Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Everything you need to know

16th April 2019

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is the famous classic trekking trail in Nepal that offers enough opportunities to explore the immense natural beauties and at the mean time you can also observe cultural heritages of Rural Himalayas. This is an ideal trekking package for the people wishing to explore the nature and culture of Nepal Himalayas in a same trip. The entire Annapurna Region is blessed with natural wonders and cultural heritages. During the trek to Base Camp of Mount Annapurna, you will get a chance to witness the incredible mountain panoramas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri mountain range, Annapurna itself and many other high snow capped peaks. Additionally, a trekker will get a chance to explore the diverse landscape and floral / faunal diversities in Annapurna Region. Annapurna Conservation Area is the habitat of many rare and endangered wild animals and floral species. If you love exploring the birds and animals in Himalayas, this is best trekking package for you. This is a sweet voyage that introduces you with the rural lifestyle and also offers chance to experience adventure.

What permits do I need for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking?

In order to trek in most parts of Nepal you will need a Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card. These are available at the tourist centers in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The one in Pokhara is just short walk from Pokhara tourist bus station so it works well to go straight there on your arrival to Pokhara. For the foreigners, the TIMS card costs NPR 2000 and the permit NPR 2260. You have to provide 4 passport size photos and they will take and print for you at the Pokhara Centre without any added charge.

Which season to choose for ABC Trek?

Deciding which season is best for you without knowing your interest and purpose of trekking is just useless. The best seasons differs as per your interest and purpose. But, if you want to know which season sees the maximum numbers of trekkers in Annapurna Region, then its during autumn and spring. These seasons offers best climatic conditions and a perfect view of Himalayas in a clear sky. Also, a trekker will find greenery everywhere with huge chances to encounter wild species and beautiful birds. Winter is ideal trekking season for the solo trekking enthusiasts. This season sees very few number of the trekkers even in the most popular trekking destination of Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. The sky is not much clear every time, but you will get enough chances to observe stunning sunrise and spectacular mountain panoramas during the trek.

Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Below we have provided outline itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can change and modify this itinerary as per your interest and requirement. If you are a beginner and don’t have previous trekking experiences in the high Himalayas, we recommend you to add one or two extra days for acclimatization so you will complete the trek more comfortably. Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,264ft) Day 02: Kathmandu: Cultural tours to Buddhist and Hindu Shrines and preparation for the trek Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft) – 30 minutes flight, 5 – 6 hours trek Day 04: Ghandruk – Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft) – 5 – 6 hours Day 05: Chhomrong – Bamboo (2310m/7120ft) – 5 – 6 hours Day 06: Bamboo – Deurali (3230m/10,595ft) – 3 – 4 hours Day 07: Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,135ft) – 5 – 6 hours Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo – 7 – 8 hours Day 09: Bamboo – Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770ft) – 5 – 6 hours Day 10: Jhinu Danda – Nayapul and drive to Pokhara – 6 hours trek/1 hour drive Day 11: Flight or Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu Day 12: Final Departure

How hard is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Unlike Everest Base Camp Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is easy and suitable for experienced as well as beginner trekkers. Don’t worry if you lack any previous trekking experiences in the high Himalayas, join this trek and experience the overwhelming natural beauties. Though, stable health and walking endurance of at least 7 hours per day is mandatory for completing this trek in scheduled timeframe. While walking in the high altitude, be careful of drinking plenty of water and don’t walk too fast. These are the best ideas to minimize the risk of Altitude sickness. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the most common risk seen in some of the previous trekkers. We recommend you to take vegetarian and fresh meals while in high elevation.

Is hiring a guide and porter mandatory for ABC Trekking?

It is not compulsory to hire a guide or porter in order to complete the Annapurna Trekking but hiring them makes your trip easy and more amazing. Guide is like your friend in Himalaya who takes care of you in every good and worse situation that may happen. Porter carries your goods and makes you feel comfortable while walking in the steep uphill trail. If you are travelling with a trekking agency, you don’t need to worry about hiring a guide and porters. They will manage all these things for you.