, and long walks.

Take the trekking gear according to the number of days you will spend in the Himalayas — while packing too little is dangerous, packing too much will slow you down and can be risky, especially in the high mountains. See our detailed packing list for the full rundown.

Annapurna Base Camp sits in the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin in Kaski District inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The only way in on foot is up the Modi Khola gorge. The route links easily with the Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge treks, so ABC is simple to extend.

For the rocks and glaciers of the Sanctuary, read The Landscape and Geology of the Annapurna Base Camp.

Photo: Our guest and team posing for a photo at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).

The trek used to start at Nayapul, but the road now reaches Jhinu Danda and Siwai, which saves time on both ends. The ACAP checkpoint is still at Birethanti, so permits are checked there on the drive in. Kande and Ghandruk remain possible starting points for a longer version of the trek.

People, Culture, and Culinary Delights of the 7-day ABC Trek

The 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek route leads trekkers through a variety of traditional communities. The lower altitudes are home to the Brahmins and Chhetris, and you can witness the semi-traditional friendly people starting right from the starting points like Jhinu Danda or Nayapul. However, if you took the alternative Annapurna Base Camp trek 7-day itinerary, then you can experience the Brahmins and Chhetris in Kande, but also a rich Gurung community in Ghandruk. These locals balance their traditional way of life and are known for their warmth and hospitality.

Photo: Traditional stone-made houses at Ghandruk Village of the Annapurna region

During the ABC trek, you can explore Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples as well, and this is where you can directly engage with the friendly residents of traditional villages.

The flavors of the Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek mirror those of Pokhara, or you can say most households of Pokhara are filled with the flavors of the Annapurna Region. The staple dish is Dal Bhat, accompanied by vegetables, pickles, ghee, and milk. You can experience authentic Nepali meals, such as Dhindo and Thakali Set, during your 7-day ABC Trek.

However, being a popular tourist destination, you can also enjoy Western dishes like Pizza, Fried rice, Noodles, Soups, and more during the ABC trek. Moreover, Chapatis/rotis, momos, and Tibetan Bread (served with honey or butter) are also popular choices among trekkers. As for hot drinks in the cold mountain regions, you can find Tea, Coffee, Herbal tea, and Hot chocolate in the lower regions of the trek.

The 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek costs USD 350 to 550 per person, depending on group size. A solo trekker pays USD 550, and two people pay USD 480 each. The price covers jeep transfers from Pokhara, a licensed guide, the ACAP permit, twin-share teahouse rooms and three meals a day. A porter, tips and small trail costs are extra.

Half Board Service

(USD 55 / person per day)

If you wish to be in control of your lunch and dinner during your trek, we can offer you the Half Board Service, which includes a guide, transportation, required permit, Breakfast, and Tea House accommodation at only 55$ per person per day. You will be free from the headaches of ACAP permits, transportation, and any form of Tourist Service Charge as mentioned in the “What's Included” section.

This Annapurna Base Camp trek 7-day cost covers the transportation from Pokhara to the start of the trek, Jhinu Danda, and the return drive from Siwai to Pokhara. An English-speaking, experienced, and licensed guide, including all their expenses and insurance.

Full Board Package

(USD 75 /per person per day): 
Includes Half board + Lunch, dinner, and tea or a coffee.

Guide and Porter Service

USD 28 a day for a guide 
USD 22 a day for a porter

If you are ready to arrange everything on the trek yourself, as it comes with minimal enjoyment, we can offer you just a Guide and a Porter Service. The standard charge for a guide is USD 28 per day, and for a porter, it is USD 22 per day, but depending upon your specific request, the Annapurna Base Camp trek 7-day cost may vary.

Additionally, you can add the ACAP permit and the land transportation before and after the trek in this package.

The above rates are standard; however, the price range may differ with your plans and special requests.

