Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 7 Days

Things to know about the Annapurna Base Camp

Important notes for the Annapurna Base Camp

• Trekking difficulty: Nepal is a paradise for trekkers. The hidden valleys of the hills, the high passes of the Himalayas, and the flat region of Terai offer varying degrees of intensity. A trek's difficulty is measured based on multiple factors. Such as altitude level, walking days, rest days, and the sum of uphills and downhills. For a moderate trek like Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4190 m above sea level, with a walking day of 7, it can be marked as a beginner-friendly trek. Why?

Unlike a circuit or round trek, where you start from one point, pass through high altitudes, and cross to a different region. Annapurna Base Camp is a simple trek, where you reach the destination and trace back on the same trail. The trails mostly pass through dense forest in the lower regions and, after a certain distance, walk along the Modi River till the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. In accordance with our standard itinerary, only two areas have continuous uphill for hours: from the New Bridge to Chhommrong and from the Modi River to MBC. With an average of 6-7 walking hours, Annapurna Base Camp is the perfect choice for beginners and all ages.

• Best time to trek: Nepal is one of the few countries where traveling on foot is more popular than using any modern transportation. Travelers start their journey from the lower regions, gradually ascend to the high passes, and eventually descend to the lower valleys. Such a practice of traveling is one of the common methods of trekking, depending on the nature of the trek. Trekking is an adventure where reaching the destination isn’t the only priority, but exploring the valleys, which includes both natural scenery and indigenous culture, is. Many factors, such as the nature of the trek, weather, altitude level, and number of walking days, determine which season is best for the trek. For a moderate trek like Annapurna Base Camp, the widely preferred trekking season is the best possible choice. Currently, two seasons are considered the best time for doing any adventure in Nepal. The months from March to June and from September to late December.

Spring season (March-May) – Pre-monsoon

• • Warm days and less rainfall make trekking pleasant.
  • Trails are colorful with vibrant rhododendron forests.
  • Less haze makes the Himalayan peaks visible.
  • Festivals like Holi fall around the same time.
  • Active Himalayan wildlife makes it easy to spot during the trek.

Autumn season (September-November) – Post-monsoon

• • Crystal clear skies after rain make peaks exceptionally photogenic.
  • Dry season with minimal rain, ideal for long treks.
  • Warm days and cold nights.
  • Major festivals of Nepal: Dashain and Tihar fall around the same time.
  • Locals celebrating the harvest season in villages.

Foreign and local trekkers alike choose trekking seasons based on what suits them best. Both seasons have perks, so your travel plan plays a vital role. What do you expect from the trek, what do you want to experience, and what are the holiday durations?

• ATMs, Banks, & Money Exchanges: After crossing Pokhara, once the trek officially starts, you won’t find any ATMs, banks, or money exchanges. Although locals may offer help in exchanging currency, most would charge extreme fees. So, always carry local currency after exchanging it in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Always exchange with authorized dealers at fair prices. Exchange rates are mostly provided by the dealer and will charge fees depending on the exchange value.
• Hot showers: Unlike hotels in towns, which use solar power for hot showers, lodges depend on LPG gases for hot showers, and most lodges provide only bucket showers. And hot showers cost extra charges, which are not covered by the package. The most practical advice is to take showers when you’re at low altitudes. Taking daily showers at high altitudes can be prone to headaches and uncomfortable rest. For hygiene, you can use wet wipes for cleaning armpits and towels for sweat.
• Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp: Permits and any essential documentation are handled by the agencies. Before the departure, you will be kindly asked to submit a few pieces of paperwork to obtain the necessary permits. The charges required for the permits are also already covered by the package cost per person. But if you like to have more information on permits required for the Annapurna trek, we will discuss it in more detail below. For general information on the permits for the entire trek, follow the link.
• Travel Insurance: When traveling for weeks to unknown places, it should be habitual to have travel insurance for each person. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp is reputedly safe, but unexpected circumstances may require quick evacuation and rescue operations, and such services would cost enormous amounts. So, it is better to pay a small fee to insurance agencies rather than covering the whole cost later. The agencies provide multiple insurance coverage options, so choose the one depending on the need and travel duration.

