Trekking Annapurna Base Camp: A Complete Guide [2023]

Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most fascinating and exciting treks in Nepal. If experiencing the trek excites you, then the ABC Trek is one of the best options you have for trekking in Nepal.

One of the most exciting facts about trekking Annapurna Base Camp is that you can explore the beauty of the region with a pleasing environment and fewer difficulties.

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp takes you through a variety of mountain peaks, lush villages, farming fields, and Macchapuchre Base Camp. This trek is one of the easiest because you are less likely to run into problems or difficulties during the trek.

Also, in the best seasons of trekking, this trek offers you majestic views of everything around you.

To all hikers and nature lovers all over the world, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the one you are looking for. Let’s dive into everything that trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can provide.

Why the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal because of the enduring beauty of mountain peaks, local civilization, diverse flora and fauna, and many more. Throughout the trek to ABC, you will get to experience the majestic views that make Nepal the 8th wonder of the World.

If you have trekked to other trekking destinations of Nepal like the Everest circuit trek, and Everest Base Camp trek then you definitely should try trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.

With Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can enjoy your days in Nepal more exciting because when embarking on the journey to ABC you will have thrilling experiences in between the mountain peaks.

Whether it is looking at the mountain peaks or getting involved with the local communities of the Annapurna region, everything brings out the best experience.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not just about hiking the trail to reach ABC but also about exploring the traditional sides of the Annapurna region. Throughout your trek days, you will meet different groups of communities living in the region for decades.

With the excitement of trekking, you can also enjoy communicating with the natives, who walk through the trail every day. They will provide you with the information of Annapurna more than anyone.

The best part of this trek is that you can closely relate to different cultural practices that people have been following for years. Trust me, this is going to excite you on a whole different level.

Planning Your Trek: Essential Considerations

Before getting on the trek, you need to properly plan how and when to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Planning is essential to avoid any difficulties or problems throughout the journey. Here are a few things you need to consider before trekking to Annapurna Base Camp:

Best Time for ABC Trek

The ABC Trek will take you through the mountain ranges of Nepal. Most of the seasons at Annapurna Base Camp suffer frequent weather changes. So, choosing a better time is essential to trekking safely and efficiently.

Mostly, trekking in the Himalayan regions of Nepal is done in the Autumn and Spring. During these seasons, trekkers from different parts of the World visit the Annapurna Region to trek for ABC.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp because of their trekking-friendly weather.

During the autumn, days are usually warm and sunny, making it the perfect temperature to walk through the trails. Because the weather is stable and the skies are clear, you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. The nights are cooler (5–10 degrees Celsius), so take a down jacket and fleece hat to keep yourself warm.

Also, the leaves on trees start changing color, providing stunning views alongside the breathtaking mountain views.

Spring is also a major trekking time because of the spectacular mountain views and blooming rhododendrons. The blooming of Rhododendrons adds a riot of colors to the forest, making it visually stunning.

In addition, because of the excellent visibility of different mountain peaks and lush forests, many trekkers enjoy taking photographs as a memory of trekking at Annapurna Base Camp.

Trekking Permits

Permits are essential before trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. During the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you have to pay permit fees for the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

ACAP permits are required for all trekking in the Annapurna Conversation Area, which includes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The ACAP permit costs NRs 3,000 (USD) for foreign nationals and NRs 1,000 (USD) for SAARC nationals.

Card for Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

This permit is required for all trekking in Nepal, and it helps to keep track of trekkers in case of an emergency. The cost of a TIMS card is US $20 for individual trekkers and US $10 for trekkers who are part of a group.

Essential Trek Gear and Packing List

The better the equipment, the more safety there is during the trek. You must be fully prepared with essential trekking gear to make it more comfortable and safe. Here are some of the essential trekking gear and necessary items during the trek:

Clothing

• Moisture-absorbing T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Fleece or down jackets
• Hiking shorts
• Thermal underwear/base layers
• Waterproof and breathable trekking pants
• Warm hat
• Sun hat
• Hiking socks

Footwear

• Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots
• Hiking sandals or comfortable shoes

Gear and Equipment

• Backpack (40–50 liters)
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Water purification tablet

Health and Hygiene

• First aid kit (medications, antiseptic tablets, etc.)
• Sunscreen (with SPF)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Wet wipes
• Quick-drying towels
• Personal toiletries

Miscellaneous

• Trekking map or guidebook
• Camera with spare batteries
• Power bank or portable charger
• Trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS card)
• Cash (Nepali rupees)
• Snacks and energy bars

Recommended Annapurna Base Camp Route

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers various trekking routes through which trekkers can engage themselves with different visual aspects. Each route offers you a unique experience, which makes the trek even more exciting.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek are two major routes to Annapurna Base Camp.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route is the extended route of the traditional Annapurna Base Camp route, on which you can explore Poon Hill (3,131m). The route begins with a 2-hour bus ride from Pokhara to Nayapul. The distance from Pokhara to ABC by the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route is almost 130km (81 miles).

The route leads up to Thikhedhunga from Nayapul and then to Ghorepani. It takes almost 6 hours of trekking to reach Tikhedhunga and another 6 hours to reach Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, this route will take you to Poonhill for a beautiful sunrise and then back to head for Tadapani.

