Annapurna Base Camp Altitude: Elevation, Height & Altitude Profile

How High Is Annapurna Base Camp in Feet?

Annapurna Base Camp is approximately 13,550 feet above sea level.

You may see figures such as:

• 13,546 ft
• 13,549 ft
• 13,550 ft

These small differences come from rounding and conversion.

For planning purposes, use:

4,130 m / approximately 13,550 ft

Is Annapurna Base Camp Considered High Altitude?

Yes.

Altitude illness can occur above roughly 2,500 metres, particularly when people ascend too quickly.

ABC sits more than 1,600 metres above that threshold.

This does not mean that most trekkers will become seriously ill. Thousands of people complete the trek successfully. It does mean that your itinerary should respect the elevation gain instead of treating ABC like an ordinary low-altitude hike.

The upper part of the trek is especially important because you move from around 3,200 m at Deurali to 3,700 m at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and then to 4,130 m at ABC.

Annapurna Base Camp Altitude Profile

The ABC route is unusual because it contains a lot of up-and-down walking before the sustained final climb into the Sanctuary.

You do not simply gain a fixed amount of elevation every day.

A typical direct route can look roughly like this:

Pokhara (~830 m) → Ghandruk (~1,940 m) → Chhomrong (~2,170 m) → Bamboo (~2,310 m) → Deurali (~3,230 m) → MBC (~3,700 m) → ABC (4,130 m)

This gradual progression is one reason the classic multi-day route can be manageable for reasonably fit trekkers. Our Annapurna Sanctuary trek guide walks the same corridor stop by stop.

However, modern road access allows some itineraries to begin farther up the trail, which can shorten the number of trekking days. The 5-day trek from Pokhara or Kathmandu is the clearest example: a jeep skips the lower approach, so you go from about 1,500 m to 4,130 m in three walking days.

Shorter does not automatically mean better. If the itinerary compresses too much of the upper elevation gain, you have less time to adapt.

Altitude from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp

Pokhara sits at approximately 820–830 m.

ABC is at 4,130 m.

That means the overall elevation difference is roughly 3,300 metres.

But this is not the same as the total ascent you will walk.

Because the trail repeatedly descends and climbs, your cumulative elevation gain over the whole trek is considerably greater than the simple difference between Pokhara and ABC.

For example, around Chhomrong the route descends steeply before climbing again toward Sinuwa. You can therefore have a tiring day without finishing dramatically higher than where you started.

Ghandruk Altitude

Ghandruk is approximately 1,940 m above sea level.

It is a common early stop on longer ABC itineraries and one of the best-known Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.

At this elevation, most travellers arriving from Pokhara are still well below the point where altitude becomes the main concern.

The more noticeable challenge is usually the walking itself.

Chhomrong Altitude

Chhomrong is around 2,150–2,170 m.

This is one of the key settlements on the Annapurna Base Camp route.

From Chhomrong, trekkers descend toward the river and then climb again toward Sinuwa.

The route’s repeated loss and gain of height makes this part of the trek physically harder than a simple altitude chart suggests.

Bamboo Altitude

Bamboo is around 2,300 m.

The trail here sits inside the forested Modi Khola valley.

You are still below 2,500 m, but the next stages of the trek begin to take you more clearly into high-altitude terrain.

Dovan and Himalaya Altitude

Dovan is roughly 2,600 m, while Himalaya is around 2,870 m.

This is the point where some trekkers begin noticing the effects of thinner air, particularly during harder uphill sections.

Your pace may naturally slow.

That is not a problem. Walking more slowly is often exactly what the body needs as elevation increases.

Deurali Altitude

Deurali is around 3,200–3,230 m.

By this stage, you are clearly at altitude.

The environment is more alpine, the valley has narrowed and the high mountains feel much closer.

This is also an important overnight point because the next section climbs toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Machhapuchhre Base Camp Altitude

Machhapuchhre Base Camp is approximately 3,700 metres (12,140 ft).

MBC is often the final major stop before ABC.

