Planning for Annapurna Trek ? Prepare Guideline for Beginners
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal. In case you’re planning to visit Nepal in 2025/26; this destination can be the one to fulfill your adventure. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is situated in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The route there offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993m), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. The starting point of this trek is Pokhara (city of lakes), from where you can drive to Nayapul or Ghandruk for official starting of your trek. The route of ABC takes you through dense forest, waterfalls, different Gurung and Magar villages settled near the mountains providing warm hospitality.
ABC trek is a perfect hike for trekkers seeking physical challenges and beauty of nature. Each year a number of international trekkers travel here, making this route a very popular trekking route. This has been helping in promotion of Nepali adventure tourism. Normally, it takes you from 7 to 12 days covering a distance of around 6 to 10 kilometers a day to complete this trek, but based on your speed and itinerary, the number of days differ. In case you are short of time, this trek in Nepal can be done within 5 days. There are different stops you can accommodate yourself such as Chomrong, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), and so on before reaching the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp. Upon reaching ABC, you can witness the 360 degree Himalayan views which will remain in your heart forever. This trek is easily accessible unlike the popular Everest Base Camp, making this trek a most selected choice for high-altitude trekking in Nepal.
Stressing about Avalanche? Yes, there are possibilities of Avalanche in Annapurna region especially during winter and early spring (December to March). This is because of unstable and heavy snowfall between Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, during warmer seasons the snow melts increasing the risk of Avalanche. Therefore, to prevent yourself from difficulty, trek during the right season, with an experienced trekking agency. Be more careful at Avalanche prone areas and always look for signs of Avalanche while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp.
Offering Several Himalayan trips Like The Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days, Gokyo Valley Trek in everest Region also Annapurna Circuit Trek of 12 Days. ABC trek offers a combination of adventure, beauty, and challenge making this a perfect trek for adventure lovers in Nepal. Don’t worry about accommodation and fooding as there are numerous tea houses and lodges along the route providing you with warm hospitality and local foods prepared of locally grown crops and vegetables. A plus point of this trek is you get to enjoy and relax in a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda on your way back. Don’t worry even if you’re a solo trekker, this route is very safe and you won’t regret trekking in this region. You’ll be spending USD 35 to 40 per day while trekking in the trails of Annapurna. This trek can be done if you have proper guidance and preparation.
Major Highlights of the Trek
- Stunning Himalayan views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (holy mountain), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
- Cultural immersion in Gurung and Magar village
- Natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda
- Alpine landscapes, waterfalls, and dense rhododendron forests
- Magnificent view of Annapurna Sanctuary
- Promotion of sustainable travel
Table of Content
- Why choose Annapurna trek in Nepal?
- Where is Annapurna region located? Why is Annapurna Base Camp a famous trek?
- Best time for trekking in Annapurna Base Camp
- What are the transportation facilities for ABC trek? How to get to Nayapul?
- Can you get modern amenities en route to the Annapurna trek?
- Is it possible for beginners and senior-citizens to trek in Annapurna Base Camp?
- Where does Annapurna trek get difficult? Things you can do to be prepared physically for trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp.
- Is a trekking permit and guide/porter required for Annapurna Base Camp?
- What to pack for trekking in ABC ?
- Conclusion
Why choose Annapurna Trek in Nepal?
No wonder there are several reasons why this trek should be on your to-do list, especially if you're an adventure lover thinking of visiting Nepal in 2025/26. The last point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4,130 meters) provides you a magnificent view of Annapurna Sanctuary with snow covered peaks giving you once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll never forget what you see there as you’ll be surrounded by mountains around you. Another reason why ABC captivates you is the blend of nature and culture this route provides you during your journey. You’ll enjoy the hospitality of Gurung and Magar people while on the trek including Ghorepani Ponhill to Annapurna Base Camp . Suspension bridges, rhododendrons, sound of rivers and waterfalls, dense forests, and so on will make you feel rewarding while on ABC trek in Nepal.
