Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 14 Days

Best Time

The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done any time of the year but if you specifically ask for the best time, then spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the ones you should select.

In spring, however, there can be remains of unmelted snow near base camp with a lesser possibility of avalanche. But don’t let that discourage you as the vibrant rhododendron and oak forests with cascading waterfalls will compensate for all the troubles.

On the other hand, warmer temperatures, barely a cloud in the sky, and melted snow in autumn will make your ABC trek more enjoyable.

Winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August) are for daring travelers who don’t mind chilly weather, and snow wonderland of winter and cloudy wet days of summer.

What to expect?

Each day of our 14-day journey to Annapurna Base Camp trek begins with a hearty breakfast early in the morning in between the massive snowy mountains. Then filling the water bottles, and giving a final check to our backpack, we set off to our day’s trekking adventure.

The majority of our trekking days consist of 5 to 6 hours of walking duration navigating through winding trails, sometimes simple and sometimes through dizzying inclines and descends.

At noon, after 3 to 4 hours of hiking, we will take a break for a fulfilling lunch at one of the teahouses or lodges on the way. We will use this time to marvel at the stillness and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Our journey will then resume once again through jaw-dropping landscapes and enchanting forests. With luck, we may observe the laborious farmers working in their fields. As we reach the dizzying altitudes, the dense forests give way to alpine meadows and rocky terrain with yak herders and lodge owners replacing the hardworking farmers.

As the evening approaches, a warm descent lodge awaits us in the embracing village. Here, we will have our dinner in front of a crackling fire and we will sleep under the most beautiful clear starry sky.

Elevation and trekking distance

Standing tall at an outstanding height of 4130 m, the Annapurna Base Camp is located 168 km away from Kathmandu. However, the mere distance of 37.1 km separates the base camp and Pokhara from where our trek begins to Tikhe Dhunga lying just 9.6 km away from the tourist center.

On our 14-day travel time, we will reach to the second highest elevation of 3700 m at Fishtail mountain base camp. Consisting of 10 actual days of hiking, we will cover at least 10 to 15 km per day walking approximately 5 to 6 hours daily.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

Along the 14-day epic trekking journey to ABC, we will gradually walk at a comfortable pace of 5 to 6 hours most of days. This designated program helps us to well acclimate to the growing altitude. It also gives us ample time to enjoy the surrounding sights and rest so we can truly savor the moments of each trekking day.

Unlike other treks in Nepal, the ABC trek doesn’t need to overcome any difficult terrain. In fact, almost all days are easy and pretty straightforward. The easiest walking day will be on our first hiking day when we walk from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga for only 3 hours.

However, the pinnacle of our Annapurna Base Camp trek will be on day 10 when we trek from ABC to Bamboo taking us 6 to 7 hours of staggering walk.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

Classified as a moderately challenging trek in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is suitable for every mountain and adventure lover in normal physical shape. No prior high-altitude experience is required for this trek.

In addition, our expert team has well structured the entire itinerary of our program allowing you ample time for acclimatization. Our program doesn’t need our members to walk for long hours. Plus, the route we will cover is devoid of difficult sections.

However, it doesn’t mean you will not be tackling any climbing or descending along the route. The continuous ascending and downhill hiking is one of the characteristics of Nepalese terrain so it will be ideal if you prepare for this feature.

To make your expedition comfortable, we will provide a skilled guide who will show you the easiest trail and guide you to overcome the difficult sections. We have porters who will carry your luggage so you can travel lightly. And you will stay in comfortable lodges with no need for camping or spending chilly nights in tents.

Can a beginner trek to Annapurna base camp?

Are you the first timer in Nepalese Himalayan mountain? If yes, then our Annapurna Base Camp trek is ideal for you. It’s a great way to get acquainted with Nepali terrain, and mountain atmosphere and learn the unique culture and traditions of local people. So yes, beginners, new trekkers, and climbers can use this Annapurna base camp trek to gain experience in the Nepali Himalayas and prepare themselves for more daring endeavors to Everest, Lobuche or Island Peak climbing.

Absence of challenging sections, slopes, and steep ascents and descents, the Annapurna base camp trekking is categorized as tea house or lodge trekking. You get to spend nights in comfortable lodges with basic amenities sufficient to spend one comfortable night.

In addition, the maximum elevation gain will be approximately 4000 m with continuous climbing and downhill hikes so there is little risk of altitude sickness.

Plus, we have taken every measure to make your journey comfortable with the provision of registered guides and porters. So do not hesitate to join in our trek even if you are a novice trekker with great aspirations.

Preparation and training

For any trekking journey to an altitude of more than 4000 m in Nepal, it is ideal that you prepare and train at least two months before your trip. The adequate and correct preparation enables you to focus only on your hiking trip without needing to worry about fatigue and altitude sickness.

