Best time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking to ABC can be done independently in any part of the year. However, when you visit the camp at the best time, you will encounter some remarkable things that you can’t when you visit at any other time. The best time for Annapurna Trekking is during spring and autumn.
Spring in Nepal falls during February, March, April, and May. It can also be termed the pre-monsoon phase. The best part about going to ABC during spring is that the sky will be crisp and clear, and there will be fewer chances of rain. It gives you the best opportunity to explore the region. You also don’t have to deal with extreme weather. Autumn falls in September, October, and November. It is also the best possible time for an Annapurna visit. The trails will not be slippery, and the temperature will be normal, giving you the best chance to explore Annapurna in the best way possible.
How to reach Annapurna Base Camp
Travelers often have various confusions regarding the ideal ABC route and how to reach the camp. There is no such thing as an ideal route. The path to reach ABC is similar. The only difference is the itinerary and the places you stay for acclimatization.
Starting off the trip from Kathmandu, you either take a tourist bus ride or a flight to Pokhara. You have to get on a high hilly jeep ride to Nayapool, the starting point from where you have to walk your way to the top. Acclimatization will be at Tikhedhunga, followed by a steep ridge walk to Ghorepani, depending on the condition of the trekkers. The best part about the Annapurna Trekking is the experience of the magnificent sunrise view from PoonHill. It is the image that will be engraved in your memories forever.
The trail then descends to Tadapani, followed by Sinuwa to Deurali. The downhill walk exploring the lush rhododendron forests with vibrant colors finally gets you to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m. This is how you reach the beautiful ABC with all the effort and fun. The mountains you get to see from Pokhara can be seen from the closest distance possible. Breathtaking mountain vistas of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Baraha, Singa Chuli, and Gangapurna seem utterly magnificent. Not only this, while returning from the ABC, you can enjoy hot-water springs in Jhinu. Your exhaustion from the trek will be gone as soon as you dive into the hot water.
Weather and Climate in Annapurna Base Camp
Talking about the weather during the Annapurna Trekking, it is relatively colder during January and December. The average day-time temperature of Annapurna Circuit Trek in the winter season drops between 10°C and 5°C, with night-time temperature dropping down to -5°C. Meanwhile, the high altitude areas generally have temperatures as low as 1°C during the day.
March, April, and May are the months when spring is at its very best. It is a time of blooming flowers and greenery all way around. Rhododendron and oak trees fill the whole hills and terrains. The average day-time temperature of the lower Annapurna region during March and April is between 5°C to -8°C with the possibility of it hitting 10°C during midday. May is when the temperature is between 16°C to 20°C which is the perfect time for a hike to the gorgeous Annapurna. An interesting fact about the Annapurna Trek is that Thoronga La Pass, one of the trek highlights, is cold throughout the year. May being the warm month has no effects on the Pass. It is cold throughout the year.
All in all, during spring, the warm and moderate temperature makes it extremely feasible for trekkers to go on the package of ABC. In addition to this, you get to enjoy the unobstructed mountain views and the lush flower forest.
Food During Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Trek has a range of small restaurants, teahouses to big lodges. The food in Annapurna Trekking is of good quality and taste. The popular dish on the trek is dal-bhat ( rice with lentils) and boiled potatoes. Rice with meat, potatoes and curry is another tasty dish you can have during trekking. Talking about the variety of food choices during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you get to know that the choices are immense.
