Annapurna Base Camp FAQs

1. How do I get to Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp is located in Western Nepal. Nayapul is the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp which is at distance of 40km from Pokhara and normally takes less than 2 hours to reach there from Pokhara in local or private transport. However, if you are travelling for Kathmandu, one can either drive in local or tourist bus or fly directly to Pokhara from the domestic airport of Kathmandu.

2. How long does the Annapurna base camp trek take?

The Annapurna Base Camp trek normally takes 10-14 days, depending on your length of walking days and acclimatization days.

3. What is the best time to go to Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Nepal has 4 major seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and winter. Among which spring and autumn are the best seasons for ABC trekking. Some trekkers trek to ABC during winter but can be colder.

  • Spring (March, April, May)
  • Summer (June, July, August)
  • Autumn (September, October, November)
  • Winter (December, January, February)

4. How difficult is Annapurna Base camp trek?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate type of trek that is relatively easy. This trek takes you to the feet of beautiful Mt. Annapurna. This trek doesn’t demand any advanced physical fitness level, normal person with a good health condition can go for this trek.

5. How fit do I need to be for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking?

Physical and mental fitness is demanded in ABC trekking.  You will reach around 4130m elevation and will be walking every 6-7 hours daily, thus you need some basic daily exercise and should love walking to make your trekking to ABC easy.

6. Is Annapurna base camp trek safe?

Yes, Annapurna base camp is reasonably safe. The routes are distinctively marked and have numerous tea houses and lodges on the way. Some trekkers go on this trek on their own, without a guide or a porter. However, hiring a guide means you are always on a safer side.

7. What is the maximum elevation of Annapurna base camp?

Annapurna Base camp takes you to the elevation of 4,130m which is quite a bit lower compare to Everest Base camp.

8. What types of Food and Accommodation are available during ABC trekking?

There are numerous tea houses and lodges available in this trek which provide varieties of Italian, Indian food and Nepali food items and offers budget to standard accommodation during the trail. But we highly recommend traditional Nepali cuisine “Dalbhat” served with rice, dal and seasonal vegetable and a prickle which is very simple but very filling and nutritious for trekking.

9. Do you need a permit to trek to Annapurna Base Camp? What are the permits and fees in Annapurna Region?

Most trekking trails in the Annapurna region fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, foreigners are required to obtain an entry permit from ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) as well as TIMS card to trek in the Annapurna Base Camp.

Permits and fees

  • ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. USD $30)
  • ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR.

TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)

10. Where do I get the permit for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

TIMS Card can be obtained from Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, TAAN Office in Maligaun, TAAN TIMS counter in Saatghumti, Thamel, and TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara.

11. Is guide compulsory for Annapurna Base Camp trek?

If it’s your first time to Annapurna Base Camp then we always recommend you to go with a guide. A guide knows the trials and furthermore they keep an eye out for any concerning altitude sickness and arrange you a nice place to sleep and relax during the trek. With a guide, you get the opportunity to get close to the local community and always feel safe.

12. Is drinking water readily available in ABC trekking?

Bottled water is available everywhere throughout the trek, but we highly encourage our guest to carry a water bottle and buy boiled water and treated water from the tea house to save both the environment and money. Buying the boiled water from the lodge is much cheaper than to buy bottled water. We also recommend our guests to use iodine or other purifying agents to treat water before drinking.

13. Do I need insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you need insurance for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. The travel insurance must provide coverage throughout the duration of the trip and must cover all the medical expenses, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation/rescue, trip cancellations, travel plan alterations and compensation against the loss/theft before coming to Nepal for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while travelling for an adventure tour.