From here, the route opens dramatically as it enters the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Depending on the itinerary, trekkers may:

• stop at MBC for food or rest
• sleep at MBC
• continue directly to Annapurna Base Camp

The jump from Deurali to MBC is significant enough that your pace should remain controlled.

Annapurna Base Camp Altitude

Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 m / approximately 13,550 ft.

At this altitude:

• breathing can feel noticeably harder
• walking pace is usually slower
• nights are much colder than in the lower villages
• sleep may be less comfortable
• appetite can decrease
• altitude-related symptoms are possible

The good news is that ABC is normally the highest sleeping point of the trek.

After reaching base camp, most itineraries begin descending the following day, and elevation drops quickly.

How High Is ABC Compared with Other Nepal Treks?

ABC is therefore a high-altitude trek, but it remains substantially lower than Everest Base Camp and Thorong La.

This is one reason many travellers choose ABC as their first serious Himalayan trek.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Everest Base Camp Altitude

Everest Base Camp is around 5,364 m, while Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 m.

That is a difference of more than 1,200 metres.

This does not automatically make ABC easy, but it does mean that:

• the highest point is lower
• the trek is normally shorter
• the overall altitude exposure is less extreme
• acclimatisation requirements are generally less demanding

If high altitude is one of your main concerns, ABC is often the more approachable of the two famous base-camp treks. Our ABC vs Everest Base Camp comparison covers the rest of the trade-offs.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Poon Hill Altitude

Poon Hill is 3,210 m, around 920 metres lower than ABC.

For travellers who are particularly concerned about altitude or who have only a few days, Poon Hill is the easier choice.

However, the experiences are very different.

Poon Hill is a panoramic viewpoint.

ABC takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary and finishes surrounded by giant peaks.

Read our Poon Hill trek guide if you are deciding between them.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Mardi Himal Altitude

Mardi Himal Base Camp is commonly listed around 4,450 m, making it slightly higher than ABC.

Mardi Himal also has exposed high-ridge sections, while ABC approaches through the deep Sanctuary valley.

Both treks cross the 4,000 m mark, so altitude deserves attention on either route.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Altitude

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La at 5,416 m.

That is more than 1,280 metres higher than ABC.

This is one of the biggest practical differences between the two treks.

Choose ABC if you want:

• a lower maximum altitude
• a shorter itinerary
• a base-camp destination
• a more approachable first high-altitude trek

Choose the Circuit if you want:

• a longer journey
• a 5,000 m+ pass
• more landscape variety
• a bigger altitude challenge

Read our Annapurna Circuit trek guide for a full comparison.

Can You Get Altitude Sickness at Annapurna Base Camp?

Yes.

Acute mountain sickness, or AMS, can occur at elevations above about 2,500 m, especially when ascent is rapid.

Possible early symptoms include:

• headache
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• unusual tiredness
• dizziness
• difficulty sleeping

Symptoms can begin after arriving at a new high altitude or after moving higher.

Do not hide symptoms from your guide because you are worried about delaying the trek.

Does Fitness Prevent Altitude Sickness?

No.

Being physically fit can make the walking easier, but it does not reliably protect you against altitude illness.

Very fit people can develop AMS, while less athletic trekkers may acclimatise without major problems.

Your risk depends more on factors such as:

• how quickly you ascend
• your personal susceptibility
• your previous response to altitude
• the altitude where you sleep

Fitness and acclimatisation are different things.

How to Reduce Altitude Risk on the ABC Trek

There is no way to guarantee that you will avoid altitude symptoms, but a sensible itinerary can reduce unnecessary risk.

1. Do not rush the upper route

A very short ABC itinerary may save time, but it also means faster elevation gain.

If you have flexibility, choose a route with a more gradual progression. The 10-day Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek keeps its first four days below 3,000 m, so you reach the high section already partly acclimatised. It is a small sample so far, rated 5.0 from 8 reviews on GetYourGuide, from $262. The 7-day trek via Ghandruk is the steadier middle option, rated 4.87 from 59 reviews and from $205.

2. Walk slowly

Once you are above 3,000 m, there is no prize for being the fastest person in the group.