Arrival and Visa process in Nepal (H3)

The Government of Nepal provides "on-arrival visa" services to travelers who are traveling with all the proper documents. So, you can apply for the visa once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, which saves a lot of time. Under the Department of Immigration, you can either apply for an online visa or use the kiosk machines for applying for the visa.

Once the visa is applied for, there are other processes to verify your visa. The basic process is given below:

• Fill in the 'arrival card.'
• Fill in the online ‘Tourist Visa’ form. You can fill it out online before you arrive at the Department of Immigration or use the kiosk machines upon arrival at the airport.
• Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement (15/30/90 Days)
• Get the receipt.
• Proceed to the immigration desk with your online form, payment receipts, and your passport.
• Hand in your documents to the immigration officer for visa processing.

(Immigration, 2026)

On Arrival Visa Fee Structure

15 Days – 30 USD

30 Days – 50 USD

90 Days – 125 USD

(Immigration, 2026)

Arrival in Nepal – What can you do?

All the flights to Nepal land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. So, once you land in Kathmandu, you will have two choices: either to fly directly to Pokhara from the domestic terminal or spend your day in Kathmandu. While both options are alluring, it is best to spend your first days in Kathmandu, meet with the agency and your trek staff, and enjoy the city's ancient history.

Kathmandu holds centuries-old history, some preserved in museums and palaces, while others still thrive in the temple streets. While you are in Kathmandu, you can visit these durbar squares or simply walk on a street filled with history and conserved traditions.

Pick-up & transportation in Kathmandu: In accordance with the itinerary, your trip officially begins in Pokhara, so the package cost won’t include any services before Pokhara. But if you require pick-up from the airport and drop-off after the trek, we would be delighted to arrange private transportation. The same goes for transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara. So, if you plan to stay your first few days in Kathmandu, you would be responsible for arranging the tickets to Pokhara.

But why bear all this hassle when you can choose our additional services of flight and ground transportation options, integrated into the system itself? Choose a travel plan from the add-ons option and enjoy the trip while we arrange everything for you.

Hotel in Pokhara and Kathmandu: The room bookings are not provided, but they can be added to the itinerary. Our add-on options are limited to basic 3-star hotel rooms, which offer great views, a peaceful neighborhood, and market access, but if you’re looking for more deluxe or royal suites, they can be arranged during the booking process. Before booking and final payment, attach a note about the required services that are not available in the add-ons.

Trekking difficulty during the trek in the Annapurna Base Camp

The difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp varies significantly depending on the starting point. The 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek starts from Phedi, which can be challenging due to constant altitude gains and uphill trails in the beginning, but compared to the whole trail, it is a beginner-friendly trail since most of the trails are on riverbanks and hillsides.

Trails of the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp

Since our itinerary begins from Phedi, which is a small town approximately 900 meters above sea level, the trek begins with an uphill climb to Dhampus Village. From Dhampus Village, you would spend most of the time on the roadways till you reach the connecting trails of Mardi Himal to Pothana. From Pothana, it is mostly downhills on and off the trails following roads from Tolka till Landruk Village.

Now from Landruk Village, it is mostly on river valleys from where you cross suspension bridges and continue uphill to Jhinu Danda and continue the most extreme uphill trail of the trek to Chhomrong. Till this point, most of the uphill trails are done, with the last trail at Sinuwa. After the Sinuwa, the trail will follow the river flowing from base camp. The trails are mostly on glacier valleys and riversides with peaks on both sides.

Physical challenges and preparations for the trek

The trek difficulty is relatively easier, but even simple hikes require a level of fitness. For a week, you would be constantly walking on different trails and environments, and an untrained body faces multiple problems mainly due to built-up fatigue. The highest altitude during the whole trek is around 4130 meters above sea level, so you won’t require any extreme training or any technical equipment. But having basic fitness for endurance is important when you’re trekking anywhere. So, what can you do before the trek?

