Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Annapurna Sanctuary, is one of the most well-known trekking trails in Nepal. This incredible route takes you to distant Annapurna Base Camp following dense forests, rice fields, villages, and snow-capped mountains.
In this Blog, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about trekking to Annapurna Base Camp on Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. This covers an overview of the trek, booking it, what to eat, where you will be staying while trekking, and what to budget for.
Do You Need a Guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You don’t have to get a guide, but it’s a great idea for first-timers. A guide knows the way, keeps you safe, and handles paperwork. They also share cool stories about the area. If you’ve hiked a lot before, you can go alone, but you’ll still need permits. Porters can carry your heavy bag if you want.
Related topic: Mardi Himal Trek: An Untouched Himalayan Jewel
What’s the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Like?
This trek takes 7-12 days, starting from Nayapul (near Pokhara). You’ll walk through forests, past rice fields, and into tiny villages. At the end, you reach Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by huge peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m). The path is clear, and teahouses give you food and a bed. It’s great for beginners who can walk a bit.
How Hard Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s easier treks, but it’s still hard work! You walk to 4,130 meters, which is lower than Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. This means you’re less likely to feel sick from the height. I like hiking and I’m pretty fit, but this trek made me tired. It takes about 10 days to finish.
The hardest part? So many stone steps! You climb thousands of them, especially to Ulleri village, where there are 3,500 steps. My legs hurt just thinking about it! Going up is tough, but going down is bad for your knees. Even strong people in my group were sore by the end.
To get ready, practice walking up stairs. It sounds boring, but it helps a lot. I wish I did more! Also, bring trekking poles. They make going down easier and save your knees. You don’t need to be super fit, but walking a few hours a day before the trek is a good idea. The views are amazing big snowy mountains all around! You’ll feel so proud when you reach the top.
This trek isn’t a simple walk. It’s long, and the steps make it tough. But it’s easier than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit because it’s not as high up. If you’re new to trekking or worried about feeling sick from the altitude, this is a great choice. Just don’t think it’s too easy.
Pack good shoes, a water bottle, and a raincoat. Get a guide to help you stay safe and find the way. With some practice and the right gear, you’ll love this adventure in 2025. It’s hard but so worth it for the beautiful mountains.
Related topic: Makalu Base Camp Trek : Overview
Best Time to Trek in the Annapurna Region
When you plan your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2025, picking the right time is super important. It can make your trip fun and easy or really tough. Each season spring, summer, autumn, and winter—is different. Some months have sunny days and clear views of big mountains, while others have rain or snow that make hiking harder. This guide explains what each season is like, so you can choose the best one for you.
It tells you about the weather, what’s cool about each season, and things to watch out for, like busy trails or muddy paths. For example, autumn has great weather, but it’s crowded, so you need to book early. Winter is cold but quiet. By picking the right time, your trek will be an awesome adventure with beautiful views and happy memories.
Picking the right time makes your trek awesome. Here’s what each season is like.
Spring: March to May
Weather: Warm days (15-20°C lower down), chilly nights. Higher up, it’s cold but okay.
Highlights: Colorful flowers everywhere and clear mountain views. Great for photos
Things to Know: Lots of people trek, so book teahouses early. Trails can be dusty.
Summer: June to August
Weather: Rainy and wet. Trails get muddy and slippery.
Highlights: Fewer people, super green forests, and big waterfalls.
Things to Know: Rain makes it hard. Watch out for leeches or landslides. Not great for beginners.
Autumn: September to November
Weather: Clear skies, nice days (10-20°C), cold nights up high.
Highlights: Amazing mountain views and comfy weather. The best time to go.
Things to Know: Super busy, so book guides and teahouses early.
Winter: December to February
Weather: Cold, especially at night (-10°C at base camp). Sunny days but chilly.
Highlights: Quiet trails and snowy mountain views.
Things to Know: Snow can make trails hard. Bring warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.
How to Book the Trek?
Here are three easy ways to plan your trek:
Option 1: Book Early with a Company
Find a trusted company online (check reviews on TripAdvisor). They sort out guides, permits, and plans. It costs $700-$1,200 for 10 days.
Option 2: Book in Nepal
Go to Kathmandu or Pokhara and visit local agencies. You might pay $500-$900. Make sure the company is legit.
