Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek also known as ABC Trek is a popular trekking route that leads you deep into the heart of the Annapurna region in Nepal. The trek’s appeal lies in its scenic trails through lush forests and terraced rice paddies, gradually ascending to the Annapurna Base Camp at an impressive altitude of 4,130 meters. The trek offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machapuchhre (also known as the Fishtail, at 6,993 meters), Hiunchuli (6,441 meters) The trek includes a stop at Ghandruk, known for its breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, and culminates with a sunrise view over Fishtail Mountain. The Annapurna region, rich in culture and natural resources, is named after the Sanskrit term for “The Goddess of Harvests”. As trekkers ascend, they transition from tropical forests to hiking amidst snow against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The trek promises stunning vistas, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is consistently included in the list of the World’s Best Ten Treks and is the second-best trek in Nepal. It offers views of the eight-thousanders one after another and has every type of mountain you would want to see, including Annapurna I, the world’s tenth highest mountain. From remote areas to scenic trekking trails, each plays a crucial role in making the Annapurna Base Camp Trek a reality. Before dawn, trekkers reach the base of Fishtail Mountain to witness the first strike of sunlight that paints the whole Fishtail yellow. The view from the base camp is not to be missed, offering a conglomeration of mountains. It is simply the best, perhaps better than all the rest, better than the trekking region you have trekked in any part of your homeland.
Exploring to Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The route to Annapurna Base Camp Trek is quite different from Annapurna Circuit but both routes lie in the ACAP areas project. Starting from Nayapul, we head towards the villages of Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and finally to the base camp itself. On our way back, we resort to the hot springs available in Jinudanda for a natural hot bath. The duration of the ABC trek varies based on the chosen route. It might take 6 to 7 days with the direct route covers approximately 80 kilometers. The trek can extend up to 12 days if combined with other trails like the
Annapurna Circuit,
Poon Hill, or
Mardi Himal. The trail is accessible from several starting points, and the most common one is from the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara. The trip is graded as moderately difficult and requires 4 to 6 hours of walking every day. You reach an altitude of over 4000 meters when you reach the base camp. We organize food, logistics, trekking permits, and all necessary transfers for you in this trek. You can relax and just focus on the trekking experience!
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek ?
This trek is neither physically demanding nor is its trekking route impossible to be covered. The path presents both moderate and challenging stretches. The trekking trail features both ascents and descents, and you’ll walk on such a trail at least for one day for a distance of 15 km. This can be difficult for you, but it rewards you with an intimate view of the mountain. The trekking trail is stone paved. Through such a trail, you reach your destination on time. The entire trek distance would cover 100 km plus, and the highest point you’ll reach during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek exceeds 4000 m. This could be one of the causes of altitude mountain sickness, but rest assured, our trekking guide is equipped to provide immediate medical attention to manage any symptoms effectively.
Ideal Season to Travel to the Annapuna Base Camp
March, April, and May are the best months for trekking in Nepal because the days are longer and the weather is warmer compared to December, January, and February. Because of the favorable situation, you will have a lot of great outdoor activities to do on your list. One of them is that you will easily access all the popular attractions of the Annapurna region. This is the main reason you visit the Annapurna region, and you do that to see the vistas of the breathtaking Mountain View. March, April, and May pay you off brilliantly. On the other hand, August, September, October, and November are the months in which you will have a better opportunity to see the crystal view of the mountain. These are also the best months because the monsoon lasts from June to July in Nepal. As a result, the days are clear and beautiful. The winter weather in Nepal sets in at the end of November. December, January, and February are colder months, but if you can endure the cold and overcome its natural hardships, you will find the trekking trail of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking less crowded which will give you several advantages on accommodation, privacy, food menu, etc.
Accommodations and Meals during Annapurna Base Camp Trek
On this trek, we adopt a vegan diet, which is beneficial for your health. This diet is rich in carbohydrates and protein, essential nutrients for your muscles and central nervous system. The meals we provide include rice, pulses, curry, potatoes, garlic, and ginger, among other things. Garlic, a local remedy for altitude sickness, is particularly beneficial. A meatless diet at high altitudes aids digestion.
As for accommodation, we recommend lodges. These lodges provide warm blankets, and some even offer attached bathrooms. You can take a hot shower and stay connected with your loved ones via WiFi, available for a nominal fee.
How to book Annapurna Base Camp Trek ?
Hiking Adventure has brought you this unique itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek with intense planning and detailing. The routes have been carefully planned to cover maximum ground in a short period of time while ensuring you receive most efficient and enriching experience.
Guide and Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A well-informed guide with excellent communication skills will travel along with you so that your journey will be laden with information of the region, its people, and their customs. We have the most competitive cost for the trip along with quality. Hiking Adventure hopes to give you the ultimate experience in Annapurna trekking, as you visit places that will make you fall in love with the simplicity of nature and the serenity of the high mountains.
Safety and Insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS, is a serious risk as we ascend to higher elevations. If you feel headache, fatigue and restlessness during the trek, you will need to inform your trek leader. After that, measures will be taken to help you feel at ease. In most cases, descending to a lower point and acclimatizing helps. In serious cases, emergency evacuation can be easily organized at your request. Helicopters are used in such evacuation, which can get costly. So, we recommend that you have a proper insurance that covers these risks. Apart from that, you will need to stay alert and follow the safety guidelines provided by your trekking leader.