# How Difficult Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

_Published 15 September 2026_

The [Annapurna Base Camp](/annapurna-base-camp-trek) (ABC) trek is one of Nepal's most popular routes, leading into a ring of giant peaks in the Annapurna Sanctuary. But how hard is it?

**Quick answer:** the ABC trek is **moderate**. It takes **7–12 days**, reaches about **4,130 m**, and involves 5–7 hours of walking a day on steep stone stairs. Fit beginners can do it with preparation. Altitude is lower than Everest Base Camp, but there are **avalanche-prone sections** after heavy snow.

## What makes it challenging

- **Stairs:** thousands of stone steps, especially around Chhomrong and Ulleri, are tough on knees.
- **Altitude:** you reach about 4,130 m; mild symptoms are possible above 3,000 m.
- **Weather:** cold at ABC, and snow in winter and spring.
- **Avalanche risk:** the trail between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp can be closed after heavy snowfall; follow your guide.

## How fit do I need to be?

You should be able to walk 5–7 hours a day for over a week, with plenty of ascent and descent. Train with hill walks, stairs and cardio for two to three months. Trekking poles help.

## ABC vs other treks

- Easier than [Everest Base Camp](/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-difficulty) for altitude.
- Harder than [Poon Hill](/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek).
- Shorter options: our [7-day ABC trek](/annapurna-base-camp-short-trek).

See our [ABC guide](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-trek-guide) and [ABC vs EBC](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-vs-everest-base-camp).

## The ABC trek in numbers

FigureHighest pointAnnapurna Base Camp, 4,130 mStarting pointNayapul, Siwai or Jhinu (by road from Pokhara)Total days7–12 days of walking, depending on routeDaily walking5–7 hours on most daysTotal distanceAbout 70–115 km return, depending on start and side tripsGradeModeratePermitsACAP permit; licensed guide required## A typical itinerary and its hardest days

DayRouteAltitudeDifficulty1Drive Pokhara to Siwai/Jhinu, walk to Jhinu DandaAbout 1,780 mEasy to moderate2Jhinu to [Chhomrong](/places/chhomrong) and down to SinuwaAbout 2,340 mHard: the long Chhomrong staircase3Sinuwa to Bamboo and DovanAbout 2,600 mModerate4Dovan to DeuraliAbout 3,230 mModerate5Deurali to [Machhapuchhre Base Camp](/places/machhapuchhre-base-camp) and Annapurna Base Camp4,130 mHard: altitude and avalanche zone6Sunrise at ABC, descend to BambooAbout 2,310 mLong, hard on knees7Bamboo to Jhinu, hot springsAbout 1,780 mModerate, many stairs8Walk out and drive to PokharaAbout 820 mEasy## The stairs

Ask anyone who has done the ABC trek about its hardest part and most will say the stairs. Between Jhinu, Chhomrong and Sinuwa, the trail drops to the Chhomrong Khola and climbs back up on thousands of stone steps, and you walk them in both directions. On the classic Poon Hill–ABC combination, the stairs at Ulleri add to the total. Strong legs, trekking poles and a slow, steady rhythm are the key. Take small steps, keep your weight over your feet, and rest briefly rather than stopping for long. On descents, use your poles and go slowly to protect your knees.

## Altitude on the ABC trek

ABC is lower than Everest Base Camp, but you still sleep at about 3,700 m at Machhapuchhre Base Camp or 4,130 m at ABC. The ascent from Deurali to ABC gains about 900 m in a day, which is more than the usually recommended daily gain above 3,000 m. Many itineraries stop at MBC for a night to make it easier. Mild headaches and poor sleep are common; serious altitude sickness is rare but possible. Walk slowly, drink plenty, and tell your guide about symptoms. See [altitude sickness](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking).

## Avalanche risk in detail

The section of trail from Deurali through Hinku Cave to Machhapuchhre Base Camp runs along the bottom of the narrow Modi Khola gorge, beneath steep slopes that can release avalanches after heavy snowfall, particularly in late winter and spring. Several fatal avalanches have occurred here, and the trail is closed by local authorities when the risk is high. Follow your guide's advice and local notices, start early in the morning when snow is firmer, and don't linger in the avalanche zone. In autumn the risk is usually low.

## Season and difficulty

SeasonHow it affects difficultyAutumn (Oct–Nov)Ideal: dry trails, clear views, moderate cold at ABCWinter (Dec–Feb)Cold, snow likely above Deurali, possible avalanche closuresSpring (Mar–May)Warm lower down, rhododendrons; snow and avalanche risk early in the seasonMonsoon (Jun–Sep)Rain, slippery stairs, leeches, cloud; harder and less rewardingSee [ABC in winter](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-in-winter).