For starters, if you live an active lifestyle and are already a fitness freak, this epic adventure is going to be an easy trek for you. But if you are one of those who spend ten to 12 hours behind a desk, you may start with moderate jogging, or morning walks for about half an hour. Then gradually, you can lengthen the duration to an hour or two.

You can also shift to running, cycling, and swimming if your endurance level has been lifted. If modern exercises are not your cup of tea, you can also opt for yoga. There are several yoga poses that you can practice to build your muscle strength, cardio health, and endurance level.

Alternate routes

Just in the year 2019, the alternate approach to the northern Annapurna Base Camp was explored by the Annapurna Rural Municipality (ARM) group. Since then, this new route has been in constant promotion among travel agencies and trekkers.

In 1950, the French expedition of Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal used this trail to climb the massive giant of Annapurna for the very first time. Therefore, the trail is also named as Maurice Herzog Trail. To date, this trail is still lesser known to the outside world making it one of the untouched and unspoiled trails leading to one of the most popular destinations of the universe.

The trail is least explored and there are fewer lodges and tea houses, but this route offers a relatively new side of the Annapurna beauty. It will take about 5 days from Pokhara to reach the northern face of the ABC.

To start, you will drive from Pokhara to Tatopani then you will begin your trek to Ghasa, Lete, and Thulo Bugin. Here you have to stay in a tent overnight. Next, your path will take you to Miristi Khola (4,130m
) via Thulo Bugin Pass at 4400 m altitude.

On the next stage, you will land at the north Annapurna base Camp which equally bestows the unimaginable beauty of the Annapurna range. On the way back, you can take a similar path or you can trek to Jungle Camp, Riverside Camp, and Lete to Pokhara via Tatopani.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the concerns during our Annapurna base camp trek. Although we have prepared our program with gradual gain in altitude with ample time to acclimatize. Still, the impact of altitude sickness cannot be predicted nor it can be avoided.

There are medications (Diamox and Ibuprofen) that can help relieve the mild symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness, drowsiness, appetite, and sleep loss.

However, no medications can help as much as drinking plenty of water, consuming garlic soup, lemon honey, or ginger tea, and walking slowly taking time when gaining the height.

With appropriate and adequate training and preparation, you can prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness.

Transportation, Meal, and Drink

As your trusted companion in Nepal, we endeavor to make your journey in Nepal a flawless and comfortable affair. Therefore we attend to every detail of your trekking logistics from transportation, meals, and drinks, to accommodation.

Upon arrival at the airport, our local agent will take you to your Kathmandu Hotel in a private vehicle. The same service will be provided upon your departure from Nepal. At the start of the trip, we will drive you to the domestic terminal of the airport to fly to Pokhara.

Our tour program facilitates Kathmandu- Pokhara- Kathmandu airfare as well. Next, a private jeep will take us to Nayapul from Pokhara airport.

For meals, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are numerous options to dine as per your preference. So we have included only breakfast during your accommodation in these two cities. During the trek, three times meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee will be offered at the accommodating lodge.

The lodge menu offers varied options from Nepali Dal Vat Tarkari, momos, chowmen, Thukpa, and sel roti, to Italian Pizza, pasta, Indian curries, and Chinese cuisine.

Gadgets charging and Internet/wifi

The infrastructure of the Annapurna Base Camp trail has been well developed over time due to its increasing popularity. Therefore, you can expect a wide range of amenities throughout the trek including reliable communication services, internet access, and convenient charging facilities for your electronic devices.

You can purchase Namaste or NCELL SIM for communication. These mobile networks also provide 4G internet service with several options for internet data packages. However, the mobile networks may not be available at some high-altitude locations.

The lodges along the route also provide optimal speed WIFI connection at the fee of NPR 200 to NPR 400 per hour or per person. In cities, cafes and hotels provide 24-hour free WIFI services.

You will also have the luxury of charging your gadgets at a modest charge from NPR 100 to NPR 700.

Permits

For the 14-day trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, we need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit. The ACAP permit is needed to enter into the restricted zone of the Annapurna region. The TIMS on the other hand helps the concerned authorities to keep track when trekking in Nepal.

The cost and the process of acquiring these permits have been incorporated into our included services.

Trip Extension

The benefit of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is it can be extended partially combined with other routes or can be made as short and interesting as possible. For merging other routes, you can always go for the Mardi Himal trek with the first approach to the Mardi Himal base camp then ABC when returning.

Or, if you are one for the luxurious tour, you can spend some time in Pokhara. It is the holy of holies of all tourists. Most of the popular treks in Nepal start and end here. Spend a few days here, the beauty of Phewa Lake is worth it. Take a boat to get out into the middle of it. Fishtail and Annapurna are reflected in the clear water, and there is a Hindu temple on a small island.

You can also climb Sarangkot Mountain, where updrafts carry the colorful canopies of paragliders in different directions.

Or, you can also participate in a short Chitwan National Park tour or go for only the Ghorepani Poonhill trek. The choice is yours and their fulfillment is our duty.