Breakfast: Eggs (fried, boiled), potatoes (fried, mashed), toast, pancakes, bread, porridge, cookies, tea, coffee, chocolate
Lunch/Dinner: Rice, noodles (mix, fried, boiled), spring rolls, macaroni, momo (steam, fried, kothe), chips, buff steak, soups (tomato, chicken, garlic, mushroom),dal-bhat
Accommodation in ABC Trek | Hotels in Annapurna Base Camp
The lodges and hotels in Annapurna Trekking are warm and very well managed. When you are in Pokhara and Kathmandu, the hotels are of extremely great service and great facilities. But, as you ascend to the Base Camp, the hotels start getting basic. However, it doesn’t mean that the hotels won’t provide good service. It’s just that you have to compromise on a lot of things. You should not expect a full lavish lodge where you get all the facilities present. You get a hot shower, wifi service, charging points, and good beds (if not mattresses). The living room in the lodges of ABC is used for eating and relaxing. You can have a great talk with your fellow trekking buddies or strangers whom you get to meet at the very place. Breakfast will be in the hotel you are staying in, and your lunch in the trekking route. Depending on the hotel schedule, you will have your dinner between 6 pm - 8 pm.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map | Trekking Guide for the ABC Trek
The trek to the Annapurna starts from Kathmandu with a tourist bus drive to Pokhara. Then, a jeep drive leads you to Nayapul which is the starting point of the hike towards the gorgeous Annapurna. You need to walk around 6-7 hours every day. Most people love saying Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara and Kathmandu which are basically similar. Even though you say it is ABC Trek from Kathmandu, you have to reach Pokhara to carry on the remaining journey. Another stop is Birethanti, and then you go to Ulleri. Nowadays, people also prefer a jeep ride until Birethanti and then walk ahead of the trail. Moving on, you come to Ghorepani and finally to PoonHill. The sunrise view from Poonhill is the best image you can put into your heart of memories forever. You then hike back to Ghorepani and trek towards Tadapani. The descending continues until Sinuwa from where an uphill climb leads you towards Deurali. Leading the way, you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3700m and finally, the dream comes true when you step into the Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m.
Permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek and where to get them
The government of Nepal has imposed two kinds of permits for you to enter the Annapurna Conservation area. It is for funding the preservation of the It is for the sole purpose of funding the preservation of the beauty surrounding Annapurna and other mountain peaks in the range. You need to have an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) that costs around NRs. 3000 for foreigners and NRs.200 for SAARC Nationals. Not only this, you have to pay NRs. 1000 for TIMS permit.
The two Annapurna Base Camp Trek Entry Permits you must have:
ACAP Permit(NRs. 3000 for foreigners and NRs.200 for SAARC Nationals)
TIMS Permit (NRs. 1000 per person)
ACAPs and TIMS can be purchased in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office. You can also get the permits from Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board Service Centre in Damside or at the ACAP permit entry counter in Lamjung. About the TIMS permit, it can be purchased from the TAAN Lakeside office.
You must pay proper attention to the legal rules whenever you go on a trek. You will find many points around the area from where you can get entry inside without paying any money. Make sure you enter the trekking area legally, as the legal authorities can put you in jail and start the criminal proceedings. Do it for your self-esteem and the environment. All the permit fees will be utilized to develop and safeguard the area for sustainability.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost | ABC Trek Cost for Nepali
ABC Trek is a trek to the gorgeous Annapurna Region through the magnificent trekking trails. Because of its normal duration and moderate difficulty, it is not as expensive as the Everest Trekking. The normal Annapurna Trek cost ranges around $700- $1000. It depends on the hotels, accommodation, and the travelers’ stay. Not only this, but the trek cost for a traveler also depends on the number of people in the traveling group. Welcome Nepal Treks provides heavy discounts on ABC Trekking Package if you have a group of 10 or more people.
The ABC Trek cost for Nepali and foreigners doesn’t have much difference. Nepalese have to pay less for the entry permit than the foreign trekkers. Talking about other things, the cost for an individual depends on personal expenses.
Annapurna Trekking Difficulty Level | How hard is Annapurna Trek?
Annapurna Trekking is a moderate trek. It is not as hard as Everest Trek or as easy as a normal hike. You require a certain fitness level to complete your trek without any complications. Trekking Annapurna will push you to walk like a maniac, but it has the least possible extremities. First, the weather is moderate, and the trails are not rugged. There is a very less chance of suffering from altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness. A beginner-level trekker who has no experience with a trek also can easily complete this trek. ABC Trek is a trek for all age groups and fitness levels. However, if you have a great fitness level, you will find it easy to walk and continue the journey up the mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp Group and Private Trek
We organize private Annapurna Base Camp Treks as well as Group ABC Treks. You also get group discounts based on the size of the team. The bigger your team is, the more your discount is. 2022 and 2023 can be the best years for trekking with your friends and family. As already mentioned, it is an easy trek. So, it is feasible for people of all age groups.
