Annapurna Base Camp Trek 13 Days

Why should you choose to go to Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Lost in the vastness of Nepal Himalayas, the Annapurna Base Camp has long been attracting visitors since its opening from the year 1977. Even if you are a seasoned traveler of ABC, the Annapurna base camp trek has plenty to impress you with.

First of all, the Annapurna Base Camp trek route is an indescribably beautiful haven where sheer cliffs transition into beautiful coves, and tropical jungles give way to magnetic Peaks. An abundance of such diversity makes this base camp a pearl of Nepal.

And, to complete the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek, you need to cover only 110 km distance within the span of less than two weeks. This makes the trek easy, enjoyable, and fun filled with activities to explore.

In addition, the Annapurna base camp trek 13 days program will let you see red pandas, musk deer, snow leopards, and several other endangered wildlife in their natural habitat. The forests inside the ACAP are surprisingly dense and these majestic creatures are their regular dwellers.

Above all, the Annapurna base camp trek route is a paradise for landscape and wildlife photographers. High summits, jagged cliffs, rivers, cloudy forests- there is a huge variety of terrain here constantly ringing with melodious bird songs.

In short, the trip is a complete trekking adventure that has something for everyone.

When is the best period for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

We can say it is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn) inclusive. But the truth is Annapurna Base Camp trek 13 days trip is a great journey to take all year round.

During spring days, with winter in the past, temperature improves, snow starts to melt, and there is a lesser chance of rain. Once deserted by frost and snow, the terrain now transforms into a rich foliage and flowers burst into color filling the atmosphere with their sweet, delicate scent.

On the other hand, during the autumn days, the region will bestow every opportunity to enjoy some of Annapurna’s exciting attractions with a grand festival around the corner.

Temperature starts to go down after a hot summer and rain ceases to fall after the wet monsoon. Therefore, it is the most popular time to visit the ABC with lots of sunshine, blue skies, and warm pleasant temperatures.

The winter months of December through February are however quieter in ABC but still pleasantly sunny about six to seven hours a day making it ideal for walking.

However, nighttime can bring a sharp drop in temperature turning the base camp into a frosty landscape. Thankfully, the warm lodges and teahouses offer a refuge during the biting cold of the night air. Thus, it can be an alternative destination for visitors from Europe and America to spend their Christmas Holidays.

The same cannot be said for the summer months of June through August, as the Annapurna region is one of the wettest areas in Nepal which often suffers the landslides and floods that can block the routes to the Annapurna Base Camp.

However, it doesn’t rain constantly, and there will be days when you can appreciate the stunning waterfalls, rushing rivers, and rich plant life. Still, it’s best to avoid this season due to the troublesome leeches, mosquitoes, and slippery trails that can make hiking hazardous.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Level of Difficulty

Classed as the Class B trekking adventure, the Annapurna Base Camp trek 13 days journey offers a moderate level of challenge that is certainly manageable for most.

Lasting 13 days, this journey involves daily walking times ranging from 4 to 6 hours, making it accessible also for newcomers who can set their own pace.

However, one foremost challenge of the ABC trekking is the altitude. As you progress, your daily elevation will vary sometimes dropping below 2500 m and at other times climbing above 3000 m. It can be a concern if you are not properly acclimatized.

Additionally, the rugged terrain of the Annapurna region adds to the difficulty of the trip. Although the path is well signposted and does not require technical climbing skills, it features constant ups and downs along steep slopes and cliffs.

And, don’t forget the long stone steps of Ulleri and Chhomrong, the swaying suspension bridges, and the rushing rivers. To tackle these challenges effectively, it is important for you to maintain good health and a basic level of fitness.

Who can engage in the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

The ABC trekking will take you to the maximum altitude of 4130 m above sea level which is quite manageable compared to other treks in Nepal that reach over 5,000 m. The trail is also not overly complicated and involves gentle ups and downs, with only a need for careful footing on the steeper parts.

Over the period of just 13 days, you will walk an average of about 6 hours each day. We cannot lie and say there is no risk of altitude sickness at all, there is, but it will not be a major concern. Our expert guides will always be ready to assist you with any challenges along the way and ensure you acclimatize well before reaching ABC.

Additionally, unlike many other base camp treks, you won’t have to camp; instead, there will be comfortable lodges with pleasant rooms to rest in at ABC.