From Tadapani, you will then hike to reach Chomrong (5 hours), which then connects with the trail to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Usually, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 8-10 days, but this route adds a few more days, making it 12-14 days.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route

Basically, every trek to Annapurna Base Camp starts with a bus ride to Nayapul from Pokhara. If you wish to start from Kathmandu, better take a flight to reduce a day of trekking.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Route follows the same route as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The only difference is that this route will take you to Bamboo from Chomrong and then to Deurali. After Deurali, it takes just 5 hours of hiking to reach Annapurna Base Camp. With this route, you can complete your trek to Annapurna Base Camp in 10–12 days.

Foods and Accommodation during ABC Trek

Other than the Everest Base Camp Trek, ABC Trek offers you the best food and accommodation facilities. You can enjoy your proper meals, including breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, in some well-looking hotels.

Most of the accommodation facilities are provided by the guesthouses, which are located in the most pleasant-looking destinations. They make no compromises in services because their priority for foreign trekkers comes first.

Not just guesthouses, but the local hotels along the trail offer you the finest food they could make. You can enjoy Nepali, Chinese, and Western foods of your choice. But, since you are visiting Nepal, we recommend you have Nepali cuisine (Daal Bhaat) in Nepali style (by hand).

In some cases, the people might charge more in comparison to local trekkers, but most other people avoid it. For those whom you find genuine, you can provide them with some tips as a gesture of gratitude.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek costs you based on the services and route you choose. Extended routes cost you more because you have to stay longer in the guesthouses, pay more for food, and pay more for day charges for guides and porters.

If you choose a solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp, charges for porters and guides can cost you more. Otherwise, you can have a package to Annapurna Base Camp with a customizable itinerary from Blue Lake Adventure.

Normally, guides can charge you $20 to $25 per day, and porters can charge you $15 to $20 per day. It is a fair charge because having them is mandatory to overcome difficulties and trekking problems. Whereas it is customary to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek. The standard tip is 10–15% of the total cost of the trek.

If you wish to have a solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp and are confused about hiring porters and guides, then Blue Lake Adventure also provides experienced guides and porters to help you throughout the trek. Just leave a message on our contact page or WhatsApp us at +977 9851076943 so we can manage the trek for you.

Which is better? EBC Trek or ABC Trek?

For those who have less experience trekking in the Himalayas, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be your experience to motivate you to trek in the High Himalayas. The difference between the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek lies in personal preference.

Whereas, in comparison to difficulties, Annapurna Base Camp is less difficult than Everest Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp will offer you better food and accommodation facilities, but Everest Base Camp offers you a beautiful view of Mt. Everest (8848.86m).

If you are confused about the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and have no experience trekking, then we recommend you do the ABC Trek first. After the ABC trek, you can always have your trekking experience at Everest Base Camp with Blue Lake Adventure by having different Everest region packages.

Final Say on Trekking Annapurna Base Camp

Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers you the best experience of trekking in the Annapurna Region by taking you through beautiful landscapes, majestic mountain peaks, and cultural richness.

If you are ready to have your first trek in Nepal or have been trekking to different parts of Nepal, then get it planned today to have the best experience of trekking in Nepal. Get your bags ready, book a package with Blue Lake Adventure, or ask for support from us so that you can explore the Annapurna region at its best.

For any support or help, you can contact us by going through our contact page.

FAQs on Trekking Annapurna Base Camp

How long is the hike to Annapurna Base Camp?

Ans: The duration of the hike to Annapurna Base Camp depends on your route preference and is accessible from different trailheads, which generally take 6 to 12 days.

Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for beginners?

Ans: If you are a beginner in trekking to the Himalayan region but want to explore by trekking, then the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a suitable trek for you. With experienced guides and porters, you can enjoy your trek to Annapurna Base Camp avoiding most of the difficulties.

How much does it cost to trek the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Ans: The cost to trek to Annapurna Base Camp varies according to the itinerary and the number of days you prefer to trek. On average, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp costs USD 525 to USD 650 for foreigners, including proper meals and services. For Nepali citizens, the cost comes to around NPR 25,000 to NPR 40,000.

Which month is best for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Ans: October is the best month to have an Annapurna Base Camp Trek because in this month the temperature is warm and nights are usually less cold, making it ideal for trekking and accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp. During this time, the skies are more clear, offering spectacular views of mountain peaks.

Can I do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek solo?

Ans: Trekking alone to Annapurna Base Camp is more difficult than trekking with a guide, but if you are fit and familiar with the route, you should be fine. If you are planning to trek alone, then you must plan ahead for your trekking route and expenses.

Which is better, Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp?

Ans: The difference between Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp lies in personal preference. In comparison to difficulty, the EBC trek is more difficult than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Which is the shortest route to Annapurna Base Camp?

Ans: The shortest route to Annapurna Base Camp starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara, Nepal. With about 2 hours of bus travel from Pokhara, we can reach Nayapul, from where the hiking to Annapurna Base Camp starts. There are several destinations along the shortest route to Annapurna Base Camp, including Jhinu Dada, Chomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, and Machapuchhre Base Camp.