Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Spring season is widely considered as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek best time. The weather is stable, skies are generally clear and the daytime temperatures are warm, which makes trekking comfortable even at higher altitudes. This is also the period when the rhododendron flowers bloom in full force, especially in lower forested regions like Chhomrong and Bamboo.

You will walk through the fairytale-like forests painted with the shades of red, pink, and white. Mornings in spring are usually crisp and offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks. The trails are well-maintained and the teahouses operate at full capacity. You can expect moderate crowds; however, it won’t be overwhelming.

Temperature in Spring: 5°C to 10°C (daytime) and -5°C to -8°C (at night).

Autumn is the most visually rewarding season across the year. This season is accompanied by clear skies and post-monsoon freshness in the air. The mountain peak appears razor-sharp from the trekking and the views from MBC and ABC feel otherworldly. Autumn is considered the most photogenic time of the year.

The air is dry and cool, perfect for long hours of trekking. Daytime temperatures are mild, although the nighttime temperatures drop to minus degrees during nighttime at higher altitudes. Especially, during late-November, it can get very cold and the higher regions also might receive light snowfall. Trails are busy during this peak Annapurna Base Camp Trek best time. So, early starts and advance teahouse bookings are recommended.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Temperature in Autumn: 5°C to 10°C (daytime) and -5°C to -12°C (at night).

Packing List

If you are wondering about packing list for Annapurna Base Camp, packing smart optimizing the space is the key to a comfortable and successful trek. The secret is to travel light but layered, ensuring that you are equipped for both warm valleys and the cold nights at the higher altitudes and base camp. Here is a category-wise breakdown for what to pack checklist.

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts
• Thermal base layers
• Quick-dry and comfortable innerwear
• Fleece or down jacket
• Light insulated jacket
• Hardshell waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trekking pants or rain pants
• Quick-dry trekking trousers
• Thermal leggings
• Lightweight hiking shorts
• Warm hat or beanie
• Inner gloves
• Neck scarf or gaiter

• Moisture-wicking trekking socks
• Thick wool or insulated socks
• Durable trekking boots (broken-in, waterproof and with ankle support)
• Trainer or sports shoes
• Lightweight camp shoes or sandals

• Trekking backpack with raincover
• Duffle bag (for porters)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Four-season sleeping bag (rated for at least –10°C)
• Sleeping bag liner (for warmth and hygiene)
• Powerbank
• Universal adapter
• Lightweight padlock
• Water bottle
• Filtration system or water purifying tablets
• First aid kit (small with general medications)
• Sleeping mask and earplugs

• Toothbrush and small toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap
• Quick-dry towel and face wipes
• Sunscreen cream and lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Small mirror
• Nail clipper and comb
• Menstrual product for women
• Foot powder
• Body spray or perfume

Accommodation and Food During Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is well-supported by a long-established network of teahouses. The available accommodation facilities along the trail range from basic villages and teahouses to slightly more comfortable lodges that offer extra sets of amenities. But, don’t make a mistake; this route still stretches to the Himalayan region. And the higher you go, the simpler the services and colder the nights.

At each overnight destination along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trails, from Jhinu Danda to Himalaya and finally at Annapurna Base Camp, you will find small family-run teahouses. These accommodation options offer rooms with twin beds, foam mattresses, warm blankets and shared bathrooms. The rooms are usually basic with wooden walls, two beds, a small table and hooks to hang your gear.

Bedding includes pillow and blankets, but they may be thin at higher altitudes. So, a warm sleeping bag is essential. Hot showers are available (often gas-heated or solar-powered) they come at a cost. Charging your phone or camera and using the internet also comes with a small fee in most places.

The teahouses' menus follow a standard across the route during the 5 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But, each lodge adds its own slight variation to make the dishes exquisite. While the supplies are limited, especially above Himalaya, the food is always cooked fresh. Ingredients are carried in by porters or mules/ So, you can expect mostly vegetarian menus; meat is rare and not recommended at higher altitudes due to hygiene and freshness concerns.

Below is a detailed menu breakdown for what you can expect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages.

