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When you think of trekking for many Nepal is one of the first countries that comes to mind. Nepal has hundreds of trekking trails, in all different regions. For those planning to venture into the heart of the Himalayas, the unforgettable journey to trek Annapurna Base Camp is one I highly recommend. This is a perfect moderate-level trek with magnificent views of the Annapurna range.
This epic adventure took me through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, challenged my limits, and introduced me to the rich tapestry of Nepal’s Himalayan culture.
I have put together this comprehensive guide on trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. I’ll delve deep into the practical aspects of this iconic trek, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations based on my personal experience, from route details, gear essentials and acclimatization strategies. This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge needed to plan your successful trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
I’ve been traveling to Nepal since 2009 and it’s by far my favorite country. The majority of my time has always been spent in Kathmandu but over the years I’ve done a number of side trips to places like Pokhara, Chitwan, Nagarkot, Gorkha, and now the Annapurna Sanctuary. I’m excited to share everything I have learned along the way!
Best Time of Year to Trek Annapurna Base Camp
The trekking seasons in Nepal are April/May and mid-September/October. Generally speaking, October is the best time of year to trek. As the wet season is finally over the rain usually leaves clear mountain views.
But with that said, I trekked in May and had the most beautiful clear views every day. In the late afternoon, the sky would usually become a bit cloudy, but every morning and while trekking, the views were incredible.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
When planning your journey to trek Annapurna Base Camp, it’s essential to consider the budget for your adventure.
The cost of this trek can vary depending on factors like the duration of your trip, the level of comfort you seek in accommodations (although the options don’t vary dramatically), and the trekking agency you book with. On average, a moderate-budget trek to Annapurna Base Camp can range from $800 to $1,500, covering permits, transport, guides, meals, and lodging. I booked my trek in early 2019 and paid 850 USD per person. I believe this was good value because it also included return flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
On top of the $850 my husband and I also hired a porter. As we’re light packers we hired 1 porter to carry our 1 bag. Porters charge between 15-20 USD per day and this can be paid for at the beginning of your trek.
I’d also recommend budgeting another 5-10 USD per day for miscellaneous items. Along the way, you may need to make additional purchases such as drinking water, wifi, cups of tea, and hot showers (I’ll get into more detail about these below).
Annapurna Base Camp Packing Trek List
When preparing for an incredible journey to Annapurna Base Camp, packing wisely can make all the difference in your comfort and safety. A well-thought-out packing list is essential for ensuring you have everything you need while keeping your luggage manageable.
Key items to include on your Annapurna Base Camp packing list are sturdy hiking boots & socks that will support your feet and ankles. A waterproof jacket, and layers for varying temperatures, including a scarf, beanie & gloves. The early mornings can be freezing cold and within a few hours, you could be sweating under the sun.
Additionally, don’t forget essentials like a good quality camera, power bank, first aid kit, and headlamp. Plus, hiking poles can be very helpful along the uneven terrain.
It’s important to note that not all these items need to be purchased prior to arriving in Nepal. Kathmandu serves as a treasure trove for trekkers seeking high-quality and affordable gear. The busy streets of Thamel, in particular, are lined with numerous stores and shops offering a wide range of trekking clothing and equipment. You will be able to find everything you need, and still top quality, plus, you will be helping the local economy.
Possible Health Issues When Trekking
No matter how much training you do before your trek there’s always a chance you could be affected by altitude sickness. The chances increase the higher you are and some of the symptoms include headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
There is the option to take preventative medication before commencing your journey, this is what we did and it worked a treat.
The trek to Annapurna base camp started at 1800 meters and finished at 4130 meters. Throughout the trek, neither my husband nor I got sick, the only slight side effects of the medication were pins & needles in our hands and feet.
The medication was purchased in Kathmandu and I’d recommend doing the same. Apart from the lower cost, the pharmacists in Kathmandu have much more experience dealing with altitude sickness.
Along with medication, travel insurance is an absolute necessity when embarking on a trekking adventure in Nepal. The rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and remote locations of these trails make it crucial to have adequate coverage.
One of the biggest reasons to invest in travel insurance is the potential need for emergency evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu in the case of serious injury or illness. This service can be extremely expensive without insurance, and in the worst-case scenario, it can mean the difference between life and death.