We at Welcome Nepal Treks can handle any group size, with each group having a group leader as a guide. There are also porters and assistant guides. In addition to this, we also have photographers with us to click pictures of your group having a lot of fun.
Why Welcome Nepal Treks for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
There are many travel agencies from where you can book your next Annapurna Trek. But why only Welcome Nepal Treks. Well, there are various benefits of booking your next Annapurna Trek with us which are as follows:
- Free pickup and dropoff from and to the airport
- Comfortable tourist bus service
- Medical kits, including the hygiene stuff
- Highly experienced and friendly guides
- Free storage of excess luggage during the trek
- Full Safety and Security for the trek
- High discounts for bigger groups
- Consulting with the travelers for any customization in the itinerary
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service
- Farewell dinner in a Nepali restaurant with a culturally rich show
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List | Equipment needed for the Annapurna Base camp Trek
Whenever you are going on any trek, there are certain things you should mandatorily take to the trip so that your trip gets completed with the least complications possible. As it is not a strenuous high-altitude trek like EBC, you don’t need to take many things. However, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to take anything with you.
The packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek consists of stuff needed for sleeping, wearing, walking, and many more. Following is the list of equipment for the Annapurna Base CampTrek Package.
- Sunhat, scarf, winter hat
- Sunscreen cream with UV protection, sunglasses, face wipes
- Lightweight gloves and winter gloves
- Hiking shirts, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Hooded rain fleece jackets, sweaters, cotton pants
- Backpack, trekking poles
- Water purification tablets
- Powerbank, headlight with extra batteries
- Sleeping bags
- Money, watch, cellphone
- Navigational tool, multitool knife
- Binoculars, notebook, pen
These are not the only pieces of equipment you need for the ABC Trek. You also need other things such as woolen caps, down jackets, winter jackets, and water bottles. What you need to know is that what you will take on the trek depends on the weather and climate condition of the place eventually.
Guide to things not to do in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Trek is one of the most alluring treks to do in Nepal. People from all over the world come to Nepal to complete this trek as they have it on their bucket list. When you embark on the trip to the Annapurna, you need to pay proper attention to the dos and don’ts.
Here is a guide to what you should never do while you are on the ABC Trek journey.
Trespassing the entry point
You need to enter Annapurna Conservation Area to carry on the trekking journey. You need to pay a certain sum of money as ACAP permit fees. Always make sure you pay the fees and enter there legally. If anybody finds out a person is trespassing the entry point, they may be charged with legal charges.
Wearing new shoes
Some people like to go to new places wearing new clothes, accessories, and shoes. While you are going on a trek, don’t wear new shoes. The new shoes make it hard for you to walk as they can cause shoe bites. You can’t risk your whole trekking journey based on that particular decision.
Drinking too little and eating too less
Some travelers do have the habit of drinking and eating too little and follow intermittent fasting. However, when you are on the trek, you should discard all these habits and focus on eating a sufficient diet to walk and have fun. Waking a lot makes you sweat a lot, causing dehydration. So, drinking too less is not a good thing to follow. Be properly hydrated and have a balanced diet.
Having junk food
As already mentioned, you need to have a proper healthy diet. You should not have junk food during the trekking journey. It will only create complications, and you will have to suffer through it, which slows down your walking, ultimately eliminating the chances to have fun.
