Annapurna Base Camp

A walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a ring of peaks above 7,000 m, to base camp at 4,130 m, passing below Machapuchare (Fishtail).

5–12 walking days · highest point Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m · Moderate · best months Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov · Start and end: Nayapul · Protected area: Annapurna Conservation Area

Getting there

From Pokhara, drive to Nayapul (about 2 hours) or Phedi (about 20 minutes) and walk from there.

The route

1. Nayapul — 1,070 m
2. Chhomrong — 2,170 m
3. Bamboo — 2,310 m
4. Deurali — 3,200 m
5. Machapuchare Base Camp — 3,700 m
6. Annapurna Base Camp — 4,130 m

Know before you go

Between Deurali and Machapuchare Base Camp the trail crosses avalanche paths. An avalanche near Deurali in January 2020 buried trekkers and guides. Check conditions before going above Chhomrong, especially after heavy snow. In the monsoon expect rain and leeches.

A licensed guide is required on this trek (Nepal Tourism Board rule since 31 March 2023).

Most of these treks go above 3,000 m. The US CDC advises: once above 3,000 m, sleep no more than 500 m higher each night, add an extra day for every 1,000 m you gain, never go higher with symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), and go down if they get worse.

Permits you need

• Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit: NPR 3,000
• TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System): NPR 2,000

Fees and rules checked on 2026-11-02.

Sources disagree

• Walking days: 5–7 (Wikivoyage); 7–12 (Cicerone); 10–14 (Lonely Planet)

Sources

• Wikipedia — Annapurna Sanctuary
• Wikivoyage — Annapurna Sanctuary
• Nepal Tourism Board — Annapurna Conservation Area (seasons)
• The Himalayan Times — Trekkers missing in avalanche in Annapurna region (January 2020)
• National Trust for Nature Conservation — ePermit
• Nepal Tourism Board — TIMS Card
• US CDC Yellow Book — High-altitude travel and altitude illness

Trekking and sightseeing in Nepal

General guidance from the sources listed, not a guarantee. Rules, fees and trail conditions change; confirm with the official source or a registered trekking agency before you go.