Things you should know about Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal among international and domestic tourists. There are three major routes towards the Annapurna region: to Jomsom, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the circuit of the entire Annapurna massif but we will be guiding you about the Annapurna Base Camp trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Along your journey, you will be enjoying your routes where you can enjoy the views and different environments. You will be experiencing uphill on the first days of your trek where you will be passing forests, rivers, and Gurung villages.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek
Photo credit: magical-world on VisualHunt.com

You will be experiencing many memorable sceneries such as lush forests and the blooming of wildflowers. During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will be viewing beautiful mountains such as Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV, you will be under the shadows of Mt. Annapurna the Annapurna Base Camp and knowing more about the Nepalese lifestyle.

Where is the Annapurna Base Camp?

It is located in the Conservation Area of Annapurna which lies near the Pokhara. The Annapurna Base Camp is located to the west of the Mardi Himal route. If you are planning to visit Annapurna Base Camp Trek via the map, then you can see Annapurna Base Camp Trek to the east of Ghorepani Poonhill.

During your journey, you will be going through villages that are made of stones, farms, and forests. Your journey will begin with uphill trekking for the first few days.

Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • Beautiful view of Mt. Annapurna I (4130m/13,549ft), Annapurna II (7937m/26,040ft), Annapurna III (7555m/24787ft), Annapurna IV (7525m/24688ft), Annapurna South(7219m23684ft), Machhapuchhre (6999m/22963ft), Dhaulagiri I (8167m/26795ft), Gangapurna (7455m/24459ft), Khangsar Kang (7485m/24557ft), Dhampus peak (6011m/19724ft), Hiunchuli (6441m/21132ft) with a flourishing Himalayan ecosystem that contains lush woodlands blended with diverse terrains
  • Passing lush vegetation and various wildlife, Gurung village and culture, long suspension bridges, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, religious monuments, and cultural heritages
  • During your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you get to explore the rare Himalayan animals, Buddhist temples, Chortens, stupas, alleyways, long mane walls, and the Gurung cultural museum.
  • Mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets in the mountains
  • Natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda to relax your sore muscles after your Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek an ideal trek for me?

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes an average of 7 to 10 days of trekking. You’ll be walking for up to 8 hours a day and at elevations as high as 4000 meters at times, so be prepared for altitude sickness. 
  • It’s critical to be in great physical condition and health, which necessitates training in the months leading up to your trip to be fully prepared.
  • The teahouses or trekking lodges, where you stay on the trip are quite modest, with just basic facilities. Hot water may not be accessible at all times and may be charged extra, as will access to electrical outlets for charging electronics. Wifi is accessible in some areas, although the quality of the connection may be poor.
  • The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a popular one, and you’ll see a lot of other trekkers and groups along the way, both on the trail and in the teahouses. 

Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

It is very important to check the weather before visiting the place. Similarly, the weather in the mountains is not constant and changes frequently. The change in weather can change the temperature below -10 to -15 degrees. The months below are selected according to the guides and experience:

September to October and November to December: One of the best months to visit the mountains as it is the best month for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

February to April: This period is also the best because the dry season will end but there will be chances of snowfall.

Late-November to Mid-December till February: In these months the skies will be clear the weather will get cold and there will be heavy snowfall.

May and June: In these months the season in Nepal will be very hot and the weather will be warm. You will have a wonderful time enjoying the views of flowers.

Permits and Fees for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

  • For foreigners, the ACAP try permission charge is 3,000 NPR (about USD 30).
  • For SAARC nationals, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 200 NPR.
  • Permit for TIMS: 1,000 NPR (about $10 USD)

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp has been considered one of the most beautiful trees among all the trekking spots The roads towards Annapurna Base Camp are easy and moderate. There are no difficulties along the way. The main problem that you will be facing on your way will be altitude sickness but if you choose to take your journey slowly then you can be safe.

The Annapurna Base Camp is known for its beauty and its routes which are covered with flat stones and covered with brick which makes it easy to walk. The roads towards the Annapurna Base Camp are easy but the distance where you will be walking uphill and downhill will make it slightly hard.

You can start your trek easily because you will be familiar with the altitude level but when you go higher and higher you will notice the level of altitude increasing you may not worry because your guide will take you according to the itinerary where you will be having days where you will be resting for the acclimatization.

Fitness Level while going to Annapurna Base Camp Trek

If you are planning to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, then I highly recommend you get a health checkup because it can help you in various ways.

There will be fewer chances of having health issues in your trek but altitude sickness may be a problem during your journey if you walk slowly then you can beat it. Rather than altitude sickness if you go for a checkup and have any problem then you can bring your medicines along with you.                       

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Recommended Itineraries

There are several ways that you can trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. The choice is on you; you can plan your independent trek or we can arrange it for you. If you are concerned with us then we will bring you a general itinerary or you can make your itinerary and send it to us. If you are concerned with us then we will include permits, food, accommodation, and much more in your trek. Everything will be planned before you arrive. We will be providing you, with a porter if required.

