The classic teahouse trek from Lukla through Sherpa villages to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and the Kala Patthar viewpoint, with acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche.
- Days
- 12 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,644 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Annapurna Regionअन्नपूर्ण आधार शिविर
Annapurna Base Camp
Lodges at about 4,130 m in the glacial basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary, below the south face of Annapurna I.
The trekking base camp in the Annapurna Sanctuary below the south face of Annapurna I, not the north base camp reached from the Kali Gandaki side.
- Altitude
- 4,130 m
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Kaski, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Annapurna Base Camp sits on a moraine ridge at about 4,130 m inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high basin surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre. It is the goal of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, reached in 4-6 days from the road heads north of Pokhara.
The south face of Annapurna I rises above the glacier just north of the lodges. At sunrise the light reaches the summits one after another, and the view down the Modi Khola gorge shows the route you walked in on.
Most trekkers spend one night here and start down the next morning. Those feeling the altitude can sleep at Machhapuchhre Base Camp instead and walk up for the morning view.
History and culture
The Sanctuary was long held sacred by the Gurung people of the valley below, and the route into it was little used until mountaineers came in the mid-20th century. In 1970 a British expedition climbed the south face of Annapurna I from here. Memorial plaques near the lodges remember climbers who died on the surrounding peaks.
Things to do in Annapurna Base Camp
Sunrise from the moraine
Walk a few minutes above the lodges before dawn to watch the light reach Annapurna I and Annapurna South.
Look over the glacier
The moraine edge beside the lodges gives views over the South Annapurna Glacier; keep back from the unstable edge.
Weather and the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp
Weather in Annapurna Base Camp
Forecast for 4,130 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring clear mountain views and dry trails; lodges are busiest in these months.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is very cold and snowy; the approach above Deurali can close because of avalanche danger.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May brings rhododendron flowers in the forest, warmer days and more afternoon cloud.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August brings rain, snow at this altitude and cloud; views are rare.
Where to stay
Teahouses
A few basic lodges with shared rooms; rooms fill quickly in peak months.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
ABC is reached only on foot, usually 4-6 days from Pokhara road heads via Chhomrong and the Modi Khola gorge.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- jeepPokhara to Ghandruk, Kimche or the Jhinu Danda road head, roughly 2-5 hours depending on road and season.
- trekMachhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC, about 2 hours on moraine.
Permits and fees
Permit required
ABC is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; an ACAP permit is required.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Kathmandu and Pokhara or online; checked on the trail.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links).
On the trail
On the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- Previous stop:
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- A typical day:
- From Deurali, about 4-5 hours and over 900 m of climbing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Practical tips
- At about 4,130 m, altitude illness is a real risk. Do not sleep here with symptoms; go down. General information, not medical advice.
- Nights are well below freezing; bring a warm sleeping bag and down jacket.
- Charging and hot water are limited and cost extra.
- Travel insurance should cover helicopter evacuation to this altitude.
Treks through Annapurna Base Camp
A teahouse trek from the road heads north of Pokhara through Gurung villages and the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m.
- Days
- 8 days
- Maximum altitude
- 4,130 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
A teahouse journey around the Annapurna massif, from the green Marsyangdi valley through Manang and over the Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath and the dry Kali Gandaki valley.
- Days
- 11 days
- Maximum altitude
- 5,416 m
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Questions about Annapurna Base Camp
How high is Annapurna Base Camp?
About 4,130 m.
How many days does it take to reach ABC from Pokhara?
Usually 4-6 days up and 2-3 days down, depending on the road head used.
Can you sleep at Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, in basic lodges. If you feel unwell, sleep lower at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
More in Annapurna Region
All of Annapurna Region
Town or village · 3,519 m
Manang
A high stone village in the upper Marsyangdi valley below Annapurna III and Gangapurna, where Circuit trekkers stop to acclimatise.
Mountain pass · 5,416 m
Thorong La
The 5,416 m pass between Manang and Muktinath, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek stop · 2,060 m
Australian Camp
A grassy clearing at about 2,060 m above Kande with a wide view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, an easy walk from the road.
Trek stop · 2,310 m
Bamboo
A group of lodges in the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge, the first overnight stop above Chhomrong on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek stop · 2,170 m
Chhomrong
The last permanent Gurung village before the Annapurna Sanctuary, built on a steep staircase facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Trek stop · 3,200 m
Deurali (Annapurna Sanctuary)
The last lodges in the Modi Khola gorge before Machhapuchhre Base Camp, at about 3,200 m.
Trek stop · 1,650 m
Dhampus
A Gurung hill village above Phedi with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas, close to Pokhara.
Trek stop · 3,420 m
Dobato
A small high lodge stop on the ridge between Tadapani and Khopra, the base for sunrise at the Muldai viewpoint.
Nearby
National park or conservation area
Annapurna Region
Nepal's largest protected area, from Gurung hill villages and rhododendron forest to the dry valleys behind the Annapurna range.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Wikivoyage, Annapurna Sanctuary, Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap