The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a scenic trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, surrounded by the majestic peaks.
It is a moderately difficult weekend trek that leads to the Annapurna base camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Annapurna, surrounded by mountains on all sides, this incredible climb will take you through tropical jungles, picturesque villages and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
The path to Annapurna Base Camp winds through terraced rice fields, bamboo forests and rhododendron trees.
The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is from October to December and from March to May. During these months the weather is clearest and you will have unparalleled views of the Himalayas.
The sunrise and sunset views from the base camp are incredible and breathtaking. ABC The trekking is located at the foot of the mountain Annapurna and offers you the opportunity to discover the beauty of nature, magnificent mountains and traditional culture.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
Difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Various Rоutе Vаrіаtіоnѕ of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Best time to trek in Annapurna Base Camp
How much does it cost to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
7 Days short Annapurna Base Camp trek
Aссоmmоdаtіоnѕ on the Annapurna Bаѕе Cаmр Trеk
Food on the Annapurna Bаѕе Cаmр Trеk
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
What do I need to pack for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Permit
How long does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek take?
Which trek is better: Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp Trek?
Although the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a relatively easy and straightforward trek, it has its own challenges. It offers a wide range of trails suitable for all types of hikers, from absolute beginners to professionals. The length of the trek may vary depending on your fitness level, experience and time.
The difficulty level of Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on the duration, the altitude reached and your fitness level. The maximum altitude reached on this trek is 4130m at the base camp. The highest point you will reach on the way is at 3300m at Sinuwa.
The most popular route is 12 days long and provides ample time for acclimatization. This route climbs slowly over a distance of about 120 km/75 miles. With proper acclimatization and care, most people can complete this trek without difficulty.
Trekking in Nepal requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance. The steep ascents and descents require good knee strength as well as good endurance in the buttock and thigh muscles. To prevent injuries during your trek, it is important that you do regular cardio exercises.
A typical itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp trek is Kathmandu-Pokhara-Ghorepani-Poonhill-Tadapani-Chomrong-Himalayan Hotel-Bamboo Lodge-Deurali Lodge-Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)-Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)-Bamboo Lodge-Kyumi Village-Pokhara. For the whole trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you will need about 15 days on average, although you can shorten or lengthen this time depending on your needs.
You will start your trek in Pokhara, which will take about one hour and 30 minutes. The first day is an easy hike that is mostly flat.
Upon arrival at Naya Pul (also known as New Bridge), you will begin your hike to Tikhedhunga. This section is about 1 km long and has a slight incline. From here it should only take you about 20 minutes to reach Tikhedhunga.
At Tikhedhunga, cross the suspension bridge over the Modi River and continue hiking to Ulleri, where you will have lunch. Ulleri is a large village with many tea houses and lodges where you can stay, but there are other options if you want to be a little less busy.
Today you will trek to Ghorepani. After breakfast at the tea house, you will begin your journey with a steep climb up stone steps leading to Ulleri (2,070 m/6,790 ft), a Magar village. You will then hike through beautiful rhododendron forests until you reach Ghorepani.
The hike from Ulleri to Ghorepani is not too difficult and will take about four hours. You are now at 2,850 meters above sea level and should experience mild effects of altitude sickness such as headache or nausea if you have them.
Once you arrive at Ghorepani, visit Poon Hill for breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in the world: Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Fishtail Mountain (6993 m/22,946 ft) and Hiunchuli (6441 m/21125 ft). Watch a magical sunset over these peaks before returning to your teahouse for dinner and rest.
After a hearty breakfast, hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), the best place to watch the sunrise in the Annapurna region. You will enjoy a panoramic view of mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Himchuli and many other mountain peaks. After spending some time at Poon Hill, we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast.
Today’s trail descends to Banthanti (2,250 m) through the rhododendron forest and then climbs up to Tadapani (2,690 m). This day hike is relatively easy. During our hike from Ghorepani to Tadapani you will explore the beautiful rhododendron forest.
Upon arrival at Tadapani, you can explore the village and enjoy the view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre Mountain.
