Kaski, Gandaki · Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp
A teahouse trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by 7,000–8,000 m peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek in Kaski, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 4,130 m. The best time to go is March and April and October and November. Plan 8 to 10 days on the ground from Pokhara and about ₹3,500 per person per day.
What to do in Annapurna Base Camp
The one thing not to miss
Sunrise in the Sanctuary
A ring of peaks around the base camp.
- 2Machhapuchhre Base CampThe stop before the top, under the fishtail peak.
- 3Jhinu Danda hot springsBy the river, on the way down.
A sample plan: 8 days
Day 1
Pokhara to the roadhead, walk to Ghandruk or Jhinu
Depending on where the jeep leaves you.
Day 2
To Chhomrong
Many stone steps.
Day 3
Chhomrong to Bamboo or Dovan
Into the gorge.
Day 4
To Deurali
The valley narrows.
Day 5
Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
Arrive by early afternoon.
Day 6
Sunrise in the Sanctuary, then down to Bamboo
A long descent.
Day 7
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Hot springs by the river.
Day 8
Jhinu to the roadhead and Pokhara
Walk out and drive back.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
An amphitheatre of giants, a bed and hot dal bhat every night — no camping needed.
Why not
Thousands of stone steps; the Chhomrong section is hard on knees.
Before you go
- Permits
- ACAP permit. Guide rules for foreign trekkers changed in 2023 — check current rules for Indian nationals with the Nepal Tourism Board.
- Guide
- Likely required — check current rules.
- Safety
- Avalanche-prone section between Deurali and MBC after heavy snow; follow local advice.
- Phone & internet
- Teahouse Wi-Fi (paid) most nights; Ncell/NTC SIMs.
Altitude
Annapurna Base Camp reaches 4,130 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: Tourist Police, Pokhara, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Annapurna Base Camp
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 110 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,130 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
6 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsACAP permit. Guide rules for foreign trekkers changed in 2023 — check current rules for Indian nationals with the Nepal Tourism Board.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuationA helicopter rescue from high on a Nepal trek is very expensive, and operators ask for proof of cover before they fly.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereTeahouse Wi-Fi (paid) most nights; Ncell/NTC SIMs.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- No. Take a 4×4 or a local taxi. Beyond Nayapul the track is rough; local jeeps are the usual choice.
By road
From
Pokhara
- Distance
- about 55 km
- Drive time
- 2.5–3 hours
- Pokhara
- Nayapul
- Birethanti
- Siwai
Jeeps now go beyond Nayapul; where you start walking depends on the road and on your plan.
Live directions from Pokhara
Buses and shared taxis. Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in.
Pickups & drivers
From Pokhara. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Annapurna Base Camp yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Annapurna Base Camp: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?
The best months for Annapurna Base Camp are March and April and October and November. February, May and December are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp is rated moderate. The trek is about 110 km in total, starting at 1,070 m and reaching 4,130 m.
How many days do you need for Annapurna Base Camp?
Plan 8 to 10 days on the ground, counted from Pokhara. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Annapurna Base Camp cost?
Expect about ₹3,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹35,000 for 10 days, before the cost of getting to Pokhara.
How do you reach Annapurna Base Camp?
By road: from Pokhara it is about 55 km, 2.5–3 hours (Pokhara → Nayapul → Birethanti → Siwai). Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in. The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Annapurna Base Camp?
Permits: ACAP permit. Guide rules for foreign trekkers changed in 2023 — check current rules for Indian nationals with the Nepal Tourism Board. Guide: Likely required — check current rules.
Is Annapurna Base Camp suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is busy in season. Avalanche-prone section between Deurali and MBC after heavy snow; follow local advice.
What should you pack for Annapurna Base Camp?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Annapurna Base Camp?
Teahouse Wi-Fi (paid) most nights; Ncell/NTC SIMs.
Will I get altitude sickness at Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp reaches 4,130 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp is not a good choice for first-time trekkers who are not reasonably fit, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,130 m. Also keep in mind: Thousands of stone steps; the Chhomrong section is hard on knees.
Close to Annapurna Base Camp
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Mardi Himalabout 10 km
- Ghandruk Loopabout 18 km
- Ghorepani Poon Hillabout 24 km
- Annapurna Circuitabout 29 km
- Nar Phu Valleyabout 30 km
- Muktinathabout 32 km
More in Pokhara & Annapurna
- Annapurna Circuit5,416 mcompare
- Ghandruk Loop1,940 mcompare
- Ghorepani Poon Hill3,210 mcompare
- Mardi Himal4,500 mcompare
- Nar Phu Valley5,320 mcompare
- Pokhara1,600 mcompare