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Annapurna Base Camp Travel Guide

Plan your Annapurna Base Camp trip: overview, best time to visit, things to do, hotels, buses and FAQs. Book stays and tickets on Lokrio.

Quick facts — Annapurna Base Camp

Province / regionGandaki Province
DistrictKaski / Myagdi
ElevationAnnapurna Base Camp ~4,130 m; Machhapuchhre Base Camp viewpoint nearby
Best seasonMarch–May and September–November for stable sanctuary weather; monsoon (June–August) is wet with leeches on lower trails; winter is cold with snow at base camp.
Budget tip Basic teahouse from ~Rs 1,800/room; food and paid trail services rise with altitude.
Distance from Kathmandu~240 km
Typical travel timeKathmandu–Pokhara 6–10 hours road or ~30 min flight; trail 5–8 days return to ABC
From Kathmandu How to get there →

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Getting there from Kathmandu

Bus or fly Kathmandu–Pokhara, jeep to Nayapul/Kimche/Ghandruk trailheads (~1.5–2 hours), then trek 5–8 days return to ABC via Chhomrong, Himalaya and Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Distance~240 km
Travel timeKathmandu–Pokhara 6–10 hours road or ~30 min flight; trail 5–8 days return to ABC
Road conditionsPrithvi Highway to Pokhara; jeep tracks to Nayapul/Kimche rough in monsoon. Stone steps on Chhomrong descent are hard on knees — trekking poles help.
Main modesBus or flight to Pokhara · Jeep to Nayapul / Kimche / Ghandruk trailheads · Teahouse trek on Modi Khola sanctuary route
FlightsOptional Kathmandu–Pokhara flight saves a road day before the trek begins.
PermitsAnnapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and TIMS card required — purchase at NTNC/ACAP counters in Pokhara or Kathmandu and carry on trail; verify current fees at checkposts.

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Travel references

Last researched: 17 July 2026. Always verify live road/flight status before travel.

Plan your Annapurna Base Camp trip

Budget calculator

This is a remote / high-altitude trek route. Food and daily costs run roughly 1.9× normal-city rates because supplies are carried in by porter, mule or helicopter, and rise further with altitude.

Estimated trip budget Rs 35,160 1 traveller(s) · 3 day(s)
Teahouse / lodge room / nightfrom Rs 3,000 × 1 room(s)
Food / person / dayfrom Rs 3,420
Trek support / person / day from Rs 800
Applied for every traveller and trek day.
Trail / gateway logistics / group / dayfrom Rs 4,500
Lodge subtotalRs 9,000
Food subtotalRs 10,260
Trek support subtotalRs 2,400
Trail logistics subtotalRs 13,500

Planning estimate for Annapurna Base Camp based on published Nepal trek rates (2026 guides). Lodge is per room (usually 2 guests), food and selected trek support are per person/day, and trail/gateway logistics are per group/day. Flights, permits, insurance and full agency packages are separate. Verify live prices and inclusions.

Annapurna Base Camp price references

Last researched: 17 July 2026. Rates are planning benchmarks, not live quotes.

Best time to visit

March–May and September–November for stable sanctuary weather; monsoon (June–August) is wet with leeches on lower trails; winter is cold with snow at base camp.

SeasonConditionsBest for
Mar–May Mild days, cold nights
Carry layers; weather changes quickly.
Trekking and mountain views
Sep–Nov Clear, stable conditions
Peak permits and accommodation demand.
Trekking, photography
Dec–Feb Cold; snow at altitude
High passes may close.
Lower-elevation routes
Jun–Aug Monsoon; rain-shadow varies
Flights and roads can be disrupted.
Mustang rain-shadow trips

3-day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary

Day 1 Arrival & highlights
  • ABC amphitheatre — 360° wall of Annapurna massifs at ~4,130 m
  • Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — sacred peak dominating sanctuary views
  • Try: Dal bhat at teahouses — unlimited refills on major stages
Day 2 Activities & local culture
  • Chhomrong village — Gurung terrace hub with long stone-step descents
  • Modi Khola gorge — waterfall and bamboo-forest corridor
  • Classic ABC teahouse trek from Nayapul or Ghandruk
Day 3 Scenic side trip
  • Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) — lodge strip below ABC
  • Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda approaches — cultural Gurung villages
  • Optional side trip: Ghandruk

History & culture — Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp sits in a glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre — first reached by mountaineering expeditions in the mid-20th century. Teahouse trekking transformed the Modi Khola route from Nayapul into one of Nepal's most popular short high-Himalayan journeys.

Overview of Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp (~4,130 m) is the teahouse trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a narrow Modi Khola gorge opening to a cirque of 7,000 m peaks where Machhapuchhre dominates the skyline and lodge beds sit closer to icefall than almost any other mainstream Nepal trek.

Best time to visit

March–May and September–November for stable sanctuary weather; monsoon (June–August) is wet with leeches on lower trails; winter is cold with snow at base camp.