Chhomrong is a large village located south of Annapurna base camp. It is located at an altitude of 2170 meters (7118 feet). It is the second largest Gurung village in Nepal and has many lodges to choose from.
Chhomrong was once famous for its apple orchards, which were unfortunately destroyed by heavy snowfall in 2010. Since then they have expanded their cultivation to other fruits and vegetables.
Chhomrong is located in a subtropical climate with year-round temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F). The higher you climb into the mountains, the more the temperature drops. Above 3500 meters (11483 feet), it can even get as cold as -24°C (-11.2°F) in the summer!
After a refreshing rest in Chhomrong, begin the day’s hike toward Dovan. The hike is not difficult as the path is well maintained and will take you about six hours.
From Chhomrong, the trail leads to Kuldi Ghar, a small village. From Kuldi Ghar, the trail continues to the Doban Khola valley through which the Modi River flows, while the trail then leads to Doban and finally ends in Dovan.
After the long hike from Chhomrong, you’ll be glad to spend some time at the Himalayan Hotel. Located within sight of the base of Annapurna South, this is also a great place to charge your devices and relax over a meal.
It is important to stay hydrated as you advance further into the mountains. So make sure you eat and drink enough before continuing your trek.
This hotel is ideally located for those looking for a shortcut to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The next day, wake up early and make your way up through bamboo forests before emerging in an area known as the “green mountain”.
Today’s hike is relatively easy and you will be at the highest altitude of your trek so far. The trails are well marked, but there is a steep climb at the end.
The views along the way are breathtaking and if you are hiking in high season, you’ll have company! Just past Machhapuchhre Base Camp you will reach Annapurna Base Camp.
From here you can take a short rest and admire Annapurna South, Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli), Gangapurna, Glacier Dome and Hiunchuli.
It is a strenuous climb to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) which takes about 4-5 hours from Machhapuchhre Base Camp. ABC is surrounded by spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurana and other peaks.
The hike back to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) takes about 2-3 hours.
It is the last day of your Annapurna Base Camp trekking. After having breakfast at Bamboo Lodge, follow the same trail back to Himalayan Hotel.
The trail passes through a dense bamboo forest with rhododendrons and many wildflowers growing here and there. You may hear the voice of the red panda in this area.
After about three hours of hiking, you will reach the top of the bamboo forest where you can enjoy the first view of Mt. Hiunchuli, the sea of clouds and the sunrise over the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Continuing on your way to the Himalayan Hotel, you will pass Sinuwa Lodge, where you can have lunch before heading to the Himalayan Hotel, which is a short walk from Sinuwa Lodge.
If you have time, a visit to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs is highly recommended. When it comes to unwinding after a long day of hiking, nothing beats a nice soak in a hot spring! At Chhomrong, you can buy drinking water from the stores.
However, as you descend and stay in warmer temperatures, your water will no longer freeze and you can fill up your bottle while following the springs together with Gurungs (villagers). This will save you money compared to buying bottled water.
After such a long journey, this will be very welcome to you! If you do not get enough sleep at night due to symptoms of altitude sickness and feel sleepy during the second half of the trek that day, we recommend you stay one more night in Chhomrong to let your body get used to the lower altitude before you start the return trip.
If you are not staying overnight in Chomrong, it is a good idea to leave early and hike down to Landruk (1565m). The trail will take you about 5-6 hours in total.
On the way back, you will see some of the same scenery as on the way there, but there are some distinct differences in the surroundings. This is because you will be descending and therefore will have a different view.
Also, it is likely that the time of day will be different, as we recommend leaving early to avoid possible rain showers in the afternoon (see Weather section below).
You can also pass by the Jhinu Danda hot spring on your way back and take a relaxing bath in its warm waters before continuing your trek to Landruk.
You can spend another night in one of the many options in Landruk or continue to Nayapul and take a cab back to Pokhara to relax after your strenuous trekking adventure!
You will have plenty of time to walk back to Pothana today, as it takes about 4 hours. The trail is mostly apartment and passes through scattered villages where you can stop for tea or lunch at Dhampus.
