A Quick Guide for Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp is among the top trekking destinations in Nepal. Located in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most sought-after trek in Nepal after the world-famous Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek takes you to the base camp of the tenth highest mountain in the world. At 4,130 m, Annapurna Base Camp offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek welcomes hundreds of trekkers every year. This trek has been gaining popularity among domestic travelers recently. Young travelers are exploring many trekking trails, including the base camp of Annapurna. The trekking trail of Annapurna Base Camp features forested routes, cascading waterfall, beautiful Gurung villages, mountain landscape, and terraced fields. This trek can be completed in about a week from Kathmandu. You’ll have to fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu and trek from Kimche. Trek for 4 days, and you will reach Annapurna Base Camp. The short itinerary would take 7-8 days, and the longest itinerary would be around 10-12 days. 

Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Deurali, Machhapuchre Base Camp, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda and Matque are the popular resting ground en route. These beautiful villages have several numbers of teahouses and lodges to cater services to travelers. Besides, new teahouses have sprung up to provide more services to the travelers visiting the base camp. The well-marked trail, enough teahouses, and friendly locals make it possible for the independent or solo traveling to Annapurna Base Camp.

There are some things to know if you are planning to trek to the base; camp of the 10th highest mountain in the world, like the best time to trek, best route, food and services. I will try my best to make it short and simple yet informative.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost 

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost depends on many factors, and can range from US$ 700 to US$ 2500. The major factors are the number of days, guide and porter cost, route, service, and trek operator. You can either hire a travel agency or do it on your own. It is less expensive if you do it on your own. If you add luxury options, the budget would be higher. The budget for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is dependent on the preference of the traveler and the service they opt for.

Best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek is during Spring and Autumn when the temperature remains moderate throughout the day, and the sky remains clear. Trekkers can enjoy the best view of the mountains. The trek is doable in winter as well, but it is not recommended to do it in monsoon. The trail is slippery and weather are unstable, with storms almost every day. Besides, the mountains remain shrouded under the cloud. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route

The best route for the trek would be via Ghandruk. So the route would be:

 Pokhara >> Ghandruk >> Chhomrong >> Bamboo >> Deurali >> Machhapuchre Base ;

Camp >> Annapurna Base Camp >> Bamboo >> Jhinu Danda >> Matque >> Pokhara >> Kathmandu. This trek commences from Kimche, following the popular route of Ghandruk to MBC and finally Annapurna Base Camp. This route takes you to the most popular village in Nepal, Ghandruk. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary And Map

If you choose the above route, you can complete the trek in about 8 days, starting from Kathmandu. The trail takes you to Machhapuchre Base Camp and finally Annapurna Base Camp. Then you will descend to Matque via Jhinu Danda. This itinerary is short and best for budget travelers. There are alternative routes but they are longer than this one. You can trek via Poon Hill as well. 

Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You need two permits:

• ACAP permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. USD 30) For SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
• TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. USD 10)

You can obtain both permits from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. Make sure to produce the required documents to obtain the permits, including your insurance policy number, your daily itinerary and route, a copy of your passport, and 2 passport-sized photos.

Travel Insurance

While trekking in Nepal, it is best to have travel insurance that covers an altitude up to 5000m. Considering the risk of altitude sickness, it is best to buy the insurance for the trek. Due to the altitude and unpredictable weather conditions of the Himalayas, it is suggested to buy good travel insurance. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

 It is graded as a moderate trek, and anyone with good health can do this trek. Even active children can complete this adventure to Annapurna Base Camp. But engaging in some exercise for a couple of a week prior to the trek is a must. 

Conclusion

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a must-do trek for every trekker. This trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and is a comparatively cheap and short trek. A novice trekker can prepare for the trek and successfully complete the trek.