A Complete Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most famous treks  in Nepal for a long time due to its beauty of nature and cultural diversions, Mount. Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft) is one of the world’s 10th highest mountains. Every year, this gorgeous mountain attracts thousands of travelers from all over the globe. Likewise, Annapurna base camp AS abc Trek is an amazing hike that introduces you to a wide variety of the most magnificent views of some of the world’s tallest snow-capped peaks. Similarly, the journey lets you witness some of the most stunning massifs, lush forests, fine mountain villages, breathtaking scenery, and the hospitable locals throughout the trek.

Along with all this pleasure there are some very useful guidelines that you should be known and prepared to make the trek successful. However, we are going to share detailed information and things about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek that you should know to prepare before joining this adventure.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty and Altitude Sickness (AMS)

Trek to the base of the world’s 10th highest peak, Mount. Annapurna is a little demanding as it takes you from the low area 800 meters to the high alpine berrain area of 4130 meters. If you are an experienced trekker, then this trek will suit you. However, if you are a beginner for this trekking then it’s not an impossible way to do it with a strong passion and determination, the average hikers can do this trek in terms of physical fitness. With that note, the ABC trail is not very smooth as it takes you to many ascends & descends paths through the hills and mountains, and trodden paths.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is relatively a moderate level trek in Nepal that takes to the maximum altitude of 4130 me (Annapurna base camp).If you those who are willing to walk 4-6 hours a day then this trek is right for you.

However, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a high altitude trek, apparently this trek might  involve the risk of getting altitude sickness (AMS) since you will trek to the highest altitude of 4130 meters to the Base Camp. Similarly,  Walking to a high altitude area is considerably not so easy and scary in a matter of a few days while ascending it can be dangerous if it is not handled by proper hands!

In general, the altitude sickness may show the sign from the altitude of 2500 meters and normally it develops as you climb higher so keep in mind if you have a more developed sign of AMS cases then you should stop ascending in this scenario that results in some worst case as well. If you trek in the mountains and have some symptoms of altitude like headache, fever, or sleepiness, tired, no appetite etc. then you should be aware that this is the normal symptoms of the high altitude sickness and you need to treat it and there are several ways to prevent from the AMS as well. Remember! Some handful things, avoid trekking alcohol, smoking while trekking also do not consume any sleeping tablets, eat well, walk slowly, keep hydrated, be positive, take some domox that may help to avoid the Altitude sickness while trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek usual route

Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be done from the minimum days of 3 to 16 days max as per your time availability, travelers can choose any programs of Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary or custom design your own suit. There are a number of local trekking agencies that offer a range of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking packages from short 3 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek to 16 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The starting point of ABC trek is from Kathmandu with a scenic flight/drive to Pokhara. From here, a short scenic drive takes you to Nayapul whereas real trekking begians. Further along, the trail from Nayapul gradually ascends through the farming lands to the Ghandruk village- one of the largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region inhabited by Gurung people as they are well-renowned the Gorkha regiment. 

The next day from Ghandruk, you will be hiking to Chhomrong for 5 hours facing a lot of ascends and descends trails but the view is spectacular from every corner of the route. Further steps from Chhomrong, you will be hiking towards Base Camp by passing the several beautiful villages along the way also as you trek slowly upwards the trail passes by lush rhododendron forests with the mesmerizing series of the himalayas. Ideally, this route has 2 different base camps- Annapurna base camp and Machhapuchhre base camp so you will reach Machhapuchhre base camp 3700 meters before reaching the Annapurna Base Camp. A few trekkers stay at Machhapuchhre base camp just because of the safety reason and scary to spend a night at the high altitude like Annapurna base camp, usually, hike in the early morning to Annapurna base camp from Machapuchare base camp to catch the sunrise and it’s views from abc. From Base Camp, you descend the same route to the Chhomrong/ Jinu dada. From here, you may opt for the Landruk Dhampus and Ghorepani Poon Hill trek or straight back to Pokhara it all depends on your time and availability as we mentioned earlier.

Best season to go on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

As a matter of fact, the best time of the year to go on  Annapurna Base Camp Trek is during the spring and Autumn season. Autumn includes months September, October and November and similarly, Spring includes months of March- May these months are the ideal months for trekking in Annapurna and any other treks in Nepal.

Autumn (October to November): Autumn is the best and preferred time to go on Annapurna Base Camp Trek as it offers crystal clear views, the days are usually clean and clear every day and suitable weather for trekking. The temperature ranges can be reached from 17 degrees celsius to 19 degrees celsius in the daytime and the temperature decreases down from 10 to -5 degree celsius at the higher altitude area during the night time. Likewise, the views are spectacular and alluring during the Autumn season in Nepal where you will be surprised by them throughouthly. Besides the pleasant weather, the Nepalses festivals make this season more attractive and meaningful to join this adventure. 

Spring (March to May): The Spring season is the second best season for trekking to Annapurna base camp or Everest base camp. However, winter is drafted as the coldest time of the year compared to Autumn but weather is faboulses in this season in the mountains. The temperature can be somewhere between 10-18 degree celsius in the day and fall below -10 degrees Celsius during the night at the base camp 4130 m. Likewise, the trail welcomes a wide range of flora and fauna at this time of the year, the days are brother and offers a sensational view with the mild-temperatures.   

Packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Thermal tops
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket/ sleeping bags
• Some comfortable trousers
• Hiking pants
• A warm pair of  gloves
• Warm Hiking socks
• Trekking / hiking boots 
• Hiking t-shirts
• Some hat/scarf
• Sunglasses to protect the sun 
• Hiking  poles  if you need it
• Day pack 
• Some water bottles to fit hot and cold water
• Water purification tablets/ electric light 
• Washing  towel- some pairs 
• Toiletries 
• A pair of rain  poncho
• first aid kit with basic mediations 

Travel insurance

Before you join any of the treks in Nepal make sure you have reliable travel insurance is likely a mandatory most of you. Normally, your insurance must cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and medical evacuation for trekking up to 500 meters. Normally, travelers can easily buy a travel insurance policy within their own country by online and it is not very costly.