If you are looking for a good place to eat, you should visit the Green Hill Restaurant. Enjoy the view from there on the way back to Pothana, where there are plenty of places to stop if you want to eat out again this evening.
On the not-so-happy thirteenth day of your trek, you will have to retrace your steps and cover the same distance you did on your way from Landruk to Pothana.
On a clear day, the views of the Himalayan mountains are as good as they are at sunrise.
After arriving back at Landruk, hike a little further down to Jhinu Danda, where you can take a break and take a dip in the hot springs.
You will follow the river for about an hour to Birethanti, where you will cross a suspension bridge over the Modi River. Then you continue through small villages and along fields until you reach Naya Pul (literally “new bridge”), which is located on a road that goes all along the river.
On Day 14 of your 15-day Annapurna Base Camp trek, you can either drive or fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. From Pokhara, a drive to Kathmandu takes about 7 hours. The other option is to take a flight which takes about 30 minutes.
We recommend you to opt for the car ride as this way you can enjoy great views of the mountains and many other things. After your arrival in Kathmandu, we will take you back to the hotel and spend the night there.
There are several route options that can be chosen for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The most popular route for trekkers is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which takes about eleven nights and twelve days.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is one of the most popular trekking routes in Annapurna region.
ABC Trek is a mixture of natural and cultural elements. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, lush forests, mountain vistas, ethnic villages and different ethnic groups.
The trail also offers spectacular mountain views from various vantage points such as Ghorepani, Chhomrong and Machhapuchre Base Camp.
Poon Hill is the highest viewpoint in the Annapurna region. It offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Himalayas including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) etc.
A second variant also starts in Nayapul but goes through Ghandruk, Chhomrong and Doban before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.
A third variant starts in Pokhara and follows the same route as the second variant, but visits both Ghandruk and Chhomrong on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal. The trekking route passes through the foothills of the Annapurna massif, where the highest mountain ranges in the world are located.
You can see different views of mountains and hills, waterfalls, lush green forests and so on. To do this trek, you need to know when is the best time for Annapurna base camp trekking.
The weather in Annapurna Base Camp is quite different from other regions of Nepal.
Here you will find many different weather conditions, including hot summers and snowy winters. Rainfall and humidity also vary depending on the season.
So let us take a look at the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp:
The best time to hike to Annapurna Base Camp is from October to November because the weather is cool, the mountain views are crystal clear, and there are probably fewer people fighting over lodging.
December to February is also a good time for trekking. Since Annapurna is located in the Himalayan region, you will experience cold weather during this time.
The temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius at night and even if it is sunny during the day, it is considered cold.
But if you can handle this kind of weather, then you can go hiking anytime between December and February.
However, we should not forget that in this season there is a high probability of snowfall in the mountains, which can be dangerous when trekking.
January is considered the coldest month of all (except for heavy snowfall). So if you want to enjoy a colder environment on your trip, then you can visit Nepal in January or February, as in these two months the probability of snowfall is higher than any other month (though this varies from year to year).
In March, April and May you will experience clear skies with very few clouds. Temperatures are mild and flowers are in bloom.
March and April are the best months to trek in this region as there are less people around.
It is also the second best time to travel to Annapurna Base Camp, as May is considered the first month of the monsoon season in Nepal.
Even though this is a good time for trekking, keep in mind that June and July are the main months of monsoon in Nepal and you can expect rain every day.
You may experience landslides, leeches on muddy trails, and limited visibility of the mountains due to clouds.
You can also experience the same in September as it is the transition period from monsoon to spring.
It is good to trek between March and April as the weather is stable throughout the day, but still cold enough for you not to feel too hot during the treks and enjoy your time.
October is also the best time for this hike, but it can get a bit crowded due to the tourist season that starts from October to November.
The best time for trekking in Annapurna Base Camp is October to November and March to May.
The best time for trekking in Annapurna Base Camp is from October to November (autumn) and from March to May (spring).
In autumn, the weather is perfect with blue skies and clear views of the mountains. Most importantly, it is the post-monsoon season when the area has recovered from the rains and the rivers are not flooded but have moderate levels.