A steady pace reduces unnecessary exertion.

3. Stay hydrated

Drink regularly throughout the day.

Dehydration can make you feel worse and can produce symptoms that overlap with altitude illness.

4. Eat properly

Altitude sometimes reduces appetite.

You still need enough calories to support several hours of trekking.

5. Tell your guide about symptoms early

Mild symptoms are easier to manage when they are recognised early.

Do not continue higher just because the itinerary says you should.

6. Do not ascend higher if you are becoming unwell

If symptoms of altitude illness are present, moving to a higher sleeping altitude can make the situation worse.

7. Descend if symptoms worsen

Serious or worsening altitude illness requires descent and medical attention.

Your safety matters more than reaching base camp.

How Fast Should You Ascend?

General high-altitude guidance recommends a gradual increase in sleeping altitude, particularly once you are above around 3,000 m.

The challenge on the ABC route is that the final stages can involve a relatively large elevation gain.

That makes your lower trekking days valuable because they give your body time at progressively higher elevations before the final push to ABC.

A good itinerary should not be designed only around kilometres or walking hours.

Sleeping altitude matters too.

Do You Need an Acclimatisation Day for Annapurna Base Camp?

Most standard ABC itineraries do not include the dedicated acclimatisation days that are common on Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.

That is largely because:

• ABC’s maximum elevation is lower
• the overall trek is shorter
• the route naturally gains altitude over several days

However, this does not mean acclimatisation is irrelevant.

If you are using a very fast itinerary, have had altitude problems before or simply feel unwell during the ascent, slowing down may be the right decision.

The best itinerary is not necessarily the itinerary with the fewest days.

Is Sleeping at Annapurna Base Camp Safe?

Many trekkers spend a night at ABC.

For a healthy person who has ascended gradually and is not experiencing significant altitude symptoms, this is a standard part of the trek.

However, sleeping at 4,130 m is very different from sleeping in Pokhara.

You may notice:

• faster breathing
• lighter or disturbed sleep
• increased urination
• reduced appetite
• a mild sense of breathlessness with exertion

If you develop worsening headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty walking normally, unusual shortness of breath at rest or other serious symptoms, seek urgent help and descend.

Do You Need Oxygen at Annapurna Base Camp?

Most trekkers do not use supplemental oxygen on a standard ABC trek.

The route is designed as a trekking itinerary, not a mountaineering expedition.

However, oxygen can be used in medical emergencies where available.

If you have a heart, lung or other medical condition that may affect your response to altitude, discuss your itinerary with a doctor or travel-health professional before travelling.

Is 4,130 m Hard to Breathe At?

You will probably notice a difference.

At 4,130 m, the air pressure is substantially lower than at sea level, so every breath delivers less oxygen.

Common experiences include:

• getting out of breath faster when walking uphill
• needing more frequent breaks
• slower walking speed
• feeling that ordinary tasks require more effort

This is normal to a point.

What is not something to ignore is feeling increasingly unwell, confused, unable to walk normally or severely breathless at rest.

How Cold Is It at Annapurna Base Camp?

Temperature depends strongly on season, weather and time of day.

ABC can be cold even when conditions in Pokhara are warm.

Night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in colder months, and sudden mountain weather can make conditions feel much harsher. The month-by-month guide to the best time to trek ABC has the seasonal detail.

Your altitude packing system should therefore include:

• warm base layers
• fleece or mid-layer
• insulated down or synthetic jacket
• waterproof outer shell
• warm hat
• gloves
• appropriate sleeping bag

The combination of altitude, wind and low temperature can make early mornings particularly cold.

Does the Altitude Make the ABC Trek Difficult?

Yes, but it is only one part of the difficulty.

The trek is usually rated moderate because it combines:

• altitude up to 4,130 m
• steep stone staircases
• repeated climbs and descents
• long walking days
• several consecutive days on trail
• colder conditions higher up

Many trekkers find the endless steps around the lower villages more tiring than the final approach to ABC.

