PRICE: US $500

Trip Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a trip that introduces us to an exceptional ecosystem that’s well balanced and on this trip we experience the beauty of Mother Nature at its real best. The Annapurna base camp trek is one of the beautiful treks in the Annapurna area. The fabulous mountain scenery & the rich cultural diversity traverses across a wide spectrum of lush rural farmlands and pretty villages where we see the local womenfolk humming romantic tunes while on their daily chores & cows with vermilion splattered foreheads that seem to be smiling at you in a hearty welcome to their home turf; the trail heads towards a deep gorge that slices between 2 peaks – Mt. Hiunchuli & the famous sacred Machhapuchre peak [fishtail] as we head through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest by the narrow Modi Khola [river] valley & the landscapes we witness on the way warm our beating hearts.

Our trail finally comes to the Annapurna base camp sanctuary with its enormous walled mountain fortress. Annapurna base camp was first discovered by the British explorer Col. James O.M. ‘Jimmy’ Roberts in the year 1956 and shown to the world as the ‘Sanctuary of Gods’. The Sanctuary then became the “Annapurna Sanctuary”. The prime peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna South (7279m), Fang, Annapurna I (8091m), Gangapurna (7485m), Annapurna III (7855m) and Machapuchhare (6993m), are geographically placed accurately in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater in the center.

This wonderful trek explores diverse ethnic groups and their interesting cultures, the local communities found here are Gurung, Magar, Thakali and we are warmly welcomed by these local tribes; blended with this is a glimpse of beautiful flora and fauna found in this area. Our sublime trek begins from the pretty village of Jhinu as we hike the trails via Birethanti, Bamboo & Deurali to reach Annapurna Base Camp & we revert back to Pokhara via Jhinu Danda & Pothana, on the way we haul up at Jhinu Danda to soak of the sweat of our bodies in the healthy hot springs found there & then head back to Pokhara to chill out by the serene lake. On this trek, we bunk out in cozy teahouse lodges & enjoy the sumptuous apple pies found here. This is a ‘must-do’ trek at least once in a lifetime.

We have another 13 days Annapurna base camp trekking package for those travelers who have some extra days for this trek and aspire to reach Annapurna base camp in a relaxed manner.

How Difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek? Do I need any Prior Trekking Experiences?

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate trek and relatively easier, as compared to other strenuous treks in Everest, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga Region.

If you are an experienced trekker or someone who is used to walking a long distance with a backpack, this trek might be easy for you. While being a novice trekker, you might find the trek a sort of challenge.

But the good thing is that people from all walks of life with normal health and fitness can do this trek whether be an experienced or a novice trekker, with or without any prior trekking experiences.

However, the trek demands at least 4 to 5 hours of uphill daily on a combination of steep and rocky paths. You will be walking 7 to 10 km daily for 10-15 days. As well said, “The best views come after the hardest climb”. The tedious long walks might be challenging, but the efforts and energy you put are well-worth and equally rewarding.

As you gain elevation gradually, the risk of altitude sickness is low. The trekking trails have also been well-managed to make the trekking easier. Despite all the challenges and risks, having the first-hand experience of Nepal and the glory of the Himalayas should be motivating enough!

Above and beyond the altitude, Durations, and prior trekking experiences, the difficulty of Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also to be judged on other factors such as which trekking season you choose, and to a more extent how much weight you are carrying.

Besides a strong desire and patience, you will need good stamina and strength as the trek will test your endurance and patience to the next level. Therefore, try some pre-workouts a few weeks prior to your trek and focus on building your strength.

Believe in yourself and start planning. We have seen people of all shapes and sizes complete this trek and the record of thousands of trekkers living their dream is the proof of it.

With proper preparation, precautions, determination, and endurance you can surely make this dream adventure come true and tick it off your bucket list!

Best time to Trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Generally, Autumn and Spring are the most popular and preferred seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The sky is crystal clear all day long offering spectacular views of mountains and the temperature is also most pleasant during this season. The summer-monsoon is usually avoided by the trekkers as the region experiences heavy rainfall and trekkers might encounter many leeches, making it an uncomfortable condition for trekkers. Winter provides one of the best weather, but the temperature can get below freezing point in the mornings and evenings, especially in the higher regions of the mountains.