The temperature is also moderate (10˚C – 20˚C). The spring season offers warm days and cold nights.
To give you a wide range of options, this section will show you the cost of an Annapurna Base Camp trek if you travel independently and book a complete package. This is important because your budget plays an important role in planning your trip – and the price varies depending on how much you have to spend.
In the following sections you will find the main costs for an Annapurna Base Camp trip, including estimated prices for each item.
The total cost for a ABC trekking trip on your own ranges from $800-$1,200 USD per person.
This price is based on a group of two trekkers sharing the cost of the permit, guide, porter, food and accommodation.
You can lower this price by choosing cheaper lodging or foregoing the cost of a guide or porter.
However, please note that guides and porters are part of the Nepalese economy and are paid very little for their services. So it is important that you pay them appropriately if you want to use their services.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be divided into two packages. The “full package” includes all transportation, accommodation, food, guide and equipment, while the “teahouse trek” consists of a series of daily payments for accommodation and food.
Full package: this is the most popular choice for those who do not want to worry about money on the trip itself, and want to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about booking accommodation or getting food.
The total cost of this trip depends on how many days you want to spend trekking and whether you choose luxury or standard accommodation. This package typically costs between $800 and $1200 per person, depending on the number of days and the type of service you are using.
If you choose luxury accommodation (usually a private room), you can expect to pay around $1500 per person, including all meals, permits, transportation to/from the trek, and a guide. If you travel this way, porters are also available if needed (at an additional cost).
You may have read quite a bit about this so-called budget trekking expedition and the various price tags associated with it. This is mainly because there are some people who will tell you how cheap or expensive the trip is based on their own experiences, without actually quoting the trip itself.
The trek that best suits you is one that fits your budget, but also includes everything you want from your trip.
For budget travelers, exploring Nepal on your own is the most affordable option. Independent trekking tours have many advantages. The most important one is that you have more flexibility and freedom in choosing your mode of travel.
If you are unsure of your plans, it may be wise to book your accommodations during the trip. If you like it better than expected in a village and do not want to move on immediately or take a small detour, you just need to book a room in a lodge and continue with your new plans.
But there are also many advantages to traveling with an organized group – if your budget allows it. The biggest advantage is that a local guide can take care of everything for you.
You can focus on experiencing Nepal without worrying about logistics (such as transportation or accommodation), which can be very helpful depending on what type of traveler you think you are.
The 7-day short Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience and explore the Himalayan region in a short time.
This trek is one of the best in the Annapurna region and allows you to see the Annapurna mountain range including the famous ‘Fishtail’ or Machhapuchhre peak.
It is an easy hike with few ascents and descents and offers breathtaking views not only of the mountains but also of villages, terraced fields, forests of colorful rhododendrons, waterfalls and hot springs.
The trek begins in Nayapul after a drive from Pokhara. The trail will take you through lush green forests of rhododendron, bamboo and oak trees before entering the Himalayan region and passing through the beautiful Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong before reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), from where you can get a close-up view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Ganggapurna, Tent Peak and many other peaks.
Here is a typical 7-day trekking itinerary for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek that you can use to plan your trekking.
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, which leaves daily early in the morning around 7:00 am. The fare is Rs 600 (less than 6 USD) and the trip takes about 6-7 hours depending on traffic.
Since most tourists take the tourist bus or a car/jeep/van as private transportation, there are travel agencies in Thamel that will try to sell their services.
Drive to Ghandruk. The small village of Ghandruk is the largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. It is also an important trekking destination as it is the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek as well as other treks.
After Ghandruk, leave the main trail and take a right fork of the Modi Khola River through a forest to reach Chhomrong village at the foot of a steep gorge. Stay overnight in Chhomrong (2,170 meters).
Places of interest in Chhomrong:-
Today you will have an early start and a busy day. The trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya is 9.5 km long and can take up to 8 hours, depending on how fit you are.
It is a steep climb, but the trail is well maintained so it should not be too much of a problem. It is advisable to set out early in the morning as it can get very hot during the day.
The trail itself is rocky and dusty. So be careful not to trip over loose rocks or fall off the edge of the mountain!
