Complete Guideline for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of most classical and busiest trekking route in Nepal. To the central-north Nepal lies 55 km long compact group of mountains, which is commonly known as Annapurna massif. These massif are protected by one of the largest conservation area of the country, Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629km2). Among them Annapurna I (8,091m) is the largest mountain and ranks at the 10th position in the world. This area is home to numerous trekking and hiking routes. Annapurna Base Camp is nestled at amidst of Annapurna I (8,097m) sharing province Annapurna south (7,219m), Hiuchuli (6,441m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m).

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) is dream for every trekkers around the world. Annapurna Base Camp trail takes 7 to 12 days depending upon your itinerary and walking lengths. Annapurna Base Camp trek is relatively easy in comparison to other trekking trail in Nepal but still incorporates diverse terrain, colorful culture, wildlife and panorama of alpine landscapes and mountain range which every Himalaya trekking in Nepal has to offer.

You need to collect enough information related to trekking before launching your Annapurna Base Camp trail, here I have tried to give snapshot information about the guideline of the trail. This might be helpful for you, if you wish to go for trekking in Annapurna Base camp.

Best Season to go for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trekking is possible to conduct throughout the year. The best season depends on how you wish to see and trek along the trail. If you are content with traffic route, we suggest you to go for trail in autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). Weather is clam and moderate and so are the sky and views. In spring, the sweeping of rhododendron all over the surrounding hill is breath-taking.

Monsoon is good time for trekking. It is good for botanist when the surrounding is covered with lust vegetation and floral species. Rains are likely to come down during the evening or night and the dark cloud over the mountain may obscure the viewing. Moreover, there is high risk of mosquito, leeches, landslides and floods during the monsoon season. Monsoon season starts from June and last till August in Nepal.

Winter (December-February) is also not recommended for trekking in Annapurna region. Although days are mild, nights get freezing cold during winter. This season is good for travelling in lower region of Nepal. The foggy cloud grooving all over disturbs the view of mountain and surrounding landscapes. If you wish to trek Annapurna Base Camp during winter, you must check the availability of accommodation in higher region because people often migrate to lower place during winter.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

Costs for Annapurna Base Camp Trek actually depends on the transportation you used, food you eat, teahouse you accommodate and guide and porter you accompany.

Lodges cost around $2 per night per person. The room is small but cozy and tidy. If you wish, you can stay overnight at luxury hotel but the price is much more expensive than normal teahouse.

You are supposed to eat where you stay. Teahouse makes money by food you eat rather than accommodation money you pay. On average $25 will cover the normal three times meals that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast- eggs are made in different ways like chapatti, cereals with milk, sandwiches and different varieties of potatoes. Lunch and Dinner includes typical Nepali Khana- Daal, Bhaat and Tarkari. You can however change the menu and order different foods that worth the same.

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

You will need several equipment and gears to complete the trek comfortably. Below we have managed to order all the necessities for your trail and you can include or avoid the gears according to your need.

Trekking Gears

• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with waterproof outer shell

• Down Jacket

• Woolen trousers and pants

• Hiking boots

• Warm woolen socks

• Running shoes and sandals

• Gaiters

Other Gears

• Thermal Tops

• Fleece jacket

• Waterproof jacket

• Underwear and Shorts

• Cotton trouser and pants

• Thermal bottoms

• Sun hat/ scarf or light balaclava

• T-shirts

• Sunglass with UV protection

• Sleeping bag

• Head lamp and spare bulb with extra batteries

• Backpack

• Plastic bag

• Water bottles

• Wash towel

• Toiletries

• First Aid Kit

Difficulties of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Trekking to the foothill of massif Annapurna is itself a challenging task. The trail however is trekking friendly and concerns fair walk which makes it one of easiest trail in Himalaya of Nepal. You do not have to walk long for several days to accomplish the Annapurna Base Camp -trail. It only takes around 7-12 days for the trek depending upon your itinerary, starting point and walking length. So, Annapurna Base Camp trekking can be graded as moderate trail even for unseasoned trekkers.

Trekking usually starts from Nayapul (2,070), 1.5 km drive from Pokhara. Daily altitude gain is slow and you have to walk for 5-6 hours a day in fair route.

Altitude related sickness might be the major problems in course of trekking in Annapurna. It is wise to ascend slow and acclimatize properly.

Teahouse and food costs increases as the altitude increases. You have to be conscious at spending over there. Teahouse are basic with limited facilities at higher altitude.

Some Trekking Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Here are lists of important tips that might help you out during the trek

• Dal Bhaat Power- 24 hour. We recommend you to order Dal Bhaat Tarkari that is more energetic. If you order it, you can take second and third for free except for meat. Eat as much as you want

• Hold enough cash as there are ATMs in ABC trail

• Separate some amount for transportation and entry fee to monasteries and museums. $150 is enough for that

• Don’t forget to acclimatize properly before heading to higher elevation.

• Don’t buy an expensive gear if you don’t want to. You can rent it instead of buying at rental shop of Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Don’t forget to carry First-Aid medical kit

• If you are novice trekker, you must accompany an experienced guide

Visit Himalayas Trek provides trekking and other different kinds of facilities to its visiter.