Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

We rate the Annapurna Base Camp trek as “Moderate-Difficult.” There are two major reasons the ABC trek is considered Moderate-Difficult. First, the distance. The trekker covers a total distance of 67 km over 9 days of the trek. This includes three days where you cover more than 10 km, with the longest being 15.5 km from ABC to Bamboo. Secondly, the sheer altitude gain and loss. Starting the trek at just over 10,500 ft at Deurali, you rapidly climb up to 13,550 ft at the ABC. On the fifth day of the trek, the trail rises over 4,000 ft in elevation over 10 km. This is something you must factor in when you plan to do the trek. This is why we recommend ABC only to trekkers with prior experience in the Himalayas (preferably above 13,000 ft) and good physical fitness (you must be able to cover 5 km in 35 minutes).

From Kathmandu on a bus, you will reach Pokhara in 5-6 hours. However, the time varies depending upon the traffic.

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.

When trekking in Nepal, amongst many things to consider, the weather is one of the important factors. Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done all through the year. However, the environment and the weather do not remain perfect throughout the year. However, amongst all the trekking season in Nepal, for Annapurna base camp trek, autumn and spring season are one of the best times to do the trek. If you would like to see green lush valleys, then we suggest you opt for the trek around the spring season. This time of the year offers warm days and chilly nights making the weather perfect for the visitors. Likewise, during the autumn season, the skies are clear and mountain views are spectacular. This time of the year, you can get the most beautiful views of the mountain range. You can also do this trek during the winter season, however, during this time of the year, there is a chance of heavy snowfall making the trek challenging.

Likewise, monsoon season is also perfect if your purpose of the trek inclined more towards nature. Because during this time of the year you will see nature blooming on its own. Nonetheless, you will have to get used to the frequent visit of leeches and worms if you opt for monsoon season. Every season has its flaws and benefits. Spring and autumn provide stunning mountain views however it is one of the busiest times of the year too. Likewise, winter and monsoon have their seasonal flaws but one advantage of traveling during this time of the year is that you will get to have the trail to yourself. As it attracts a smaller number of trekkers due to its seasonal blemish.

All in all, whether in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes frequently. So we suggest you expect the weather to change quickly.

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.

- 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, 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.