Altitude becomes the bigger concern once you move above Deurali and MBC. Our trek difficulty guide breaks the route down stage by stage.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Suitable for Beginners?

For a reasonably fit beginner, yes.

ABC is often a good first major Himalayan trek because:

• no technical climbing is required
• accommodation is in teahouses
• the maximum altitude is lower than Everest Base Camp or Thorong La
• the route can be completed in around a week or more
• Pokhara provides convenient access

But “beginner-friendly” does not mean unprepared.

You should train for long uphill and downhill walking and understand the basic signs of altitude illness before departure.

Is ABC Too High for Children?

There is no single altitude that is automatically safe for every child.

Children can also develop altitude illness and may find it harder to explain symptoms clearly.

If you are planning the ABC trek with a child, seek medical advice before the trip and choose a slow itinerary with an experienced guide.

A lower trek such as Poon Hill may be a more suitable first introduction for many families.

What If I Have Had Altitude Sickness Before?

Previous altitude illness is important information.

Speak to a doctor or travel-health clinic before your trek, particularly if:

• you previously developed AMS at a similar or lower elevation
• you have a heart or lung condition
• your itinerary gains altitude quickly
• you plan to take medication such as acetazolamide

Do not rely on advice from other trekkers to decide whether preventive medication is appropriate for you.

Should You Take Diamox for Annapurna Base Camp?

Acetazolamide, commonly known by the brand name Diamox, can be used to help prevent or treat altitude illness in some situations.

Whether you should take it depends on your medical history and itinerary.

That decision should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional, not made from a general trekking article.

ABC Altitude: Is It High Enough to Be Dangerous?

Any high-altitude environment can become dangerous if warning signs are ignored.

However, ABC is a well-established trekking destination and most visitors complete the route without severe altitude illness.

The most important rules are simple:

• ascend sensibly
• pay attention to symptoms
• do not continue higher while becoming unwell
• be prepared to descend
• follow your guide’s advice
• seek medical help for serious symptoms

The mountain will still be there if you have to turn around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the altitude of Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 metres (approximately 13,550 feet) above sea level.

What is the height of ABC in feet?

ABC is approximately 13,550 ft above sea level.

Is Annapurna Base Camp higher than 4,000 metres?

Yes. It is 4,130 m.

What is the altitude of Machhapuchhre Base Camp?

Machhapuchhre Base Camp is approximately 3,700 m.

What is the altitude of Deurali on the ABC trek?

Deurali is roughly 3,200–3,230 m.

What is the altitude of Chhomrong?

Chhomrong is around 2,150–2,170 m.

Can you get altitude sickness at ABC?

Yes. ABC is high enough for acute mountain sickness to occur, particularly if you ascend too quickly.

Is Annapurna Base Camp higher than Poon Hill?

Yes. Poon Hill is 3,210 m, while ABC is 4,130 m.

Is Annapurna Base Camp higher than Mardi Himal?

No. Mardi Himal Base Camp is commonly listed at around 4,450 m, slightly higher than ABC.

Is Annapurna Base Camp higher than Everest Base Camp?

No. Everest Base Camp is around 5,364 m, more than 1,200 m higher than ABC.

Is Annapurna Base Camp higher than Thorong La?

No. Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit is 5,416 m.

Do you need an acclimatisation day for ABC?

Many standard ABC itineraries do not include a separate acclimatisation day because the route gains altitude over several trekking days. However, slower itineraries may be preferable for some travellers, and you should never continue higher if you are developing altitude symptoms.

Do you need oxygen at Annapurna Base Camp?

Most trekkers do not use supplemental oxygen on a standard ABC trek.

Can beginners handle the altitude at Annapurna Base Camp?

Many reasonably fit first-time Himalayan trekkers reach ABC successfully, provided they use a sensible itinerary, prepare properly and take altitude symptoms seriously.

How much altitude do you gain from Pokhara to ABC?

Pokhara is around 820–830 m and ABC is 4,130 m, so the net elevation difference is roughly 3,300 m. Your actual cumulative ascent is greater because the trail repeatedly climbs and descends.