Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most spectacular and alluring treks in the Annapurna region. The whole year is the best time for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, as you get varied experience in different season.
This is a moderate trek with comparatively easy trails than the popular Everest Base Camp trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, every type of trekkers from beginners to the experienced ones can embark on this trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek lets get to explore various attractions. From the snow-covered peaks to the enticing pastures and the typical settlements to the terraced farmlands in the lush vegetations...these are all that the trek offers. And these offerings shine differently in different seasons of the year. So, whichever season of the year you visit the Annapurna Base Camp Trek you will collect innumerable experiences.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from the lowest elevation at Kathmandu(1350 meters) and extends to the maximum height of 4130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. And, most of the trail is flat with a gradual increase in altitude. So, you will have moderate walks in the trails enjoying the side-views of the nature and people of the region.
During the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you involve in teahouse trekking where you spend your nights in the teahouses and lodges available in the route. These teahouses and lodges remain open all year round at the service of the travelers and trekkers. So, you do not have to worry much about the food and accommodation along the route.
You are totally safe and secured to trek to Annapurna Base Camp any time of the year. For this, you need to prepare well and train yourself for high altitude walking. And, not to forget to carry along the permits( TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit).
Are you planning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek? Don't hesitate to contact us. Tell us your requirements, we can help you to make your trip memorable.
Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- You walk to the foothills of the 10th highest peak in the world- Annapurna (8091 meters)
- Visit Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp during the same trip
- Alluring sunrise and sunset views of over the Annapurna ranges
- Cultural encounter with the Gurung and Magar ethnics
- Explore Annapurna Conservation Area
- Trek to Poon Hill- the vantage point for the best sunrise views
- Stunning landscapes and lush vegetations
- Millions of flora and fauna
- Panoramic views of around 10 peaks above 6000 meters in height
- Visit the age-old gompas and monasteries
- Sightseeing and adventurous tour in Pokhara valley
- Cultural and historical exploration of the UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu valley
Best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is done every time of the year. Actually, the difference in season offers different weather conditions. So, you can choose when to go for this trek according to your weather preferences and trek priorities.
This 13 days trek on the exotic trails of the Annapurna region is ever-waiting to welcome you any time of the year. But, you must be very careful about the climatic condition of the place before you plan the trek. And, must be attentive while packing your backpack.
Along with other parts of Nepal, Annapurna region experiences 4 different weather conditions.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn
Autumn(September-November) marks the peak season of trekking in Nepal. Such is the case in the Annapurna region. The temperate climate, stable climatic condition, and the crystal-clear scenic views make Autumn the best season to trek Annapurna Base Camp.
This is the time when the monsoon rain has already washed the dust and cleaned the whole trails with the freshness everywhere. Also, the smiling lush vegetations greenified everywhere on the trail offers the best experiences.
On the lower altitudes, days are normally warm with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius while the nights’ temperature remains above the freezing point. So, you will have many easy walks in the lower altitudes. However, as you ascend further near the mountains the temperature starts to decrease and the night time temperature drops below the freezing point. But you won’t be in many difficulties if you stay warm in your sleeping bags in the cozy beds of the tea houses en route.
This is the best time for the clear mountain views. There is the least chance of clouds obstructing the visions. Plus, you do not have to worry about the rainfall affecting you as there’s the least chance of rainfall during this time of the year.
The major attraction of the trek this time of the year is the dazzling nights. This is the best time to view the stars and the glazing Himalayas.
Tips to trek in Annapurna Base Camp in Autumn
- Pre-book for the accommodation and food. Since it is the peak season, you may not always find the desired room.
- Carry along a sleeping bag. Because of the crowd, you may not get extra blankets in chilling nights.
- Look for the alternative routes. The commonly used routes may have heavy traffic. So, it is better to look for an alternative, peaceful trails.
- Carry your water bottle and purification tablets.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring
Spring(March-May) is the second peak time for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. This is the time when the trek routes bloom in Rhododendron, Magnolia, and many other alpine flowers.
This is the time when the chilling cold and hazy days start turning warmer. The nights and mornings are still a bit chilling while the days are much hotter. You can trek in light clothes and feel more comfortable in the trek route.
In the lower altitudes, the daytime temperature remains around 10-degree Celsius whereas the night and morning temperature drops down to the freezing point.
The month of May is much hotter with the average temperature 20-degree Celsius in the lower altitudes. While the night time temperature drops down to 5-degree Celsius on average.
Followed by the bearable temperature and the stable whether you will be able to catch a glimpse of the spectacular mountain peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other mountain ranges.
The colorful forests shining in the reds and whites, and yellow flowers in the backdrop of the white snow-covered peaks. What an amazing sight to behold!
Tips to Annapurna Base Camp trek in Spring
- Pre-book in the tea houses and lodge to book the desired rooms with best services.