You will also have the service of our porters who will lighten your load each day. So all newcomers, families with children, couples, newlyweds, friends, and seniors who can handle medium walks can join our Annapurna base camp trek 13 days journey without any hesitation.

In fact, this journey will not only acclimatize you but also prepare you for more demanding treks in Nepal thus paving you the way for future climbs of 6,000 m peaks like Mera or Island.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Probability during the Annapurna Base Camp trek

Acute mountain sickness, commonly known as altitude sickness is a risk that accompanies high-altitude trekking in any part of the world, and ABC trekking is no exception. Although the maximum point of the Annapurna base camp trek itinerary is only 4130 m which is not excessively high, the varying altitudes throughout the journey can lead to altitude sickness.

In addition, the rapid climbing, alcohol intoxication, and dehydration of the body additionally aggravate the condition. It often expresses through symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, muscle weakness, and nausea.

As the first aid to altitude sickness, you should rest, and drink plenty of lemon honey water, or ginger garlic tea or soup. A large dose of Vitamin C in the form of lemon and the caffeine through black coffee will also help.

If the condition worsens, you should descend to a lower altitude where the symptoms start to weaken and disappear completely. If there are only mild signs, you can just rest and walk very slowly.

As for prevention, the best way is proper active acclimatization, sufficient training of the body in the pre-trip period, rational nutrition with plenty of hydration, and a good night’s rest during the trip. Eating acidic foods (for example, citric acid) and vitamin C also helps prevent mountain sickness.

If you are looking for a drug, then doctors would typically recommend using Diamox both before and during your trip to hasten the acclimatization process.

Preparation for the Annapurna Base Camp trek

Preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not only about packing the right gear, footwear, or equipment but it is also about preparing your body both physically and mentally.

For the physical preparation for highland trekking such as ABC trekking, it will take 2 to 3 months of advanced training. The best method would be incorporating the aerobic exercise- Running.

Long-distance running will help you not only strengthen your muscles and develop endurance but also develop your breathing (especially important high in the mountains, where there is a lack of oxygen).

In addition to running, you should also concentrate on your upper body (arms, chest, and shoulders) strengthening with chest press, weight lifting, etc.

If this is your first hike into the mountains and you are in poor physical shape, then you should start preparing with swimming which will strengthen muscles and breathing with minimal stress on the joints.

You can then integrate running into your training after several weeks of swimming so your joints will get used to the load of hiking. It is also important not to stop exercising after the hike, but to gradually reduce the load to prevent possible joint pain.

In terms of mental preparation, you should at once adjust yourself to the fact that a hiking trip is not going to be an easy walk like in the park. Instead, there will be rough terrain with stones and dirt and the weather may also turn into nightmares for which you need to follow the instructions of your accompanying guide.

You should also set an objective and stick to it from the very first day till the trip ends. Another important prep is to embrace the reality that hiking journeys in remote areas like Nepal are not about luxury but about experiencing nature.

Therefore, any mountain hiking trip requires you to step out of your comfort zone and belong to strong teamwork and coordination with your fellow travelers.

A Typical Trekking Day of Annapurna Base Camp trek

Each day of the Annapurna base camp trek itinerary begins bright and early, around 6 or 7 am. After some stretching, we will eat our pre-ordered breakfast at the overnight lodge.

After we check our backpacks and fill our water bottles, we will then set off to our next destination by 8 am. The trails of the Annapurna vary daily, with walking duration typically between 5 to 6 hours.

Someday, we will be hiking along the flat track, and someday it will steeply climb uphill. Sometimes, we may be descending and sometimes walking across the river.

Around noon, we will pause at a teahouse for lunch, soaking in the stunning views around and capturing memories with photos and reels. A one-hour break will relieve us from our exhaustion, then we will continue our hike until we reach our overnight village, usually by 5 pm, though it may stretch to 7 pm sometime.

If we arrive early, we will explore the village before dinner around 7 or 8 pm, where we will gather to share experiences and listen to local tales. Then, a good night’s sleep by 9 pm will prepare us for the next day’s adventure.

Alternate Route and Trip to Integrate with ABC trekking

Most of the Annapurna base camp trek route will lead you to the southern base camp of Annapurna. However, the northern base camp of Annapurna at 4190 m is equally breathtaking that deserves your attention. This path was first taken in 1950 by the legendary Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal as part of their pioneering French expedition.

