The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to the base of the giant and sturdy Annapurna Mountain, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a spectacular journey in the Himalayas trekking. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered moderate in difficulty level. A reasonable fitness level is recommended due to the trek’s duration and the elevation achieved.

To trek to the Annapurna Base camp in the Annapurna region, trekkers need both the Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. The trek duration ranges from 7 to 12 days, depending upon the itinerary chosen and the starting point of the trek. The trek usually starts from Nayapul, which is accessible from Pokhara. Trek continues to the colorful Rhododendron forests and Chhomrong village of Gurung communities.

We trek through the diverse landscapes of terraced fields and bamboo groves. The stunning views of the Macchapuchre is seen from the Macchapuchre Base Camp (MBC), which lies on the way to the Annapurna Base camp. The trek continues from MBC and finally, we reach the Annapurna Base camp, where we can see mesmerizing views of surrounding high peaks and the fabulous close-up view of the majestic Annapurna range. This amazing trekking tour is a unique blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and soulful Himalayan adventure that you should mark up to widen the horizon of your Himlayan trek perspectives.

Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days

• Stunning views of Annapurna mountain range, Hiunchuli, Macchapuchre, and other surrounding peaks.
• Hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities and witness of their local culture and traditions.
• The heavily bloomed Rhododendron forests.
• Explore the traditional Gurung village, Ghandruk, with its unique architecture and terraced fields.
• Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda are a soothing experience after days of trekking.
• Annapurna Base Camp is at a high altitude, surrounded by towering peaks.
• Cozy teahouses offering a variety of food options and suitable accommodations.
• The amazing Chhomrng village is located on a hillside, offering a stunning mountain and natural view.
• Explore the Macchapuchre massif known as “Fish Tail” from the base camp of Machhapuchre.
• Witness the diverse bird and wildlife species.

7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek outline itinerary

Day 1: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Pokhara elevation: 830 meters / 2,723 feet

Flight duration: 25-30 minutes

Driving time: 6-8 hours

Day2 : Drive Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk

Nayapul elevation: 1,070meters / 3,510 feet

Ghandruk elevation: 1,940 meters / 6,364 feet

Driving time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Day 3: Early morning trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong and Bamboo

Chhomrong elevation: 2,170 meters / 7,119 feet

Bamboo elevation: 2,310 meters / 7,579 feet

Trek duration: 4-6 hours

Day 4: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali

Deurali elevation: 3,200 meters / 10,498 feet

Trek duration: 4-6 hours

Day 5: Trek from Deurali to reach the Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp elevation: 4,130 meters / 13,549 feet

Trek duration: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo / Sinuwa

Bamboo elevation: 2,310 meters / 7,579 feet

Sinuwa elevation: 2,340 meters / 7,677 feet

Trek duration: 6-8 hours

Day 7:Trek from Bamboo / Sinuwa to Siwai and drive back to Pokhara

Trekking suration: 4-6 hours

Driving time: 3-4 hours

Best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days.

The best seasons to trek at Annapurna Base Camp are Spring and Autumn.

Why Spring (March, April & May)

Because of the weather, the spring offers clear blue skies and blooming rhododendrons. Likewise, the temperature is mild, favoring the relaxing ascent and descent. Excellent visibility of the excellent mountain views can be cherished during this season. After all, the trekkers come this far to enjoy and witness the view of the place, so the best time is important for the utmost satisfaction.

Why Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is the best season to trek at Annapurna Base Camp because the weather in this season is stable and clear with minimal rainfall. The best mountain views of the whole year is offered at this time. Cool temperature with clear and crisp days is experienced in this season.

Food and Accomodation For Annapurna Base Camp 7 days Trek

During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we can find a lot of food and accommodation options. The detail of food and accommodation for the Annapurna Base camp trek is provided below:

Food

Menu variety:

Teahouses offer a variety of dishes that cover Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and other international cuisines. Usually, the menu offers items like

• Dal bhat
• Noodles
• Pasta
• Fry rice
• Pizza
• Chowmein
• Soup
• Pasta
• Thukpa
• Steak

Veg and non-veg items

Most of the teahouses have both veg and non-veg items on their menu. It will be a great satisfaction for the trekkers to enjoy both kinds of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Veg items include soup, rice, vegetables, etc, and non-veg include eggs, chicken, mutton, and other meat items.

