Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Difficulty

29th August 2022

Before starting your trek to Annapurna, we advise you to know the Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty level.

Annapurna base camp is a short, moderate well-liked trek in Nepal. Annapurna is one of the ten highest mountains in the world (8091 meters/26,545 feet). Compared to other treks, including the Everest Base Camp expedition, the ABC journey is the shortest and least expensive. If you are a beginner then you can also take a part in the Annapurna base camp. According to my experience, the Annapurna base camp trek is the easiest trek compared to other treks. You can easily complete this trek if you are physically fit and you are ready for a long walk.  

Annapurna base camp trek offers you a very pleasing experience with its beauty. The mountain is covered with white snow, which looks more astonishing during the sunrise and looks like it is wearing a golden sheet over its body. This trek takes you through rhododendron forests, traditional Nepalese Himalayan life, tranquil landscapes, bamboo and alpine forests, different Nepali cultures and traditions, monasteries, different species, and high-range Mountains like Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Fishtail Machapuchhre (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m), among others.

Is Annapurna a difficult trek?

No Annapurna is a moderate-level trek if you set your mind to take the magnificent adorable view of the Annapurna sunrise trek. As it says, if you fix your mind, no one can stop you. This trek totally depends on your capability however it is an easy, cheap, and lesser difficult trek compared to other treks. The only things you need are to train your legs, go for an uphill walk make sure you are going with your backpack to get the habit o carrying bag and go running to strengthen your leg. In this way, you are totally trained for long walks and also learned to control your breathing. You do not need to go to any training centre for Annapurna base camp trekking. As it is located at a very low elevation so there are fewer chances of altitude sickness. Apart from this, not only fitness you also need proper hiking requirements to deal with the natural circumstances that you have to face Almost in every trek. It would be safer if you are hiking with a proper guide. However, he knows all the major information about the trek. It is the best, easy, and cheap trek and a good choice for beginners who highly desire to perceive the beauty of nature and long-range mountains and who are ready for the way of adventure.

What is the risk during the Annapurna base camp trek?

We know there are always some risks during the trek some of them are less risky some of them are high. But we know there is always a solution to the problem. Before planning any trek we should know their risk and difficulties and precautions so we can easily tackle the problems during the trek. Some of the common factors which we can create a problem during the ABC camp trek are altitude sickness, duration, distance, weather, packing list, and many more. Here I am discussing some of the difficulties I faced and that you can also face during the ABC trek.

Duration of ABC trek

ABC trek is a short trek that takes only 12-14 days to trek. However it the duration of the trek mainly depends on your ability. Normally it takes 5-6 hours to reach your day's destination but if you are a beginner then you can take more time to reach the destination. Take your time but do not give much pressure on your body to reach your destination otherwise, it creates stress and anxiety and also causes several issues and problems in your body. So choose the package according to your ability. If you are a slow walker and used to a long walk then choose a long package to give some rest to your body. However, this is not a major difficulty you can easily deal with this difficulty. Before starting your trek you need to increase your stamina by daily uphill and downhill walking, daily exercise and running which makes your body more flexible and increases your leg strength.

Distance of ABC trek

As it is a short trek you need to walk 10-20km each day. It sounds less but it can be very tiring for beginners however the experienced trekker can cover more distance. The way is not risky it looks like simple stone steps but it is quite a challenging part of this trek. Beginners get easily tired and also face breathing problems in climbing the steps. So I always recommended working on your stamina and trying to control your breathing before planning any trek. You should keep all these things in your mind before choosing the itinerary of your trek. I would recommend it if you are a beginner and it's your first time on the mountain trek then you choose an 11-14 days itinerary where you can rest and continue your further way without giving much pressure on your body.

Altitude sickness during Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Altitude sickness is the main issue that hikers encounter on high-altitude hikes. Because of the low air pressure and oxygen shortage at high altitudes, it occurs when trekkers ascend above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). The lack of oxygen in the blood contributes to the common symptoms of this sickness, which can include breathing difficulties, headaches, nausea, and sleep problems. It is a common sickness during any mountain trek. If you are facing any of above mention problems then you should immediately go to the normal altitude zone. Do not ignore this kind of symptom it will be very dangerous if you ignore the symptom. You should take medications like Diamox, acetazolamide, promethazine, and paracetamol, which help to prevent altitude sickness symptoms if you experience any altitude sickness symptoms.

Weather and temperature in Annapurna Base Camp trek

Weather is an essential factor during your trek. Unpredictable weather can totally make your trek unsuccessful. So always before your trekking check the weather forecast or prepare your requirements to deal with the challenging weather. The average temperature during the summer/monsoon months of June, July, and August ranges from 19°C (66.2°F) to 4°C (39.2°F), creating a strong sun haze and a lot of rain. Rainfall makes the ground muddy and hazardous, which makes hiking challenging. During the winter months of December, January, and February, when the temperature ranges from 9.3°C (48.74°F) to -20°C (-4°F), the weather at Annapurna Base Camp experiences abrupt variations. Snow also makes trouble during your walk it causes difficulties. There is a chance of a slippery way which makes it difficult to walk over the coating of snow. The ideal months to hike to Annapurna Base Camp are generally regarded as March, April, May, September, October, and November.