1. First priority is building stamina with light jogs or walks.
2. Build hiking experience in local peaks or hiking destinations.
3. Maintain a proper sleep schedule and rest days for the body to recover.
4. Maintain a proper diet for local foods available during the trek.

Common trekking challenges and solutions

To general knowledge, the altitude is the most challenging part of the trek, which is also true, but the human body can gradually adapt to these changing conditions. But there are some challenges that most trekkers do not realize before trekking, and these are the crucial part of successful trekking.

For instance, staying hydrated. Through experience, we have known that local water sources in the trekking trails do not suit foreign trekkers. The unfiltered water contains dust particles and microscopic beings, which can be harmful to trekkers and mostly lead to excessive diarrhea. In such situations, the practical solution is to use filtered and sealed water bottles sold in lodges and teahouses or use a water filter and filter tabs. Aside from water problems, food items provided in lodges do not meet the consumers' needs or taste, and most tend to avoid the food, which later continues to cause fatigue, low energy, lightheadedness, and possible altitude sickness symptoms.

Altitude sickness and remote remedies

Altitude sickness is a state where your body is not able to adapt to the changing environment or where your body is getting less oxygen from the air than it usually needs to function properly. When trekking the high-altitude regions, the air contains lower oxygen levels, and most bodies, which are used to low altitudes, need time to adapt to this new environment. The common symptoms of altitude sickness are fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. On the surface it may seem like a long travel duration, but if more than 2 symptoms are shown at the same time, it is best to stop trekking any higher.

The most practical solution that doesn’t involve medication or drugs for altitude sickness is to head towards a lower altitude. There are tablets like Diamox that are used by most trekkers for altitude as well, but the best precaution is trekking gradually, preserving stamina, and having enough rest. Remember “trek high but stay low," meaning even if you trek to a high altitude, always set your camp at a low altitude as much as possible.

Weather and seasonal conditions of the Annapurna Base Camp trail

The trails of the Annapurna Base Camp traverse hilly pasturelands, river valleys, forest trails, and glacier valleys. The conditions of these trails change depending on the season you’re trekking. Although most trekking seasons fall before rainy seasons and winter for the best experience, weather can get tricky in the hills and Himalayas.

In the spring season (March-May), you experience occasional rainfalls, which make trails slippery in the lower parts of the trek, especially near Landruk and trails between Chhomrong and Bamboo, since these parts are mostly covered by dense forests. But the rain can be a blessing in disguise; the drifting cloud in the Himalayas gets cleared after heavy rain, unveiling the whole beauty of the Annapurna.

From September to November is the season of fall (autumn season); the trails shine with golden color due to withering leaves and the coming of winter. With festivals all around the region, the trails are mostly dry and safe with crystal-clear views. Even the snowy landscape of the Annapurna Base Camp reveals the high pasturelands, where once countless lives depended.

Accommodation standards at different points of the Annapurna Base Camp

There are multiple variations of the Annapurna Base Camp due to road access at different points of the trail. But this also contributes to providing better service to trekkers; although most camps follow a similar pattern, depending on the region and distance from the nearest town, it varies. So, let’s compare the different accommodations in different points of the trail that are connected to the road and those that are the true remote trails.

The first and second days of the trek, in accordance with the itinerary, Tolka and Sinuwa are the only camps that have road access. Although Sinuwa is a few hours of walking, the distance is still close to the road. So, during these days, accommodation is really peaceful meaning although every lodge has two beds per room as a sharing basis, you will have plenty of choices for room and distances between the rooms for privacy and attached bathrooms

The rest of the days from Deurali till base camp and back are the only camps that are farther from roads. Despite such difficulties, the lodges around these places still follow the standard room-sharing basis for comfortable rest and stay. The rooms will be really basic with beds and probably a drawer, with shared restrooms.

Once you trek back to Ghandruk, it is actually the best and popular tourist destination even among the locals. With the growing popularity of the place and rapid development, Ghandruk houses some of the finest lodges, hotels, and resorts as well. During your stay in Ghandruk, you can expect similar facilities in Kathmandu or Pokhara with attached bathrooms and views of the Himalayas from your very rooms.