• Tibetan bread with jam, honey, or peanut butter
• Pancakes (plain, apple, banana, chocolate)
• Chapati with honey, eggs or curry
• Toast with butter and jam
• Museli
• Porridge
• Cornflakes
• French toast
• Omelettes
• Boiled or scrambled eggs
• Breakfast set: toast, eggs, potatoes, and tea/coffee

• Dal bhat set (lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, pickles and papad)
• Thukpa
• Sherpa stew
• Garlic soup
• Noodles
• Momo
• Potato dishes
• Spaghetti
• Spring rolls
• Vegetable burger
• Pizza

• Ginger lemon honey tea
• Masala tea
• Black/ green/ milk tea
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Hot/ bottled water
• Coke, fanta, sprite
• Juice
• Beer or local alcohol

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated during high-altitude adventures in the Himalayas is non-negotiable. During the trek, your body loses water through respiration and physical exertion as you climb higher on the trail. Dehydration can significantly increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The general recommendation is that you should drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day while navigating Annapurna Base Camp Trek trails.

Thankfully, the Annapurna Base Camp route is well-equipped when it comes to water availability. You have the option to fill the bottle from local taps, clean springs and streams. You can also buy bottled mineral water or boiled water at the teahouse. If you are filling your bottles at clean stations, you need to use a purifier or filtration system.

Bottled water is not environment-friendly and the cost per bottle also keeps increasing as you ascend to higher altitudes. So, the most reliable method to meet the hydration quota for each day is to buy boiled water at the teahouses. Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (with 2 to 3 liters capacity) for the trek.

Training and Preparation Tips

The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking may not be a technical journey, but don’t get fooled by the absence of ropes and crampons. This moderate level adventure still demands endurance, resilience and solid preparation. You will have to traverse across varied terrain for multiple days, dealing with altitude gain, steep mountain routes and face the unpredictable Himalayan weather. So, being physically and mentally ready can make a big difference between a memorable adventure and a painful struggle.

Although you don’t need to be an elite athlete for this trek, you need to be consistent with your training. It's best to start your preparation 6 to 8 weeks before the trek. Build your routine around cardiovascular endurance, leg and core strength, flexibility and balance exercises. Include hiking practice carrying a backpack with weight for your training. This will simulate the real trekking experience and will also help you significantly in acclimatization training.

This classical base camp adventure is not just a physical feat; it is an emotional and psychological journey as well. During the 5 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will have to let go of everyday comforts and disconnect from the digital world. As you will traverse to raw high-altitude environment, mental resilience matters just as much as physical stamina. Here are some helpful mental conditioning tips for ABC Trek

• Visualize your trek in detail, if your mind knows what's coming, it won’t panic when things get tough
• Accept the discomfort in advance, remember, you are diving deep into the raw Himalayan environment 
• Build mental endurance through long hikes and you won’t find the trekking hours taxing
• Learn to stay present, don’t worry about how many hours are left or how many meters until next stop
• Break your goals into smaller portions, don’t overwhelm yourself 
• Prepare to disconnect from the world, WiFi or mobile network coverages may be limited at higher altitudes

Permits and Regulations

The trekking routes in Nepal are inside the protected conservation zones that not only preserve the fragile mountain ecosystem but also safeguard the trekkers through a regulated system. Thus, the permits are not just paperwork; they fund trail repairs, rescue operations, waste management and community-based conservation. 

Trekking without permits is not only illegal but also risky, especially when dealing with emergency situations. Here are the permits that you will need to traverse the ABC trail:

Necessary Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You can collect this essential permit for the trek from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you are doing a trek with a registered agency like Eco Holidays Nepal, the agency will collect the permits on your behalf. To apply for the permit, you will need to have a valid passport (with at least 6 months duration from date of application), passport photocopy, passport-sized photographs, trekking itinerary, emergency contact information and travel insurance. 

Is ABC Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, the trekking Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most beginner-friendly high-altitude treks in Nepal. It is more doable with little to no high-altitude trekking experience compared to he demanding adventures like Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. But still, it is a high-altitude mountain adventure even if it doesn’t require any mountaineering skill or technical equipment. This Himalayan odyssey takes you up to an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet), where altitude sickness becomes a real concern. 

