Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter: Is It Possible?

Most Nepal trekking guides tell you to avoid trekking in winter (December–February). But the Annapurna Base Camp trek in winter is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets — empty trails, crystal-clear skies, and snow-covered mountains without the autumn crowds. The trade-off is cold: temperatures at ABC drop to −15 °C at night. But for the right trekker — properly equipped, fit, and ready for cold — winter ABC is a magical experience.

Why Trek ABC in Winter?

• No crowds. In peak October, ABC sees 300+ trekkers per day. In January, you might be one of 10.
• Crystal-clear skies. Winter has the most stable weather of the year — no afternoon cloud, no rain.
• Snow-covered mountains. The Annapurnas are at their most photogenic under fresh snow.
• Cheaper prices. Tea houses and agencies offer off-season discounts of 20–40%.
• Quieter trails. You will often have the trail to yourself — a completely different experience from peak season.

The Challenges of Winter ABC

• Cold. Night temperatures at ABC drop to −15 °C. Daytime temperatures at lower altitudes are pleasant (10–15 °C).
• Snow. Snow is possible above 3,000 m, particularly in January. The trail to ABC can be snow-covered.
• Short days. Sunrise is at 6:45 am, sunset at 5:30 pm. Trekking days are shorter.
• Closed tea houses. Some tea houses at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC close in January–February.
• Risk of avalanches. The section between Deurali and MBC has avalanche risk after heavy snow.

Winter ABC Itinerary

The standard 7-day ABC itinerary works in winter, but with adjustments:

Day	From → To	Altitude (m)	Winter Notes
1	Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghandruk	1,940	Same as standard
2	Ghandruk → Chhomrong	2,170	Same as standard
3	Chhomrong → Dovan	2,600	Possible snow above 2,500 m
4	Dovan → Deurali	3,200	Trail can be snow-covered
5	Deurali → MBC → ABC	4,130	Cold — bring all layers
6	ABC → Bamboo	2,300	Start early to avoid afternoon snowmelt
7	Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Pokhara	820	Hot springs at Jhinu — perfect end

Winter ABC Packing List — Critical Additions

• 4-season sleeping bag rated to −20 °C — non-negotiable
• Expedition down jacket
• 2 pairs of thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Fleece mid-layer
• Windproof shell jacket — wind chill at ABC is brutal
• Insulated trousers
• 2 pairs of warm gloves + liner gloves
• Balaclava + neck gaiter — covers all exposed skin
• Ski goggles — for wind and snow
• Microspikes — for icy sections above Deurali
• Hot water bottle — fill at tea house, put in sleeping bag
• 4 sets of socks — wet socks at altitude are dangerous

Winter ABC Cost

Item	Cost (USD)
Permits (TIMS + ACAP)	$40
Transport (Pokhara–Nayapul)	$15
Guide (7 days × $30)	$210
Porter (7 days, shared)	$60
Tea houses (6 nights × $20, off-season rate)	$120
Food (7 days)	$140
Gear rental (4-season bag, expedition jacket, microspikes)	$60
Tips	$70
Insurance (must cover winter trekking)	$200
Total (mid-range)	$915

Winter ABC is about 25% cheaper than peak season ABC — tea houses offer off-season rates and gear rental is cheaper (less demand for 4-season gear).

Tea Houses in Winter — What to Expect

About 50% of tea houses above Chhomrong close in January and February. Those that remain open have:

• Wood stoves in the dining room — the only heated room
• Thick blankets (but bring your own 4-season sleeping bag)
• Limited menu — dal bhat, fried rice, momos, Tibetan bread, eggs, soup
• No hot showers — water freezes
• No Wi-Fi — satellite systems often turned off
• Solar charging only — bring a 20,000 mAh power bank

Always call ahead (your guide can do this) to confirm tea houses are open. If your planned tea house is closed, you may need to walk an extra hour to the next village.

Best Winter Months for ABC

December — Cold but usually clear. Some tea houses still open. Best early-month conditions.

January — The coldest month. Most tea houses at ABC close. Snow most likely. Only for experienced winter trekkers.

February — Cold but starting to warm. Tea houses reopening. Best late-winter option.

Avalanche Risk — Critical Safety Note

The section between Deurali (3,200 m) and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) crosses an avalanche path. In heavy snow years, this section can be dangerous. The Avalanche Nepal safety bulletins provides forecasts, but the best source of information is your guide — they will know if the section is safe. If there has been heavy snow in the previous 48 hours, do not attempt this section.

Winter ABC Photography

Winter is the best season for ABC photography:

• Crystal-clear air — sharper mountain photos
• Snow on the peaks — more dramatic
• Low angle of sun — long shadows, warm light
• No clouds — Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre visible all day
• Empty trails — people-free mountain shots

Bring spare camera batteries — cold drains them fast. Keep batteries in an inside pocket close to your body.

How to Get to ABC in Winter

Access to ABC is the same as in peak season:

1. Fly or bus to Pokhara (Pokhara has winter flights from Kathmandu)
2. Take a taxi or local jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hours)
3. Start trekking from Nayapul
4. After the trek, exit at Jhinu Danda (hot springs) and taxi back to Pokhara

The Pokhara–Kathmandu flight is rarely cancelled in winter (unlike Lukla flights), so access is reliable.

Winter ABC vs Spring ABC vs Autumn ABC

Season	Temperature at ABC	Crowds	Skies	Snow	Cost
October–November	−5 to +5 °C	Very high	Clear	Rare	$1,000+
December	−10 to +2 °C	Low	Clear	Possible	$850
January	−15 to 0 °C	Very low	Clear	Common	$800
February	−10 to +2 °C	Low	Clear	Possible	$850
March–April	−5 to +8 °C	Medium	Some cloud	Rare	$950
June–September	+5 to +15 °C	Very low	Cloudy	Rain	$800

Winter ABC is not for everyone — but for the right trekker, it is one of the most rewarding Nepal trekking experiences you can have. Empty trails, crystal-clear skies, and snow-covered Annapurnas without the autumn crowds. For the standard ABC guide, see our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC comparison — and for more on Nepal trekking seasons, see our best time to visit Nepal guide.