Top attractions in Annapurna Base Camp

  • ABC amphitheatre — 360° wall of Annapurna massifs at ~4,130 m
  • Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — sacred peak dominating sanctuary views
  • Chhomrong village — Gurung terrace hub with long stone-step descents
  • Modi Khola gorge — waterfall and bamboo-forest corridor
  • Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) — lodge strip below ABC
  • Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda approaches — cultural Gurung villages
  • Annapurna South face — close-up views from sanctuary floor
  • Optional Jhinu Danda hot springs on extended itineraries

Hotels in Annapurna Base Camp

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Transportation

Bus or fly Kathmandu–Pokhara, jeep to Nayapul/Kimche/Ghandruk trailheads (~1.5–2 hours), then trek 5–8 days return to ABC via Chhomrong, Himalaya and Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

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Permits & practical notes

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and TIMS card required — purchase at NTNC/ACAP counters in Pokhara or Kathmandu and carry on trail; verify current fees at checkposts.

Nearby attractions

  • Ghandruk
  • Ghorepani
  • Pokhara
  • Poon Hill
  • Chhomrong

Local foods — must try in Annapurna Base Camp

  • Dal bhat at teahouses — unlimited refills on major stages
  • Apple pie — famous teahouse dessert on lower Annapurna trails
  • Garlic soup for altitude comfort
  • Gurung bread and egg breakfasts before long climb days
  • Hot chocolate at ABC lodge common rooms

Local tips

  • ACAP entry permit and TIMS required — buy in Pokhara or Kathmandu before Nayapul
  • Chhomrong stone steps punish knees — consider poles and slow pacing
  • ABC lodges fill in peak weeks — arrive early or pre-book through agencies
  • Weather windows are short at base camp — pack warm layers and dry bags
  • Do not quote exact ACAP/TIMS fees — verify at NTNC/ACAP counters
  • Helicopter evacuation insurance is prudent above Himalaya lodge

Frequently asked questions — Annapurna Base Camp

What is Annapurna Base Camp famous for?

Annapurna Base Camp sits in a glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre — first reached by mountaineering expeditions in the mid-20th century. Teahouse trekking transformed the Modi Khola route from Nayapul into one of Nepal's most p…

When is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?

March–May and September–November for stable sanctuary weather; monsoon (June–August) is wet with leeches on lower trails; winter is cold with snow at base camp.

How do I reach Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu?

Bus or fly Kathmandu–Pokhara, jeep to Nayapul/Kimche/Ghandruk trailheads (~1.5–2 hours), then trek 5–8 days return to ABC via Chhomrong, Himalaya and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Typical time: Kathmandu–Pokhara 6–10 hours road or ~30 min flight; trail 5–8 days return to ABC.

How much do hotels cost in Annapurna Base Camp?

Hotel prices in Annapurna Base Camp vary by season and area. Compare live rates on Lokrio before booking.

Can I book Annapurna Base Camp hotels and buses on the same site?

Yes. Lokrio lets you book bus tickets, hotels, holiday packages and cabs from one Nepal travel desk.

Is Annapurna Base Camp good for a weekend trip?

Many travellers visit Annapurna Base Camp for 1–3 nights. Book return transport early on weekends and holidays.

Do I need a guide in Annapurna Base Camp?

City sightseeing is often self-guided. For national parks, treks or remote areas, use licensed local guides and permits where required.

What should I pack for Annapurna Base Camp?

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a light jacket for evenings, and copies of your e-tickets. Hill and mountain areas need warmer layers.

Are there ATMs and payments in Annapurna Base Camp?

Major tourist towns have ATMs and card acceptance, but carry some cash. On Lokrio you can pay online before you travel.

How do I book a cab in Annapurna Base Camp?

Use Lokrio cab rentals for airport transfers and intercity hire, or ask your hotel for local taxis.

What food is popular near Annapurna Base Camp?

Expect Nepali dal-bhat, momo, Newari or Tharu dishes depending on the region, plus tourist cafes in main hubs.

Is Annapurna Base Camp safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are generally welcoming. Use normal travel caution, licensed operators, and keep valuables secure.

What is the road condition from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp?

Prithvi Highway to Pokhara; jeep tracks to Nayapul/Kimche rough in monsoon. Stone steps on Chhomrong descent are hard on knees — trekking poles help.

How long does Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp take?

Kathmandu–Pokhara 6–10 hours road or ~30 min flight; trail 5–8 days return to ABC Distance is about 240 km.

Do I need permits for Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and TIMS card required — purchase at NTNC/ACAP counters in Pokhara or Kathmandu and carry on trail; verify current fees at checkposts.

What is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?

March–May and September–November for stable sanctuary weather; monsoon (June–August) is wet with leeches on lower trails; winter is cold with snow at base camp.

How much budget do I need for Annapurna Base Camp?

A mid-range planning estimate is around Rs 11,720 per person per day for lodge, food, trail/gateway logistics and the selected daily trek-support tier — excluding flights, permits, insurance and full agency packages.

How many days are enough for Annapurna Base Camp?

Two to three days suit the main highlights in Annapurna Base Camp; add extra days for nearby trips, trekking or weather delays.