We also provide custom itineraries with flexible schedules, so you can email us your preferences and plans at [email protected]

Cost Breakdown

Guide: USD 28 per day
Meals: USD 10 per Meal, USD 30 per Day

Above Chhomrong, everything is carried up by porters or mules, so prices rise the higher you go. At Deurali, MBC and ABC, hot water for washing comes in a bucket and costs extra. Charging a phone and using Wi-Fi also cost extra at most lodges. A power bank means paying for charging far less often.

ACAP Permit

NPR 3,000 per person (USD equivalent depends on the current exchange rate)

Transportation Cost to Jhinu Danda from Pokhara

Pokhara to Jhinu Danda: USD 70   
Pokhara to Nayapul: US $ 30.  Pokhara to Ghandruk: US $ 65

Jhinu Danda to Pokhara: USD 70   
Nayapul to Pokhara: US $ 30   
Ghandruk to Pokhara: US $ 65

Add-ons

Porter: US $ 22 / Day
Private transport: Depends on your group and the ending point of the trek.

It may be hard to believe, but the Nepal Annapurna base camp trek was a pilgrimage trek a long time ago. This trek leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a holy place for Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims used to trek through the sanctuary to offer their thanks and receive their blessing from the Annapurna Mata.

The Annapurna Mata is a form of the goddess Parvati, where “Anna” means Food and “Purna” means filled, representing that she is the goddess of food and nourishment. Annapurna can be roughly translated as filled with food or nourished with food.

A simple fact is that most of the agricultural fields and lands located at lower elevations depend on the streams from the Annapurna range as their source of irrigation. This also shows why Annapurna is known as the provider of food and nourishment.

Trekking History in the Annapurna Region

Colonel Jimmy Roberts, also known as the "father of trekking in Nepal", started the first guided trekking tour in Nepal as an agency. He registered Mountain Travel and started his business of managing trekking tours all over Nepal.

Photo: Colonel Jimmy Roberts (Source)

In the mid-1950s, he led the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary, which lasted a month. Slowly, trekking in the Annapurna region was booming, and the Nepalese government also began promoting trekking in the early 1960s. Little by little, the efforts piled up, and camping changed to Tea house accommodations, basic facilities started being available, and the trekkers increased, making the Annapurna region one of the most visited trekking destinations in the world. 

Mt. Annapurna Expedition History

Annapurna I is known as one of the most deadly peaks in the world; however, it was the first peak over 8,000 m | 26,200 ft to be climbed. The French Annapurna expedition led by Maurice Herzog reached the Annapurna I summit on the 3rd of June, 1950.

The first ascent was made from the north side, the area now reached on the North Annapurna Base Camp trek, and the team climbed without supplemental oxygen. Twenty years later, Chris Bonington's British expedition made the first ascent of the south face above today's Annapurna Base Camp. Dougal Haston and Don Whillans reached the summit on 27 May 1970.

The most scenic section of the trek is the 2.9 km from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp, with snow peaks on every side. The air is thin and cold here, so walk slowly. The best light comes at sunrise, when the sun reaches the top of Annapurna I first.

Photo: Golden sun rays color the snow-white peak of Fishtail (Machhapuchre)

The views of Hiunchuli (6441 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Gandarbha Chuli (6248 m), Singu Chuli (6501 m), Tharpu Chuli (5695 m), and Gangapurna (7455 m), along the route, take you to the Nepal Annapurna Base Camp before you realize it.

View of the Annapurna Mountain range from Annapurna Base Camp

Peaks above 8,000 m

Peaks above 7,000 m

Peaks above 6,000 m

North Nepal Travel & Trek is a locally owned operator based in Lakeside, Pokhara, where the ABC trek begins. It has run this trek for over 10 years and holds a 4.9-star average rating from past trekkers. Permits, jeeps and any problem on the trail are handled by a team on the ground.

The company is registered with the Nepal Tourism Board (No. 162883/073/074) and is a member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). Every trek is led by a licensed local guide. Guests name guides such as Divas Gurung, Buddhiman, Gopal Tamang, Raj Rai and Zeewan in the reviews on this page.

Message the Pokhara team on WhatsApp to plan dates, pacing and group size for your ABC trek.