The challenges to be faced while doing ABC trek is moderate, making it suitable for first-time trekkers (with some physical preparations) as well. Most people can complete this trek with a good pace and enough hydrated body. Also, this trek is accessible unlike other treks, you don’t have to catch a mountain flight or enter through an extremely related village. Additionally, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is more affordable compared to other Himalayan adventures. From permits and guides to accommodation and food, costs are generally lower than treks in more remote areas like Everest.
Therefore, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is more than just walking, you’ll create more memories here, make new friends, connect with nature and culture, and most importantly you’ll relieve your stress for sure.
Where is Annapurna region located? Why is Annapurna Base Camp a famous trek in Nepal?
Annapurna region is located in north-central Nepal. It is situated in Gandaki province (known for its natural beauty and culture), centrally within Nepalese Himalaya being a prime centre for trekking in Nepal. Annapurna region is famous for the beautiful mountain views offering a variety of landscapes which is why it's a popular choice for trekkers around the world.
Due to stunning natural beauty offering a majestic view of Mount Annapurna, diverse landscape and culture, Annapurna Base Camp is famous among trekkers. ABC trek offers breathtaking panoramas, stunning Himalayan views, cultural immersions, and is eco-friendly. This trek offers you to explore Annapurna Conservation Area, where you can find a large number of flora and faunas. It offers off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in Nepal being a pull factor for trekkers. Annapurna trek can be done throughout the year and by almost everyone making it a favourable route for first timers and senior citizens as well. It is also a family friendly trek making it a first choice for trekkers. This trek is eco-friendly travel promoting sustainable tourism as well and current trends are of responsible travel. Compared to other popular treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, ABC is a short and easily accessible trek.
Best time for Trekking in Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurn trek can be done throughout the year. Except for the monsoon season, trekkers travel here from February to May and September to December. There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal which are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) as these seasons offer the best weather to walk such as clear skies, stable weather, magnificent views, etc.
Weather is Spring: The trails are covered with blooming flowers like rhododendron, mornings are clear, and temperatures are moderate making the routes perfect for photo and videography. For nature lovers, this season will bloom your heart like the wild flowers.
Talking about autumn or post monsoon, the rain clears out the dusts and humidity offering crystal clear views, pleasant days, and cool nights. Trekking during monsoon and winter is not recommended as you’ll feel hardship if you do.
What are the transportation facilities for ABC trek? How to get to Nayapul?
If you’re arriving internationally, your journey usually starts in Kathmandu from where you first need to travel to Pokhara. You have two options, either you can reach by bus or by flight. It’ll take around 6 to 7 hours on the road where you’ll travel through lush forests, and riverview. If you’re short of time, you can take a 25-minute scenic flight.
Once in Pokhara, you’ll make a short drive to the trek’s starting point, Nayapul. You can either take a bus which will take around 2 to 2.5 hours, or a jeep or taxi which will take around 1 to 1.5 hours. On the way, you’ll find beautiful scenery of waterfalls, rivers, village areas, and so on. Nayapul is the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Can you get modern amenities en route to the Annapurna Trek?
There are several teahouses run by local families during ABC trek. Those teahouses offer basic but very comfortable accommodation. Generally, rooms are twin-sharing with beds, a pair of pillows and blankets, along with shared squat-toilets. Talking about fooding, the most served food is Dal Bhat, which Nepali people consume on a daily basis. Those teahouses have a menu offering you freshly cooked Nepali and international dishes. Compared to other trekking routes, this region has a variety of foods offered to you. You’ll be offered hot tea everyday after walking by those teahouses. You can upgrade the sharing basis room into a single if you’re willing to pay extra only in lower elevations where there are a wide number of teahouses, but in higher elevations, you might have to adjust in sharing or even in dining halls due to the limited number of teahouses. Therefore, don’t expect luxury accommodation, but you’ll have a variety of options in case of fooding.
Is it possible for beginners and senior-citizens to trek in Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, it is possible for beginners to trek in Annapurna Base camp, but physical and mental preparation is required. Prepare yourself well before trekking in Nepal such as hiking 4-7 hours both uphill and downhill daily, doing cardiovascular exercises such as cycling, swimming, and so on. Similarly, immerse yourself in yoga as it helps in your respiration. Walking at a slower pace, proper acclimatization, drinking enough water while trekking in Annapurna region makes it possible for first timers as well.
