Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

In actuality, we have two choices. We will either drive 6-7 hours from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a private vehicle or by tourist bus, or we will fly for around half an hour from Kathmandu Nepal Airport to Pokhara. If you only have a limited amount of time in Nepal, traveling by road means you're losing your precious time.

One of the most crucial considerations is what to bring for the trek. It can be difficult to get around if you don't have the right equipment.

Here's a rough idea of what you'll need for your trek but in a detailed equipment list, you may find in the link of our equipment icon.

• Trekking Boots
• Sandals/Crocs
• Few pairs of undergarments
• High quality down jacket and pant
• Thermal wears
• T-shirts and trousers
• Trekking pole
• A pair of gloves
• Woollen hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Energy bars

Yes, you require permits to go on an ABC trek!

Except for Nepali citizens, all trekkers must obtain permits everywhere they trek in Nepal. If you're trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, you'll need two distinct permits: TIMs (Trekkers Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) (Annapurna conservation area permit). The TIMs card comes in two colors: green and blue. The green TIMs card is for individual visitors and costs US$ 20 per person plus the permit. The blue TIMs card is for group trekkers and costs US$ 10 per person plus the permit. TIMS costs US$ 20 for SAARC nationalities, while the permit costs US$ 2.

You should keep these documents with you while trekking inside the Annapurna conservation area, and you will be required to show them at checkpoints.

TIMS Cost for individual trekkers:

• SAARC Countries: US$ 6
• Other Countries: US$ 20

TIMS Cost for Group:

• SAARC Countries: US$ 3
• Other Countries: US$ 10

ACAP entry permit per person:

• SAARC Countries: US$ 2
• Other countries: US$ 30

The Annapurna base camp trek is possible even in the winter (December to February), although the typical trekking pathways leading to ABC may change if there is considerable snowfall due to the risk of an avalanche. Even though the weather is beautiful in the winter, temperatures are likely to drop below freezing. To see Annapurna's breathtaking splendour in the winter, one must be well-prepared with winter gear and mentally prepared to confront the worst weather conditions.

Before scheduling any of our treks, we strongly advise all of our clients to get travel insurance. We are confident that you will enjoy your trip knowing that you are properly insured. The cost of emergency care and evacuation will be significant if you become unwell or injured while trekking in the mountains. Thus, anyone who signs up for one of our tours should seriously consider purchasing travel insurance. However, be cautious while selecting coverage because some policies provide exceptions for adventure travel.

Make sure you read the fine print. Also, make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel plan and agrees to cover all activities during the trip before purchasing insurance. For example, if you plan to trek or climb in the Himalayas (mountaineering adventure), your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue, as well as medical bills. Insurance coverage for air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not required for a group trip in a city. When you book a trip with us, you must either send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g., your insurance certificate) or bring it with you on the trip.

Please keep in mind that if you are traveling in a group, a sick member will not cause you to overlook your trip. While the sick individual is being cared for, the rest of the group can continue on their journey. If someone becomes ill on the path, your trekking guide will assess the situation and determine whether the sick individual should continue the trip or retreat to a lower elevation and wait for the remainder of the group. If the person's condition is critical, he or she will be airlifted to Kathmandu or Pokhara by air ambulance for specialist medical care. The sick person will be cared for by an Outfitter Nepal member, while the rest of the group will continue with the trip as planned.

The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is quite good, and most of them have amenities such as western toilets, hot showers (for a fee), and a varied menu. Two separate beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets, and bed sheets are normally provided in the rooms. The majority of the teahouses are run by families or communities. Teahouses are like an extended home, with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All of the teahouses where you will spend the night on the Annapurna base camp trip have electricity. Micro-hydropower and solar panels can be used to charge your phones, laptops, and iPads for a little fee. We do not suggest having your laptop because there are no free hotspots along the mountain trail. Although some teahouses charge an hourly fee for Wi-Fi, don't expect high-speed connectivity on the trails.

If you take the Ghorepani route, the hike from Ulleri to Ghorepani is the first and most difficult leg of the ABC trail. It's a long ascent through the rhododendron groves. Another difficult leg of the journey is a steep pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill, but the rewards are truly stunning with 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks, lush hills, and picturesque villages. The distance between Deurali and Annapurna base camp is another difficult section of the journey.

The Annapurna base camp trek is not accessible by road in any phase. In the event of an emergency, an air ambulance will be dispatched as long as the weather permits evacuation to either Pokhara or Kathmandu. After that, you'll be transferred to a hospital of worldwide standing for rehabilitation. If an emergency arises during the trek, Outfitter Nepal’s operating staff will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

One option for drinking water is purchasing mineral water bottles from trailside businesses. Another option for purifying tap or stream water before drinking is to bring reusable water bottles and several types of water filtration devices or tablets with you. Water can be refilled in bottles at the teahouses or in the numerous streams and rivers along the walk. We recommend that you consume boiled water while staying at your accommodation. Those who insist on exclusively drinking mineral water should be prepared to pay a higher price, as the cost of bottled water grows as you ascend.

Cell phone service is available on the Annapurna Base Camp trek's trails. NCell or NTC networks cover most of the tiny communities and hiking trails. However, network coverage in some locations may be extremely limited or non-existent. However, WI-FI services are available in most locations, with a small fee of course.

Crampons are not required for the Annapurna Base Camp. All you'll need are some good hiking boots and trekking poles for added support and stability. However, depending on the thickness of the snowfall, you may need crampons if you hike in early spring, such as January or February.

