How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the easy-going treks in the Annapurna region if done correctly. Of course, the trail has numerous ascends & descends along with steep, rugged, and landslide-prone areas, but the perfect increase in elevation every day and our professional trekking guide will make the trip smooth.
Keep in mind that you will be traveling in a remote area and to a great height, therefore everything will be limited and expensive. Overall, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate trek, achievable for anyone with good health and determination to reach Annapurna Base Camp.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is certainly one of the underlying risks when it comes to high-altitude journeys like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal. However, you do not have to worry. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary is designed to allow your body to fully acclimatize as you gain elevation. At the same time, our expert crew will check on you regularly and make sure everything is fine.
Some of the things you can take into consideration to avoid and prevent altitude sickness:
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids while trekking. A dehydrated body can lead to altitude sickness.
- No alcoholic drinks or anything that may dehydrate your body.
- Walk slowly, and do not forget to take long breaths now and then.
- If you see symptoms like loss of breathing, headache, dizziness, etc. inform the team leader and follow his advice.
- Carry prescribed medicines for altitude sickness, cold, headache, food poisoning, etc.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek distance
Annapurna Base Camp Trek route covers approximately 67 km from the beginning to the end of the trek. The longest day on the trek is when you return from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo. You will be covering 15.5 km on that particular day. Check out our Annapurna Base Camp Trek route map for more information about the trail.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek route
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek 11 days begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a drive to Kimchi, the starting point of the trek. From here, you will gradually begin trekking through the forested path and reach beautiful Ghandruk village for a night's stay.
You will then ascend through lush rhododendron forests to Chhomrong. Leaving this village behind, the trail crosses Chhomrong Khola and passes by Sinuwa before reaching Bamboo. From here, you will walk through damp and cold forests to Deurali and climb towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
The trail from here onwards leads to the Annapurna Base Camp. Spend the night at the ABC and descend back to Bamboo, retracing the path. Further, we will take a different route that leads to Jhinu Danda drops down to Matque, and drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Training for the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Beginner trekkers, take your time and increase your walking time to 5 to 6 hours a day. Strong stamina and good health are needed for a trek. Work on your inner strength and muscle power.
You can go on short hikes, cycling, or swimming. With all of these options, you get your body ready for the trek. You can also go to the gym and include aerobic and cardio exercises in the routine.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Solo/Private/Group
If you do not have your group, then you can join one of our fixed departure dates and trek with travelers from all around the world. You will be paying the package cost in a group, therefore the per head will come lower than usual.
Similarly, for solo travelers, we offer a private trek option. You will be guided by one of our best guides during the private trek. You can take your time to enjoy nature and walk at your own pace. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost may differ if you go for a private trek option.
Last Minute Booking for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Feel free to contact us in case you decide to book a trip to Annapurna Base Camp at the last minute. We will do everything to accommodate you. There is a chance that we may not be able to book you if we cannot find accommodations or other facilities at the last moment which is a possibility during peak season.
For booking confirmation, we require you to pay 100% of the package cost. A team representative from Nepal Nirvana Trails will assist you with the booking process and help you with the preparation.
Get in touch with us anytime for more information.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
On Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will be trekking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, to trek here, you have to get an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit along with a TIMS card.
ACAP permit costs for SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
ACAP permit costs for other nationals: NPR 3000
TIMS card costs: NPR 2000
*Note:Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost covers all the necessary permit costs, and you do not have to pay any additional charge for the permit. Likewise, we will arrange all the permits for you.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek best time
To enjoy the best mountain views and trekking experience, we suggest trekking to Annapurna Base Camp from March to May and mid-September to mid-December. You will be enjoying a magical venture in these months as the trail blooms with colorful rhododendrons, and the air begins to see a hint of crisp chill in it.
The fantastic climate and stable weather are all we look for to have an amazing trip in the Himalayas. The temperature will be perfect with bright sunny days and cold nights & mornings.
Accommodation
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is a teahouse trek. There is a range of teahouses available along the way to stop and spend the night. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek package 2024 includes friendly, clean accommodations on the trail. The room will be comfortable and shared between two trekkers. If you want a single room during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 11 Days, then do let us know in advance (while booking).
Depending upon the village and the place, the room may come with a private or common washroom. Do know that the peak season sees hundreds of trekkers from all around the world. So, if you do not pre-book the accommodation while trekking alone, then you might have to sleep in the common living room at the guest house.
Food
The best thing about Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is when it comes to food, you can get a quite decent pizza at the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Sounds unbelievable, right? But it's true. However, you might have to pay a considerable price to have a warm pizza at that altitude.
Another meal option is dal bhat, the typical Nepali lunch/dinner and the dish we advise our guests to include in at least one meal of the day because of all the nutrients it offers at a very affordable rate.
You can also choose from pudding, macaroni, momo, noodles, Tibetan bread, chapati, curries (veg & non-veg), soup, toast, porridge, eggs, etc. In beverages, you can get black tea, milk tea, Tibetan tea, coffee, flavored hot drinks, etc.
Trek Responsibly
Trekking responsibly is not difficult and only needs a little effort if you are up for it. The moment you put your foot in the wilderness of the Himalayas with us, you are bound to follow some rules that we have created to play our role in protecting the environment.
Using eco-friendly products, carrying reusable water bottles, respecting the cultures of the local communities, not throwing trash on the trail, etc. are some of the things we encourage our guests to do while trekking. Similarly, you can volunteer in local schools or old-age centers if you like.
Travel Insurance
Traveling to 4,130 meters above sea level where there are no proper means of transportation or health care facilities does ask for well-covered travel insurance. Accidents or medical emergencies during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are rare.
Still, to make sure we are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, we do recommend our guests get travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation (up to 6,000 meters) and medical bills. You have to buy travel insurance in your home country.
Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)
- Being one of the famous trekking routes, you can find charging booths in almost all the tea houses and lodges along the way to charge your devices. Some places may ask you for a few bucks for the service.
- Some villages offer WiFi services at lower altitudes. Because of elevation and uncertain weather, you will not get a stable internet connection all the time, whether you use WiFi or cellular data.
- There is no ATM in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route, therefore have some spare cash with you in the city to carry while trekking.
- While trekking, you can only pack luggage weighing around 10kgs. The main baggage, a duffel bag, is carried by the porters. You can have a daypack with essentials.
- Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek package cost does not include tipping. It is mandatory though guides and porters expect some. You are free to tip as per your wish.
- Check out our package cost include & exclude section thoroughly. Some of the things like travel insurance, international flight fare, personal expenses, tips, etc., are not covered in the package cost, and the guest has to be responsible for it.