Common food items and sets during the Annapurna Base Camp

Food items are actually similar throughout the trek, except for Chhomrong, where menus are similar to those of 3-star restaurants with a variety of options. Since Chhomrong is a village that later focused primarily on trekking and tourism, the place has some fine hotels and restaurants as well.

Menus	Items
Breakfast sets	Tibetan Bread / Chapati with Honey / Jam, Fried potatoes, sandwiches, White bread with Jam / honey, and vegetable soups
Lunch Sets	Nepali Khana Set, Veg Spring rolls, Momo, Fried Noodles, Soups, Thukpa
Dinner Sets	Same as Lunch
Drinks	Black tea, Black coffee, Tibetan tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot milk,

Permits and entry requirements for the Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp is protected and conserved by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, with Chhomrong and Birethanthi serving as the checkpoints into the premises of the conservation. Trekkers are legally required to obtain the conservation permit issued by the Nepal Tourism Board. Individual trekkers are able to obtain the permit after submitting the application and necessary documentation from the respective bodies in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Trekkers who are booked through the agencies need to provide details of the passport and visa for the necessary documentation. To get conservation permits, there are strict requirements such as the following:

1. A licensed and certified guide should accompany the whole trek.
2. Valid passports should be provided when applying for the permits.
3. Visa should cover the trek itineraries and return dates.
4. Permits cannot be transferred to other trekkers.

The cost for the permits of different nationals and ages is given:

SN.	National Parks/Wildlife Reserves/Conservation Areas	Nepali	SAARC	Foreigners	Child discount
1	Annapurna Conservation Area	NRs. 100 per person per entry	NRs. 1,000 per person per entry	NRs. 3,000 per person per entry	Below 10 yrs free

Source: (Board, 2026)

The given cost details apply to the ACAP, and costs can differ with each conservation and national park. For cost details on other conservation, national parks, and wildlife reserves, follow the link to: Updated trekking permit and fees.

How to get the ACAP permits?

To apply for the ACAP or any conservation permits, you can either visit the website and apply for the permits or visit the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara and fill out the application form and pay the fees at the counter. For the online permits, visit the given link and fill out the form. Once the form is submitted, you will receive payment options, where you can either choose to pay online or visit the EP counter for cash payments.

Entry fee and payment options for the conservation permits

1. The entry fee is NRs. 3,000 for foreigners and NRs. 1,000 for SAARC nationals (tax included).
2. Two payment options are available: Online Payment and Counter Payment.
3. If you choose online payment, you will receive your permit directly by email after successful payment, and visiting the EP Counter is not required.
4. If you choose Counter Payment, you must visit the EP Counter and pay the permit fee in cash. Please bring your passport or any valid identification to collect your permit.
5. For Online Payment, an additional 2.9% payment charge will apply
6. Double fees will be charged for permits issued at Check-Posts.

Source: (NTNC, 2026)

Transportation and road access to the Annapurna Base Camp

Pokhara is the starting point or the gateway to the Annapurna Region, and there are two viable options: ground & flight. The flights are operated directly from the Tribhuvan International Airport, with an available cost of USD 125 per person per flight. The flight takes 20-25 minutes approximately after the time of takeoff. For ground transportation, there are multiple options for tourist buses, local buses, and microbuses. For comfort and safe journeys, the tourist bus is the foremost choice. For USD 35 per person, a comfortable sofa seat is provided for a 7/8-hour ride.

As we have mentioned, once the trail officially starts, there are multiple starting points and road access to the Annapurna Base Camp. Our standard itinerary starts from Phedi town, while you can also drive to Dhampus. Another starting point is Kande, which is right above the Phedi, so the trekking duration is the same. Whereas the last and closest starting point is the Jhinu Danda or New Bridge, which significantly shortens the itinerary. Following the route to Birethanthi, you can choose to drive to Jhinu Danda and start trekking right away.