Once you reach the Himalayas, there are plenty of stores where you can buy food and water before continuing up to Annapurna Base Camp.
The 4th day of your trek is all about exploring Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The distance you will have to cover today is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) with an elevation gain of about 800 meters (2625 feet).
You will start the day with a short breakfast and then make your way up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. On the way, you can see beautiful waterfalls and admire the magnificent Himalayan views that surround you.
After about three hours you will reach the MBC, where time will stand still for you, because here there is only nature in its purest form.
From here, it will only take you about an hour to reach Annapurna Base Camp.
From here you will have a beautiful 360 degree view of the entire Annapurna mountain range, namely Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Annapurna South, Mount Gangapurna, Mount Fishtail and many more.
Today is a long day of hiking. We will start early, at 7am, with breakfast at Annapurna Base Camp. After that, you can take a walk around ABC and take photos before descending to Bamboo for lunch.
You will have lunch in Bamboo and then hike down to Sinuwa where you will spend the night. The total distance is about 18 km and the walking time should be about 8 hours.
Today is the last day of your Annapurna Circuit trekking. You will drive to Kathmandu and will be accommodated in a hotel. You can buy souvenirs, visit temples, go sightseeing or try one of the many good restaurants. If time permits, you can also explore some of the city’s popular pubs and discos.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done by anyone! It is perfect for families or groups of friends, but also for singles and couples. It is doable for anyone with a moderate fitness level, even if you are not an athlete.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is arguably one of the best treks in Nepal. This is a great option if you want to immerse yourself in nature but do not have time for the Everest Base Camp Trek or other longer treks.
In just 7 days you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal and meet friendly locals along the way.
This short itinerary includes everything that makes Nepal such a popular destination: breathtaking landscapes and mountain views at every turn, unique Hindu and Buddhist culture, delicious local cuisine, beautiful blooming rhododendrons (in spring), warm Nepali hospitality along your journey… The list goes on!
You do not need to book your accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek in advance.
All accommodations on Annapurna Base Camp trek are in tea houses. These are independently run, which means you do not need to book your accommodation in advance. There is enough space for everyone, so you can decide where to stop and spend the night along the way.
I highly recommend arriving at a place and choosing where you want to stay rather than booking in advance, as this will give you more flexibility if your plans change or if a nicer room is available when you arrive.
However, there are pros and cons to booking in advance, especially during peak season when it’s harder to find accommodations. When you book in advance, you have the assurance that your bed is guaranteed when you arrive.
If it is important for you not to have to worry about finding accommodation for the night, then I would recommend booking before you leave.
In the tea houses where you will be staying during the trek, you will usually have your own bathroom and a private room with two beds.
A typical room has two single beds and a private bathroom with a squat toilet but no shower. Bedding and blankets are provided, but you should bring your own towel as it is often not available.
You do not need to bring a sleeping bag, as the teahouses are equipped with enough blankets and quilts for everyone. Some teahouses also have a dining room where you can meet other trekkers in the evening after dinner.
Most lodges on the Annapurna region offer twin rooms for two (or even three) people, but single rooms are rare. If you are traveling in a group with friends or family, you can share a room with them and pay less.
However, if you are traveling alone, you’ll probably have to share your room with a stranger – but do not worry, trekkers are usually open-minded and laid-back. You might even make some new friends this way!
A hot shower after each day of trekking is a luxurious treat and a great way to relax at the end of each day. On days when it is not possible to heat water, you can use a wet wipe to partially rid your face of dirt and grime.
Most of your meals at the teahouses where you stay are included in the cost.
These teahouses have a set menu that is usually included in the cost of the room. You can also order extras such as beer, wine, or snacks for an additional cost.
You will need to pay for your meals at the end of your stay at each teahouse. So be sure to keep track of how much you ate and drank so there are no surprises when you pay.
For such a small country, Nepal has an incredible selection of food and snacks. The Nepalese are famous for their hot sauce and dumplings, which you will consume by the bucketful on this trek.
