4 Sep 2023 Outdoor Himalayan
Overview
Are you planning for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and don’t know what to expect and how to prepare? Here we present the article ‘All About Annapurna Base Camp Trek’ which provides you with some valuable insights for planning the ABC Trek smoothly.
Annapurna Base Camp is a popular classic trek renowned for the beauty of the Annapurna Region. Nestled in the vicinity of the Annapurna Himalaya Ranges, this ABC Trek offers lush green landscapes, panoramic mountain views, diverse flora and fauna, terraced fields, and traversing through attractive local ethnic villages. The local teahouses and friendly locals showcasing their traditions and culture add beauty to the trek. The natural hot spring at Jhinu is a great healing refreshment for trekkers. The abundant natural beauty of the Annapurna region mesmerizes trekkers offering a pleasant experience that they will cherish forever.
Highlights
- Classic Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Superb views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range including the world’s 10th highest Annapurna I (8091 m), Machhapuchhre, etc.
- Local ethnic villages, their culture, and traditions
- Lush green landscapes, terraced fields, and panoramic mountain vistas
- Natural Hot Spring at Jhinu
Facilities during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Accommodation
Locally owned teahouses or lodges are the means of accommodation during the trek. The basic but comfortable teahouses provide beds, quilts, and pillows. The attached bathroom is available in lower regions and higher regions bathrooms are outside the teahouse. During peak seasons, room-sharing might be done. So, book in advance for the accommodation. For services like Wi-Fi, laundry, and showers, trekkers should pay an additional cost. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions.
Meal
There is a variety of full-board meal options during the ABC trek. You can get from a popular Nepali Dal-Bhat to a variety of dishes such as steamed momo, hot thukpa, soup, porridge, pancake, hot coffee, ginger honey tea, etc. The vegetables are prepared from fresh home-grown crops. The meals served during the trek are healthy and hygienic.
Drinking water
Drinking water is easily available during the ABC Trek. Trekkers can buy mineral water costing USD 1-2 per bottle. But, proper disposal of water bottles is required. Otherwise, they can fill boiled water at teahouses paying an additional cost. Or they can fill tap water and use a water purification solution to prevent water-borne diseases. It is best to carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The best part of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is that it can be done throughout the year. There are four main seasons in Nepal: Spring (Mar-May), Monsoon (Jun-Aug), Autumn (Sep-Nov), and Winter (Dec-Feb).
The panoramic mountain views, stable weather, moderate temperature, and lush greenery make the Autumn and Spring seasons ideal for the ABC Trek.
Monsoon season offers the lush green beauty of the region which is mesmerizing. However during monsoons, the weather is unpredictable, and the temperature is unstable.
During the winter season, the weather is chilling cold with a drop in temperature but the views are clear.
Trekking Permits
The compulsorily required trekking permits for ABC Trek are:
a. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3000/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC nationals)
b. Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
NPR 2000/person (Foreigners)
NPR 1000/person (SAARC nationals)
NPR 500/person (Foreign Officials and their families)
Trek Route for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
There are different trek route options for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Trek Route 1:
Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Poonhill-Tadapani-Sinuwa-Dovan-Deurali-ABC-Bamboo-JhinuDanda
Trek Route 2:
SyauliBazaar-Ghandruk-Chhomrong-Sinuwa-Dovan-Deurali-ABC-Bamboo-Jhinu-Nayapul
Trek Route 3:
Tolka-Jhinu-Sinuwa-Himalaya-MBC-ABC-Bamboo-Jhinu-Syomrong
How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
ABC trek is a moderate-level trek. The maximum elevation gain during the trek is 4,130 m. For beginners, the ABC trek can be difficult considering the long hours of walking on a rough terrain. The trail consists of steep ascends and descends which can be tough for many trekkers. With proper preparation, good physical fitness, and following the guide’s instructions ABC Trek is achievable.
Altitude Sickness in ABC Trek
The maximum elevation gain during the ABC trek is 4130 m, which is the Annapurna Base Camp itself. In mountains above 2500m, altitude sickness is common. To prevent altitude sickness, acclimatization is compulsory. During the ABC trek, take an acclimatization rest as suggested in the itinerary. If there is any difficulty immediately inform the guide.
Symptoms and Preventions for Altitude Sickness
Some common symptoms of Altitude Sickness are:
Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.
Preventions for Altitude Sickness are:
- Take an acclimatization rest
- Inform the guide
- Climb slowly and gradually
- Keep yourself Hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and salty foods
- Know your body limit
- Take a complete rest and sleep
- Take medicine consulting a guide
Physical Fitness for ABC Trek
Trekkers are required to walk 6-7 hours a day on the ascending and descending rough trails which is demanding. Thus, having good physical fitness is rewarding. Trekkers can participate in cardiovascular exercises and short hikes a month before the ABC trek. Maintaining good health and necessary check-ups before the trek is recommended.
Best Ways to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu
There are two ways to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
By Air
You can take a 25-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Multiple flights daily to Pokhara are there. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can start the ABC Trek.
By Vehicle
Option I: You can take a tourist bus which usually departs daily at 7 a.m. from Kathmandu to Pokhara. As your preference, you can select a standard or a deluxe tourist bus. Reach Pokhara and begin the ABC trek the next day.
Option II: You can book a private vehicle depending on your group size and take a comfortable ride to Pokhara which takes about 6-8 hours. You can commence the trek the next day to ABC.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival, transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara by Tourist Bus
Day 03: Pokhara – Tikhedhunga (1480 m) by Jeep, hike to Ulleri (1960 m)
Day 04: Ulleri – Ghorepani (2875m)
Day 05: Ghorepani – Poonhill (3210m) – Tadapani (2630m)
Day 06: Tadapani – Sinuwa (2360m)
Day 07: Sinuwa – Dovan (2600m)
Day 08: Dovan- Deurali (3230m)
Day 09: Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo (2310m)
Day 11: Bamboo – Jhinu Danda (1780m), jeep ride to Pokhara
Day 12: Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13: Departure
Note: We also organize ABC trek from 7-13 days package. You can choose that best fit your preference.
Packing List
Sturdy hiking boots
Rubber sandals
Windcheater jacket
Thermals
Down Jacket
Fleece
Long sleeve shirts
Full finger Gloves
Towels
Inner garments
Trekking pants
Trousers
Shorts
Socks
Sleeping bag
Down jacket
LED headlight
Water bottle
First-aid kit
Water purification solution
Trekking poles
Raincoat
Sunglasses
Socks
Thermal cap
Sunscreen
Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQs
Is ABC Trek suitable for beginners?
ABC trek is suitable for beginners but having good physical fitness and being in good health is recommended.
Is a solo ABC trek possible?
A solo ABC trek is not possible due to a new policy in the Trekking and Tourism sector. You must be accompanied by a guide for the ABC Trek.
Do I require Travel Insurance for the ABC Trek?
Travel Insurance is a safety tool for trekkers, especially for trekking in the mountains. Thus, travel insurance is compulsory for ABC Trek.
Are porters and guides compulsory for the ABC Trek?
Guides are compulsory for the ABC Trek but porters are optional. We recommend having a porter as porters carry your luggage making your trek journey pleasant.
Is ABC Trek safe?
ABC Trek is a classic and popular trek. The trail route is safe and there is availability of abundant teahouses. Friendly locals make the trekking experience more memorable.
TAGS: ABC Trek All About Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness in ABC Trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQs Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Facilities during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Trekking Permits