Breakfast options

Breakfast options include the following items:

• Porridge
• Boiled, fried, or scrambled eggs
• Tea
• Coffee
• Sandwich
• Corn flakes
• Oats
• Alu paratha
• Papad
• Milk and bread
• Salad
• Fruits
• Toast

Note: Carry some energy drinks, chocolates, and energy bars for extra energy during the trek.

Beverages

Hot drinks like tea and coffee are normally popular in mountain region beverages. You need to keep your body hydrated. A variety of soft drinks is also available, along with bottled mineral water. However, the price rate of these water bottles is high at higher altitudes. So, it is recommended to drink purified or treated water. You can use the water purification tablets or take the boiled water available at teahouses.

Note: It is not advised to consume alcoholic beverages during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek as it complicates your health to trek at higher altitudes and hampers the acclimatization process.

Accomodation

The lower regions of the ABC trekking route are facilitated with modern technology and amenities. You can enjoy moderate to luxurious levels of accommodation facilities. However, the services in the high-altitude region are limited due to the remoteness of the region and lack of proper transport modes. Teahouses and lodges are the initial forms of accommodation in the high-altitude region. They provide basic but comfortable rooms with paired beds that come along with mattresses and a set of pillows and blankets. In the case of the bathroom facilities, you have to share the bathroom, and there will be only simple toilets. Teahouses offer communal dining areas where trekkers can socialize.

Read this next:

• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• How Difficult Is The Annapurna Circuit Trek?
• Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

Difficulty level of Annapurna Base Camp trek 7 days

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is generally considered to be of moderate level of difficulty. However, the difficulty level can also vary depending upon the different facts and individual trekkers. Factors like fitness, acclimatization, and weather conditions can impact the difficulty level of the trek.

Trekkers don’t need technical skills and enough experience to do the ABC trek. However, it will be helpful if you have previous high-altitude trekking experience. Although the difficulty level of the ABC trek is at a moderate level, it is still a high Himalayan adventure. You will have to consider the several difficult factors of this trek that can be challenging on your journey. The factors that are involved in defining the difficulty level in the Annapurna Base Camp trek are described below:

Varied landscapes

The trek involves a variety of terrains. The ABC trek incorporates uphill and downhill sections, steep stone trails, and a route that goes through forests and several villages. It is not a high-level technical trip, but a reasonable level of fitness is beneficial. We obviously do not trek on well-pitched roads of the city area. Trekking to the Himalayan region is also a remote exploration. ABC trek and other high Himlayan trekking adventures take place in a remote part of the country with limited facilities and technologies.

Altitude and altitude sickness

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not as high as some other trekking routes in the region, yet it is at a significant altitude of 4,130 meters /13,550 feet. The acclimatization stops are built in order to help to minimize the risks of altitude-related difficulties. The trekkers must be able to withstand the changing altitudes and weather in the trekking region.

The risk of altitude sickness increases over an altitude of 2500 meters. Moreover, ABC trek altitude exceeds even more, which makes it a major concern if you are not well prepared. You need to acclimatize well to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Get proper rest and sleep, and eat and drink healthy during your Himalayan adventure to avoid any sickness.

Duration

It usually takes around 7 to 12 days to complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, depending on the type of itinerary selected. However, now you are currently in 7 days ABC trek. You have to cover a distance of 115 to 130 kilometers (71 to 81 miles) throughout the trek journey. It might not be that difficult for trekkers having previous trekking experiences or who are physically active, but the beginner and less active trekkers trekking long day hours carrying backpacks at rising altitudes is not an easy trip.

Only with sufficient training and preparations can the challenges of such treks be covered. The slow and steady ascent allows for proper acclimatization. However, trekking for an extended duration is physically and mentally stressful. The trek must be short and sweet, with immense joy achieved at the same time.

Weather conditions

The suitable weather can only make the trek easy and fruitful. Trekking in severe weather conditions is frightful, not only during the ABC trek but any mountain trekking. High Himlayan altitude weather is unpredictable; it doesn’t take that long for a warm sunny day to be covered by chilly snow clouds. You will have to be prepared for any kind of climatic conditions that strike your way.

