Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is a trip to heaven. The breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, nature, and people make this destination one of the most visited in the world. This trek takes you to the base of some of the highest mountains in the world. The gorgeous scenery of snow-capped mountains surrounding you while trekking is worth every penny. One of the highlight peaks you will see along the way is Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Annapurna ranges.

For the trekkers who love adventure and great views, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a must-do trek. The whole journey to base camp and the spectacular view from the top is pure bliss. From the starting point of Pokhara, the trip starts with a drive to Siwai and then a trek to the popular Gurung village Ghandruk. It’s a popular traditional village known for its local culture, architecture, and sunrise views.

The whole journey to Base Camp shows the greatness of nature and its beauty. As you pass through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and villages, you feel like you are in a different world. Free from pollution and the effects of industrialization, this place is ideal for cleansing your body, mind, and soul. Another best part of this trek is the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges from Poon Hill.

As the trek takes you deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, you will be awed by the beauty of the Annapurna region. It’s guaranteed that the view through the Annapurna Base Camp journey can match the few places on Earth. Likewise, as you reach the top of Base Camp (4,130m), the 360-degree view of those intimidating mountains hits you emotionally.

In this blog, we will talk about the trek to Annapurna Base Camp and the things it offers to the trekkers. Understanding this fundamental thing before traveling to the Annapurna Region will elevate the trip’s fun. There are some crucial things you should know before trekking in this region to conclude the trek collecting the best lifetime memory most safely.

Overview of Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Thanks to the adventure and views that the trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers, it has attracted lots of climbers and trekkers from all over the world. Challenging the trekking experience to the Everest region, this trek is perfect to do with families, friends, and even if you are a rookie trekker.

Suitable for all age groups, Annapurna Base Camp is a great escape from crowds. It’s an 11 days trek that includes many popular landmarks like Pokhara, Ghandruk, Poon Hill, and Jhinu Danda. The best part of this trek is, from day 1 to the end of the day, the mountains surrounding you will never leave you.

Passing through the traditional villages of the Gurung and Magar communities gives you the chance to witness the lifestyle of the people living in the mountain region. The whole place provides the setting of a place where time has stopped. Moreover, the warm hospitality of the local people makes the journey even more heartful and meaningful.

The maximum altitude you climb up to is 4,130m, Annapurna Base Camp. From here you will see 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains like Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and many more. So, why not experience the grandeur and beauty of mountains by yourself? Access Nepal Tour and Trekking provides the best trekking experience, you will remember forever.

Best Time to Trek Annapurna Base Camp

The basic thing you should consider as a traveler when going to a new place is the best time to visit. Do you know why? It’s because if you travel during the best season, the experience will be more fun and enjoyable. Additionally, if you are going for a trek, traveling during the best season is crucial for the safety and best views.

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp brings you to a remote place and the weather here is extremely cold as it’s located at high altitude. Therefore, for safety reasons and to get the best views of surroundings trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is highly recommended. The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is in Spring and Autumn.

• Spring Season: It is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp because of the comfortable weather and greenery surrounding it. Since it’s the spring season, the trail will be filled with blooming rhombohedrons, wildflowers, and green forests. The temperature during the day ranges from 10°C to 20°C. Though the night will be a little chilly with winds, trekking will be a lot more pleasant. Most of the skies will clear in the morning and you will get to see the beautiful views of the mountains. However, the drawback of trekking to ABC in spring is the crowd. It is one of the busiest trekking seasons in Nepal.
• Autumn Season: It is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. The stable weather and visibility make it the best time for trekking in high-altitude regions like Annapurna. The typical temperature during the day ranges from 10°C to 18 °C. Since it is just right after the monsoon season, the humidity and dust will be less. This time of season provides the best crystal-clear skies and surrounding peaks. Additionally, it is also the time of the major festival Dashain and Tihar of Nepalese people. It will be a chance to experience something new about the culture of the Nepalese people. It is suggested to book accommodation prior as its peak season and the teahouses get packed quickly.
• Winter Season: If you prefer to trek in a quiet surrounding then Winter season is ideal. With the snow fall the whole surrounding will be covered in pristine white making the surroundings magical. However, trekking in the Himalayas region during the winter time is quite dangerous. The cold and unstable weather makes walking on those rough trails challenging. The temperature during the daytime can range from 5°C to 10°C and at night it will drop to below freezing point. Trekking in wintertime is not recommended as it comes with high risks. Moreover, there will also be a high chance of getting altitude sickness.
• Summer Season: The summer and monsoon seasons happen together. Therefore, summer is also not a favorable time for trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery and muddy. Moreover, it also increases the risk of landslides and blockage of the route. Though the surroundings will be green and the waterfalls will be lively, it is dangerous to trek during the summer.

How Long Does it Take to Trek Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp typically takes 11 days to complete. However, the total duration to complete the trek depends on the trekkers and the package you choose. If you are a fast walker and do not spend time exploring the surroundings, you will be able to complete the trek within 7 days. This itinerary would be quite rushed and suitable for experienced trekkers only.

