AmarnepalNepal Data
Annapurna / Gandaki Province

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

अन्नपूर्ण बेसक्याम्प यात्रा
ModerateRound tripNayapul (near Pokhara)
Distance
115 km
Duration
7–12 days
Max Elevation
4,130 m
Best Seasons
March–May, October–December
Loading map...
Village / TownMountain PassBase Camp / ViewpointOpenStreetMap

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

Route overview

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.

Stage-by-stage

Waypoints & overnight stops

8 waypoints along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.

#NameElevation (m)TypeOvernightNote
1Nayapul1,070Town-
2Tikhedhungaटिखेदुंगा1,540VillageYes
3Ghorepaniघोरेपानी2,874VillageYes
4Poon Hillपुन हिल3,210Viewpoint-4 am sunrise hike from Ghorepani
5Chhomrongछोमरोङ2,170VillageYes
6Himalaya Hotel2,920VillageYes
7Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)3,700Base CampYes
8Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)बेसक्याम्प4,130Base CampYesSurrounded by 360° of 7,000+ m peaks
Entry permits

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

ACAP

NPR 3,000

TIMS Card

TIMS

NPR 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.

Why trek this route

Highlights

1

Annapurna Base Camp amphitheatre at 4,130 m

2

Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) - iconic Himalaya panorama

3

Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) - the sacred 'Fishtail' peak

4

Chhomrong - the last tea-house village before the Sanctuary

5

Hot springs at Jhinu Danda

Natural environment

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

Common questions

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.