Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular treks in Nepal and worldwide. The ABC trek will take you closer to some stunning adventures as you get closer to the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna. Before experiencing the ABC trek, many people like to research it. Hence, this blog will provide a complete Guide To Annapurna Base Camp Trek guide.
To explore the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, visit the Annapurna Sanctuary first. You will be able to see some of the endangered floras and faunas. Furthermore, be sure to issue all the required permits and carry all the necessary documents, like your passport, visa, and travel insurance. You will see some of the tallest peaks of the Annapurna region, like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail Mountains.
Like Everest Base Camp Trek, ABC is equally commercial, which is why many trekkers from all over the world visit the region. This guide to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek explains the distance and duration of the trek, the trails, the accommodation you will stay, the difficulty of the trek, the cost of the trek, trekking permits, and what you must pack during your trek. So let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Highlights Of Complete Guide To Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Reach the excellent Ghorepani Poon Hill and get a glimpse of the breathtaking sunrise.
- You can view some of the region’s tallest peaks, such as Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Annapurna.
- Trek around the settlements of Magars, Gurungs, and Sherpas and learn about their culture, traditions, and festivals.
- Take a relaxation bath in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
- Indulge yourself in the fantastic teahouse to teahouse treks.
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is both too long and too short in Nepal. The ABC trek is approximately 115 km long. The average number of days to complete the trek is 10 to 18. We at Himalayan Leaders provide a comprehensive 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek in which you will experience the true adventure of the Himalayas in the beautiful Annapurna region.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficult?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderately challenging. The trail is primarily well-maintained, with both uphill and downhill sections. It is suitable for people with good physical fitness. The part of the trail from Deurali to ABC is more difficult due to the high altitude and rough terrain. If it snows, the trek becomes more demanding, and you may need to use crampons for safety.
Certain factors of the trek make the trek challenging, like altitude, dynamic weather, rugged terrains, and remote settlements. The easy way to minimize the trek’s difficulty is to trek in the ideal trekking seasons, hire guides and porters, and keep yourself physically fit. You also must know about acclimatization and keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.
Best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp
The best times to trek to Annapurna Base Camp are Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (end of September, October, November).
Spring
During Spring, you can enjoy clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons. The weather and temperature are exceptionally comfortable and ideal for trekking. This season’s weather is stable and unique, especially at high altitudes. Due to the peak trekking season, the trials and the teahouses are very crowded, so make sure to book your trek early.
Autumn
In Autumn, the weather remains stable, with clear views and pleasant temperatures. These periods offer the most acceptable and favorable conditions. Unlike the spring season, the trails do not bloom with flowers like magnolias or rhododendrons. Still, you will be welcomed by the brown amber color forests, which make the surroundings look golden, especially during the sunrise and sunset. The higher altitude of the Annapurna region falls under a rain shadow area, but during Autumn, the lower altitude also doesn’t receive much rainfall.
The best time for your Annapurna Base Camp trek depends on your interests, experience level, and willingness to embrace the unique attributes of each season. Regardless of when you choose to go, careful planning, adequate preparation, and a deep appreciation for the stunning beauty and culture of the region will ensure a memorable and rewarding adventure.
Off Season
Since there are the best times for trekking the Annapurna Base Camp trek, there are also fewer ideal times. Winter and monsoon seasons are not suitable for trekking, not only ABC but also any trekking destination in Nepal. Although the altitude trek is not affected by the monsoon season, continuous rainfall still affects Annapurna’s low-altitude region. The trails become wet and slippery, and floods, landslides, and avalanches are a considerable risk.
Winter season is also less ideal season for trekking. During the winter season, the weather becomes dynamic and dangerous. Especially at higher altitudes, the temperature reaches way below the freezing point. Sometimes, during the night, the temperature goes even below -20 degrees. The trek houses are often closed due to the risk of snowstorms and avalanches. Hence, you may have to carry your tents to camp in the open grasslands, which is risky due to relentless snowfall and snowstorms. However, if you want to see some of the majestic views of the white snowy mountains, winter is the best time for trekking despite being very risky.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on several factors. First, the price of solo and group treks is different simply because group treks offer discounts. Furthermore, the trek’s price includes additional services like transportation, food accommodation, permits, TIMS cards, and guide fees.
Typically, the average cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranges from $950 to $1200 per person. Naturally, the cost changes according to the itinerary you add and further activities, side trekking, and miscellaneous expenses.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Permits
If you want to trek Annapurna Base Camp, you must issue some permits that make you eligible for the trek. For the ABC trek, you need to issue these two trek permits.
TIMS Card
The TIMS card is essential for trekkers who want to reach different places in Nepal for trekking and excursions. It is issued to keep track of the trekkers for their safety and security. Trekkers must first check if they are trekking on a route that requires the TIMS card and issue it from Kathmandu. The TIMS permit costs NPR 1,000 per person, whereas about NPR 800 for group trekkers.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
If you plan to trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must get an ACAP permit. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Kathmandu or Pokhara issues this permit. Each person needs to pay NPR 3,000 (~ USD 23) for the ACAP permit.
Accommodation and food
Since the Annapurna region is slightly more developed and accessible than other trekking spots like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga base camp trek, and Upper Dolpo, the accommodation facilities are somewhat better. The lodges and teahouses in the ABC trek are more developed. During the teahouse trek, you will stay in the small but expansive room with a twin bed. The beds are separate, but you must share the room with another trekker.
Furthermore, in some tea houses, the toilets are also attached to the room, which you have to share with other trekkers, while in others, you may have to head outside of the teahouse to use the services. Generally, in teahouses, you might have to pay additional charges for the WIFI, internet, and even hot showers.
Food in the Annapurna Base Camp ranges from local Nepali delicacies to popular Western meals. You will have three daily meals during your trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you will have tea, coffee, braids, biscuits, eggs, soups, stews, etc. Generally, the lunch and dinner menus are similar, from local Nepali meals like Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, and Dhido to Western menus like Dumplings, Pizzas, Burgers, Sandwiches, Spaghetti, Macaroni, and others. During your high-altitude trek, we recommend you avoid meats as they are not cooked properly.
Conclusion
Hence, we hope our comprehensive guide to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek motivates you to experience the trek for the first time. The ABC trek is undoubtedly top-rated and among the most commercial treks in Nepal. So, if you are still considering experiencing the ABC trek, we encourage you to try it through Himalayan Leaders. We provide fantastic trekking and touring packages at a budget price that includes all the necessary services.
FAQs
Is a hiring guide necessary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Yes, Hiring a guide is necessary and compulsory for your ABC trek. After many trekkers went missing or died due to getting lost, the Nepal government and tourism board introduced a new policy of hiring guides, which is compulsory for any trekkers planning to trek the region.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness in the ABC trek?
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness during your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. Generally, the risk of altitude sickness increases after 3000m. During your ABC trek, you will spend most of your time at an altitude above 4000m. Always listen to your body, acclimatize properly, and keep yourself hydrated.
Which permits do you need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You need two essential permits for your ABC trek: a TIMS Card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Both can be issued at the Nepalese Tourism Board Kathmandu or the gate of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Which is the highest elevation of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The highest elevation of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the Base Camp itself, which lies at 4,130 meters. From the ridge of the base camp, you will see stunning mountain views and the entire Annapurna region.
What kind of food will you have during the ABC trek?
During your ABC trek, you will see different types of meals. For breakfast, you will have bread, toast, and eggs; for lunch and dinner, you will have some local Nepali dishes like Dal, Bhat, Vegetable curry, Dindo, Achar, Dahi, Khir, etc., while there are some Western-style menus. You can order food like Pizzas, Burgers, and Dumplings.