You can eat all kinds of curries – potato curry, chicken curry, vegetable curry, etc. – as well as rice dishes like fried rice or daal bhat (rice with lentils). And if all that does not help, there’s always pizza!
Annapurna base camp is quite remote and there are no restaurants or cafes. In most teahouses you will have to pay an additional fee for meals at base camp, but this is where your hard climbing starts to pay off.
The food at Annapurna base camp is some of the best on the entire trek, and it’s worth splurging for a 3-course meal after a long day of climbing. Since it’s a fairly remote place, prices are inflated everywhere and you should expect to spend more than usual per meal.
Most of your time in Annapurna will be spent in the teahouses where climbers rest before and after their treks along the route. Since the teahouse owners have little income during the winter months, they rely on their cooking skills to entice hikers to stop in.
This means that the food in most teahouses is excellent (even if it takes a little longer to cook), but it also means that each and every meal in a teahouse has been prepared by someone who has invested a lot of time to make sure it tastes really good!
This is another term used for tea houses (some guidebooks use the two terms interchangeably). As I mentioned earlier, lodge owners rely on their cooking skills to convince visitors to stay in their home.
Nepalese cuisine is a treasure trove of healthy, flavorful and aromatic vegetable dishes. The main ingredients are rice (muktla), dal (lentil soup), vegetables, spices and sometimes meat.
Nepalese cuisine has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cooking styles. The Eastern influence is evident in the use of spices such as turmeric powder, garlic cloves and fenugreek seeds.
The central influence comes from Tibet, where the unique shape of momos was created by rolling out the dough with a special rolling pin called a makki di roti, or “scoop.”
They can be eaten with beans or vegetables along with some yogurt or cottage cheese to keep them from being too heavy on the stomach.
However, most Nepalis believe that the food should be eaten as a meal with some rice and juice or tea to wash it down.
Mоuntаin food
Food in the mountains will never be quite the same as at home. In the Annapurnas, you can expect simple, mostly carbohydrate meals at the tea houses along your trekking route.
To accommodate foreign trekkers, many of these tea houses try to serve international cuisine.
You will find a little bit of everything on the menu: Pasta and pizza, soup and salad, rice with curry or chicken or vegetables. The food is usually good, but do not expect European quality.
Some restaurants may be better than others and some ingredients may be fresher than others, but you will not experience gourmet cuisine. After all, you are surrounded by mountains that reach into the clouds – delicious food should not be your top priority!
During a strenuous trek like Annapurna Base Camp, you will burn calories quickly. You need to eat plenty of healthy food to keep your energy up. Besides fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and fish are also good choices.
It is important that you eat enough, but not too much, otherwise you may have problems with your digestive system.
It is best not to eat foods that are too spicy: They can upset your stomach when you are hiking at high altitudes, and cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is one of the best ways to explore Annapurna region. The helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp takes only about an hour, and the return flight takes about 30 minutes.
The flight itself is an incredible experience, as you fly over some of the most spectacular mountain views in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour offers you a unique experience as you land at Annapurna Base Camp.
You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and other snow-capped mountain peaks.
The short trip to Annapurna Base Camp is designed for those who do not have enough time or physical fitness to complete the trekking route.
It is also suitable for those who want to make a shorter trip but still want to have a glimpse of this beautiful region.
Packing for a trip to the Annapurna region in Nepal is a challenge. You need to make sure your gear is warm enough, but not too heavy or too big. And you need to find a balance between quality and cost.
When trekking in the Annapurna region, you’ll have to get used to sleeping in cold conditions with minimal protection from the elements. So you should make sure that you buy quality equipment that is both well made and can withstand heavy use.
But this gear also comes at a price. So how can you put together a trip that’s worth your time (and money)?
Casual clothes
You will need to wear thermal clothing on the hike. Many people use thermal socks and insoles, but I would recommend bringing your own sleepwear, i.e. pajamas, nightgowns, and a hat.
If you are someone who gets cold easily, you should bring warm sweaters or a jacket that you can use as both sleeping clothes and casual clothes.
Take enough pairs of socks (I always carry 3-4 pairs), as you will need fresh socks every day as the others get dirty or wet. Avoid cotton socks at all costs and make sure all your socks are wool or merino to keep your feet nice and warm and dry during the trekking days.
