Introduction
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is Nepal's most popular moderate trek — and for very good reason. In 13 days it takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre completely surrounded by 7 peaks above 6,000m, including Annapurna I (8,091m), the world's 10th highest mountain.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek which reaches 5,545m, ABC reaches a more accessible 4,130m — making it the perfect choice for first-time trekkers, families, and anyone who wants spectacular Himalayan scenery without the extreme altitude challenge.
At Global Nepal Treks (Licence No. 3058, Kathmandu) we have guided thousands of trekkers to Annapurna Base Camp since 2008. This is the most complete and honest ABC Trek guide available for 2026.
Quick facts:
Duration: 13 days
Maximum altitude: 4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: From $1,000 per person all-inclusive
Best time: March–May (rhododendron blooms) and September–November (crystal clear views)
Group size: 2–12 people
Why Annapurna Base Camp is Special
The Annapurna Sanctuary. ABC sits inside a natural glacial basin enclosed on almost all sides by high peaks. The only entrance is through the narrow Modi Khola gorge between towering Hiunchuli (6,441m) and the sacred Machhapuchhre (6,993m) — known as Fishtail Mountain.
Arriving at ABC at 4,130m feels like entering a secret world. You are standing completely surrounded by mountains 3,000–4,000m higher than you. Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gangapurna (7,455m) — all visible in a 360-degree panorama. The scale and beauty are overwhelming.
Machhapuchhre — The Sacred Fishtail. The iconic double-summit Fishtail peak is your constant companion throughout the ABC Trek. It is a sacred mountain — never climbed, never to be climbed by Nepal government decree. Its mystical quality draws spiritual trekkers from around the world.
Rhododendron forests. The trail between Chhomrong and Himalaya Hotel passes through the most spectacular rhododendron forests in Nepal. In spring (March–April) the hillsides erupt in pink, red, and white blooms — one of the most magical natural displays in Asia.
ABC Trek Full Itinerary 2026 — Day by Day
Day 1 — Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Thamel hotel. Welcome dinner and trek briefing with your guide. Permit collection.
Day 2 — Fly or Drive Kathmandu → Pokhara (820m)
Fly to Pokhara (25 minutes, $80–120) or drive (6–7 hours, $15–25 by tourist bus). Pokhara is the gateway to all Annapurna region treks. Afternoon at leisure — Phewa Lake, Sarangkot viewpoint, Davis Falls.
Day 3 — Pokhara → Ghandruk (1,940m)
Drive to Nayapul (1.5 hours). Begin trekking through terraced rice fields and traditional Gurung villages. Trek 5–6 hours to Ghandruk — one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. First clear views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Day 4 — Ghandruk → Chhomrong (2,170m)
Trek 4–5 hours through forests and across the Modi Khola river. Chhomrong is the last major village before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. Best views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South from Chhomrong.
Day 5 — Chhomrong → Himalaya Hotel (2,920m)
Trek 6–7 hours including the infamous Chhomrong stone staircase — 2,000+ steps descent and re-ascent. Then through stunning bamboo and rhododendron forest. Spring trekkers see the most spectacular bloom displays on this section.
Day 6 — Himalaya Hotel → Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
Trek 5–6 hours through increasingly dramatic glacial landscape. Pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) — views of Fishtail's twin summits directly above. Arrive at Annapurna Base Camp — the most dramatic mountain amphitheatre in Nepal.
Day 7 — Annapurna Base Camp — Sunrise and Exploration
Wake before dawn for the ABC sunrise — Annapurna I (8,091m) turning gold in the first light. Explore base camp. Photography. Rest and absorb the extraordinary views. This is the moment everything has been building toward.
Day 8 — ABC → Bamboo (2,310m)
Descend 5–6 hours back through the Modi Khola valley. The same landscapes look completely different on descent. Arrive Bamboo for overnight.
Day 9 — Bamboo → Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (1,780m)
Trek 3 hours to Jhinu Danda. Afternoon soak in the natural hot springs — the most welcome treat after 8 days of trekking. The hot springs are beside the Modi Khola river — an extraordinary setting.
Day 10 — Jhinu Danda → Nayapul → Pokhara
Trek 3 hours to Nayapul. Drive 1.5 hours back to Pokhara. Afternoon at leisure — boat on Phewa Lake, massage, or World Peace Pagoda hike for Annapurna views.
Day 11 — Pokhara Leisure Day
Free day in Pokhara. Options: paragliding ($80–100), kayaking on Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise hike, International Mountain Museum, zipline, ultra-light plane flight over Annapurna.
Day 12 — Pokhara → Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu (25 minutes) or drive (6–7 hours). Evening farewell dinner.
Day 13 — Departure from Kathmandu
Airport transfer and departure. Or extend with Chitwan National Park safari (2 days), Bhutan tour, or Tibet Kailash pilgrimage.