- Always dress in layers. Whenever you feel hot, you can take off the outer layer and walk comfortably.
- Use sunscreen(SPF 30+). Since it is much hotter in the lower region there are high chances of sunburn and allergies.
- Keep yourself hydrated. In the hot weather drinking, plenty of water is a must to keep you moving.
- Be physically and mentally prepared for the traffic you will encounter in the trek.
- Look for alternative sub-trails to avoid the crowd. And, explore something different and exotic.
Are you planning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek? Don't hesitate to contact us. Tell us your requirements, we can help you to make your trip memorable.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Summer (Monsoon)
In the Summer season(June- Mid-September), the temperature of a clear days remains between 20-25 degree Celsius on an average. Which is much warmer in the lower altitudes. However, it is bearable when you are set off to embark to the foothills of towering peaks.
This is the time when Nepal slowly starts to experience its monsoon rain. The days are warmer with torrential rainfall. At the beginning of the monsoon, the days are much warmer while in the late afternoons there are high chances of rainfall. So, it is good to start early and reach your destination for the day before the rain catches you.
Sometimes the rain and dense clouds may obstruct the vision offering poor mountain views but that does not mean it is regular. In other dry days, the rain-washed surrounding is a must watch in the Annapurna region.
During this time, the vegetation is green and alluring in the dust-free surrounding.
Plus, since it is an off season you get to walk in complete solitude. You will have to see no one disturbing. You can click pictures in the pristine nature as much as you can.
Plus, if you wish to escape the rain in the trails of Annapurna Base Camp, then you can opt for treks in the rain shadow areas of Annapurna region. Like Jomsom-Muktinath trek, Upper Mustang trek, and so on.
Tips for Annapurna Base Camp trek in Summer
- Carry table salts and insect repellents. Since it is monsoon there is a high chance of an encounter with the leeches and mosquitoes, especially in the lower altitudes.
- Carry water-proof backpack, clothing, and trekking boots.
- Hire a guide to accompany you. Since it is offseason, you may feel difficulty in spotting the routes.
- Do not forget to carry a raincoat.
- Be prepared to accept the sloppy and muddy trails and frequent landslides in the trek route.
- Do not forget to carry water purification tablets as the water available on most routes may be contaminated due to monsoon rain.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter
Winter (December-February) is the most adventurous time of the year to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. You may feel the cold, however, the fairyland experience you will earn on the trek route is simply amazing.
Warm fleece jacket in the shivering cold and the spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks is what the winter trekking in the Annapurna region offers. During the winter the day is not as cold as the nights and morning. Wearing warm clothes you will have comfortable walks. While night’s temperature can drop below the sub-freezing point. So, you need to be extra careful to keep yourself warm.
During the winter, the higher you go the colder you will feel. The average daytime temperature remains around 5-10 degree Celsius. Whereas, the night time’s temperature goes below 0-degree Celsius.
However, in the higher elevations, the passes may remain blocked due to the heavy snow. So, you must collect the reliable information before ascending towards the higher elevation passes.
Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter
- Always carry warm clothes along with a warm sleeping bag.
- Hire a guide to accompany you in the route. The trek routes remain quiet in solitude. So, you may get lost on the trails.
- Be prepared to witness the snow in the higher altitudes and the chilling cold.
- Stay hydrated. Although you may not feel thirsty due to cold weather, you must drink plenty of water to escape health complications.
- Pack wisely, pack warm thermals.
- Start early. As the days are shorter, you must start early and reach your destination before it gets dark.
- Careful as you walk on snow. It may be slippery.
Some Extra Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Do not rush in the trails. Take enough rest, enjoy the surrounding views, and ascend gradually.
- Collect proper information on Altitude sickness, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
- Do not plan your trek basing on the weather and temperature of Pokhara and Kathmandu. The trail route is in higher altitude so, the weather condition is also different than that of the city.
- Do consult your doctor before embarking this trek and carry along the necessary medicines.
- Plan extra days on the trip. Sometimes your trip gets delayed due to flight cancellations as well.
- Be prepared to face anything that comes forth during your trek.
- Always hire a licensed guide and porter to accompany you. especially if you are a beginner, or if you are trekking in offseasons. After all, your safety and easy always comes first.
Lastly,
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a breath-taking trek in the alpine vegetations of the Annapurna region. In this trek, you will have the pleasure of walking on the foothills of giant peaks- Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
This trek is absolutely doable any time of the year. All you need is a proper preparation and the appropriate packing to withstand any extreme situations.
As you go higher the weather condition becomes unpredictable, so you must be physically and emotionally prepared for any challenges that may come along.
Annapurna region is not the only trekking region in Nepal. You can also choose to explore the Everest region, or Manaslu region, or Langtang region for amazing trekking experiences.
For more information on this trek or any other treks in Nepal, feel free to contact us. We are happy to answer your queries 24-hours.
