Acclimatisation
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp in Autumn and Spring without acclimatisation is solely doable. This is because you'll start this trek from Kathmandu and Pokhara and gradually climb to higher places. As of this, your body gets acclimated as you trek slowly each day.
Many first-time trekkers often consider ABC trek as the best trekking destination for scenery and low chance of altitude sickness. On top, the average five hours of the hike on the route each day won't be too tiring.
Altitude Sickness and prevention
High altitude trekkers often get altitude sickness and Acute Mountain Sickness as they climb past 3,500 metres. As alpine terrain starts above 3,000 metres, the oxygen level decreases, and as of this, the body won't get adequate breathable oxygen. You'll feel dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and fatigue as symptoms of altitude sickness.
Annapurna Base Camp sits over 4,130 metres; a reason is that it is susceptible to altitude sickness. The hike passes through excellent climatic zones of Chhomrong, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and more. These places are somehow above 3,500 metres.
Our countless previous Annapurna Base Camp trekking experience makes it one of the most accessible trekking routes in the Himalayas. Not many trekkers develop altitude sickness symptoms. On top, we employ expert guides on first aid and mountain medicine. You must report to the trek guide if you feel discomfort while hiking.
To escape altitude sickness, we recommend you drink plenty of water and eat adequate meals daily. Also, to avoid dehydration, don't drink alcohol and caffeinated drinks throughout this trekking.
You'll get a helicopter evacuation service with your International Travel Insurance if the situation worsens.
International Travel Insurance
Altitude sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness, and health injuries are unforeseen situations while trekking. Hence, International travel insurance is crucial for you2 during emergencies and health issues at high altitudes.
You'll hike on the classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek route for nine days. There's a chance that you may get altitude sickness. Also, sometimes unpredictable weather and other incidents rarely prompt trekkers' injuries. Having said this, you must carry travel insurance that can cover the expense of helicopter evacuation during emergencies. Also, the proof of insurance bears your hospitalisation costs and other involved costs.
Sublime Trails only buys insurance for Annapurna Base Camp trek guides and porters. We won't purchase travel insurance for trekkers but can recommend trusted insurance companies in Nepal for you.
We encourage every trekker joining the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023 to buy travel insurance.
Annapurna Base Camp trek permits
TIMS card and ACAP are two essential permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) is a mandatory permit for every foreign national who wishes to trek in Nepal. For the Annapurna region, you need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit that lets you roam and walk around the conservation area except in restricted areas. Unlike limited area permits, TIMS and ACAP allow you to trek without any time restrictions.
TIMS card costs USD 20, and ACAP costs USD 25. If you're a solo trekker, you can get these permits at Nepal Tourism Board. With us, you won't have to manage these permits. We'll arrange every essential ticket for you before the trip starts. However, we need a copy of our passports and four passport-sized photos.
Altitudes of overnight accommodating places at Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn and Spring starts either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Kathmandu sits at 1,345 metres and Pokhara at 820 metres. You can take a roadway or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to begin the trek.
A drive from Pokhara takes you to Nayapul, where the hike begins. You'll reach Hile, at 1,430 metres, on four-hour hikes from Nayapul.
The following day's hike takes you to Ghorepani at 2,874 metres, Poon Hill and Tadapani at 2,630 metres, Chhomrong at 2,170 metres, and Dovan at 2,600 metres. Further, the walk continues via Deurali at 3,230 metres, Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 metres, and Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres.
The descent hike to Bamboo at 2,310 metres, Jhinu Danda at 1,780 metres takes you to Nayapul, where you'll drive to Pokhara.
Trekkers safety and security
Sublime Trails commits to 100% safety and security throughout the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Trekkers joining the group will receive 24/7 guidance and care from our trek guides.
In instances like altitude sickness and injuries, our best-employed trek guides will properly handle everything. You'll get in right on time even if you need helicopter evacuation.
Regarding food safety, we offer you the best tea houses that provide decent hygienic meals and comfortable overnight sleep.
There are no cases of theft and robbery on this trek. Tea houses and trails only receive trekkers, porters, guides, and tea house owners where everyone supports each other, leaving the chance of robbery negligible. If you feel insecure, you can use zip lockers in your backpacks for extra safety.
Baggage weight limit
The baggage weight limit in the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek varies on your preference. Usually, trekkers take a road trip to Pokhara on a private vehicle we offer. Hence, there won't be any baggage limit.
However, if you prefer flying to Pokhara, you must follow the airline policies of a 15kg weight limit, 10 kg baggage and 5kg on hand carry. Additional weight costs as per the policies of airlines.
A porter carries not more than 30 kg when two trekkers share a porter. For an individual trekker, a porter can only carry not more than 15 kg. You may have to hire another porter for additional baggage, which adds to the tour cost.
We recommend you carry only the necessary items and gear for this trek. If you don't know the packing list for Annapurna Base Camp trekking, you can consult with our tour manager and trek guides.
Enriched culture and lifestyle of ethnic Gurung community
Like Everest is home to Sherpa people, Annapurna Sanctuary is home to Gurung, Thakali, and similar ethnic people. Many people in this region are often of Tibetan origin, whose ancestors came to Nepal for trade or settlement.