However, every season has own pros and cons. While the weather plays the most important factor in deciding the season for your ABC trek, some other factors like the number of trekkers and temperature are also to be considered before deciding your trek season. Below is the summarized overview of trekking in each season:

Spring (Mar-Apr-May)

The season of spring falls in the Month of March, April, and May, which is the second-best season to trek in Nepal and a highly pleasant time to trek in the Annapurna. The weather of spring is quite similar to that of the autumn season. It is the season of flowers where you will be rewarded with the exciting glance of rhododendrons around every corner. For a spectacular view and favorable temperatures, trekking in early spring is advisable.

Summer/monsoon (June, July, August)

The months of June, July, and August Coincides with the summer and Monsoon. So it is the hottest as well as the wettest time in Nepal. Monsoon generally begins around the end of June. However, the season is generally avoided by the treks, as the season experiences heavy rainfalls and occasional thunderstorms, making it uncomfortable conditions for the trekkers. The trails could further get very muddy and slippery making it a little risky. You might also encounter many leeches in the lower regions of ABC. Besides, the possibilities of landslide also make very few numbers of trekkers opt for a Summer trek.

Autumn (September, October, November)

The fall months of Autumn (September, October, November ) are the most popular and peak season to trek in ABC. The maximum of number trekkers is observed during this season. The factors of clear weather and favorable temperature along with the Vibrant festivals of Dashain and Tihar make the autumn trek to Annpurna Extremely Popular. If you are not concerned with the crowd during this season, the season of Autumn would be the best for you.

Winter (Dec-Jan-Feb)

The major factor to consider trekking in Annapurna during winter is temperature. Some solitude loving trekkers might prefer to trek during the winter season because this season receives a lesser number of trekkers in ABC. But, the weather conditions can be more challenging in these winter months. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to pack well for trekking in the winter season at Annapurna Base Camp.

In addition, visit our trekking season information section for further details.

Check out our design itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek or just send us an email and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary based on your requirements.

A typical day on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Every day, we opt for an early start in the morning around 7:30 am to 8 am, depending upon how far our lunch spot and camp is. This is because the weather in the Himalayas tends to be best in the mornings and to avoid too much activity the midday heat.

After waking up around 6 in the morning and being a bit fresh, you will have some time to pack your bag before breakfast. You then need to Pack your essentials in your day pack and the rest in your duffel bag.

Just carry what you need for the day in your daypack like water, snacks, another layer of clothing, rain gear and perhaps a camera!

Head to the dining room where you will be greeted by your guide. He will provide you menu with some yummy breakfast options. While having your breakfast, the porters will have some time to arrange their loads. Make sure You’ve carried enough purified water for the day. Then we do some stretching before setting off on the trail in the cool morning.

Your guide will then lead you, sharing his experiences and knowledge on historical facts, wildlife, culture, religion, flora, and fauna, and perhaps answering your every question throughout the trek. The porters will usually be walking ahead with your backpack.

As we hike along, we will encounter other trekkers, local people, and animals. Sometimes we have to wait for the dozens of Mules and Yaks to pass by. The distance of the trials can be deceiving and tedious. But the guide will always be there to cheer and encourage you to keep going!

Going through many ups and downs, we take several short breaks and continue trekking until lunchtime. The meal is sometimes ordered ahead in order to save time. Having arrived at the lunch spot, we stop for about 40 minutes and walk for another 2-3 hours to stop for the night.

You usually get to camp between 3-4 pm and your guide will arrange your room as soon as possible. You can now have a shower, change your clothing, then take a rest or spend some time reading, playing games or wander around exploring the surrounding villages and environment.

Generally, after your dinner, the guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, and you can pre-order your breakfast what you prefer for tomorrow. After a long day walk, it’s finally a time for a restful night’s sleep. Probably one of the best sleep you will ever have.

ABC Trek Altitude Profile