Annapurna Base Camp is a popular trekking destination among many trekkers and travelers wishing to trek in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you through the beautiful, lush green landscapes of the lower regions to the alpine forest and Himalayas of Nepal in the upper regions.
Annapurna Base Camp experiences a different weather conditions depending on the season of the year. With the change in season, geography, and the altitude the weather of Annapurna Circuit varies.
The trails leading up to Annapurna Base Camp along with the rest of Nepal enjoys 4 distinct seasons: Spring, Summer/Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. The trek to Annapurna base camp can be done in all seasons with the right preparation, gears and equipments.
Annapurna Base Camp Seasons
The best season to do treks to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) has to be autumn, followed by spring.
This trek is possible and doable throughout the year. Each season has something different and beautiful to offer. To help you decide on what season to choose, here is more information related to them.
Spring
The months from February to April is the local spring season in Nepal. It is the second most recommended season to do treks in Nepal.
Spring season in Annapurna Base Camp is ideal for many reasons.
The weather is warm and cool. The temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. The nights and early mornings are slightly colder. The weather and temperature do change (gets colder) as you trek to the upper regions of the ABC trek.
The surrounding forests of the trails are lush green. You can enjoy the blossoms of beautiful rhododendrons and a lot of wildflowers.
The clear, dry weather conditions make for great visibility. The views of the beautiful landscapes, the villages, and the mountains are magnificent during the spring.
All these results in a large number of trekkers and travelers on the trails during this season. So, you will have to book everything in advance.
You may end up settling for rooms and meals if you don’t pre-book.
Summer
Summer in Nepal is also the monsoon season. This season sees torrential rainfall, thunder and hot, humid days.
This season lasts from June to August. The rain makes the trails slippery and muddy. This season is often known as the “off-season” for trekking in Nepal.
However, there are some fantastic trekking trails in the Annapurna Region. These lie in the rain shadow area and are not affected by the monsoon. So, trekking in these regions is possible throughout the year.
Treks to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) is possible during this season as well. Almost all the tea houses, cafes, and restaurants along the trails are open during this season.
Trekking in this region needs the right preparations, equipment, supplies, and clothing. The muddy and slippery trails add to the adventure of your treks.
With the fewer number of trekkers, you can enjoy the trails and beautiful surrounding at your own pace. You will not need to rush to your destinations to get good rooms, meals.
The trails come alive in this season. You will enjoy views of lush-green forests in the lower regions. You may also encounter some wildlife in the regions.
The temperatures on clear days’ range from 20-25 degrees Celsius. It mostly rains in the late afternoon and evening. What a great way to clear up the dust and freshen up the atmosphere, right?
And the views during the next day is absolutely stunning.
Autumn
Autumn, the most recommended season to trek in Nepal lasts from September to November.
The weather is slightly more stable and reliable than the rest of the year in the higher regions of Nepal. After the monsoon, the skies clear up making for clear and warm days. The fresh and dry weather is great for visibility of the mountain peaks and landscapes.
The temperature remains at a cool 15-17 degrees Celsius. The nights and early morning are slightly colder at 5-7 degrees Celsius.
The weather and temperature in the upper regions will be slightly lower. The temperatures drop to 0 degrees Celsius at the Annapurna Base Camp during colder days and nights.
With stable weather conditions and perfect temperatures, it is a great time to trek to Nepal. So, popular treks like the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp sees a lot of trekkers and travelers, local or international.
You should definitely pre-book everything including your flights, rooms, packages. This way you will not have to queue for your tickets, permits and so on.
Winter
The different landscapes of Nepal result in varying temperatures within the country.
The lower regions of Nepal including Kathmandu and Pokhara enjoy cool, winter weather conditions. The temperature varies from 9 to 17 degrees Celsius during the day in these places.
The trails leading up to the ABC (Annapurna Base camp) sees colder weather. The temperatures on the trails drop to negative during cold mornings and nights. It is usually snowy in the upper regions of the trail and is usually covered by fog in the early mornings.