Although ABC is not in close proximity to a lake, there are some campsites near waterways. During the day you may want to dip your feet in the ice cold water, so you better bring sandals for this purpose.
For those who have long hair, I highly recommend taking a balaclava on this hike. This is nothing more than a fancy name for a head covering that completely covers your head except for your eyes and nose/mouth area.
It is definitely worth taking a balaclava, especially when it gets freezing cold at night in the Annapurna region at higher elevations where oxygen levels are low, so it is even colder than usual because there is less oxygen flowing through the bloodstream into us humans!
Although this hike is in high season, it can rain at any time. In some parts of the hike, it may also snow. Rainwear should therefore be one of the most important items on your packing list. Rainwear will keep you dry and warm when it rains or snows.
Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof pants and waterproof hiking boots in your luggage for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you do not have this equipment with you, you can buy it locally.
It is very important to take a waterproof and windproof jacket/pants for trekking. You will be wearing this garment for most of your trek, especially in rain, snow and strong winds.
The jacket needs to be roomy enough to fit your fleece underneath with ease. It needs to be lightweight and breathable at the same time. Your waterproof pants should also allow you some breathing room when you wear them over your hiking pants and a base layer in cold temperatures at high elevations.
If you are planning Annapurna Base Camp trek, it is important to know Annapurna Base Camp trek permit. Basically, there are 3 types of permits that you need for your trip. They are:
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project was established in 1986 as the first protected area in Nepal. The main objective of the project was to conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region while helping local communities improve their livelihoods through alternative sources of income.
Currently, ACAP is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. A permit is required for hiking within the protected area. The fee for foreign nationals is 2000 NRs/person, while for SAARC nationals it is 1000 NRs/person.
If you plan to do a trek that ends at ABC, you need to buy a 7-day permit and if you want to do the Mardi Himal trek, you should buy a 10-day permit.
The ABC trek is a moderate trek with a maximum altitude of 4130 meters (13550 feet). To complete the entire Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will need to walk about 100 km (62 miles), which is not too difficult but will take about 8-14 days depending on your physical fitness and pace.
The time you need to complete Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on many factors such as daily walking distance, number of rest days, number of acclimatization days, difficulty level, etc.
An average person with no hiking experience and no physical exertion will need about 10-14 days for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Those who have previous hiking experience or have done physical training before can complete Annapurna Base Camp Trek in about 8-10 days.
If you are in Nepal, there are two very popular trekking destinations, Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, and the question is which is the best trek. It depends on what you want from your trekking experience.
If you want to immerse yourself in Nepali culture and meet locals along the way, then the ABC trek is for you.
There are more villages and settlements along this route and more opportunities to interact with locals than on the EBC Trek.
You will also be in a region with a greater diversity of ethnic groups than in the Khumbu.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic alpine experience. It may not be quite as rich in culture as its competitors, but there’s no denying that it’s an iconic trek that combines breathtaking natural beauty with the opportunity to see one of the world’s most famous mountains up close.
At first glance, you might think that the EBC trek has an easier climb than ABC, but that’s not true.
The two treks have similar ascents but different descents. On the EBC trek, you have to descend thousands of steps. So if you have weak knees or joints, ABC may be better for you.
The temperature at Annapurna Base Camp is quite cold, but during the day it is relatively warm compared to the night. The temperature at Annapurna Base Camp ranges from -10°C to 25°C.
How cold it gets depends on the time of year and when you visit. In high winter, temperatures can drop as low as -10°C. It is important to bring plenty of warm clothing if you are traveling at this time of year or if it is windy, so that you are comfortable in your teahouse or lodge.
In the summer months, the temperature can be much warmer with peaks around 25°C. However, it is advisable to bring warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Shera Sherpa Adventures is the #1 trekking company in Nepal. We help our clients to finish their trekking tour safely, saving time and money.
We help you plan your trek from start to finish – and also help you settle in once you arrive in Nepal. From hotel bookings to transportation reservations, we take care of everything so all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
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