Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

The length of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is approximately 67 kilometres. This trekking expedition starts and ends in Pokhara in Nepal. The maximum altitude of the trek is approximately 13,550 feet. Since the level of this trek is moderate to difficult, you can imagine that the trail has rugged terrains and steep ascents, people with experience at higher altitudes should undertake this journey.

The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate to difficult. Starting at Pokhara, you will reach the base camp at 13,550 feet in 6 days. While most of the trek is moderate, it becomes challenging near Annapurna Base Camp due to the rough terrain and climbs. However, you can find some relaxing descents too, where you can ease off your tiredness.

October is the best month to book the Annapurna Base Camp trek package and go on a thrilling expedition. During this month, the daytime temperature ranges between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures drop to 5 to -5 degrees Celsius. Since it is the post-monsoon season, you can see the gorgeous Himalayan views from all corners. You can also watch the sunrise and sunset against the backdrop of the waterfalls, lakes, and hills on this amazing trek.

It will take you around 5 to 7 hours to reach Pokhara by regular tourist buses from Kathmandu. To reach this place as per your Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary, you will find regular bus services from Kathmandu every 15 minutes, starting at 7 a.m. It will cost you around NPR 800 to NPR 1,200 (INR 500 to INR 750) per person to travel to Pokhara via a tourist bus. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can go for the local minibus that costs approximately NPR 400 to NPR 600 (INR 250 to INR 375), per person.

During the trekking portion of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will be accommodated in a guesthouse. The rooms at the guesthouses are neat and clean and bathrooms are mostly built inside the housing area. In this trek route, Ghorepani is the only place where rooms with attached bathrooms are available. Likewise, up to Chomrong village, teahouses have rooms with twin beds to share amongst two trekkers.

However, afterward Chomrong, there are a limited number of teahouses so in one room there will be multiple beds. And during the peak trekking season, 3 – 4 trekkers will have to share one room, each person will get a bed to sleep.

The beds at the teahouses are already set up with a mattress, bed sheet, pillows, and blankets for your comfort.

Annapurna Base Camp trek is certainly one of the best trekking trails for the beginner. The trek begins from TikheDhunga which is at the height of 1495m. This height is a normal elevation to start a trek. And in the span of 9 or 10 days depending upon your itinerary, you will reach 4,130 m. If you reach this height in 9 or 10 days, it is a gradual approach so you will not have a complication. Due to this reason also, it is a moderate level of the trek. Besides, you will be guided by our expert trekking leader who has wide knowledge about trekking in Nepal and Annapurna region. Thus, he will escort you gradually to your destination.

The ideal time to go for the Annapurna base camp trek is during the spring and autumn seasons. These seasons generally fall between March and June and then from September to November, respectively. During this time, the temperature hovers between 15 to 24 degrees during the day and from 10 to -5 degrees Celsius at night. The autumn season provides clear skies and spectacular mountain views. On the other hand, the spring season showcases luscious green valleys. The Annapurna Base Camp trek remains open for tourists throughout the year, although it depends heavily on the weather conditions.

For the ABC trek, we would suggest you to start training and preparation at least 1 month before the trek date. Any exercise that will increase your endurance level is recommended. Besides that, we would also advise you to do cardio exercises, swimming, walking, and hiking at least once a month. Doing these activities will prep you for the trek. And this preparation is amply enough for the trek.

If Annapurna Base Camp is participants’ first trek then they should start focusing on their diet and work out a couple of months ago. It is 4130 m high above the sea and the entire trek distance is calculated up to 115 km. You’ll have to hike for 10-12 km per day. This marks the difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp trek as moderate. Also, if participants are familiar with trekking and heights then it won’t be challenging.

Firstly, we would suggest you to not rush the trek even if you are energetic and think you can walk for another 4 or 5 hours. It is very unhealthy and dangerous while trekking in high altitudes. On the same note, staying hydrated is also very necessary. While trekking at least drinks 4 to 5 liters of water daily. This will avoid getting mountain sickness. Likewise, we would also advise eating soupy and foods that can be easily digested. Although food does not have much relation with altitude sickness however eating a heavy meal can give you digestion problems. Additionally, you should not drink while on the trek. Drinking will easily give you a headache which can result in altitude sickness. Also, you can intake Diamox pills too. You can purchase these pills in the pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. These are some but very important tips to remember while trekking in Nepal. These will help you to avoid the chance of getting altitude sickness.