Spring and autumn season can be the best options to trek to the Himalayan regions. However, if you are to trek at the time of winter and monsoon seasons, it adds a high level of difficulty and challenges to the trek. The weather at this time is unstable, and there is a greater chance of strong freezing snow winds and heavy rainfall and snowfalls. As for the monsoon, continuous downpours and slippery trekking trails make the trek extremely difficult and dangerous.

Lodging

The availability of teahouses and lodges along the trekking route is relaxing. The trek can be more efficient and manageable because there will be only few things that you have to carry. The need to carry heavy backpacks and camping equipment is reduced when the things are readily and easily available at a place. However, if you are wanting for a more luxurious stay at these teahouses, then you can’t get one. The teahouses and lodges in these Himalayan regions only offer a basic level of accommodation where you have shared beds and dining places with a shared washroom facility.

Considering the above description, the ABC trek is not so easy and not so difficult. It has a medium level of hardness in the trekking journey.

Is the Annapurna Base Camp 7 days trek suitable for me?

The suitability of Annapurna Base Camp Trek relies on factors like your physical fitness, trekking experience, and comfort with the high altitude environment. Consider the following factors and define whether or not the ABC trek is suitable for you.

Fitness level

Regular training and cardiovascular exercise can be beneficial to prepare for the trek. The exercise is automatically gained through regular walking in the varied terrains of uphill and downhill sessions. However, different kinds of exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc. can be practiced at the teahouse stay. You need to be physically fit to carry out effectively on a trekking journey.

Trekking experience

The ABC trek is suitable for both the experienced and beginner trekkers. Beginners can also complete the ABC trek successfully, but having prior trekking experiences is always a plus poin. Along the way, well-accommodated teahouses, proper trails, and availability of support services make it easy for a wide range of trekkers.

Permits and time commitment

Ensure that you have received the required permit for the place. The trek permit, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers Information Management System card, is essential. In a week of trekking duration, you must be physically and mentally prepared to proceed with the trek. Consider whether or not you have as much time as required to complete the trek successfully.

After considering the overall trek difficulty level, if you are wondering whether the ABC Trek might be the right choice for you, worry not; this moderately difficult trek that explores the pristine glacial view in perfect nature is seemingly a perfect one. With the right amount of training and preparation, you can easily complete this iconic trek if you are in good health condition and basic fitness level.

However, if you have any medical conditions, you need to consult your physician and act accordingly regarding the forthcoming trek. You will easily complete the trek if you are determined and willing to try to overcome this adventure’s difficulty level.

Training and preparation for 7 days ABC Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek involves scaling several of the trekking peaks. It is an interesting and demanding trekking adventure. You have to overcome an altitude margin above 4,000 meters in this adventure, so it’s best to be well prepared for the adventurous trek. If you are involved in any kind of physical activities in your daily life or exercise on a regular basis can decide the training period. Likewise, you can choose the exercises that suit your needs or that you have been doing since.

However, if you used to remain inactive in terms of physical work or yoga and exercices, you need to manage your time for enough physical fitness and exercises to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is recommended that you should emphasize strength and endurance exercises to have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Here are some exercises that you can include in your training program as much as possible.

Strength Exercises

• Push up
• Squat
• Plank
• Weightlift
• Front raise
• Leg extension
• Upright row

Cardiovascular Exercises

• Jogging
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Aerobics
• Rowing
• Jumping ropes
• Cycling

Note: As you have to overcome several steep sections during the trek, it is recommended that you do some practice hikes on the natural steep sections. This will give you a proper idea of what you can expect during your actual trek. Only carry a backpack of significant weight, which will ease you for the daily trek in your Himalayan adventure.

7 days ABC trek cost

The ABC Trek cost can vary owing to several factors. The different factors include the trek duration, mode of transportation, accommodation preferences, personal expenses, and quality of services. The ABC trek is $600 – $799 per person. The cost includes transportation costs, guides and porter costs, accommodation, food, flight, and permit costs. If you want an Annapurna Base Camp trek for 7 days then the cost is 500-550$. There are also longer variant of the the ABC Trek that explores the MBC route as well as the high Himlayan passes in the Annapurna region which are slightly more costly.

What to pack for the 7 days ABC trek?