Gurung people and the unique stone built houses of Ghorepani and Poon Hill are eye-catching. Further, vibrant outfits and cultural attires are mandatory to wear for visitors, who often pose for photographs. Not only attires, but ethnic meals throughout the Annapurna trek route also serve you a pleasant taste experience.
People here celebrate festivals that belong to Hinduism and Buddhism. Early October to late November is when Nepal's major festival falls. Annapurna Base Camp trek in Autumn gives you a proper sense of what it feels like to be in an ethnic Gurung village during the major festivals. As a traveller, celebrating Dashain, Tihar, and Lhosar in Autumn is an ideal natural and cultural escapade. Also, in Spring, during late March and April, you celebrate Buddha Purnima and Buddha Jayanti, a major Buddhist festival observed by Gurung tribes.
Respect to ethnic cultures and community values
Sublime Trail practices and encourages every client joining trekking to Annapurna Base Camp to respect the ethnic peoples, their cultures, and lifestyle.
The language barrier and cultural differences between foreign travellers and ethnic peoples sometimes become an issue while communicating. Nowadays, tea house owners and few locals can talk in English and understand the foreigners. But, often, many travellers ridicule the lifestyle, cultures, and people.
As a responsible trekker, respecting ethnic values is essential.
Annapurna Conservation Area- Home to wildlife
Annapurna Sanctuary has a diverse climatic zone with sub-tropical to alpine terrain. More than 22 varieties of forests with 1226 plant species are present in this area. 55 out of 1226 plants in this region are only found in Nepal and are a treasure of Annapurna.
Annapurna Base Camp region has more than 100 different species of mammals. It includes various endangered animals like musk deer, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan argali, and snow leopard. Annapurna sanctuary is also a region where all six pheasant species are present, making it a special place for birdwatching.
Weather, Temperature, and Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you through diverse landscapes, the low subtropical lands at Nayapul, Ghore Pani, and the arid alpine topography in the north. The terrace farming, paddy and others during Autumn make the landscape at low lands sublime. On top, the lush subtropical forest and vibrant rhododendrons spread serenity over the trails.
Autumn and Spring are the two best times for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. Annapurna Conservation Area is home to mammals, birds, plant species, beautiful terrains, and awe-striking mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and more. The undisturbed view of these mountains and terrains opens up in the clear weather and stable temperature in March, April, May, September, October, and November. These times are the best time in the year to make the Annapurna experience the best.
Weather and temperature in Autumn
The lively and joyous weather and temperature in Autumn make it one of the best times of the year for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The rain stops, and the outlook becomes crispy. The snow capped mountains like Annapurna and Machhapuchhre appear striking in such stable weather.
The average daytime temperature around Annapurna sanctuary in Autumn is 16 degrees, and the nighttime temperature falls from -6 degrees to degrees to -10 degrees. These conditions are favourable for day hikes and overnight nights of sleep.
Weather and Temperature in Spring
The best time is close to Autumn, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Spring. April and May are best known for clear weather and stable temperature. On top, the vibrant outlook, revived greenery, blooming rhododendrons, melted snow on trails, and snow-filled mountains are fascinations of Spring.
The serene hike, supported by a mild daytime temperature of 14 degrees and a nighttime temperature of -4 degrees, is bearable. The comfortable hike on Sublime Trails of Annapurna Base Camp in Spring will be your memorable trip.
Weather and Temperature in Winter
The thick and fresh snow blankets deposit over the high altitudes of the Annapurna trans Himalayan region. If you're experienced trekkers and can bear high altitude cold of -20 degrees, the Annapurna Base Camp trek in winter lets you view snow-filled mountains and terrains.
The daytime temperature averages around 6 degrees, and the nighttime temperature falls from -14 degrees to -20 degrees. Even though it's extremely cold, the unmatched winter trek adventure and awe-striking landscapes blanketed by snow are the best of Annapurna.
Weather and Temperature in Summer
Summer in Nepal is rainy; hence, the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trails become slippery and muddy, making the hike cumbersome. This trek in summer is ideal for those who look for warm temperatures instead of cold.
The daytime temperature rises to 18 degrees and is humid and rainy. At night, the temperature barely touches the freezing point. Hence, summer is ideal for Annapurna trekking for wildflowers, greenery, vibrant outlook, and some rain.
Gears to pack on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp requires adequate preparations and essential gear. Trekking gears play a crucial role in the comfort and safety of your feet and body throughout the trek.
The decent trekking boots, down jacket, fleece, sleeves, trekking boots, and other wearables are essential items. Here's a list of the most critical trekking gears for Annapurna Base Camp.
Wearables
Waterproof and windproof jackets, quick drying pants, trekking trousers etc.
Innerwears and some thermal innerwears
Down jacket, sleeping bag
Cap, hat, sun glass, neck scarf
Trekking boots, woollen socks, woollen gloves, face mask etc.
Trekking poles, rucksack with waterproof cover etc.
Skin Protection
Lip balm, sunscreen, vaselines, moisturiser etc.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, quick drying towels, wet wipes etc.
Gadgets
Camera, Binoculars, GPS watches
Mobile phone with power banks, extra pair of batteries etc.
For an in-depth guide on trekking gears, read our Packing List of gears for Trekking in Nepal blog.