The main difference between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek is the elevation. Annapurna Base Camp trek will take to an elevation of 13,550 feet whereas Annapurna Circuit Trek will take you as high as 17,770 feet. So, you can choose between these two treks on the basis of how high you wish to go. Keep in mind that with height, the geography of the terrain will also change.

Moreover, the route and time duration for both the treks is different. ABC trek takes half of the time you will take to complete the Annapurna Circuit. ABC trek will lead you to the middle of the circuit starting from Pokhara while covering Sherpa, Gurung, Ghorepani, Dovan and Deurali whereas Annapurna Circuit trek covers the cliffs of the mountain through Manang to Thorong Phedi.

Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is generally safe. There is no restriction on solo travelling, but having a companion or joining a group can be more fun. To be more secure, you can take preventive measures like acclimatization and staying hydrated. So that you can enjoy yourself to the fullest on the trek.

Yes, anyone above 10 years of age can go for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. While previous trekking experience is appreciated, it is not compulsory. All that matters is that climbers should remain fit and have enough stamina to cover 4 kilometres in 30 minutes without any hassle. With the level of the trek being moderate to difficult, it offers a rewarding challenge for experienced trekkers who are looking for a memorable adventure.

- Trekking shoes

- Backpack (40-60 litres)

- Three warm layers

- Three trek pants

- Three collared t-shirts

- Thermals

- Sunglasses

- Synthetic hand gloves

- Socks (2 pairs)

- Headlamp/LED torch

- Trekking pole

- Daypack (20 liters)

- Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, Two water bottles

- Plastic covers and medicine kit

It is advised to carry only trekking shoes instead of sports shoes for ABC Trek. Shoes with good soles that have a greater grip on the rough terrains and strong ankle support can be used. Avoid buying new shoes because it can cause blisters.

Try walking wearing trekking shoes before you come for the activity. Forclaz 100, 500 and 600 are some of the good trekking shoes that can be used for this trek.

Yes, electricity is available to charge your phones, camera batteries, or any other devices. However, you will have to pay for these services. Not all the teahouse charges money for using electricity to charge devices. But many will charge you extra costs. So, it is our suggestion to discuss the cost with the teahouse owner before using the service. Normally, it cost about NPR 200-300 to charge phones and camera batteries.

Yes, it is safe to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Although the flight is nothing like Kathmandu – Lukla flight, it can still be considered an adventurous experience. From the flight, you will get to see the deep valleys, cities, deep forests, hills, and rivers. Overall, it is a scenic and safe flight. So, you do not have to worry about anything.

Yes, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is absolutely worth it. The trail boasts unique diversity, like the rhododendron forests, and terraced paddy fields. You can also see the beauty of the stunning Poon Hill viewpoint from the Annapurna Base Camp. Even the snow-covered Annapurna mountain range also offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Landruk and Ghandruk villages.

Yes, phone reception is available in most of the places during the trek. Likewise, WIFI services are also available on the trail. To use WIFI services, you are expected to pay a fee. These fees increase as you scale up the higher altitude. Usually, the cost of WIFI services ranges about NPR 400-500 each depending upon the location you are staying in. And another option to stay connected with your family back home is by using an internet data package if you have a local SIM card. You can buy a SIM card around the street of your trip hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara or ask your guide to arrange it one for you. However, we must inform you that internet service may not be strong in all places.

Yes, all the trekking guides appointed by our company are first aid trained. In case of minor injuries, they will treat the injured. And for your kind information, they all carry a first aid box with all the necessary medical supplies. They always keep them reorganized too.

ATM’s unfortunately are not available on the trail of Annapurna base camp. So before starting the trek, you have to make enough money that will be sufficient from the start to the end of the trek. ATM’s are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Here is the list of other best Nepal treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek
2. Upper Mustang Trek
3. Manaslu Trek
4. Langtang Trek
5. Poon Hill Trek