## Training plan

- **Eight to twelve weeks before:** walk or run three to four times a week, building to 60–90 minutes.
- **Six weeks before:** add weekly hill walks of four to six hours with a daypack, and stair sessions.
- **Four weeks before:** do two long walks on consecutive weekend days, including steep descents.
- **Throughout:** strengthen legs and core with squats, lunges, step-ups and calf raises.
- **Final week:** rest and stay healthy.

See [how fit do you need to be?](/blog/how-fit-do-you-need-to-be-to-trek-in-nepal)

## Making the trek easier

- Choose a longer itinerary with a night at MBC.
- Hire a porter so you carry only a light daypack.
- Start early to avoid afternoon cloud and rain.
- Use trekking poles, especially on descents.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water.
- Soak tired legs in the hot springs at Jhinu on the way down.

## ABC compared with other popular treks

TrekMax altitudeDaysMain challengeOverallGhorepani–Poon Hill3,210 m4–5Stairs at UlleriEasier than ABCMardi HimalAbout 4,500 m5–6Steep ridge, quick height gainSimilar, shorterAnnapurna Base Camp4,130 m7–11Stairs, altitude at the top, avalanche zoneModerateLangtang ValleyAbout 4,770 m7–10Altitude at Kyanjin RiSimilarEverest Base CampAbout 5,545 m12–14Several nights above 4,400 mHarder than ABCAnnapurna Circuit5,416 m12–16Thorong La pass dayHarder than ABCSee [ABC vs EBC](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-vs-everest-base-camp) and [ABC vs Poon Hill](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-vs-poon-hill).

## Who finds ABC hard?

Trekkers with knee problems often find the descents and stairs the hardest part, more than the altitude. People who haven't trained on hills may struggle on the long climbs out of the river valleys. Those who are sensitive to altitude may feel the last day's climb to ABC. And trekkers who come in late winter or early spring may face snow and cold above Deurali. With good preparation, a sensible pace and the support of a guide and porter, most reasonably fit people complete the trek and love it.

## Children and older trekkers

Older children who are used to hiking, typically from about ten years and up, can manage ABC with a slow itinerary and extra rest days; watch them carefully for altitude symptoms, as they may not describe them clearly. Trekkers in their sixties and seventies regularly complete the trek with a slower pace, a porter and good preparation. See [trekking over 60](/blog/trekking-in-nepal-over-60) and [family travel](/blog/nepal-family-travel-guide).

## Lodges and comfort

Lodges on the ABC trail are simple but comfortable, with twin rooms, shared bathrooms in most places, dining rooms and hearty food. In the upper sanctuary, the number of lodges is limited by the conservation area, and in peak season rooms can be full, so trekkers sometimes share rooms or sleep in dining halls. Booking through a company with good local connections helps. Food choices narrow as you go higher, and prices rise because everything is carried up. See [Annapurna region lodges](/accommodation/annapurna-region-lodges).

## What a day on the trail feels like

A typical day starts with breakfast at about 7 am and walking by 7.30 or 8. The morning is usually clear, and you walk for two to three hours before a tea break, often in a village with views up the valley. Lunch is at a lodge around midday, and the afternoon's walking brings you to your overnight stop by 2 or 3 pm, before afternoon cloud and occasional rain. The evening is spent around the dining-room stove, eating dal bhat, playing cards and talking to other trekkers. Days are tiring, but rarely exhausting if you go at a steady pace. The final morning at ABC, watching the sunrise light up Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, makes every step worthwhile.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek hard?
It is moderate, with many stairs and altitude up to about 4,130 m.

### Can beginners do ABC?
Yes, fit beginners with preparation.

### How long is the ABC trek?
**7–12 days**.

### Is ABC easier than Everest Base Camp?
Yes, for altitude.

### Is there avalanche risk?
On some sections after heavy snow; follow your guide.

### What is the hardest day on the ABC trek?
For many, the stairs between Jhinu, Chhomrong and Sinuwa, or the climb to ABC with its altitude.

### Should I stay at Machhapuchhre Base Camp?
A night at MBC, about 3,700 m, makes the ascent to ABC easier and safer for acclimatisation.

### Are there hot springs on the ABC trek?
Yes, at Jhinu, a welcome stop on the way down.

### How many stairs are on the ABC trek?
Thousands, especially around Chhomrong; trekking poles and strong legs help.

### Can children do the ABC trek?
Older children used to hiking, from about ten years, can manage it with a slow itinerary and extra rest days.

### Are lodges at ABC busy?
In peak season, rooms in the upper sanctuary can fill up; booking through a well-connected company helps.

### What time do you start walking on the ABC trek?
Usually around 7.30–8 am, arriving at the next lodge by early or mid-afternoon.

### Is ABC harder than Poon Hill?
Yes. It is longer, higher and has more stairs, but it is still a moderate trek.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/annapurna-base-camp-trek-difficulty