Packing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek required careful consideration of the varying landscapes and changing weather conditions. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this epic Himalayan quest, you need to pack only the right things that are mostly required. During ABC Trek, you will traverse diverse terrains and climatic regions, so you must pack accordingly to fit the different climatic zones. Although you are suggested to pack lightly for the trek, you can’t miss out on the most important essentials. Here are some packing suggestions for the ABC Trek.

Clothing

• Sun hat/ brimmed hats
• Woolen hat, knit hat (for alpine environment)
• Scarf
• Multiple pairs of T-shirts with full sleeves
• Light-weight clothes with moisture-wicking base layers
• Thermo coats
• Thermal and woolen trousers
• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Insulated jacket and trousers
• Hiking pants
• Sets of undergarments

Footwear and Handwear

• Gloves (light and woolen)
• Hiking boots
• Waterproof gaiter
• Multiple pairs of thin and thick socks
• Comfortable hiking socks
• Sports shoes ( for short hikes)
• Slippers (for evening in teahouses)

Accessories

• Headlamp with extra pair of batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection, binoculars, and camera
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bags
• Thermal water bottles
• Camera or smartphone
• Charging cable and power bank
• Diary and pen
• Card games/entertainment set
• Snacks and energy bars

Personal items and Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Lotion, lip balm, and sun protection cream
• Soap, shampoo, conditioners
• Deodorants
• Toilet paper, face wipes, drying towel
• Hand sanitizers
• First aid kit
• Personal medications

Documentation

• Passport
• Insurance details
• ACAP and TIMS

Note: As the trek route follows the remote part of the Himalayas, banking facilities and ATM services are limited to lower regions only. You may need to buy snacks and souvenirs at the high-altitude hotels and shops. So, convert enough cash to the local currency while going on a trek.

Some tips for the 7 days ABC trek

• Stay hydrated throughout the trek. Drinking fluids in sufficient amounts can reduce the chance of getting altitude sickness.
• Engage in cardiovascular exercises and strength-building training to build the stamina.
• Take a trek-practice carrying the backpack to get habitual to the weight.
• If you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness, report to your guide.
• Check the weather forecast before starting a trek, and dress in layers to match the cold climatic conditions. Always travel during the favorable seasons for a safe and hassle-free journey.
• If you are in certain medications, consult your physician before opting for the trek.
• Acclimatize properly taking a few rest days and follow the gradual descent.
• Keep your backpack weight manageable and only pack the necessary items.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ABC trek

Do I need permits for the ABC trek?

You require two different permits for the ABC trek, ACAP and TIMS card. You can obtain ACAP either at the entry points of the conservation area or in Kathmandu and Pokhara at the National Trust for Nature Conservation office. ACAP permit helps to fund for sustainable development projects in the region. Likewise, the TIMS card helps to track trekkers and provides necessary information for their safety.

How is the accommodation along the route to Annapurna Base Camp?

Since this is a famous trekking destination, numerous teahouses and lodges are along this route. They have basic rooms with an electricity facility to charge your phone and other electronic devices.

Are there Wi-Fi facilities on the route?

Wi-Fi facilities might not always be available since the trek is in the mountain region. Especially in the high altitudes, infrastructure is difficult to set up. However, some teahouses and lodges can provide Wi-Fi facilities at the expense of some additional cost.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

The trek involves climbing above the 4000 meters height, which has a high chance of leading to altitude sickness. However, in the designed itinerary, you can adequately acclimatize to the environment to prevent altitude sickness.

How long does it take to complete ABC trek?

Usually, the ABC trek is completed within 1-2 weeks. However, the trekking days can differ on the basis of itinerary planned.

Which month is best for ABC trek?

The best months to trek the Annapurna Base Camp are February, March, April, and May. Likewise, late September, October, and November are the recommended months if you are to trek in post-monsoon.

How is the food during the trek?

Almost all the teahouses found on the way provide similar types of food items. A typical Nepali food, dalbhat is common at trekking places. Likewise, tea, hot lemon with honey, momos, gundruk, thukpa, etc., are other food items available.

Is the solo trek to ABC possible?

Yes, there are no legal issues in relation to the solo trek to ABC, where trekkers are free to choose their trekking routes. However, being informed and well-prepared about the trek routes is essential. Make sure you have a proper map, appropriate gear, and necessary permits.