How to Prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You need some advance preparations in order to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek successfully. That said, you should be prepared in terms of physical health, documents, gears, equipment, and general supplies.
Physical training required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp is moderate and you don’t need any prior trekking experience. That said, however, since the ABC trek is perched at a high elevation and involves a seemingly rough terrain, you need to be physically fit to complete the trek.
So, you need to practice some regular physical exercises in advance of your travel dates. Here are some of the physical workouts you can do to increase your level of fitness for the trek:
- You should practice brief walking for an hour every day.
- You also need to do some cardio workouts like running and cycling, for a couple of weeks to enhance your strength.
- Practicing yoga asanas is also recommended to increase your focus and concentration power.
Gears and Equipment required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
When you are getting yourself ready for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, it is important to make sure that you have packed the right gears and equipment needed for the hike. That said, here is a checklist of the things you need to carry for your ABC trekking:
1. A trekking pole
If you are going for Annapurna Base Camp trek during the winter season, you need a pair of good trekking poles to walk comfortably on the thick layer of snow. The poles will allow you to keep your pace and maintain your balance on uneven terrains and slippery rocks.
They will also reduce pressure on your knees and ensure stability on the slopes. During any normal day of trekking, the hiking poles can even help to whack branches and bushes coming in your way.
2. Waterproof trekking shoes
In the course of your trekking activity, you will be walking on rough and steep terrains daily. A pair of good shoes will help you maintain your stability on the trails and reduce straining of your feet. Waterproof shoes can be an added advantage as they can soak moisture and keep your feet dry.
3. A water bottle and a portable water purifier/ water purifying tablet
Dehydration can occur very quickly when you are trekking for days together. Hence, it is important to carry a good quality water bottle, which you can refill and use throughout the trek. Furthermore, make sure you carry a portable water filter or some water purifying tablets so that you can get clean water for yourself at the higher altitudes.
4. A sleeping bag
In the upper regions, the nights can be very chilly. A good, liner sleeping bag can help you keep the cold away and sleep peacefully.
5. A headlight
A headlight or a handy torch is important for you to figure out your ways in the evenings or when the sky is cloudy and dark.
6. Toiletries
Toiletries are no doubt one of the very basic things to pack as you won’t find and resorts or hotels offering you these essentials in the mountains. Hence, make sure you carry your toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, body lotion, and hand sanitizer.
7. Personal medicine and first aid kit
If you are on medication, make sure you carry your medicine kit. In addition, do not forget to keep a small first aid kit with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), an antiseptic cream, and Dettol.
8. A pair of gloves, liner socks, thermals, a woolen hat, and an insulating jacket
It goes without saying that the trails at the higher altitudes will be extremely cold. Some good woolen garments, thermals, scarfs, liner jackets, and socks and help you in coping with the chilly temperatures in the trek.
9. Electrical Gadgets
Electrical equipment like your cell phone, camera, and power bank are an uncompromisable necessity. So, do not forget to pack your electrical gadgets before leaving for the trek. You can also carry an universal adapter to charge your phone, camera, and power bank in the tea houses.
10. Cash
Remember to carry enough cash with you for the trek as you would not find any ATM on the trails, in the course of your hike. The only ATM facility available is in Pokhara, which happens to be the beginning and ending point of your trek.
Documents required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
1. Visa
Foreign travelers can get their visa from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, Nepal upon their arrival. One may need to face a long queue during the peak hiking seasons. Travelers can even get their visa easily from the Nepal embassy in their country before their travel dates. That said, however, Indian travelers do not need to carry a visa to enter the country.
2. Trekking permits
Travelers, who are interested in going for the Annapurna Base Camp trek need two kinds of trekking permits - TIMS and ACAP. Transport Information Management System (TIMS) is important for all the trekkers going for trekking in Nepal. Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP) is required for all the trekkers interested in trekking the Annapurna region.
3. Travel insurance
Trekkers are strongly recommended to get themselves travel insurance covering their trekking activity as well as all the critical things related to it such as emergency evacuation programs.
4. A map of the Annapurna Base Camp trek
A map of the Annapurna Base Camp trek can guide the trekkers in their routes and help them to avoid any potential confusion in the trail. Make sure your map is waterproof in order to prevent it from getting spoilt in the harsh atmospheric conditions in the higher altitudes.
Best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp can be trekked throughout the year as every season offers a unique experience in the mountains. That being said, the most ideal time to hike ABC trek is during the autumn months of September to November and the spring months of March to May.
During the Autumn season, the clear skies, stable atmospheric conditions, lush vegetation, and temperate climate make the ABC trek a paradise for the avid trekkers and nature lovers. During spring, the trek gets packed with Magnolia, Rhododendron, and alpine flowers and the weather presents the perfect amalgamation of warmer days and cool nights offering the best atmospheric conditions for outdoor activities.
The trekkers can get the chance to catch clear views of the pinnacles of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, in both the seasons.
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