Option 3: Hire a Local Guide
Find a guide in Pokhara or Kathmandu for $20-$30/day. It’s cheaper, but you handle permits yourself.
Food & Stays on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Food
Teahouses and Meals: Teahouses serve simple food like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, or eggs. Breakfast costs $3-$4, dinner $10-$15, and small lunches or soups $5-$8. Tea or water is $1-$2. Beer is pricey ($5-$8).
Cleanliness: Kitchens are usually clean. Eat hot food to stay safe. Bring hand sanitizer.
Special Diets: Veggie food like dal bhat is easy to find. Vegan is okay too. For gluten-free, bring your own snacks or tell your guide early.
Stays
Teahouses: These are basic but cozy, with beds and blankets for $5-$10/night. Toilets are shared and sometimes outside.
Heating: Dining areas have stoves, but rooms are cold. Bring a warm sleeping bag.
Fancy Options: Some teahouses in Ghandruk have nicer rooms ($20-$50) with private bathrooms.
Booking: You don’t always need to book, but it’s smart in busy months (September-November).
How Much Does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary Cost?
Food and Drink Budget
Plan $20-$30/day for meals and drinks. Dal bhat is cheap and filling. Skip sodas ($2-$4) or beer ($5-$8) to save money.
Extra Costs
Guides are $20-$30/day, porters $15-$20/day. Tips are $5-$10/day per person. WiFi or charging costs $2-$5. Budget $10-$15/day for these.
Total Budget
A 10-day trek with a company costs $700-$1,200. Booking in Nepal can be $500-$800. Add $200-$300 for food and extras. Solo trekkers might spend $400-$600, not counting flights.
Related topic : How Much Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?
Health, Cleanliness, and Altitude Sickness
Drinking Water
Option 1: LifeStraw
A LifeStraw ($20-$40) lets you drink from streams safely. It’s light and easy.
Option 2: Purification Tablets
These cost $5-$10 and clean water fast. Bring enough for 1-2 liters/day.
Option 3: Buy Water
Bottled water is $1-$2/liter but costs more up high. Try to avoid plastic.
Altitude Sickness
Above 3,000m, you might feel dizzy or sick. Go slow, drink water, and maybe take Diamox (ask a doctor). If you feel bad, go down right away.
Food on the Trek
Eat hot, cooked meals to avoid tummy trouble. Bring snacks like energy bars. Skip meat up high it’s not fresh.
Getting to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Starting Point: Nayapul
The trek starts at Nayapul, 2-3 hours from Pokhara.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Flight: A quick 25-minute flight costs $120. Book early to save.
Luxury Bus: A 7-8 hour bus ride costs $15. It’s comfy with AC.
Pokhara to Nayapul
Local Bus: A 3-hour ride costs $2-$5. It’s crowded but cheap.
Private Car/Jeep: A 2-hour trip costs $30-$50. It’s faster and nicer.
Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (TIMS Card)
How to Get It
- Go to the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Fill out a form with your trek plans and give two small photos.
- Pay $20 (cheaper for SAARC countries).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
How to Get It
- Visit the Nepal Tourism Board or ACAP counter in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Fill out a form and give two small photos.
- Pay $30 (less for SAARC countries).
Things to Remember
Carry Originals: Keep your passport and permits with you for checkpoints.
Copies: Bring copies of your passport and permits.
Show Them: Show permits when asked on the trail.
Check Dates: Permits work for one trek. Make sure dates match.
Extensions: If your trek takes longer, extend permits at the Nepal Tourism Board.
Guides & Porters on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
All About Guides: Guides know the trail, tell stories, and keep you safe. They’re great for beginners.
Logistics: Guides book teahouses, meals, and permits for you.
Permits and Tickets: Guides handle all the paperwork. Easy.
Speaking English: A guide must be speaking good English.
Porters: Porters carry 15-20kg for $15-$20/day. They work hard to make your trek lighter.
Tipping: Give $5-$10/day to guides and porters at the end of the trek.
Annapurna Sanctuary vs Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp
Nepal boasts three extremely popular treks: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Sanctuary. They are all excellent but distinct. One finds it difficult to choose one! People who did them all told us what it was like, and a local guide provided useful information. Following is an uncomplicated outline of each trek for 2025, with pros and cons.
