How Crowded Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Nowadays?

A detailed look for trekkers wanting clarity on ABC Trek Crowd

If you’re planning the iconic Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek in Nepal, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How many other people will I encounter on the trail?” and “Will the route feel packed or peaceful?” After all, part of the appeal of trekking in the Himalayas is the sense of space, nature, fresh air and remote vistas - but heavy crowds can change the mood.

At Best Heritage Tour, we’ve guided countless groups and observed how the crowd-levels on the ABC trek have changed - especially in recent years. In this blog we’ll take you through the current situation: how crowded it is, when it’s busiest, when it’s quieter, how the crowds affect your experience, and how you can plan with awareness (and still get our great ABC trekking package). Our aim is to give you realistic, up-to‐date information so you go into your trek with confidence - not surprises.

Why Are Crowds a Legit Concern on the ABC Trek?

The ABC route is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking trails for a number of reasons: it’s accessible from Pokhara, reaches a dramatic Himalayan amphitheatre (at ~4,130 m), passes through charming villages, offers teahouses all the way, and gives superb mountain views of the Annapurna massif and Machapuchhare (“Fishtail”) peak.

Because of that popularity:

The route enjoys strong infrastructure (lodges, teahouses, good trail markers) which makes it attractive for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
The “marketing pull” is strong - this is a bucket-list trek for many.
The peak trekking seasons (spring, autumn) draw international visitors plus many domestic/SAARC travellers.
As tourism in Nepal recovers post-COVID, many routes (including ABC) have seen renewed interest.

All those factors mean that crowds matter, and they vary by season, by segment of the route (lower vs upper zones) and by time of day. Crowding can affect accommodation availability, dining queue times, the ambiance of the trail, and even the feeling of solitude you may have expected.

How Crowded Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Right Now?

Here’s what current data and trekking-operator reports tell us about crowd levels on the ABC route.

A. Numbers & Trends

Recent visitor statistics for the broader Annapurna region provide useful context: One source shows that the region welcomed ~191,558 foreign trekkers in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID numbers. Data further suggests numbers reached ~244,045 foreign trekkers in 2024, a record high. While those statistics cover the region as a whole (not exclusively the ABC trail), they clearly show that interest is strong and rising.

B. Where on the Route is Crowded (and where it’s not)

Lower sections (e.g., Nayapul, Ghandruk, Chhomrong):
Because these are easier access, closer to Pokhara or main roadheads, you will frequently encounter other trekking groups, tea-house guests, domestic tourists and sometimes day-hikers. The atmosphere is lively.

Middle sections (e.g., Bamboo, Deurali):
Still busy during peak season. Accommodation fills up earlier, mealtimes may be crowded, trail merges/ junctions may have several groups passing.

Upper sections near Annapurna Base Camp (~4,130 m):
While the very highest point is naturally less crowded than lower lodges, it still sees a steady stream of trekkers - particularly during good weather, in peak months. It’s not “empty wilderness” but you can still find moments of solitude if you start early, walk at your own pace and choose less busy days.

C. Seasonality & Crowding

Season is one of the strongest determinants of crowd levels.

Peak seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are prime trekking windows for weather, mountain views, and accessibility. These periods also coincide with the highest crowd levels.
Off-peak: Winter (December-February) and monsoon / shoulder months (June, July, early August) see fewer trekkers. Winter offers snow-covered trails and much quieter accommodation. In December the trail is less crowded and accommodation easier in the valley.
Shoulder months / monsoon: While weather may limit some services and views may be hazy, these periods offer a more peaceful trek with fewer people. Some trekkers deliberately choose them to avoid crowds.

D. What “Crowded” Means in Practical Terms

Other trekkers: On peak days you may meet many other groups, share lodge dining halls, and see fellow trekkers ascending/descending.
Accommodation: During peak periods, lodges may fill up early; smaller rooms may be harder to get; bookings in advance are wise.
Dining & service delays: Particularly in high-traffic lodges, satisfying large groups may lead to queues for meals or delays.
Trail ambience: At times the trail may feel more like a busy walkway rather than a remote adventure. That said, because the trail is long and many trekkers descend earlier or later, with planning you can still create less-busy moments.

Are There Ways to Avoid the Crowds (or Minimise Them)?

Yes - if you plan smartly, you can still enjoy the magic of the ABC trek while avoiding the worst of the crowd. Here are some tactics.