On the other hand, if you are trekking for the first time, slow walker, and spend time exploring the surrounding then it will take you more than 11 days to complete. This long-day itinerary is ideal for the beginner trekkers. It also includes more rest days to prevent from getting altitude sickness.

Furthermore, acclimatization days also influence the trekking duration.  It is an important part of trekking in high-altitude regions. The rest days cover extra days as they are an important part of preventing altitude sickness. Another part that affects the duration is physical fitness. Young trekkers are fast and finish quickly. However middle-aged trekkers take a little more time to complete the trek.

No matter how long it takes, the good thing about this trek is it’s a beautiful adventure with great views, culture, and nature. If you are a beginner to climb Annapurna Base Camp, read our blog Can a beginner climb Annapurna to get important information about the beginner’g guide to climb Annapurna.

Trekking Route of Annapurna Base Camp:

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp typically starts from Pokhara. However, if you are an international traveler then you have to first land in Kathmandu because Pokhara International Airport doesn’t have regular international flights. The typical trekking route of Annapurna Base Camp is given below:

Day 01: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 

Day 03: Drive to Siwai then Trek to Ghandruk

Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong

Day 05: Trek to Dovan

Day 06: Trek To Machhapuchre Base Camp

Day 07: Trek Annapurna Base Camp and Return to Dovan

Day 08: Trek to Jhinu Danda (Natural Hot Spring)

Day 09: Trek to Siwai and Drive to Pokhara

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

Trek from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. Similarly, if you are going for a trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you have to start your journey from Pokhara. It is a popular tourist hub and has many places and things to explore. From here, you will be taken to a short drive to Siwai, a small village, After reaching Siwai, the real journey starts as we trek to Ghandruk, a popular hilltop Gurung village.

Following the other day, we will leave for Chhomrong early in the morning. The trekking from here onwards gets steeper and includes lots of ascending parts. Next, we will trek to Dovan followed by the trek to Macchapucche Base Camp. The view from the base camp is spectacular and mindblowing, After that, we will trek to Annapurna Base Camp, the highlight of the trek. It is also the highest point we will trek up to.

After the summit to Annapurna Base Camp, the return back journey starts as we descend to Dovan for the night. Moving forward, our return will be processed by the next stop at Jhinu Danda, a popular natural hot spring. Take your time to relax and recover from tiredness. The next day is the final day of this journey as we trek back to Siwai and drive to Pokhara.

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp Map:

Here is the route map of Annapurna Base Camp:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek map

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Hard?

No, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not hard. It’s a moderate-level trek suitable for all groups of people. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Three Passes Trek, the Annapurna trek doesn’t require technical skill. If you are physically fit then you can go to Annapurna Base Camp.

On a daily average, you have to walk for more than 6 to 7 hours. The route to base camp involves steep climbing, ascending, and descending. Further, the harsh weather condition makes it difficult to walk. So, trekking during the best season is highly suggested for a safe and easy trip. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is not that lengthy consisting of 11 days.

For a smoother trek, you can start doing cardio exercises like swimming, cycling, and running to maintain endurance. Even if you are a beginner or a first-time ABC with a little bit of training you can succeed. It doesn’t require any advanced training experience. Being physically active and going for a short hike makes the trekking easy.

How to Prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is simple. With proper guidelines, you can easily prepare for a trek. We have a step-by-step guide to prepare for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

1. Be Physically Fit: Start going for a short walk to the park or a morning walk. Do simple exercises that enhance your fitness level. This helps to get familiar with walking at high altitudes.
2. Altitude Preparedness: Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food only. Avoid alcohol and smoke consumption. Take plenty of rest after a long day of trek and don’t walk in a rush.
3. Safety Gear and Equipment: Don’t forget to wear safety gear and equipment. Wear high-quality trekking shoes and bring warm clothes.
4. Travel Insurance: Trekking at a high altitude is risky. For the safety reason make sure you have travel insurance in case of emergency evacuations.
5. Eat and Drink Well: Avoid junk food intake and maximize the high-carbohydrate food. Eating nutritious and healthy food helps to provide energy and prepare the body to walk at high altitudes.

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

• Trekking Pants
• Light Hiking Pants
• Tracksuits
• Fleece Jackets
• Waterproof Jackets
• Thermal suits
• Sleeping Bag
• Duffel Bag or Rucksack
• High-quality trekking shoes
• Waterproof gloves
• Thick socks
• Warm hats
• UV protected Sunglasses

Best Month to Trek Annapurna Base Camp:

The best month to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is in March to May and September to November. This time of month is the ideal time for trekking in Nepal. The stable and warm weather condition makes trekking easy and fun. Moreover, the surrounding view is also more clear, and surrounding peaks are also visible making the trip more exciting. September to November is the peak season to trek to Annapurna Base Camp and March to May is also one of the best times to visit ABC.