Thinking about the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek? Smart choice, stunning mountain views, rhododendron forests, friendly teahouses and a compact, doable route. This guide walks you through everything you need to book the trek: permits, transport, guide vs solo decisions, sample itinerary, realistic costs, gear checklist and booking tips so you can go from “I want to” to “I’m on the trail” with confidence.
Quick Overview:
The ABC trek is normally done in 7–14 days depending on pace and route. Major must-haves when booking ABC trip are the ACAP permit and a TIMS card; after 2023 Nepal requires foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
1) Decide trip length & season before you book Annapurna Base Camp
Typical options:
Short / fast: 6–8 days (Pokhara → Jhinu → ABC → return). Requires very good fitness and less acclimatization.
Classic: 10–12 days — comfortable pace, room for acclimatization and contingency days.
Laid-back: 13–14+ days — includes side hikes (Poon Hill), rest days or buffer for bad weather.
Best seasons:
Spring (Mar–May): wildflower season, great views.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): clearest skies, stable weather.
Winter and monsoon: are doable but have tradeoffs (cold, snow, or rain/mud).
Nepal Trekking Routes:
- Pick your dates first, flights and permits depend on them.
2. Choose: guided trek vs independent (and why booking matters)
Guided trek (recommended for most foreigners)
Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers to register and generally to trek with a licensed guide; TIMS issuance and enforcement mean many travelers hire a registered guide/agency. Guides handle permits, local logistics, safety and cultural liaison.
Independent (with local support)
More freedom but you still need permits and possibly a guide for TIMS; small local companies or freelance licensed guides are often cheaper than big international operators.
Booking tip: If you want local guides (lower cost, more authentic), search for reputable Pokhara-based operators or ask for referrals from Nepal-based travel forums. Always verify licensing and read recent reviews.
3) What permits & documents are required and how to obtain them
Permit Required for ABC:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Current standard fee for foreign nationals is NPR 3,000 (~USD 25); SAARC nationals pay less. You can get ACAP at tourism offices in Pokhara or Kathmandu or via some agencies/online portals.
How to obtain:
Via a licensed agency: they usually arrange both ACAP and TIMS as part of the booking. This is easiest.
Self-arrange in Pokhara/Kathmandu: bring passport + passport photo(s), pay the fee at the tourism office.
Online e-permit option: some conservation areas offer e-permits (verify before relying on this).
Important: Always carry passport + permit copies during the trek,checkpoints are frequent.
4. Book transportation (international + domestic) and start point
International flight – Kathmandu (KTM): Most flights land in Kathmandu. From there, you’ll take a tourist bus or a short domestic flight to Pokhara.
Kathmandu to Pokhara:
Domestic flight (25–30 min) — fastest, weather dependent.
Tourist bus / private car (6–8 hours) — cheaper, scenic.
Trail start: Most itineraries start from Pokhara to Nayapul (drive 1.5–2 hrs) or Ghorepani route for Poon Hill options. Confirm your agency’s preferred start point when you book.
Booking tip: Book international flights early for best price, and reserve the Kathmandu – Pokhara leg at least a few weeks ahead in high season (Oct–Nov, Mar–May).
5. How to choose and book a guide / agency — step by step for Annapurna Base Camp
Research:
Look for local operators based in Pokhara or Kathmandu with recent reviews.
Ask for references, ask to see guide license and insurance details.
Compare inclusions:
Typical agency inclusions: permits, TIMS, guide (licensed), porter (optional), accommodation during trek (teahouses), meals on the trail, some transport (Pokhara ↔ trailhead).
Exclusions to watch for: international flights, trekking insurance, personal gear, hot showers/charging fees on trail.
Request a written quote (email or WhatsApp) specifying:
Start/end dates, itinerary, number of trekkers.
Emergency evacuation plan / contact.
Confirm payment method:
Reputable operators accept bank transfer, PayPal, or card. Avoid paying full amount in cash without receipt. A deposit (20–50%) is common.
Before final confirmation:
Check guide’s English level, experience, and first-aid training.
Ask about contingency days for bad weather.
Booking locally in Pokhara often gives good value; booking online ahead guarantees guide availability in high season.
6. Sample 10–12 day itinerary Annapurna Base Camp
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport – hotels, last minute shopping, buy/confirm permits if needed.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (flight or bus).