1. Choose your timing

Trek early in Spring or late in Autumn (just at the edges of the peak window) rather than the busiest weeks.
Consider winter or monsoon / shoulder seasons if you’re comfortable with a bit more challenge (snow, muddy trails, fewer services) and want solitude.
Start early in the day to avoid groups that begin later.

2. Use a trusted trekking company (like Best Heritage Tour)

By selecting an experienced operator we can help you plan:

ideal itinerary that spaces out lodge stays so you’re not always in the busiest lodges
flexible pace so your group is ahead of or behind bigger groups
advice on lesser-used routes or side-trails if you want a quieter path.

3. Book accommodation ahead

During peak season, lodges on the ABC route fill early. Pre-booking or booking with your package ensures you won’t be squeezed into an undesirable room or forced into a high-traffic facility.

4. Choose slightly longer itineraries (or slower pace)

Walking a little slower, staying extra nights in quieter villages, or choosing a longer route means you’ll avoid crowd peaks. For example, overnighting in a less-visited village gives you solo trail time the next morning.

5. Expect the crowds and embrace them smartly

If you know crowds are likely, you can accept this as part of the experience. Early morning hikes, getting up for sunrise at the base camp viewpoint, choosing quieter mealtimes - all help transform busy periods into memorable moments.

Does the Crowding Affect Your Experience - Positively or Negatively?

Yes - and it depends how you frame it and prepare.

Potential downsides:

Less solitude: If you were expecting an entirely remote, “no-one else around” type of trek, you may find the trail busier than expected.
Accommodation rush: On high-traffic nights lodges may be full, rooms may be basic or shared, and you’ll feel the group nature of the trail.
Dining/service delays: Especially in top lodges near base camp in peak season, services may be slower.
Planning squeeze: On the busiest days you might have to start early, book ahead, and accept limited flexibility.

Potential upsides:

Social atmosphere: For many trekkers the fact that there are fellow adventurers around adds energy - making good friends, sharing stories around dinner, experiencing lively teahouses.
Safety in numbers: On the busier trail sections you’re less isolated; help may be nearer if required.
Infrastructure: Because of popularity, trails are well-maintained, lodges are frequent, choices are many - making the trek more accessible especially for less experienced hikers.

At Best Heritage Tour we believe that the trick is not to worry about whether it’s crowded or not, but to choose how you’ll respond to crowd levels, plan accordingly, and pick a route/season matching your style.

What This Means for Your Trek with Best Heritage Tour

If you’re joining Best Heritage Tour for the ABC trek, here’s how we help you manage crowd-levels and maximise enjoyment:

We offer flexible itineraries that allow for quieter villages or alternative lodge options if you prefer less traffic.
We book accommodations and permits well ahead, giving you peace of mind in the busier months.
We provide local insight: what days/villages are likely to be quieter, when to push one more night in a lovely spot.
Our guides keep you ahead of or slightly behind larger groups so you can experience both the social side and the peaceful side of the trail.
If you’re keen to avoid the busiest period altogether, we’ll advise on off-peak departures or less-crowded windows.

In short: yes, the ABC route can be busy - but with proper preparation and the right partner, you’ll have an excellent trek according to your pace and preference.

Summary: So, “How Crowded Is It?”

Very busy during the main windows (spring and autumn) especially on the lower/middle sections of the trail.
Upper sections are less busy but still lively - you won’t be alone, but you will have space and vistas.
Off-peak months (winter, monsoon) offer significantly quieter trekking if you’re comfortable with the conditions.
With Best Heritage Tour’s support you can tailor your experience: busy social atmosphere if you like company, or quieter solo-mood if you prefer calm.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of reaching the base of the majestic Annapurna massif, you’re on the brink of a magnificent adventure. And yes - the trail is popular and can be crowded in the right months. But that shouldn’t deter you. The scenic beauty is still unmatched, the culture is rich, the journey is unforgettable - and with thoughtful planning you’ll get the experience you crave.

At Best Heritage Tour, we’re ready to guide you to the heart of that journey. Whether you want a paced, social trek filled with fellow like-minded travelers or a quieter, slower-paced experience - we design the trip around your style. Take advantage of our ABC Trekking Package, with experienced local guides, excellent accommodations, full logistics support and the local knowledge to help you avoid the “rush hour” nature if that’s what you prefer.

Ready to book your trek or find out more?

Phone / WhatsApp / Viber: +977-9851149197 / +977-9810043046

Email: info@bestheritagetour.com / bestheritagetour@gmail.com

Website: www.bestheritagetour.com

Office: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Get in touch today and let’s make your Annapurna Base Camp trek not just another journey - but your journey.