Talking about senior-citizens, this trek is favourable for them as well, but under certain conditions. senior-citizens can walk for 2 to 3 hours a day and acclimatize accordingly exploring nearby villages as there are numerous tea houses on the trail. Professional registered guides in Nepal provide extra attention to senior-citizens making sure they complete this trekking in Nepal.
Where does Annapurna trek get difficult? Things you can do to be prepared physically for trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable for both beginners and experienced trekkers as it is moderate level trek. You’ll be walking for 5 to 7 hours a day and the maximum altitude is 4,130 meters comparatively lower than EBC trek making the possibility of altitude sickness lower but not completely absent. But since you’ll be trekking above 3,000 meters, there will be the possibility of altitude sickness. Things might get physically and mentally difficult for you after reaching the height of 3,000 meters in different areas due to high altitude, challenging terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. As this trek has elevation gain and long walks, this trek is physically demanding making it a bit difficult especially for first time travelers.
Upon reaching high altitudes, there will be symptoms of it like headache, dizziness, fatigue, etc. Always listen to your body in case such symptoms are seen: don’t walk at a fast pace, stay hydrated, descend to lower elevation, and acclimatize properly.
Is a trekking permit and guide/porter required for Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, trekkers need to obtain necessary permits to trek in Annapurna Base Camp as it takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Obtaining these permits will ensure you’re involved in responsible travel. You can get those permits from a registered trekking agency you trust to travel with. Following are the permits required:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
It is highly recommended to hire a licensed trekking guide and porter while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp. Even though ABC trek can be done solo as the trail is well marked, trekking this region during peak season can be a hussle in case of finding accommodation. A guide helps you to book accommodation in advance, provides you with enough information while en route and helps you in case of altitude sickness. The main thing is you won’t have stress to get lost while travelling with a registered trekking guide. Similarly, a porter minimizes your backpack load, making it easy for you to walk especially on steep ascends and long trekking days. Your physical pressure is reduced in case you hire a porter. Especially while reaching higher elevation, a licensed guide assists you in finding accommodation, navigating difficult routes, preventing you from altitude sickness and updates you on weather as well.
What to pack for trekking in ABC?
- Packing is the key for easy trekking. Pack only necessary items which includes the following:
- Layering is crucial: bring a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell.
- Broken-in trekking boots and thermal socks
- Gloves, warm hat, and buff or scarf
- Trekking poles and headlamp
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Duffle bag (if using a porter)
- Reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder and water purification tablets
- Personal medication and basic toiletries
- Quick-dry towel, wed wipes and hand sanitizer
- Energy bars, nuts
- Electrolyte
- Sleeping bag rated for -10 degree Celsius
Dos and Don’ts in Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Dos
- Do prepare physically before the trek to build stamina and endurance
- Do pack lightly
- Do drink plenty of water to prevent yourself from altitude sickness
- Do acclimatize properly
- Do respect local norms and customs
- Do carry Nepali cash as there is no ATMs
- Do keep your documents safe with you
- Do stay updated with weather and trail conditions
- Do hire a licensed guide and porter
Don’ts
- Don’t take altitude sickness lightly
- Don’t skip meals
- Don’t rush on trail
- Don’t litter
- Don’t bring packed or dried meats
- Don’t trek alone, especially in nights
- Don’t ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness
- Don’t disturb the environment
Conclusion: Is Trekking to ABC is Suitable for Senior-citizens with Beginners ?
Yes, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal that is suitable for both beginners, senior-citizens and experienced trekkers. Located in the heart of Annapurna Conservation Area, this trek provides 360 degree of beautiful mountains like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna, making this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. While in Annapurna trek, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the culture of Gurung and Magar communities as well. As this region is a protected area, you’ll need to carry your permit along with you. If you’re planning for a comfortable trek, do hire a trekking guide and a porter as well. Make sure you trek in Annapurna Base Camp after taking updates about the route and weather from the agency you’re trekking.