The base camp also offers astonishingly stunning views of Khangsar Kang (7485 m), Tilicho Peak (7134 m), North Nilgiri (7061 m), Nilgiri Central (6940 m), Nilgiri South (6839 m), Varaha Chuli and Annapurna I.

In 2019, the Annapurna Rural Municipality (ARM) team rediscovered this trail. Since then, it is still waiting to be fully appreciated and still is in the infancy period. Unlike the southern base camp, which has more or less lost its charm due to modern advancements, this northern path offers an unspoiled connection to the natural world.

To travel on this route, you will drive to Tatopani from Pokhara and start walking through Ghasa, Lete, and Thulo Bugin. Then overcoming the 4400 m Thulo Bugin pass, you will cross to the 4130 m high Miristi Khola. Soon you will be stepping into the virgin glacial world of northern ABC. The circular route will travel you back to Kathmandu via Jungle and Riverside Camps.

Please remember that most of your overnight stays will be in the tent but the experience will be more than perfect.

On the other hand, if you like the southern ABC more, then you can still enhance your experience by combining it with other remarkable adventures such as the Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, or Khopra Ridge.

Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp: which one is the best trip?

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Everest Base Camp (EBC) treks both provide a deep experience of local culture and breathtaking scenery, yet they differ from each other in terms of duration and difficulty.

The ABC trekking starts at a lower altitude of 1,050 m progressively ascending to 4,130 m at the base camp. While EBC trek begins from Lukla at almost 2800 m with the second night at above 3400 m. The highest point on the EBC trek is Kala Patthar at 5545 m.

The ABC trek leads you to the foot of Annapurna, the tenth-highest summit of the planet at 8,091 meters, while the EBC trek takes you to the base of the world’s rooftop, Mount Everest at 8,848 m.

Likewise, the ABC trail is all about lush landscapes, forests, and rivers, and less about summits and peaks whereas the EBC trek is about Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khumbu Glacier, Icefall, Nuptse, and other mountains while the landscape often is barren and arid.

The ABC trek is designed for a gradual ascent, making it more suitable for beginners, while the EBC trek demands greater acclimatization and is more challenging.

Both treks have their own strength and weaknesses, but if you seek the majestic Himalayas, EBC is the way to go, while ABC is perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely walk through nature.

Accommodation and Dining

As an integral part of our Annapurna base camp trek 13 days program, we offer you a comfortable overnight stay in twin-sharing rooms of a three-star tourist hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

When you are on the trail, we have arranged for you the inviting lodges, tea houses, or guesthouses to rest after your long day of hiking hours.

The accommodations along the Annapurna base camp trek route have seen remarkable improvements, with many featuring attached bathrooms, hot showers, and WiFi access.

As for meals, each morning in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will enjoy a tasty and hearty breakfast to begin your day. However, please keep in mind that lunches and dinners will be your responsibility, but you can look forward to delightful meals (breakfast, lunches, and dinners) at the teahouses along the trail.

Typical dal vat, momos, noodles, local pizzas, burgers, pasta, and Tibetan dishes will be the common items on the menu of every lodge but the flavors will be beautifully varied.

Transportation

All your transportation during the Annapurna Base Camp trek will be carried out according to the itinerary in a group in a private vehicle. This service includes airport transfers for both arrival and departure, as well as the drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and back.

Additionally, a reliable tourist bus will be provided for your travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Essential Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, we must obtain two key permits: the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit.

The TIMS Permit maintains the records of trekkers in the region, facilitating timely emergency rescue operations when necessary. On the other hand, the ACAP Permit allows you to enter the protected Annapurna reserve.

The TIMS Permit is available for NPR 2000 per traveler, while the ACAP Permit costs NPR 3000 per traveler. We take care of the service costs and the entire permit acquisition process as part of our offerings.

Travel Insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Remember the Annapurna Base Camp trek is an interesting route that can be both gentle and steep. Thus, accidents can sometimes happen here resulting in high-cost medical care. It can even result in contusion or serious injuries requiring immediate rescue operation.

If you have insurance that entitles you to medical care or emergency rescues by air, you actually do not have to worry at all about your hiking journey.

Therefore, when you decide on insurance for our Annapurna base camp trekking, it is wise that you opt for mountain travel insurance which will offer you a much wider scope of protection.

This type of insurance often provides coverage for rescue operations, medical costs, compensation in the event of trip or flight cancellation, luggage loss, theft, and protection during sudden illnesses.