Short 7 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Naya Pul through bus or jeep then you will be heading towards Ghandruk from Naya Pul.

Day 2: On this day you will start your journey and end it on Chomrong.

Day 3: On this day you will be trekking for 5 to 6 hours where you will trek towards the Himalayas then from the Himalayas you will trek towards Machhapuchhre at an altitude of 2910m. 

Day 4: This will be the highest point of your trek on Machhapuchhre Base Camp and the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130m.

Day 5: From this day the altitude will decrease as you will be going towards Bamboo at the altitude of 2310m.

Day 6: dropping down to Jhindu Danda which will take about 5 hours at the altitude of 1780m.

Day 7: On the last day of the trek where you will come back to Naya Pul from Jhindu Danda in 5 hours then you will go back to Pokhara which will take 1 hour of the drive.

10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Naya Pul through bus where you will be starting your trek towards Ghandruk which will take 5 to 6 hours on average where the highest will be 2000m.

Day 2: You will be heading towards Chomrong from Ghandruk which will take 4 to 5 hours at the height of 2210m.

Day 3: Then, you will trek towards Bamboo (2310m) within 5 to 6 hours.

Day 4: On this day you will be trekking towards Deurali from Bamboo and will be going to Machhapuchhre within 5 to 6 hours. 

Day 5: Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) where the highest altitude will be 3700m

Day 6: On this day you will be spending your time at the Annapurna Base Camp which will be at the highest altitude of your trek (4130m)

Day 7: from this day the altitude will be decreasing. You will be heading towards Bamboo in 6 to 7 hours.

Day 8: Bamboo to Jhindu Danda (1780m)

Day 9: Between 5 to 6 hours you will be approaching Potana from Jhindu Danda at 1780m

Day 10: On the last day you will come back to Phedi from Potana which will be 20km where you will be trekking as well as using a bus at a time scale of 5hrs and 2 to 4 hours.

Packing lists for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • Carry a pair of hiking shoes for trekking routes
  • Carry a windproof jacket that protects you from cold air.
  • Pairs of socks according to your days.
  • Carry wind roof trekking pants to avoid numbness
  • Include a dress that has long sleeves,
  • Sandals, towels, toilet paper,
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and sunhat
  • Water bottle and Toiletries
  • Trekking Poles and comfortable hiking or trekking boots

Can my children get involved in the trek?

If your child is active for the trek, then there’s no issue but if your child is small and can’t walk then you must be active enough to carry your child. If you want to carry your child, then you can hire a porter to carry your bag which can be easy for your trek. You are sure enough to figure out whether your child is capable of the trek or not.

What if you get sick during the trek?

While you trek on the Annapurna Base Camp you need to be fit and capable for your journey. So, there is less chance that you will feel sick. The main problem along your trek will be attitude sickness which may affect you. There is less chance that you may fall sick but in case you fall sick then there are medical services in most of the villages. If you avoid fast walking, then you will be alright. If you have difficulty in breathing, then the best way is to walk slowly. Besides feeling sick if you have any other problems then you can carry medicines according to your prescription.

Solo female trek in Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Many people trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. People solo trek as well as trek in a group to the Annapurna Base Camp. Similarly, many women trek to the Annapurna Base Camp as solo trekkers or in a group. It is important that females feel safe and comfortable in their journey. On the way to the Annapurna Base Camp, your guide will be made but if you are concerned with your agency then they can manage you with a female guide.

There is less chance that you will be getting a female guide. Sometimes there may not be female guides available so you can go along with an experienced guide but for your safety, you can click a photo of your guide and send it to your family and friends and a picture of his ID card. Along with the information you can share your itinerary as well. One of the best ways to feel safe is to purchase a SIM card through which you can contact your family.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

There could be different costs for the trek but here are some major costs according to the calculation. If you are planning for the solo trek, then it may be costing you expensive so if you are concerned with the agencies then we can arrange for you according to your budget.

If you arrange your trek online, then it will cost around USD$1000+ per person for an 8 to 10-day trek. The package will include meals, guides, permits, and accommodations. Water will not be included in the package. The package includes everything arranged before you arrive.

If you are planning, you trek through package tours bought in Nepal then they will cost you around $800 to $900+ which will provide you meals, accommodation, guides, and permits. They will arrange everything before you arrive such as booking hotels and meeting the guides.

If you are planning your trek with only a guide, then we will be providing you with an experienced guide which will cost you around $25 to $50 per day. The more you play, you will get a much more experienced guide through which you will be able to achieve knowledge related to the area and the surroundings.

If you are having problems or any difficulties in choosing or planning your packages, then you can feel free to contact us.

Food and Water on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You will be getting Nepali food on your way and will find many other foods. The best food for your trek will be Dal Bhat as it gives you protein for your journey. Similarly, you can get pasta, noodles, chocolate bars, and more. You may get many varieties of food up there but the quality may be a little low but it will get the job done.