Notes
How Hard is Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderate, which means there are some challenges that trekkers need to face. For the experienced trekker, it will not be so difficult, but for the beginner, it might be difficult when unprepared.
Let’s see the challenges that the ABC trek offers when you undertake this trek:
- Altitude and Elevation Gain: Your Annapurna base camp trekking starts from the lower elevation of Nayapul, which is around 1,000 meters/3,280 feet, and takes you to the elevation of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp. For some trekkers, while trekking at such altitude, the chances of getting altitude sickness are real. If you catch altitude sickness, you will feel symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
- Trail Conditions: The route of the Annapurna Base Camp is well marked and safe, but passing through the uphill and downhill can be challenging for some trekkers who are not used to it. For example, climbing the thousands of stone stairs in the Ulleri village.
- Diverse weather conditions: Annapurna region weather is so diverse that it will be difficult to predict for the travellers. So sometimes bad weather can affect your travel plan. Trekkers need to be prepared for sudden rainfall, snowfall, or temperature drops.
- Physical Endurance and Hours of Walking: During trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, trekkers need to walk for every day around 4-6 hours, covering around 10-15 km. These walking hours can be tough if you are not physically fit. So be prepared to walk for around 6 hours daily carrying a backpack on this ABC trek.
- Simple Accommodation and Basic Amenities: Remember the accommodation in the remote village of the Annapurna region offers basic facilities of lodging and food to the trekkers. Don’t expect a wide variety of menu and luxury service during the trek.
Note: Even if it seems difficult, it is completely manageable when you are prepared in advance. Thousands of first-time and beginner trekkers have already completed this trek successfully, so you can too. For detail information, check here: Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty and Preparation Tips
Best Season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
It is possible to participate in the ABC trek throughout the year. However, for perfect weather conditions, scenic mountain views, and a comfortable trekking experience, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (Sep to Nov) is best times for trekking.
Spring is the starting season for trekking in Nepal. The trekking trails remain colorful during this time with blossom of rhododendron flowers. The daytime temperature remains moderate during this time. Trekkers can enjoy the lush greenery and the best view of a snow-covered mountain at this time.
Autumn is another popular and most loved season for Annapurna trekking. Due to stable weather and fewer chances of rainfall, the trail remains dry and safe for trekking. The good visibility and clear sky allow you to enjoy the breathtaking landscape and mountain peaks. This season also coincides with Dashain and Tihar festivals. If your travel date match with festival date, you can encounter the rich culture and traditions.
For detail information, check our blog: Best Time for ABC trek.
Accommodation during Trek: What To Expect
Once you book the ABC trek package with us, we will arrange the best teahouse or lodge for your stay. The room will be simple and cozy, featuring twin beds that you will share with fellow travelers. Please note that it will have a shared washroom with cold running water, and it won’t include amenities like those found in hotels. Therefore, be sure to bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and toiletries.
Inside the room, there is no AC or heating system. We recommend you carry a sleeping bag because sometimes the blankets provided by the teahouse at high altitude might not be sufficient.
You will also get facilities like hot shower, Wi-Fi, and charging, but you need to pay a small fee to use these services.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the ABC Trek
Altitude sickness generally happens when trekkers reach 3,500 meters above sea level. In this Annapurna base camp trek, to reach the base camp, you will be walking at an altitude of above 4,000m. So, for some trekkers, there is a chance of catching altitude sickness(AMS).
This altitude sickness can be prevented when we follow these steps:
- Take Diamox( altitude sickness medicine) by consulting with a Doctor. You can find this medicine easily in the Thamel pharmacy.
- Trek at your own pace at high altitude. Speeding will result in more use of oxygen and can trigger altitude sickness.
- Don't consume alcohol during the ABC trek. Also smoking.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous exercise at high altitude.
- Follow the acclimatization plan properly and stick with the itinerary plan.
Food and Drinks: What To Expect
While staying at the teahouses, we will provide three meals a day. You can choose your preferred dishes from the teahouse menu and place your order. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Snacks and beverages are also available, but they must be purchased at an additional cost.
Here is a list of common food items available in ABC teahouses:
- Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickle)
- Fried rice (vegetable, egg, or chicken)
- Noodles (vegetable, egg, or chicken)
- Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup)
- Momo (vegetable, chicken, or buffalo dumplings)
- Chapati or Tibetan bread
- Pancakes (plain, apple, banana, or chocolate)
- Porridge or oatmeal
- Eggs (boiled, fried, scrambled, or omelet)
- Toast with butter, jam, or honey
- Pasta or macaroni
- Pizza (available at lower elevations)
- Sherpa stew
- Vegetable curry
- Seasonal fruits (available at lower elevations)
Drinks:
- Tea (black, milk, ginger, lemon, or masala)
- Coffee (black or milk)
- Hot chocolate
- Hot lemon
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Fresh fruit juice (available at lower elevations)
Required Permits
All trekkers who wish to participate in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card. This permit will be arranged by us and handed to you before heading out for the trek. These permits will be checked at Birethanti and Chhomrong. You need to show and register your permit at this checkpoint and trek legally inside the Annapurna Region. For more details check here: How to Obtain Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit?
Importance of Travel Insurance
Annapurna Base Camp is safe for trekking for both beginner trekkers and first-time trekkers. However, to ensure your journey goes smoothly, consider investing in travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected costs. When selecting a policy, be sure it covers:
- High altitude risk up to 5,000m
- Medical Emergencies and Altitude Sickness
- Emergency helicopter rescue
- Trip Cancellations or Delays
- Loss or Theft of Belongings
- Compensation for canceled flights
- Evacuation due to a natural disaster
- Medical evacuation and hospital expenses in Nepal.
Kathmandu To Pokhara Transportation: What you will use
When you choose the ABC trek package with us, we will arrange a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The road distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 200 km, and it takes around 8-9 hours to reach by tourist bus. As an alternative to the tourist bus, you can take a direct domestic flight to reach Pokhara at an extra cost:
- The Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for foreigners is around USD 105 per person.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for Indian: around INR 2,625 to INR 4,200.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for Nepalese is around NPR 4,200- 6,000 per person.
Note: Flight fares are subject to change and depend on the latest airline prices. Read more: Kathmandu to Pokhara Transportation