ABC Trek Cost 2026 — Complete Breakdown
Global Nepal Treks — From $1,000 per person all-inclusive
Included:
✅ Licensed NTB Sherpa guide throughout
✅ Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
✅ All accommodation — hotel Kathmandu + hotel Pokhara + tea houses on trail
✅ All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner every day
✅ ACAP permit ($30) + TIMS card ($20) — total $50
✅ Pokhara-Nayapul transfers
✅ Airport transfers Kathmandu
✅ 24/7 emergency support
Not included:
❌ International flights to Kathmandu
❌ Kathmandu–Pokhara flight or bus
❌ Nepal visa ($30–50)
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Tips — guide ($12–15/day) + porter ($8–10/day)
❌ Personal spending
Total trip budget — ABC Trek 2026:
Item | Cost |
Global Nepal Treks package | $1,000 |
Kathmandu–Pokhara flight | $100 |
Nepal visa | $50 |
Travel insurance | $80 |
Tips | $250 |
Personal spending | $100 |
Total | ~$1,580 |
ABC Trek vs EBC Trek — Which is Right for You?
Factor | ABC Trek | EBC Trek |
Duration | 13 days | 15 days |
Max altitude | 4,130m | 5,545m |
Difficulty | ✅ Moderate — easier | Moderate to Challenging |
Price | ✅ From $1,000 | From $1,100 |
Best for | ✅ Beginners, families | Experienced trekkers |
Rhododendron blooms | ✅ Outstanding in spring | Some blooms lower trail |
Mountain views | 360° Annapurna sanctuary | Everest, Lhotse, Makalu |
Crowd level | Medium | High |
Altitude sickness risk | Lower | Higher |
Hot springs | ✅ Jhinu Danda | ❌ None |
Our recommendation: First-time Nepal trekkers — choose ABC. It delivers spectacular Himalayan scenery at a safer altitude with excellent infrastructure and lower cost. Come back for EBC on your second Nepal trip.
Best Time for ABC Trek 2026
Spring — March to May ✅ Best for Rhododendrons
March: Lower altitude blooms — pink and white rhododendrons from Ghandruk to Chhomrong. Clear mornings, some afternoon cloud.
April: Peak bloom month — mid-altitude forests completely covered in flowers. The most beautiful time to trek ABC.
May: Higher altitude blooms. Pre-monsoon warming. Still excellent.
Autumn — September to November ✅ Best for Views
September: Post-monsoon. Trail reopening. Some residual cloud.
October: Best mountain views of the year. Crystal clear skies. Perfect temperatures. Annapurna sanctuary views at their absolute clearest.
November: Excellent visibility. Getting cold at higher elevations. Less crowded.
ABC Trek Permits 2026
Permit | Cost | Issued by |
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | $30 | Nepal Government |
TIMS Card | $20 | TAAN/NTB |
Total | $50 | Arranged by Global Nepal Treks |
Frequently Asked Questions — ABC Trek 2026
Q: Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes — ABC is the best Nepal trek for beginners. Maximum altitude 4,130m (much lower than EBC at 5,545m), shorter duration (13 days), and excellent tea house infrastructure make it the most accessible major Himalayan trek. With good physical fitness and basic preparation, most healthy adults can complete ABC successfully.
Q: How difficult is the Chhomrong stone staircase?
The Chhomrong stone staircase is the hardest single section of the ABC Trek — approximately 2,000 stone steps descending then re-ascending between Ghandruk and Chhomrong. It takes 2–3 hours and is hard on the knees. Trekking poles and strong leg muscles help. It is not technical — just physically demanding.
Q: Do I need a guide for ABC Trek in 2026?
Yes — since April 2023 Nepal requires a licensed guide on all major trekking routes including ABC. Global Nepal Treks includes a licensed NTB guide in all packages.
Q: Can I see Annapurna I from base camp?
Yes — Annapurna I (8,091m) is directly visible from ABC. The sunrise on Annapurna I — turning from deep blue to orange to gold as the sun rises — is one of the most spectacular natural displays in Nepal.
Q: Is the Jhinu Danda hot spring included?
Yes — our 13-day itinerary includes an afternoon at the Jhinu Danda natural hot springs. The springs fee ($2–3) is paid directly on arrival.
Q: Can I extend ABC Trek with Poon Hill?
Yes — combining ABC with Ghorepani Poon Hill adds 1–2 days and gives you both the famous Poon Hill sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri AND the Annapurna Sanctuary. Contact us for the combined itinerary.
Book Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2026
Global Nepal Treks — Nepal's trusted licensed ABC Trek agency
13 days · From $1,000 per person · All-inclusive · Government licensed No. 3058
📧 info@globalnepaltreks.com
📞 +977-9744258519 (WhatsApp — we reply in 1 hour)
🌐 globalnepaltreks.com/nepal/trekking/annapurna-base-camp-trekking
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