The weather at Annapurna base camp varies according to the season. Even in the summer, the snow-capped Himalayan terrain is never particularly hot. The daytime temperature can reach up to 25°C / 77°F, but the nighttime temperature can drop to -20°C / -4°F or even lower. The lower hiking locations are substantially warmer than the base camp when considering the entire trekking excursion. Spring is a warmer season, especially during the day when there are no clouds or snowfall.

Both Annapurna and Everest base camps are located in Nepal's Himalayan region. The western flanks of Annapurna are home to Annapurna base camp, while the eastern flanks of Everest are home to Everest base camp. Annapurna base camp is 4,130 meters / 13,550 feet above sea level, while Everest base camp is 5,364 meters / 17,598 feet above sea level. As the height difference between the two is over 4000 feet, the oxygen content in the air in the Everest base camp is lower. The risk of altitude sickness is much higher in Everest base camp, and it is also significantly colder on any given day than at Annapurna base camp.

Most high-altitude treks in Nepal have been hampered by altitude sickness. Although there are no serious hazards, our skilled trek guides and trip planners have tried and tested the following techniques to minimize high altitude sickness during the Annapurna base camp hike:

• Slowly ascent with plenty of rest and acclimatization.
• Stay hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of water.
• Throughout the trek, eat well-balanced food and get plenty of rest.
• On the trek, stay away from alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco products.
• Keep your wits about you and be psychologically prepared.
• Prepare your body for uphill hikes by doing adequate cardiovascular or gym activities.

Annapurna Base Camp experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. The spring season (March-May) is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius (63–68 degrees Fahrenheit), with cooler nights and early mornings. Summer, or monsoon, lasts from June to August, with torrential rains, thundershowers, and humid days, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68-77°F). Autumn (September–November) is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp since the weather is more consistent and predictable than in other seasons.

Certainly not! Except for certain portions of the trail during harsh seasons, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is extremely safe. During the rainy season, the steep slopes of the mountain portion between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp are prone to landslides, and during the winter, avalanches. Hiking up to 4,130m (13,550 ft) to reach the base of the world's tenth tallest mountain exposes trekkers to high-altitude illness if they don't get enough acclimatization. The severity of the sickness, on the other hand, is comparable to that of the Everest Base Camp.

The trek to the base camp is worth it! The entire Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail is distinct and diversified, with rhododendron woods, lovely terraced paddy fields, and other fauna and flora. Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters/10,532 feet, Annapurna Base Camp, and the settlements of Landruk and Ghandruk all offer distinct characteristics and panoramic views of the terrain, making it noteworthy.

Officially, no one has died while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. However, natural disasters such as avalanches during the pre-spring season and landslides during the monsoons have resulted in deaths in the past. There is a part of the ABC trail above Deurali where hikers must exercise extreme caution. Also, before crossing the portion, which is a famously dangerous zone, especially during the pre-spring and rainy seasons, it is important to seek details.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you past beautiful lakes, rhododendron forests, terraced paddy fields, and the Himalayan scenery. The Annapurna ranges' snow-capped mountains, local culture, natural farmlands, and ecstatic beauty are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The 180-degree vistas of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and other Annapurna massifs from the Gurung settlement of the world-famous Gurkha soldiers are spectacular. The trek in itself is unique and offers you more than you subscribed for!

The Thakali and Loba villages at the foothills of Annapurna, as well as the Chortens and Buddhist monasteries along the way, contribute to the tranquility. Furthermore, it is a moderate-level hiking excursion up to Annapurna base camp that does not require prior trekking experience. In comparison to other high-altitude climbs, the danger of altitude sickness is also rather minimal. Tenting is not required because there are numerous teahouses along the routes. Given the aforementioned reasons, your decision to trek to Annapurna base camp is admirable.

The list of food available in the Annapurna Region:

• Beverage: Black Tea, Lemon Tea, Ginger Tea, Milk Tea, Hot Lemon with Honey, Black Coffee, Milk Coffee, Hot Chocolate
• Toast, omelettes, pancakes, Tibetan bread, porridge, Eggs
• Rice item: Fried rice ( VegNon-Veg), Dal Bhat
• Noodles
• Chips, Fried potato, hash browns, boiled potato, fried potato
• Burgers
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Momo
• Chicken/Yak steak
• Soups and many more.

After a hard day of hiking, a restful night's sleep is essential for the next day's trek. We make every effort to book the best lodge possible, with two beds in each room and western toilet facilities if available. For the most part, the mattresses are clean and comfy, with an electric blanket (if available) and a connected bathroom. The temperature in the room is normally kept between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius (50 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit).

The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is from March to May, just before the monsoon season begins. Trekking is also recommended during the post-monsoon season, which runs from late September to December. Trekking to Annapurna base camp is also doable in February and early September, however the best season for this trek is as described above.

In comparison to the Everest Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is much easier. The reason for this is that hiking to Annapurna Base Camp requires fewer days of trekking, reaching maximum elevations of 4,130m/13,550 feet, and staying at higher elevations for a shorter period. In addition, owing to the low altitude lush trees, the Annapurna region has a higher oxygen level in the air than the EBC journey. The Annapurna Base Camp trek begins at an altitude of 800 meters (2,625 feet), providing for adequate acclimatization time.

Although the Annapurna Base Camp trek is easier than the EBC journey, all hikes demand the same degree of fitness. Because the trek is just a long journey on low elevations in the lush hills of the Annapurna massif's southern flank, trekkers do not require technical experience, rock climbing, or mountaineering skills. The expedition is only difficult since it is a long hike with several uphill and downhill excursions. If you are short on time, the trek can be completed in 7 days by using the shortest path.

No, there is no age limit to do your trek. As long as you’re willing to do it, it’s fine.