Annnapurna Base Camp Trekking – All You Need to Know Guide
Table of Contents
Overview
Annapurna base camp trekking is the most demanding trek in western Nepal starting from Pokhara to the foothills of Annapurna (8,097m). The trail goes exploring the scenic trail Nayapul, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Birethanti and return back to Nayapul, Pokhara.
Quick Facts
| Max. Elevation | 4130m (Annapurna Base Camp) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Trip Duration | 7-12 Days |
| Best Season | March – May and September – November |
| Transportation | Local Bus/Private Jeep/Plane (Depending Upon Group Size) |
| Cost | Medium |
| Group Size | Minimum 2 Person |
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking – Best time to trek
Annapurna base camp trekking can be done all year around but its upon you when to travel. Every season offer something unique for the trekkers to experience.
The best time for the Annapurna base camp trek is from March to May and September to November. You will experience the great during these time. The sky is clear, weather is dry and warm and mountain views excellent. Abundance of wild blooming flowers will lead your journey to happiness and grateful.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking – Cost
The cost of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking depends upon the size of group, trekking mode and season. The cost might be low if you go independently or at least a guide. But, for the safety choose a Government registered trekking agency for your trekking journey.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Permits
Annapurna base camp trek lies inside the Annapurna Conversation area project. So, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Are Project) entry permit
Accommodation is mandatory to enter. Along with ACAP permit, you should obtain TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) card to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
You should carry the ACAP permit throughout the trip and should show on the entry points upon request. This permit is valid for single entry and non-refundable.
You can get TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara and TAAN secretariat at Maligaon, Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Difficulty
As this is moderate type of trekking, you need not to worry about the difficulty of the trek. But, the weather, altitude sickness and your health condition might be cause for difficulty of the trek.
Trekking with at least a guide, drinking plenty of water and resting on the way is a wise to avoid altitude sickness. Trekking during the months from March to May and September to November is a good idea for minimizing the difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Base Camp lies in west-north of Nepal.
Annapurna base camp trek is a safe trek.
Annapurna Base Camp is at an altitude of 4,130m from sea level. It is quite a lower in elevation as compared to other trekking routes in Nepal.
You will have choices to use the public bus, local tourist bus, private vehicle and airplane to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, local bus is available to Nayapul and it’s about 1.5 – 2 hours drive. From Nayapul, you will be hiking to Annapurna Base Camp and returning.
It’s upon you whether to trek with a guide or solo. Annapurna Base Camp trek can be doable with our without a guide. But, for the safety, we recommend you to hire an experienced trekking guide.
No. You can’t drink the water directly from the tap or streams. Either you can buy a mineral bottle if available. It could be expensive to buy daily. So, we recommend you to use water purifier.
There will be the risk of altitude sickness as you are hiking to 4130m so be careful and communicate with your guide if you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness. Do not rush during trekking and take a rest in each 1 hour hiking.