Getting no sleep
Sleep is the foremost way to get rest. You have to walk a minimum of 5-6 hours a day uphill or downhill. The trails are not like normal pathways. So, you need to be at your physical best to complete the trip. You should avoid the chances of getting less or no sleep.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring Season (March- May)
The spring season is the most preferred time for Annapurna base camp trek in Nepal. During the months of spring season (March- May) the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. You will experience moderate temperature, clear sky and breathtaking views the Himalayas. As this also the time for rhododendron blooms, you will be walking through the beautiful rhododendron forests. The trekking trails and the teahouses will be crowded and busy during this season.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Monsoon Season (June- Aug)
The monsoon season is not appropriate for the Annapurna Base camp Trek. During the months of Monsoon season (June- Aug) the weather is in bad condition most of the time and the temperature is too hot. You will also experience frequent rainfalls during this season which will make the trails muddy and slippery. However you can enjoy the beautiful views of the snowy mountains in this season and the trekking trails are less crowded. If you want to do the Annapurna base camp trek in monsoon season you need to be prepared and have right gears as it will be a bit challenging.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn Season (Sept – Nov)
The autumn season is the best time to do the Annapurna base camp trek. During the months of autumn season (Sept- Nov) the weather is stable, with clear skies and warm days. The days are sunny and the morning and nights will be chilly. You will get the beautiful views of the breathtaking mountains throughout the trek. The trekking trails will be extremely crowded and you will be meeting trekkers from different countries.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter Season (Dec- Feb)
The winter season is the coldest time in Nepal. The winter season is an off season for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. During the months of winter (Dec- Feb) the weather is extremely cold in the Himalayas. You will experience the heavy snowfalls. However the views of the mountains are spectacular in this season. The trekking trails and teahouses are not busy during this season. You can enjoy the trek in peaceful nature in the winter. Due to the snowfalls and cold weather it might be challenging to trek. However if the cold weather doesn’t bother you then it is the best time for you.
Physical Condition and preparations for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
The Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate level of trek. You have to walk at least 7 hours a day during the trek. The trekkers have to be physically and mentally fit and determined to complete this trek. You don’t need any technical experience for the Annapurna base camp trek. The trek is physically demanding at higher altitudes so you can prepare by jogging, swimming and other exercises before the trek. Anyone who can walk 6- 7 hours can complete this Annapurna base camp trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Elevation and Altitude sickness
The maximum attitude of the Annapurna base camp is 4131 meters. During the Annapurna base camp trek you will be trekking at different elevations with the changes in altitudes. The altitude slowly rises and reaches to the maximum of 4131 meters. There are risks of altitude sickness during this Annapurna circuit trek.
Welcome Nepal Treks carefully handle the situation of the altitude sickness. You don’t have to worry as our team prioritizes customer’s safety.
Guides and porters for the Annapurna base camp trek
Welcome Nepal treks offer the best guide and porters for you during your Annapurna base camp trek. We have very knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and professional guides and porters. They will take care of you during the trek. The guide will lead you and take you through the best trekking routes and the porter will carry your heavy bags safely throughout the trek. They will always reach out to the trekkers for help.
Travel insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
There are chances of altitude sickness and many other unexpected incidents during your Annapurna base camp trek. So, to be safe and secured we recommend you to have travel insurance. The travel insurance should cover the medical services and emergency helicopter rescue. This will give you peace of mind and you can enjoy the trip safely.
Safety on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is completely safe. If you are travelling with Welcome Nepal Treks you don’t need to worry about the safety. Our first priority is the safety of our customers. We provide the best guides and porters who will be there for you to help throughout the trek. They also carry medical kits in case of any health issues.
Why Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in Nepal. The trek is an adventurous experience that takes you through hills, rhododendron and alpine forests, mountains, glacial rivers, waterfalls and pretty villages. The trek offers the stunning views of numerous mountains like: Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, fishtail, Annapurna ranges and many more. The trek brings you closer to the beautiful nature and the cultures of Annapurna region. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers thrilling and magical trekking experience for a lifetime. Travelers visiting Nepal must do this Annapurna base camp trek.
Where to book your next trip to the Annapurna?
Booking a trip is the most important thing in your trek. The whole fun, experience, service, and memories you get in the trip will come down to choosing whom to travel with. So, you should pay proper attention to it.
Welcome Nepal Treks is the best option for you as we have been in the travel industry for such a long time and have dealt with different travelers from different countries.
Tipping in Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Should I give the guides and porters tips on my next trip to the Annapurna? This question may raise interest in the new trekkers. It is not mandatory to give tips to the guides and porters on the journey to the Annapurna. However, the guides and porters do expect tips from the trekkers. If you find the service and company of guides and porters great, it is not a big deal to give a certain sum of money as a tip. It also works with the people you get service from in the hotels and lodges. You may also meet children during the walk. Rewarding the kids with chocolates is a great experience to have. The smile you bring on the children’s faces will give you a whole new level of satisfaction. It will boost their confidence and motivation to put extra effort into what they do, which is positive.
