This holiday season reach the base camp of the world’s 10th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). If you are wondering about where to go for the vacation then look no further! Nepal is an ideal destination for any kinds of holiday activities and trekking is the best choice to get close with the nature. Even more beautiful is when you trek in the serene and tranquil Himalayan valleys of Nepal through green lush forests and authentic rural villages of multi – ethnic people. There are many trekking trips to do but the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal stands tall as the most diverse walking trip in terms of nature and culture. So, travelers across the globe, lace up your boots and embark on the life changing journey to the Annapurna Base Camp.
In this blog, let’s analyze the various aspects of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. We will also add the various frequently asked questions about the ABC Trek. At the end of the blog, we hope that you get all the necessary information about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek journey. By this blog, we hope that you will be able to make a quick decision to book the trekking package to enjoy this holiday season!
What are different Itineraries of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is the most popular trekking activity. Therefore, the trekking agencies and travel planners have identified numerous trailheads and itineraries. You can find short itinerary to long itinerary of ABC Trek. There are many pros and cons of doing the short and long ABC Trek in Nepal. For example, if you choose to do the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek of 5 days or 6 days itinerary then you may have to exclude the excursion of famous Poon Hill region. Please surf through our website to find different itineraries of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. The most famous and classical itinerary of the ABC Trek is the 12 Days or 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek package that includes arrival and departure activity in Kathmandu.
When is the best time to do ABC Trek?
The best time to do the short 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is during spring and autumn season. Among these two seasons, spring season is considered as an ideal time to do the trek. During this time of the year, the region is full of blooming flowers in the rhododendron trees. Besides blooming flowers, the days are warmer and skies are clearer during the spring season. You can also have best time while trekking in the autumn season (September – November). The monsoon and winter season is not highly recommended but late winter or early winter is also considered as okay to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Do I need guide and porter to do Annapurna Trek?
It is not mandatory for the trekkers to hire a guide to do the Annapurna Trek. However, trekking without a guide may become less informative and hassle free. If you hire a guide for the trek then all the hassles of logistics and trip management will be covered by your guide. All you need to do is enjoy the majestic wonders of Mother Nature and immerse into the culture of locals. Having a guide and porter helps in the safe trekking experiences for the trekkers.
What kind of Vegetation and Wildlife are present in the ABC Trek Trail?
There is a diverse vegetation in the trekking route of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In the early phase of the trekking, trekkers experience temperate deciduous forests in the hilly – valley region. As the trekking moves towards higher altitude places, the vegetation starts to turn into sub – alpine and alpine. You can experience the Tundra vegetation during the Everest Base Camp Trekking as tundra vegetation is found in the places above 5000 m altitude. Therefore, you can’t find tundra vegetation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal.
As the vegetation is diverse, you can find different species of wildlife in the route as well. If you are lucky enough then you can spot Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Monal, Lhophophorous (Danphe), Pheasants, Musk Deer, Monkeys, and Snow Leopard in the jungles of the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. The route is truly a heaven to understand about the flora and fauna found in Nepal.
How hard is to reach Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp is at the foothill of the world’s 10th tallest mountain the Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). It is not an ordinary destination like a stroll in a park. It requires immense physical fitness and mental strength. In addition, you have to cope with the demands of high – altitude. There are many steep uphill and downhill sections. Trekkers have to trek through glacier and narrow valleys which are avalanche risky areas. Therefore, it is hard to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. If you plan the trek properly and if you are with the expert team of travel planners then it is easy to complete the trek! So, choose the right trekking guide and trekking agency to operate a momentous trekking trip for you.
Which are the major villages on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route?
Major villages on the Poon Hill Via Annapurna Base Camp Trek route are Ghorepani, Chhomrung, Sinuwa, Himalaya and Deurali. In the low altitude place, the Jhinu village is also equally iconic. The majority of people living in these villages are either Gurung or Magar people. These people are indigenous group of people who have their own language, traditions, and culture. While doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal, you will be fascinated to immerse into the culture and traditions of these hilly indigenous people of Nepal. They mainly grow crops, rear animals, and work in the Armies. Nowadays, the development of the tourism industry has given them new way of earning. Most of the tea houses and eateries found in the trekking route are operated by these people.