Annapurna Base Camp variables and extendable routes

The Annapurna Base Camp is part of the greater Annapurna Region, where multiple short and popular destinations lie, all connected like a web. Globally known trekking destinations like Ghodepani, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Ghandruk are all linked silently to each other. This lets trekkers customize their own trekking plans, symbolizing the freedom of traveling.

Annapurna and Mardi Himal Trek – 11 Day

Below the Machhapuchre Base Camp lies a locally known mountain, Mardi Himal (5587). The name “Himal” itself translates to "mountain," which was first summited by Basil Goodfellow in 1961 A.D. Prominently known for colorful forests of rhododendrons and the closest view of the Annapurna Range, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is popular for the alpine experience of the Himalayas. The trails highlight old pasture lands, villages, and seasonal pastoral shelters with views of the mountains along the trails.

Outline itinerary for the Annapurna and Mardi Himal Trek

Trek Day	Itinerary	Camp Altitude
Day 01	Drive to Jhinu Danda from Pokhara and trek to Sinuwa (2360)	2360 M
Day 02	Trek to Himalaya (2900) from Sinuwa – 7/8 hrs	2900 M
Day 03	Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700) from the Himalayas.	3700 M
Day 04	Hike to ABC (4130) and trek to Bamboo (2310)	2310 M
Day 05	Trek to Landruk (1565) from Bamboo – 6/7 hrs	1565 M
Day 06	Trek to Forest camp (2600) from Bamboo – 6/7 hrs	2600 M
Day 07	Trek to Badal Danda (3300) from Forest Camp – 5/6 hrs	3300 M
Day 08	Trek to Mardi High Camp (3800) – 4/5 hrs	3800 M
Day 09	Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4500) and trek to Low Camp (3050)	3050 M
Day 10	Trek to Australian camp (2100) from Low Camp	2100 M
Day 11	Trek to Phedi and drive to Pokhara (890)	890 M

Annapurna Base Camp Via Poon Hill – 10 Day 

The route following the Poon Hill trek to the Annapurna Base Camp features a gradual progression through hills and a Himalayan experience. Primarily known as a route for bird watching, colorful forests, and great panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, including Dhaulagiri, from Poon Hill, the itinerary combines the classic village-and-pasture-lands route. Originally, before the tourism settlement, local people used these trails as a means of traveling to Pokhara and other nearby towns and cities, whose existence is the stone-paved stairs and trails near small settlements and farmlands.

Outline itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill

Trek Day	Itinerary	Camp Altitude
Day 01	Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1960)	1960 M
Day 02	Trek to Ghodepani Deurali (2880)	2880 M
Day 03	Hike to Poon Hill (3200) and Trek to Tadapani (2630)	2630 M
Day 04	Trek to Chhomrong (2170) from Tadapani	2170 M
Day 05	Trek to Dovan (2600) from Chhomrong	2600 M
Day 06	Trek to Deurali (3200) from Dovan	3200 M
Day 07	Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130)	4130 M
Day 08	Trek to Bamboo (2310) via MBC (3700)	2310 M
Day 09	Trek to Jhinu Danda (1580) from Bamboo	1580 M
Day 10	Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara (890)	890 M

5 days Annapurna Base Camp – Short and comfortable

The 5-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is carefully planned for experienced trekkers who are looking for short and thrilling adventures and want to experience the Annapurna Base Camp in limited time. The itinerary is trimmed with a direct jeep ride to Jhinu Danda and returns the same route to minimize cost, time, and efficiency.

Outline itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp – 5 days

Trek Day	Itinerary	Camp Altitude
Day 01	Drive to Jhinu Danda from Pokhara and Trek to Sinuwa (2360)	2360 M
Day 02	Trek to Himalaya (2900) from Sinuwa	2900 M
Day 03	Trek to MBC (3700) from Himalaya	3700 M
Day 04	Hike to ABC (4130) and trek to Bamboo (2310)	4130 M
Day 05	Trek to Jhinu Danda and drive to Pokhara (890)	890 M