Introduction of ANNAPURNA base camp trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route is one of the most popular and famous for travelers, also one of the easiest in Nepal as it is one with the most beautiful views. Although it is situated along the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range. Annapurna is the 10th tallest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8091m above sea level. The journey to the base camp is 110 km to reach an altitude of 4130m in 7- 8 days. Many endangered flora and fauna such as the snow leopards, Himalayan thars and tigers can be found in the region.
The total distance of the trek is of 110KM
Which is the Best time for Annapurna Base Time trekking?
There are to best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp, Pre, and Post monsoon.
Pre – Monson
February to May, the most advisable, weather should be stable and mostly dry, that is great for trekking, March could also be good as the landscapes and the view are spectacular, but trekking can be hard and it is cold at this moment. April gets quite busy.
Post – Mosson
late September to November, this is the period that will provide the best views and the best landscape compared to the rest of the year. It is most advisable to do it in September as October gets packed and some people get frustrated with the freezing water pipes. Although I arrived beginning of September and the rains were still quite bad.
But beware as it is high season flights to Nepal can get more expensive. So we suggest booking your flight earlier.
May to September MOSSON time not advisable there is a lot of rain, it’s impossible to trek and the views are not the best during this time of the year. December to February possible but not recommended, there is too much snow and cold temperatures can reach up to -30C at night
How long does it take to trek Annapurna Base Camp? Is it hard to trek?
Annapurna Base camp it’s of moderate difficulty it is achievable by even normal fit trekkers, the total distance of the trek is 110 km and should be done in 7- 8 days, the maximum elevation is 4,130 meters. It is considered effortless for even inexperienced hikers and does not demand any high-level physical fitness.
How much does it cost to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
Depending on the season you want to go (If it’s the high season) it will get more expensive, and also who do you buy the trekking experience from, if they are local it will get cheaper!
- Travel / Tour Agency $1000- $1200 USD prices usually include all permits, accommodations, meals, guides, porters. Also, flights to start point Pokhara.
Although they won’t include insurance, visa fees, nor trekking equipment
In case flights to Pokhara are not included, they should be around $100 for one way, taking the bus will be a cheaper option around $10
Which permits do I need to have in order to trek the ABC?
In order to enter the Annapurna area, you need to pay an entrance fee for foreigners available to taramite in Kathmandu
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project $20 USD
- TIMS – Trekkers information Management System Nepal $20 USD
How much does it cost to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
What would be my daily expenses?
*FIXED
| Title | Daily Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | $40 | |
| Food | $25 (3*8) | |
| Water | $2-3 | |
| Accommodation | $10-15 (Tourist standard) $15-$50 for higher quality | |
| Snacks | $5-8 | |
| Extras | $2-3 | |
| ABC Total daily cost | $44 – 55 | 44*12= USD 480 |
| Guide cost: | 20 USD/ per day | 20*11 = 220 USD |
| Kathmandu Pokhara Flight | 100 USD | 100*2= 200 USD |
| Kathmandu Pokhara By Tourist Bus | 10 USD | 10*2 = 20 USD |
| Porter Cost | 10 USD / per day | 10*9= 90 USD |
What are Annapurna Base Camp Daily Expenses? / Showering and Charing?
Once on trek Food on Annapurna Base Camp trek, it’s about $20- $30 a day for 3 good meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Around $8 each (8*3) =$25 and those extras.
Remember the higher you go the more expensive it gets.
For the rest of the things like showers ($2), running water (2), electricity and wifi (5), you will have to pay extra. There are no plugs to charge batteries on any rooms usually the rate is per charging hour in communal areas.
Will I need a porter/guide for my trek? How much do they Charge?
Can you trek Annapurna base camp without a guide? / Can you trek Annapurna Base Camp on your own?
Guides are not necessary and yes you can trek it con your own, But we don’t suggest to travel alone. When traveling in the Himalaya so many lost their life and in the max case, they do no travel with guides.
Although here is a list why should you take one…
- You’ll be safer!! the guides know the trails were you’ll be going, they are the experts on the field and will also take an eye on you concerning altitude sickness or in case something happens.
- You will not face communication problems with local people
- You should not have to worry about sleep place as he/ she will take care of it
You can get in contact with any local agency before arriving in Nepal to arrange it or upon your arrival, you can also plan everything. Price for a guide should be around $40 each way
Insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
It is highly advisable to get travel insurance before traveling to Nepal, and whether you hire a guide or not to do the treks. Read close the small letters and make sure you are properly covered, as not every insurance cover extreme activity. It is very common to get altitude sickness or to get injured, in case of evacuation helicopters re very expensive.
Packing Tips / Things to bring/buy before trekking Annapurna Base Camp
- Water is very expensive to take the most convenient option to sterilize water
- Take a buff of headwear so your neck and face will be protected from sunburn, wind and any type of weather.
- Warm Sleeping Bag and a liner
- Hat, scarf, and mittens
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- To charge any electronic device you will have to pay, so quite recommendable to charge them all with a portable charger
- Wet wipes are quite handy specially if it gets cold or if it’s quite expensive to shower many people would shower on them.
- Hand sanitizer cleaner will very handy to clean your hands in case you get hungry
- Microfiber towel so recommended as it dries so fast and doesn’t weight that much
- Headlamps! Even most of the trek is during the daytime, electricity most of the time is not always on tea houses during the night
- Waterproof / Windproof / Rain jacket one of the most important elements and wearing with a thermal layer underneath
**Many clothes and gear are for sale in Kathmandu and Pokhara so don’t worry to much in case you forget to pack something!
How can I avoid getting altitude Sickness and ensure good acclimatization?
Although Annapurna Base Camp is not an extremely high trek, you should ensure good acclimatization by drinking lots of water and just in case you’re not feeling good start descending. Rest enough before you take the journey and acclimatize every day, guides can tell you how to do that
What are the 3 main highlights of Annapurna Base Camp trek?
- Annapurna Base Camp the holy element of the hike
- Annapurna Apple Pie – Many home-cooked apple pies
- Jhinu Hot Springs a pool of 3 different temperatures, natural showers
Is it safe to drink Water in Annapurna?
How expensive is the water?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water, mineral water will be available for you to buy on the trail, be aware it is going to be quite expensive (probably like 10 times higher than in Kathmandu). One liter of water will cost you around $2 and the higher you go the higher the prices will be, it could get up to $4 once you reach the top. It is advisable to use purification pills as a cheaper and more comfortable option.
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