Related topic : Langtang Trek: The Ultimate Guide to Nepal’s Most Scenic Valley
Everest Base Camp
This is Nepal’s most famous trek, but it’s also one of the hardest. The 12-16 day hike goes through stunning mountains to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). That’s much higher than Annapurna Base Camp, so it’s tougher on the body. The trails are often crowded with long lines at viewpoints, and litter is a problem. A guide mentioned that crowds are getting worse every year and suggested stricter rules to limit trekkers. A friend who hiked it in 2023 loved the views but found the crowds overwhelming some days. Litter was noticeable too.
Pros: See Mount Everest, amazing scenery, clear trails.
Cons: Extremely crowded, high altitude, expensive, long walk.
Annapurna Circuit
The Circuit is near Annapurna Sanctuary, but higher, 5,416 meters (17,770 feet) at Thorung La Pass. It takes 15-20 days and goes to more elevated locations, traveling through local villages, which allows you to observe local culture. The high altitude makes it more difficult than the Sanctuary trek. Construction is in process, as part of the path is closed by road building, which alters the experience. A friend of mine, who completed both tours, mentioned that Circuit has lovely vistas, but Sanctuary brings you closer to mountains.
Pros: Quieter than Everest, more local culture, and at higher altitudes.
Cons: Away from mountains, road construction ongoing, elevated position
Annapurna Sanctuary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is unique in that it brings hikers close to high mountains at a relatively lower altitude of 4,130 meters. The cost is also relatively cheaper, and there is no fixed route, hence not very crowded trails. The most challenging part is the numerous stone steps, particularly 3,500 steps to Ulleri village. They can be quite unforgiving on knees and legs!
Pros: Close to mountains, cheaper, quieter roads, lower elevation.
Cons: There are lots of steps Annapurna Base Camp Trek for Independent Trekkers You can trek solo to the Annapurna Base Camp! The trails are straightforward to follow, and teahouses offer food and accommodation. A guide can assist with safety and organization, particularly if you’re a newbie. It’s also a great way to encounter other trekkers.
Other Questions About the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Are There Toilets available?
Yes, teahouses have shared toilets (squat or Western). Bring toilet paper.
Can You Have a Shower?
Hot showers cost $2-$5 in lower villages. Up high, showers are cold or not available.
Is There WiFi Facilities?
Some teahouses have WiFi ($2-$5), but it’s slow. A local SIM card is better.
Do You Need Special Gear?
Nope! Just bring:
- Sleeping bag (for winter)
- Small towel
- Trekking poles
- Small backpack (20-30L)
- Good hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and hat
- Raincoat and bag cover
- Water bottle
Are There Suspension Bridges?
Yes, you’ll cross a few shaky bridges over rivers. They’re safe but exciting!
Can You Wash Clothes?
You can hand-wash in villages like Ghandruk, but options are limited.
Charging Phones
Teahouses charge devices for $2-$5. Bring a power bank.
Where do you keep additional bags?
Hotels in Pokhara or Kathmandu store bags for free or a small fee.
Things to Bring
See the gear list above. Keep your bag light (8-12kg).
Do You Need to Train?
Walking 5-6 hours is enough prep. Try hiking or stairs a month before.
Should You Use Trekking Poles?
Yes! They help your knees on downhill parts.
Tipping on the Trek
Tip guides and porters $5-$10/day each in Nepali rupees at the end.
How to Pay for Things
Bring Nepali rupees (small bills). Teahouses don’t take cards. ATMs are in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Travel Insurance
Get insurance that covers trekking to 4,500m and emergencies. Try companies like World Nomads.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Safe?
It’s pretty safe if you plan well. Watch out for altitude sickness, slippery paths, or small injuries. A guide, good gear, and checking the weather help a lot.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this Annapurna Base Camp trekking guide informative. Annapurna trekking is one of Nepal’s most renowned tours, attracting visitors to it from every corner of the globe. Annapurna trek is unique, serene, and slightly spiritual in feel.
I think you should do it if you consider it. All of the articles state it is ‘easy,’ but you also have to be careful. You will be walking for 10 consecutive days, at least.