Why Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days?

Time is a constraint for most of the adventurers out there, so why would you choose a 14-day trek when there are shorter variations for the same trek, like 7 days, 12 days? So, the main advantage of the 14-day Annapurna itinerary lies in the pacing and rest days (mainly at Ghorepani or Chhomrong), which are very crucial for beginners, as the main reason for altitude sickness for many people is rapid altitude gain and less acclimatization.

A 14-day itinerary lets you take your time and get your bearings much better than a shorter trip would. You don't have to be rushed; you can easily fit in rest or acclimatization days and that makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding altitude sickness and increases the chances of a successful trip drastically.

Having more time also means you get to do the sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after trekking without any hassle, so you can take a dawn hike up Poon Hill to watch the sunrise or just kick back in the Jhinu Danda hot springs on the way back and feel like you are not running out of time. The main advantage of going with our 14-day itinerary is that you get more relaxed daily hikes (4-6 hours a day instead of 7-8) and plenty of time to soak up the views.

Our Alpine Adventure Club 14-day Annapurna trek is built along those lines: two nights in Kathmandu to let you get your bearings and sort your necessary permits, gentle days on the trail, and a nice little afternoon in Pokhara at the end to unwind.

Best Time to do the 14-day Annapurna Base Camp trek

As I mentioned before, Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. But that doesn’t mean you cannot travel to ABC during the monsoon or winter; it’s just more challenging. If you are up for challenges, it’s totally doable. Now let’s talk about what each season is good for so you can decide which time is best suitable for you.

1. Spring (March-May)

• Blooming time of Rhododendrons and wildflowers.

• Stable Weather, clear skies, and great mountain views.

• Mild temperatures, comfortable trekking

2. Autumn (September-November)

• Best season for a great view of the mountains.

• Crisp air and clear skies, ideal for photography.

• Stable weather, dry trails.

3. Winter (December-February)

• Quiet, peaceful trails with fewer trekkers.

• Crisp air and clear skies on good days.

• Snow adds a magical, serene vibe.

4. Monsoon (June-August)

• Lush, green landscapes and roaring waterfalls.

• Trails wrapped in mist → dreamy, mystical atmosphere.

• Fewer trekkers, very peaceful.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Alternative Itineraries and trekking routes

10–12 Day Annapurna Base Camp & Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu → hotel

Day 2: Drive Kathmandu → Pokhara → hotel

Day 3: Drive Pokhara → Nayapul → trek to Tikhedhunga (via Birethanti)

Day 4: Trek Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani (via Ulleri, Banthanti)

Day 5: Hike Ghorepani → Poon Hill → trek to Tadapani

Day 6: Trek Tadapani → Chhomrong

Day 7: Trek Chhomrong → Sinuwa → Himalaya Hotel

Day 8: Trek Himalaya Hotel → Deurali → Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) → Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Day 9: Trek ABC → Dovan → Bamboo

Day 10: Trek Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (hot springs)

Day 11: Trek Jhinu Danda → Nayapul → Drive to Pokhara

Day 12: Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu

7 Day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary from Pokhara

Day 1: Pokhara → Nayapul → Syauli Bazaar → Kimche → Ghandruk

Day 2: Ghandruk → Chhomrong → Sinuwa

Day 3: Chhomrong / Sinuwa → Himalaya → Deurali

Day 4: Himalaya / Deurali → Machapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp

Day 5: Annapurna Base Camp → Dovan → Bamboo

Day 6: Bamboo → Jhinu Danda (hot springs)

Day 7: Jhinu Danda → Siwa / Ghandruk Phedi → Nayapul → Pokhara

Costs and Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Independent Trekking Costs

These are just the normal estimations; prices may fluctuate based on the time of the year.

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) per person. TIMS card not required with licensed guide.

Guide fee: ~$20–30/day; optional trek guide porter ~$15–20/day.

Transport: Pokhara → Nayapul jeep ~$10–15; Kathmandu → Pokhara bus ~$10–20 or flight ~$90(airfare fluctuates a lot, so please check it online).

Lodging: Tea houses ~$3–5/night.

Meals: Dal Bhat ~$5, breakfast/lunch/dinner $4–8.

Additional Costs: Showers $2–5, phone charging $2–4, Wi-Fi $3–5, tips $5–10/day, and other personal expenses.

Note: There is no ATM available on the trail after Pokhara, so make sure to bring enough cash.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, the ABC trek is surely suitable for beginners. It is a moderately difficult trek because it doesn’t require climbing or mountaineering skills like gearing, rope handling, and knots. That being said, you still need to have some physical fitness because the trail includes lots of walking, stone steps, and uneven terrains.

Preperation for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Physical Fitness for ABC trek

Start training at least a month before coming to the trek and it will make your trek much easier and enjoyable. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity. Focus more on cardio, core strength and overall endurance so your body is prepared for all the challenges. Here’s the simple training breakdown:

• Cardio: Hike, run, cycle, climb stairs 3-4 times/week for endurance.
• Strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups; core exercises; back exercises for carrying duffle bags or backpacks.
• Backpack Training: Long hikes with a loaded trekking bag (start 5-7kg, build to 10-12kg).
• Flexibility: Stretch daily, yoga or mobility drills to prevent injuries.
• Altitude Prep: Spend nights at moderate altitude; hydrate; monitor oxygen level.
• Trail Practice: Hike uneven terrain; use trekking poles; break in trekking shoes.

Altitude Sickness Prevention and Safety Tips for ABC trek

You're at risk of getting hit with AMS above 2,500 metres: headache, nausea, dizziness, terrible sleep, and struggling to breathe are the common symptoms of altitude sickness.

Preventive Measures of AMS

• Drink 3-4 liters of water every day during the trek.
• Don’t skip meals even if high altitude suppresses your appetite.
• Avoid alcohol after 2,500 m, because it can cause dehydration and affect sleep quality.
• Consider taking a prescription from a doctor for Diamox or other AMS-related medicine.
• Avoid elevation gain of more than 300-500 meters after 3,000 m.
• Our Trekking staff are always there for your help, so if you get any symptoms, don’t try to fight it yourself, talk to them and their expertise will surely help you.

Accommodation, Facilities, and Food on the Trek

The trail consists of various tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses, which are the main accommodation for the trek. Don’t expect luxury or high-end facilities in the ABC trek, most of the lodges are locally owned, so you will get basic facilities like warm meal, a bathroom, and a bed to rest. Most of the guesthouses also have Wi-Fi, which usually costs around $2 (200-300 NPR).

At the Lower regions, you get a variety of foods which include pizza, momo, chowmein, thukpa, noodles, pancakes, pasta, and many more. But as you go higher, the choices of food go down. Dal Bhat, noodles, and soups are the main options at higher altitudes.

How to Get to the Starting Point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu: you've got a few options - catch a bus (anywhere from 6 to 8 hours for around $10-25) or splurge on a flight ( that's 20-30 minutes for around $90-100).
• Once you get to Pokhara the next bit is a doddle - just hop in a shared jeep or taxi (~1.5 hours, $10-15) and get to Nayapul or Birethanti. The trail actually starts at one of these two places