• Moderate Altitude Gain: You will gradually ascend over several days, allowing your body time to acclimatize. The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/ 13,549ft), which is significantly lower than Everest Base Camp Trek and other circuit routes. 
• No Technical Section: There is no need for ropes, crampons, or alpine gear. You will traverse comfortably on walking trails, stone staircases, forest and mountain ridges. There is no Himalayan pass involved either. 
• Well-Established Route: The trek to Annapurna Base Camp route is clearly marked, has regular teahouses, rest stops and villages along the way. It is also a social trail shared with fellow trekkers from all around the world.
• Easy Access to Rescue and Exit: Compared to more remote treks, the ABC is logistically safer. You are pretty close to evacuation points during the trek. The Jhinu Dand and Matkyu are connected to roads which allow quick descent in case of illness or injury.

**Note: Although this is a beginner-friendly adventure, you need to prepare for altitude, long days of walking, basic facilities at the higher altitudes and weather fluctuation. So, don’t skip the preparation part just because it is an easier Himalayan adventure**

Trek Cost

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost can vary greatly depending on how you choose to do the trek. The standard cost margin for 5 days ABC Trek is around US$ 600 to US$ 1,000. Actual price of the trek will be determined by transportation option, level of comfort, standard of food and accommodation, guides and porters, and extra services. If you are going for a customized package or luxury trekking mode, the cost can go even higher.

With Eco Holidays Nepal, you can set out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience at US$ 595 per person. We also do offer discounted rate trips upto US$ 425 depending on the group size. Your trip package with us at this cost range will cover for food, accommodation, guide, necessary permits, comprehensive medical supplies, assistant guide for larger group size, government tax and official expenses.

**Note: It is important to understand that the packages offered by trekking agencies cover for wide range of essentials. However, the personal expenses that you will incur on the trail aren’t included in the base price and you will need to pay for them out of your own pocket**

Travel Visa

To enter Nepal and embark on this classical ABC Trek, all foreign nationals except Indian citizens need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa. The visa obtaining process is streamlined and traveler-friendly. There are two main options available: visa on arrival and pre-arranged visa. Most trekkers opt for the visa on arrival, which is issued at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and several land border points.

Upon your arrival, you will need to fill out an arrival card and visa application for which can be done via kiosk at the airport. Then, after submitting the visa fee, you can immediately get the visa on arrival. There are three duration visa that you can apply for:

• 15 Day Visa— US$ 30
• 30 Day Visa— US$ 50
• 90 Day Visa— US$ 125

After paying the fee, proceed to the immigration desk with your online form, passport and payment receipts. If your trek or travel plans exceed your visa duration, you can also easily extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The fee is US$ 45 for a 15-day extension. 

Heli Trek Option

For the trekkers who want to experience the grandeur of the Annapurna Base Camp without retracing the same trail on the return leg or those with limited time or physical capacity, the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek presents a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. This heli trek option combined the classical trekking experience with a scenic helicopter ride. So, after completing your exploration at the base camp, you will fly back to Pokhara in style, admiring the beauty of the Himalayas and diverse landscape from the sky. 

The ABC Heli Trek option, compared to the classical route, is more time efficient, prioritizes comfort and conveniences and is the ultimate answer for exhaustion or mild altitude sickness. And best of all, it is once-in-a-lifetime visual spectacle that offers a unique perspective of the Annapurna Sanctuary and its majestic peaks that is impossible to experience from the ground.

Acclimatization is essential for the trek to avoid altitude sickness. Although the trek is ideal you must ensure that the acclimatization is appropriately performed. As the mountains are in high altitude, we human living on low altitude cant adopt easily into high level altitude. There are other factor, hydrating regularly along the trail. You should also avoid caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages. As you can have DIAMOX tablets which reduce the altitude sickness, you can ask for this tablet before the trek starts or in the middle of the trek, as you feel you might need those tablet for your further trail, with your guide. And this tablet ensure that you will not have a altitude sickness.

Trekking with Eco Holidays Nepal is like walking through a dream with friends who truly care. We don't just guide you through breathtaking landscapes but also share beautiful memories and the heart of Nepal with you.
With our warm hospitality, deep local knowledge, and genuine commitment to protecting nature and supporting all the local communities, every step you and we take becomes a beautiful memory that we will cherish forever.

For more WHY TRAVEL WITH US.

Yes, Eco Holidays Nepal provides clients with porters as part of a trekking package, porters will carry your main luggage, allowing you to enjoy your trek with just a light daypack.
Also, Eco Holidays Nepal will provide you with a professional and licensed trekking guide, Your guide will lead the way to ensure your safety and will share local insights and make your journey meaningful with stories and cultural knowledge.