Day 03: Drive to Ghandruk or Ulleri
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 05: Early Morning Excursion to Poon Hill for sunrise view and trek to Tadapani
Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong
Day 07: Trek to Dovan or Himalaya
Day 08: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp or ABC
Day 09: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp and back to Dovan or Bamboo
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu Danda – Jhinu Hot Spring
Day 11: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara/ Drive or flight back to Kathmandu
Day 12: Departure transfer
(You can extend or compress these days depending on fitness and route.) Many agencies offer 7–14 day packaged itineraries.
7. Budget estimate & cost breakdown (approximate, per person) Annapurna Base Camp
All numbers are approximate, local price variation, group size and booking time affect cost.
Local guide (per day): NPR 2,000–4,000 (guide rate varies by experience) — group/shared charges reduce per-person cost.
Porter (per day): NPR 1,500–3,000 (shared among trekkers).
Permits: ACAP NPR 3,000.
Accommodation on trail: NPR 800–2,000 per night depending on village and season (basic teahouses cheaper, ABC area more expensive).
Food on trail: NPR 2000–3,500 per day (teahouse meals).
Transport (Pokhara to Nayapul): NPR 1,000–3,000 depending on private taxi vs local bus.
Trekking agency package (10–12 days): USD 700–1000) depending on inclusions (guide + porter + permit + transportation + some meals).
Insurance with helicopter evacuation: highly recommended, cost depends on policy and duration.
Be explicit with your agency about what’s included to avoid surprises.
8. Health, insurance & safety (book these before you go) Annapurna Base Camp
Travel insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation (recommended up to 4500m). Verify exact altitude limits in your policy.
Altitude sickness: ABC reaches 4,130 m (ABC). Allow acclimatization days and know AMS symptoms. Carry Diamox only after consulting a doctor.
Vaccinations & meds: Basic travel vaccines and a small trek kit (painkillers, antibiotics, oral rehydration, blister care).
Emergency plan: Ask your guide/agency for evacuation procedures and nearest rescue contacts.
9. Packing checklist — what to book/arrange before leaving home
- Essentials to buy/arrange before departure:
- Valid passport + copies, recent passport photo(s) for permits.
- Trekking insurance documents with emergency contact.
- Quality boots, down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof shell, gaiters.
- Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, water purification (tablets or Steripen).
- Lightweight sleeping bag (many teahouses provide blankets but it’s safer to take your own rated to –10°C for shoulder seasons).
- Powerbank (charging available in teahouses for a fee).
- Small daypack and main duffel (porters can carry bigger bags).
- Cash in NPR (many teahouses don’t accept cards).
- Agency will typically provide a detailed packing list — follow it.
10. How to finalize booking — step-by-step checklist
- Select dates and itinerary (10–12 days recommended).
- Compare 2–4 operators, ask for written quotes and inclusions.
- Confirm permits: ensure the agency will arrange ACAP
- Check cancellation & refund policy — what happens if flights are canceled or weather prevents flights to Jomsom/Pokhara.
- Pay deposit (secure method) — get a receipt and contact details for your guide.
- Send passport + photos to the agency ahead of time (they will need them for permits).
- Buy insurance that explicitly covers trekking to 5,000m+, rescue & helicopter.
- Confirm transport (Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara) and hotel in Pokhara the night before trail start.
- Pack & print important docs: permit copies, insurance, agency contacts, emergency contacts.
11. Common booking FAQs – Annapurna Base Camp
Can I get permits online?
Some permit systems support e-permits or online pre-registration, but many trekkers still obtain ACAP/TIMS via agency or at Pokhara. Confirm with your operator or the official e-permit portals.
Do I need a guide?
Yes,current regulations and safety policies mean foreign trekkers typically use licensed guides. Always verify current local rules before planning a self-guided trek.
How safe is booking a local guide?
Very safe if you choose licensed, well-reviewed operators and get contracts/receipts. Ask explicitly about guide licensing and emergency protocols.
12. Final practical tips for booking success
- Book early for high season (Oct–Nov and Mar–May), guides and teahouse rooms fill up fast.
- Ask for itemized costs so you know what to tip for and what to pay on trail.
- Carry extra cash (NPR): many remote lodges charge for hot showers, charging devices, bottled water, and wifi.
- Be flexible: mountain weather can delay flights; allow buffer days or be prepared to travel by road.