Thus, having travel insurance provides both peace of mind and a financial safety net, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes of Nepal without worrying about the unforeseen challenges that may arise.
The travel insurance company I always choose to travel with is Cover-More.
My Experience Trekking Annapurna Base Camp
My husband & I flew from Australia to Kathmandu. I was so excited to be returning to Nepal for the 7th time. We spent the first few days catching up with our local friends. Then on Saturday morning we were picked up by our tour guide and taken back to the airport.
After taking off from Kathmandu we were quickly greeted with incredible views of the Langtang mountain range. This was my second time taking the 25-minute flight to Pokhara but never had the sky been so clear.
Once arriving in Pokhara we met our porter and got straight into a private jeep to drive to Ghandruk village. This was our official starting point for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
Itinerary For The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
This is one of the few treks in Nepal that can offer a slightly flexible itinerary. Generally, a trek to Annapurna Base Camp will take 12 days, but as we were on a tighter schedule driving a few hours on the first and last day meant that we could complete this trek in 8 days.
- 1st Day: Early morning flight to Pokhara and drive to Ghandruk village
- 2nd Day: Ghandruk village to Chhomrong village
- 3rd Day: Chhomrong village to Himalaya
- 4th Day: Himalaya to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- 5th Day: Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Bamboo
- 6th Day: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
- 7th Day: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara (overnight stay in Pokhara)
- 8th Day: Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
One of the things I love about the Nepali people is that they will always try to be flexible and accommodate visitor’s needs. Even with this itinerary, it was always possible to amend things along the way. If we wanted to stop earlier one day or keep going to the next village, changing the accommodation plans wouldn’t have been an issue.
Every morning I was excited to wake up and exhausted by the time we went to bed each night.
This trek was hard work, being at high altitude and walking up hills or stairs could become extremely tiring and quickly take your breath away. Then walking downwards was punishing to the knees. But it was never so hard we wanted to give up or even considered not continuing. These feelings were part of the experience and afterwards, I felt so proud of myself for completing the trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Along the way, we crossed rivers and streams, suspension bridges, and the lushest, quietest jungle. A few times we had to stop and wait to the side as groups of horses, mules, and locals passed by. Usually while carrying heavy loads on their backs. Locals work extremely hard in the mountain regions of Nepal and seeing this was a good reminder that my days at work aren’t actually that difficult.
The higher we reached the colder the air got, and each morning became more difficult, by day 4 we were walking across the snow! However, it was still beautiful and sunny each day.
Day 5 WE MADE IT TO THE TOP!
The hardest and best day of the trek. We were staying at Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From there it’s approximately a 1.5-hour walk to base camp and we were very eager to arrive before sunrise. Our day commenced at 04:30 am and it was freezing cold. Even with gloves on, I thought my fingers were going to fall off and it didn’t take long before I was feeling short of breath.
But I was on a mission.
Torches weren’t really necessary as the white snow led the way. As we were approaching base camp the sun was starting to shine from behind the mountains and it was one of the most beautiful sights I’d ever seen. I remember feeling so grateful and proud that we achieved what we set out to do.
Our first moments at Annapurna base camp were spent taking photos and defrosting with a hot cup of tea.
Once the sun was fully up it was the most beautiful day, we were completely surrounded by snow-covered mountains at Annapurna Base Camp. Pure magic!
I never wanted this day to end.
For the next couple of hours, we explored the area and took millions of photos. Then it was time to continue our longest day of walking, finishing up in Bamboo. Going by my phone we walked over 36,000 steps that day.
Each day from then on felt like we were walking back down to earth, the air didn’t feel as thin, the environment was greener and each village was starting to get busier.
After 6 days of walking, we reached Jhinu Danda and spent the afternoon soaking in Jhinnu Hot Springs. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The springs were 37 degrees and located on the edge of the river, surrounded by picturesque jungle views.
By this point most of the walking was over, the next day we only had an hour and a half before getting on a bus to Pokhara.
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Trekking Accommodation
Throughout the trek, the accommodation is generally very basic and gets even more basic the higher up you go. Some had private bathrooms but in most places, shared bathrooms were the only option. It’s important to remember these remote regions in Nepal are far from civilization, so limiting the accessibility to many of life’s luxuries.