Some high passes in the region including Thorong La pass closes for safety reasons. The locals of the upper regions of the trail migrate to the lower regions during winter. The trails will be less crowded and peaceful.
Most of the tea houses and cafes close for the winter. Well, some do remain open for business and they will be happy to give you the best service.
You can enjoy snowfall, great views of snow-capped mountain peaks, landscapes.
Some of the tea houses that are open will offer you fireplaces, warm blankets, hot water to help with the cold.
Trekking in winter is a beautiful experience in the Annapurna Region. You may require some alpine or mountain climbing experience to go over passes or smaller peaks in the regions during this season.
Shoulder Months
September, December, and May are the shoulder months. This is because these months fall between seasons.
During these months, you may get to enjoy the best conditions of the peak seasons of Nepal.
Early September still sees some traces of monsoon with the occasional rainfall and thunderstorms. From Mid-September, the temperature and weather settle down for the autumn season. It makes for clear, fair weather and temperature.
Early December still enjoys weather and temperature of the autumn. Winter is just beginning. So, the temperature has not decreased too drastically.
You can enjoy the lingering spring season temperature and weather during early May. Most of the trekkers will have left the trails making the trails quiet and peaceful.
These months still see a lesser number of trekkers than the peak seasons of Nepal. It makes it great for you to enjoy the trails at your own pace. These months are also a great option to consider trekking.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp
- Spectacularly gorgeous views of the majestic Annapurna mastiff along with many neighbouring peaks like Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).
- Natural environment of the trails including the flora and fauna throughout the trails to Annapurna Base Camp
- Explore and enjoy the diverse local culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the region
- Easily accessible through Pokhara- the beautiful, lake city.
- A comfortable and relatively easy trek that is doable by anyone- regardless of age, gender, budget.
- The natural and snowy beauty of the destination-Annapurna Base Camp
- Natural, hot springs
Some Extra Tips to Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- The best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is autumn and spring. The best month to do this trek is October with the ideal and stable weather conditions and temperature.
- The favorable seasons are the best for beginner trekkers or with your kids (with no or little experience).
- Always be prepared with the necessary gears and equipment during your trek. The weather conditions in the upper regions can and do change drastically.
- It is best to trek with guide and porters throughout the year. They will have thorough knowledge about the trails, surrounding flora, fauna, culture, traditions and mountain peaks. They will help enhance your trekking experience.
- The list of things required to take on your trek will depend on the season you trek. Make sure you pack accordingly.
- Always take a pair of warm, winter clothes along with light, summer clothes for your trek in the upper regions of Nepal. The weather conditions are not stable in these regions.
- Trek at your own pace. Enjoy the surroundings and the experience. You are on a holiday.
- You may need to pre-book everything if you are trekking during the best seasons. This way you will not need to rush to ensure you get a room or meal.
- Get as much knowledge as you can about high altitude sickness. This will be helpful for you as well as your trekking partners.
- Stay hydrated. This will help ensure that you have a comfortable and safe trek.
- Do not plan your trek to Annapurna Base camp based on information about the weather conditions of Pokhara. Pokhara lies at an altitude of 1000m and ABC lies at an altitude of 4130m. There is a significant difference in temperature and weather conditions between these two.
Final Say,
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a beautiful and adventurous trek to the great Himalayas of Nepal. Because of the magnificent views and warm hospitality, ABC is one of the most popular treks in Nepal.
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is possible throughout the year. Winters and summers demand a bit of attention on what to carry and what not. Other than that, it is an experience of a lifetime.
Do not choose a particular season because it is recommended. Make your decision based on your own strengths, likes and dislikes. Most importantly, listen to your body, know which season is best for your body.
The experience of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is different for everyone. Enjoy the differences.
Feel free to contact us for any queries or questions you may have for your treks, tours to Nepal.