Can I do the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Yes, you can do the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour either from Pokhara or from Kathmandu. The cost of the helicopter tour depends upon the starting point and the number of the travelers. If you choose to do the helicopter tour from Pokhara in a private charter helicopter then it costs about 2200 $. The cost of private helicopter charter tour to the Annapurna Base Camp is about 4000 $ to 4100 $ per person. The cost of the helicopter tour decreases if you choose to do the shared group tour. In this way of doing the helicopter tour the cost is about 550 $ per person.
The tour lasts for about 2 to 3 hours including the landing in the Annapurna Base Camp for about half an hour. Travelers can take pictures and spend quality time witnessing the 360 degree view of mountains from the Annapurna Base Camp. You need to be aware of the risk of altitude sickness if you are doing the helicopter tour. Relish the chance to get the bird eye view of the hills and valleys from the chopper while doing this tour. The interesting way of doing the trip is by combining the itinerary of the helicopter tour and trekking. For this, trekkers have to follow the Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary all the way to the Annapurna Base Camp. After exploring the base camp areas, trekkers don’t trek back to rather they choose to fly back to Pokhara. This is the most luxurious way of doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. It is also famously known as the Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek similar to the Everest Base Camp Heli Trek.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness in the ABC Trek?
In comparison to the Everest region trekking in Nepal, the risk of altitude sickness in the ABC Trek is lesser. However, you shouldn’t ignore the risk of altitude sickness. Normally, altitude sickness occurs to any person regardless of their physical fitness level after you have crossed the 2500 m places. If you don’t follow the proper guidelines and don’t heed the instructions of the trekking guide then you are highly likely to be the victim of the altitude sickness. In case of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the result may be fatal.
Therefore, Nepal Government doesn’t allow any kinds of trekking permit without the travel insurance. It is same in the case of the Annapurna Base camp Trekking in Nepal. You must leave the copy of the travel insurance in the city office of the trekking agency where you have bought the trekking package before embarking on the trekking trip. During the time of emergency, the agency can act promptly to rescue you!
Stay hydrated and eat belly full to avoid altitude sickness during the trek. Don’t pace randomly. Always maintain the similar uniform pace while trekking. Get enough rest in the tea house and always report about your condition to your trekking guide. If you hide your problems then it may result in the more adverse conditions including the fatal ones.
Can I find medical health posts in the Annapurna Trekking route?
There are very limited medical health posts in the Annapurna Trekking route. There are basic medical aid posts in the trail. Therefore, you must carry necessary first aid kits along with you. If you are on a group trek organized by the trekking agency then you don’t worry about the basic first aids. The trekking guides are well trained to act in the times of emergency to provide first aid help before the major medical help arrives. You can find good hospitals either in Ghorepani or in Pokhara otherwise rest of the places have small medical clinics only.
Is it hard to find accommodation during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
It is not very hard to find accommodation during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. However, during the peak season it may be tiring to find proper tea houses in the high altitude places. The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is getting popular among Nepalese trekkers as well. Therefore, it would be hard for the independent trekkers to find rooms in high – altitude places especially in the Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Even in the places like Upper Deurali you don’t find more than 5 tea houses. So, always book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal with the reliable and Nepal Government registered trekking agency.
What are the side trips possible from the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route?
There are multiple side trips possible to do from the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. The most famous side trips to do during the trek is the Poon Hill Trek. In fact, if you are doing the classical Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal then the itinerary includes the Poon Hill section. You can do trekking trips like Mardi Himal Trek and Khopra Hill Trek as well from the ABC Trek trail. Nowadays, you can choose to explore and walk on the newly opened trekking trail of the Mulde View Point from the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route.
What are the permits required to do trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit to do trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal. However, if the region is under the restricted zone then you must acquire the restricted area permit. For example, if you want to do the Nar Phu Valley Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal then you must obtain a Special Restricted Area Permit besides ACAP permit. The cost of the ACAP permit is Nepalese currency 3000 for the foreigners and Nepalese currency 1000 for SAARC nationals. If you don’t have the permit and caught then you need to pay double the price to do the trek.
What is the cost of Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal starts from 850 $ per person to 1800 $ per person depending upon the group size and itinerary. If you book the short Annapurna Base Camp Trek then the cost decreases.
We hope that you got all the needed information about the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in Nepal. It is essential to know all the details before finalizing the trekking trip to Nepal. The best way to get the fantastic trekking itinerary is to contact travel planners of the Nepal High Trek. Our travel planners will knit the best itinerary according to your preferences!
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