The Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most sought after trekking destinations after The Everest Base Camp.
And, why wouldn’t it be?
It is 40 km directly north of Pokhara and sits at an altitude of 4130m.a.s.l. Annapurna Base Camp allows you to immerse in local cultures of the various ethnic groups in this region.
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is definitely a lifetime experience.
The picturesque views of the spectacular mountain vistas seen from the Annapurna Base Camp are simply captivating. And the lush rhododendron forests and diverse biodiversity adds into its beauty.
But how difficult is it?
Well, Annapurna Base Camp difficulty is a moderately difficult trek. Experienced as well as novice trekkers can enjoy this trek. And, although novice trekkers might find this more difficult than experienced ones, it is very much doable. This means simple and basic fitness training is enough to make your trek an adventurous one.
Trekkers do walk for about 5 to 6 hours each day. But, there are lots of resting places in between. You might find it quite difficult after a couple of hours of hike. This is because of the increasing altitude. Which is why resting and getting hydrated is a must.
But that is not it, there are a lot of other factors that add into making your trek easier.
Duration of the Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is usually for 11 days or more. But you can extend or reduce it according to your choice. There are different packages to go trekking to The Annapurna Base Camp.
The trek requires on average 5 to 6 hours of walking each day. If you are an experienced trekker you may find that you reach the destinations sooner. On the other hand, if you are a beginner then you may take up to 7 hours to reach the destinations each day. This can be quite tiring.
But if you choose a longer package, you will have lots of resting time and walk in your own pace. This will make it a lot easier.
Type of trekker
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is perfect for everyone who is seeking a little adventure. Beginners are also highly encouraged to complete the moderately difficult trek. It is a absolute package.
So, if you are a beginner a little preparation is a must. This helps you in adjusting your body, it stretches the muscles. This is absolutely necessary to complete your task easily. Reminded, you don’t need strenuous training.
Focusing on the training as per the requirement of your body will lessen the Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty.
Altitude Sickness
Keeping altitude sickness in mind when on a mountain trek will make your treks a lot easier. The Annapurna Base Camp is at an altitude of 4130m so you may go through the symptoms of altitude sickness.
You may feel symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea. If you do feel like you are getting altitude sickness, report it to your guide immediately. There aren’t many hospitals on the route so you should be sure to report it immediately.
You should also make sure not to consume much alcohol during the trek. Alcohol dehydrates your body and worsens altitude sickness. Also, keep in mind not to take sleeping pills. They are respiratory depressant and cause difficulty in breathing.
To avoid altitude sickness as much as possible be sure to keep yourself hydrated. You should also get acclimatized before ascending to higher altitudes.
Weather And Temperature
In the mountains the weather can get unpredictable at times. But there are some seasons which make the trek less difficult. Spring and autumn are the peak season and the popular ones. Trekking during this time of the year is a lot easier.
Spring season in Nepal starts from March and ends in May. This is one of the most popular seasons to go trekking in Nepal. The spring provides incredible views of landscapes.
The temperature during daytime in spring is about 15-degree Celsius while at night it may drop to 0-degree Celsius.
Autumn is the other most popular season to go trekking. Autumn begins in September and ends in November. The best part about autumn trek is the clear skies and crisp view of the mountains which will take your breath away.
During Spring and Autumn, the paths are less slippery and there is a very low chance of rain. So, these seasons are suitable for the trekkers looking for an easier alternative.
The Monsoon starts in June and ends in August. There are chances of rainfall during these months. The paths can get quite slippery. But, they won’t be much of a problem if you have the right gear.
The winter months start from December and ends in February in Nepal. This season is a bit more difficult because of the drop in temperature. There is a lot of snowfall during the winter.
Clothing
The Annapurna region is quite cold even in the spring. If you have your gear ready, trekking in any season is possible. Proper gear also makes any trek less difficult. Because Annapurna Base Camp lies in the rain-shadow area, summer/ monsoon does not affect your trek. But you will need proper trek clothings and equipment to make your treks less difficult.
Budget
Budget is another important factor to consider when planning a trek. It is afterall your budget that determines the difficulty level. Longer packages are on the pricier side but are a lot easier. Likewise, shorter packages are tightly scheduled but are a lot affordable.
Well, if budget isn’t a matter of concern, you can take a luxury ride to the mountains in a helicopter too. Allow us to arrange that for you.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Anyone with the right mindset and a little bit of training can complete this trek.
The trek provides you the opportunity to choose the difficulty level according to different seasons. And provides a once in a lifetime kind of experience.
If you have any queries or want to book the trek be sure to contact us.