Guide for ABC trek

As Annapurna is the easiest trek so you can continue your trek without a guide. But according to my experience, it would be better if you hire a guide with you because they show you the new places and give a detailed description of that place. It also helps you to tackle the difficulties in your way and also to communicate with the local people to know and understand their culture clearly. However, there are no restrictions for solo trekkers as it is an easy trek. But guides are well-experienced and well-trained and have the best knowledge about the weather forecast. So if you are trekking with a guide it would be safer and high chance to completer your trek successfully.

Budget management for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna base camp trek is a cheaper and more affordable trek compared to other treks like the Everest base camp trek, Manaslu circuit trek, Annapurna circuit trek, and many more. The cost of your trek depends on your extra expenses that are not included in your package. Additionally, the cost of your trip also depends on your itinerary, route, and number of days, food, extra hiking equipment, souvenir, and many more. Once you reach a higher altitude the prices of goods will be charged thrice times more than the actual price. So make sure you plan your budget according to your needs like food, water, hotel, and other necessary things that you need during your trek. Due to a lack of transportation, they used donkeys, yak, mules, and horses to carry their load due to the difficult routes ways, no vehicles are able to transport goods in hilly regions. So everything is charged higher than its actual price. Additionally, make sure you are bringing enough cash with you because rarely you can find an ATM and bank to withdraw your money.

Packing list for ABC trek

What you should pack for your trek is also an essential factor to understand for a successful trek. Carrying your hiking bag with unnecessary stuff is just a waste of your energy. Make sure you are packing all the essential gear, equipment, tools, and cloth, which is needed during your trek. So here I am sharing some basic things which are needed during your trek. First, an item of proper clothing is very important because the weather is totally unpredictable in high-altitude areas. So you should pack warm and thin clothes to deal with any weather without any difficulties. Right hiking shoes also matter a lot for a safe walk. Hiking shoes give you balance and traction on a range of surfaces, including steep, muddy, wet, and slippery ones, as well as support for your feet from injuries and blisters. Additionally, always bring a water bottle with you to keep your body hydrated.

Type of trekkers

There are always two types of trekkers one who is a beginner and inexperienced trekker and the other who is an experienced or skilled trekker. However, it is the easiest trek for those who are already going through the difficulties of trekking. Here beginner faces some challenges during their steady walk for 5-6 hours per day. It may take long hours for them to reach their destination compared to skilled trekkers so prepare your body by doing exercises, daily up-downhill walks, and running to boost your stamina. Additionally, beginners should start training their bodies six-seven weeks earlier than the trek. However, it is difficult for every beginner to walk in steep trials. If you are not able to carry properly with your heavy backpack then you can also take a porter with you to carry your backpacks and for a safe trek.

Lack of training

Many people think it is easy to trek to Annapurna base camp but before going on any trek proper training for your body is very important. Without training even on the 1-day trip you will feel tired and feel difficulty. Especially for beginners, it would be great and helpful to start their training six-seven weeks earlier than their trek. Jogging, running, cardiac exercises, cycling, walking with backpacks for 5-6 hours, up-downhill walk, and eating proper diet food help to strengthen your leg, increase your stamina, and make your body more flexible and adjustable. After that, you can go on any trek without many difficulties. If you are not well trained then you will feel tired easily cannot walk at high altitudes due to lack of oxygen, and cannot carry your backpack because of this maybe you will not continue your trek. If you are a slow walker then you will always be separated from your group and also it affects your health if you are pushing your body beyond its capability.

Conclusion

As I experienced Annapurna is a very relaxing calm peace and a perfect trek for beginners to start their mountain climbing. It is an easy, and affordable trek with an adorable view of the mountain Annapurna and other high-range mountains including Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchre, and other mountains. Your mind is full of stress, workloads, financial problems, depression stress anxiety and many more forget everything just adjust 2-3 weeks of time from your busy schedule. Trust me this trek experience not only heal your inner soul but also improve your health status. Fresh your mind just leave all your stress and anxiety and let blow you all your problems with the chilly wind air of the Annapurna region. Magnificent landscape, Sherpa villages cultures, rhododendron forest, unique species, flora and fauna, pine forest, and many more always stay in your mind as a good and adventurous memory. This experience will always stay with you and encourage you for the next adventurous trip. So don't miss the Annapurna base camp trek if you come to Nepal and if you are a beginner and searching for an affordable adventurous and memorable trek.