Food Options While Trekking in Nepal
I was surprised at how good the food was throughout the whole trek. I figured we’d be eating Nepal’s national dish, Dal Bhat each day, but the menus were quite big.
Although, saying this, one way we can be a more mindful traveller is to order the same dish as your trekking buddy. This will ensure the locals are saving on precious resources, like cooking gas.
Miscellaneous Expenses While Trekking
Above I briefly mentioned budgeting for miscellaneous expenses.
On day 1 of the trek, you’ll pass small local shops selling extra supplies you may need. Such as tissues, drinks and snacks. By the time you reach the top, there aren’t any shops similar to this, only the hotel reception selling goods at a much higher price. If there’s anything extra you think you may need, it’s best to purchase them on day 1.
A few more examples of miscellaneous items (and approximate prices);
- WiFi 300 rupees
- Charge 1 device 200 rupees
- 1 Litre of water 80 – 150 rupees (You can’t actually buy bottles of water along the way and I think this is fantastic. You take your own bottle and pay per litre to fill it)
- Toilet Paper 250 rupees (for Nepal this is so expensive, so, as this doesn’t weigh much, I’d recommend taking enough rolls up with you)
- Hot shower 200 rupees
Booking the Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Booking your trek to Annapurna Base Camp is an exciting step in your Himalayan adventure and one I’m sure you will find very rewarding.
The trekking company I booked with is unfortunately no longer in business. Although, Nepal offers a multitude of trekking agencies, that can assist you in organizing your expedition. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s advisable to book your trek with a reputable agency well in advance.
They will take care of essential arrangements such as permits, guides, and accommodations, leaving you with more time to focus on the trek itself. Whether you choose a guided group tour or an independent trek, having a trusted agency by your side can enhance your overall experience and provide valuable local insights. As you make your Annapurna Base Camp trek a reality, be sure to communicate your preferences, fitness level, and any special requirements to your agency.
In Conclusion
As the journey to the awe-inspiring Annapurna Base Camp comes to an end, it’s clear that this adventure offers far more than just breathtaking landscapes and physical challenges. It’s a life-changing experience, one that grants you access to the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and an opportunity to connect with the rich rural culture of Nepal.
Sharing my personal experiences and insights has been a pleasure, but I hope this travel blog has also served as a valuable resource for future trekkers. Planning your Annapurna Base Camp trek is an adventure in itself, and with the right preparation and knowledge, you can embark on this remarkable journey with confidence. From selecting the perfect gear to acclimatization strategies. This guide is aimed to equip you with the tools you need for a successful and enjoyable trek.
Remember, each step on the Annapurna Base Camp trail is a step towards self-discovery and is a testament to resilience and determination. So, as you plan your own expedition to this Himalayan gem, enjoy the challenges, while savouring each moment. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a remarkable trek and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
For more information on Nepal and planning a trip to one of Asia’s most fascinating countries – click here.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
It’s really nice sis and i also want to make this. you should help me to make this okey..! Love your work and keep travelling and when i get finished my studies and get my carrier we should travel together lol.
Thank you so much Ajesh. Yea for sure, we’ll go on lots of adventures together.
Waoooo, such a great experience. Would like some say a trip like this. Excellent guide!
Wow, what an epic trek! The views look absolutely incredible! It looks like it was well worth the effort to reach the base camp – what a great achievement! Thanks for sharing this great guide!
your photos make me miss Nepal so much!!! I went years back in 2013 for the EBC trek and till this day, it remains one of my fondest life memories! It’s amazing that you’ve been returning to the country regularly all these years, it’s really got such a soul to it!
Oh it totally does, such a special country.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Annapurna trek article. I lived in Nepal for almost three years and never made it there. Reading this brings back fond memories of Nepal
Thank you so much, and very lucky you got to live in Nepal
Your photos are amazing! This sounds like an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing!
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is soooo high up on my list!! This looks like an amazing trip. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Hiking in Nepal is at the top of my bucket list. This looks absolutely amazing and gives me some great ideas for my own trip!
That’s awesome, I’m so glad you found it helpful
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Such helpful information, thank you so much!!!