Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get from Annapurna base camp to Pokhara?

   You can hire a jeep back to Pokhara or you can board a public bus which runs between Kimchi and Pokhara and costs 400 NPR.

2. What is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

   September to October and April to June are the best months for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp since these months provide good climatic conditions and nice trekking trails without many hindrances made by snow or avalanche. There will be a lot of flowers bloomed during April-May and in October, the weather will be moderately colder but snow cover will be absent.

3. What is the difficulty level of Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

   ABC trek is considered to be a moderate to difficult trek as different topographies are included in this trek. Moving from a lower elevation to the highest at 13550 feet will be a tough task and the routes are going through dense forest, steep climbs and unwinding, rustic pathways through villages. Each day, you will trek for an average of 6 hours and it can easily make you tired by the end of the day.

4. What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?

   You will need a better physical fitness, not which of athletes but still with proper cardio vascular power and flexibility to muscles. You need to have great strength to conquer the forest trails, steps, steep ascents and descents easily. The high altitudes will have a problem of low oxygen level too. Hence your lungs should be working very well. Strength to carry the backpack and climb the ascents is also needed. Jogging, stretching exercises, squats, swimming and skipping can help you build a physically fit body to ABC trek.

5. How is Annapurna Base Camp Trek weather?

   Mostly, a colder weather can be experience at Annapurna Base Camp since the wide thickets and snow covered peaks are there everywhere. During the on-season for the trek, the temperature level will be higher than in winter and monsoon and it will give sunny days. In spring and autumn, the day temperature may vary from 10-20 degree Celsius and night temperature from 0-5 degree Celsius.

6. What are the clothing and equipment which I should carry from my end?

   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 litres), Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, Two water bottles, Plastic covers and medicine kit with some of the following medicines: Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS), Dexamethasone – one strip, Nifedipine – 5 tablets, Crocin – 6 tablets (fever), Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness), Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies), Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea), Band aid – 10 strips, Cotton – 1 small roll, ORS – 10 packets, Moov spray and betadine.

7. Which type of shoes should I carry for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

   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 a strong ankle support can be used. Avoid buying new shoes because it can cause blisters. Try walking wearing the 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.

8. When will there be snow on this trek?

   If you are selecting the spring season, there will be snow near the base camp only and at Machapuchare base also. But in October, there will be likely no snow cover. In winter, there will be really thick snow sheets everywhere en route to the summit.

9. What will we do if it rains?

   While on the trek, if it rains, you will be continuing as per the itinerary along the same trail. Use the poncho to protect your from the rain. The plastic covers with you can protect your backpack. If the rain is heavy and not able to proceed with the trek, the trek leader will ask you take a halt at a nearby place and in this case, you can take a buffer day to complete the trek.

10. When it gets really cold can I consume alcohol on Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

    Consuming alcohol while you trek to the high altitudes and in cold climatic conditions will be dangerous to your body. Also, consuming alcohol will make you dehydrate fast since it makes your pores in the body open and get the cold inside. It is always better to avoid drinking alcohol while trekking and most of the travel agencies prohibit the consumption of alcohol.

11. Does one feel altitude sickness over there? If yes, how to avoid it?

    Yes. There are millions of chances for you to feel altitude sickness since all of a sudden you experience a change in altitude and climate. To escape from the uneasiness happened due to acute mountain sickness, you should have Diamox handy and drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated.

12. What are the clothing and equipment that need to be purchased from our end?

    Carry jeans or trekking pants, shirts or T shirts, windproof jackets, warm and thick fleece, woolen sweater, thermal inner wear, socks, scarfs, woolen gloves etc as clothing essentials to prevent the spine chilling cold weather at Kuari Pass. Comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight floater or sandals, raincoat, water bottle, caps and hats, sun glasses, torch, medicines, personal toiletries, comfortable backpack bag, waterproof covers or bags etc can be the essential equipment you can carry from your side.

13. Is Diamox is advisable?

    Yes, to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness or simply altitude sickness, Diamox is a must medicine you should have handy. You will be reaching a height of about 13550 feet after staying at a lower elevation in the beginning of the trek and it will be great if you have 10-12 diamox tablets with you to avoid the uneasiness happens due to acute mountain sickness. How do I get in shape?

14. How do I get in shape?

    ABC trek considered to be a moderate to difficult trek and there is no other way except getting really prepared for the trek to avoid problems en route. Start with cardio vascular exercises and jogging is the best to increase your lungs capacity. Make sure you are jogging every day and increase the distance and speed combination each day. Also do some normal exercises like squats, skipping, swimming that would strengthen your muscles and make you flexible. Stretching exercises can also be of use while perfecting your body to do this trek.

15. What are washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?

    There will be separate toilet tents arranged at each campsite for men and women. Depending on the size of the group, the number of toilets varies. Toilet tents will have a deep pit, mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. All of them usually will be dry toilets where you have to use toilet papers alone. Room freshner will also be provided.

16. How cold is Annapurna Circuit?

    The days have an average temperature of 15 °C whereas nights are colder with a temperature of 7 °C to 8 ° C. Temperature in the areas above 4000m can drop down to negative also.

17. Is Annapurna base camp trek safe?

    Annapurna Base Camp trek is safe as long as you pre-plan your trek and are equipped with everything you need according to the season you are trekking in. Moreover, make sure you watch your physical fitness along with your diet to complete the trek perfectly.

18. How long does the Annapurna base camp trek take?

    It would take 09 days and 8 nights to complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if starting from Kathmandu.

19. Is Annapurna Circuit dangerous?

    Annapurna Circuit is potentially dangerous if you are not planned properly. Before beginning the trek you should be aware of and prepared for Acute Mountain Sickness, exposure, cold and avalanches. And an experienced guide would be a fine decision who can tell you safety measures for dangerous situations on the spot.

20. What is the difference between Annapurna Base Camp Trek And Annapurna Circuit Trek?

    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 13,780 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 as 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.