Annapurna Base Camp Trek
अन्नपूर्ण बेसक्याम्प यात्रा- Distance
- 115 km
- Duration
- 7–12 days
- Max Elevation
- 4,130 m
- Best Seasons
- March–May, October–December
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
115 km
Duration
7–12 days
Max Elevation
4,130 m
Start: 1,070 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Round trip
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek leads into the heart of the Himalaya - a glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m) and the forbidden 'Fishtail' peak Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). The ascent climbs through rhododendron and bamboo forests, terraced Gurung villages, and the narrow Modi Khola gorge into one of the most dramatic mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Poon Hill (3,210 m) is one of Nepal's most-photographed sunrise viewpoints, overlooking Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre without any serious climbing.
The Annapurna Sanctuary was named by Jimmy Roberts in the 1950s. Machhapuchhre is legally protected from climbing - a religious ban was set by the Nepal government, and only one permit was ever issued (1957, turned back before summit).
Trekkers must register at Chhomrong checkpoint (2,170 m) before entering the Sanctuary. The gorge above Dovan can be avalanche-prone in heavy snowfall season.
Waypoints & overnight stops
8 waypoints along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nayapul | 1,070 | Town | - | |
| 2 | Tikhedhungaटिखेदुंगा | 1,540 | Village | Yes | |
| 3 | Ghorepaniघोरेपानी | 2,874 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Poon Hillपुन हिल | 3,210 | Viewpoint | - | 4 am sunrise hike from Ghorepani |
| 5 | Chhomrongछोमरोङ | 2,170 | Village | Yes | |
| 6 | Himalaya Hotel | 2,920 | Village | Yes | |
| 7 | Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) | 3,700 | Base Camp | Yes | |
| 8 | Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)बेसक्याम्प | 4,130 | Base Camp | Yes | Surrounded by 360° of 7,000+ m peaks |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
ACAPNPR 3,000
TIMS Card
TIMSNPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Annapurna Base Camp amphitheatre at 4,130 m
Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) - iconic Himalaya panorama
Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) - the sacred 'Fishtail' peak
Chhomrong - the last tea-house village before the Sanctuary
Hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Flora & fauna
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Bamboo
- Rhododendron arboreum (blooms Mar–Apr)
- Giant groundsel
- Alpine grasses
Fauna
- Himalayan black bear
- Snow leopard
- Musk deer
- Danphe (Himalayan monal)
More treks you may like
Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQ
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?+
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is approximately 115 km and typically takes 7–12 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?+
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit: NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 4,130 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?+
The best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are March–May and October–December.
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.
- Nepal Tourism Board - ABC TrekNTB ↗
- Annapurna Conservation Area ProjectNTNC ↗
- Nepal Tourism Board - Trekkingtouristboard.gov.np ↗
- TAAN - Trekking Agencies' Association of NepalTAAN ↗
- DNPWC - Department of National Parks and Wildlife ConservationGovernment of Nepal ↗
- Nepal Immigration DepartmentGovernment of Nepal ↗