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Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the leading treks in Nepal. With more than one million trekkers and mountaineers visiting Annapurna Base Camp Trek yearly. The best time, seasons, and places around the ABC Trek are described as below.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers exceptional mountain views and exotic ethnic and Nepali culture, tradition, and rural life. Furthermore, the Annapurna Base Camp and other trekking regions in the Annapurna Range are easily accessible, have good road conditions, and excellent food and accommodation. Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Trekking region, has built full in-bound facilities for all tourists, including trekkers and mountaineers. Due to the many trekkers and mountaineers in Pokhara, it is also well known as the Annapurna Trekkers and Mountaineers base camp, with all the necessary facilities that they may require.
We, the Himalayas Mountain have been leading the Annapurna Base Camp for decades. With our extensive treks and huge foundation, we have pinpointed some time that many trekkers and mountaineers feel is the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit has been our best itinerary right after the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Hence, in this article, we will list the best months and seasons suitable for the ABC trek through the Himalayas Mountain years of successful expeditions.
Annapurna Base Camp Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek or abbreviated as the ABC-Trek.
The ABC has a height of 4130m above sea level. You can see famous mountains like the snow-covered peaks of Annapurna, Machapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and many more at the Annapurna Base Camp.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is 115 KM long and will take 7 to 20 days to complete. To reach the Annapurna Base Camp, you will travel by bus or air transportation to Pokhara. If you are to take the air transport, it may take a mere 20–25 minutes. However, the bus takes at least 7 hours. Then, you will go to Nayapul, the starting point of the Annapurna base camp trek. It will take almost 2 hours to reach Nayapul by bus from Pokhara.
The Annapurna Base Camp is rated as a moderate-to-difficulty trek. However, it is mainly due to the lack of oxygen, elevated landscapes, and chances of altitude sickness. Many places may recommend prior experience for the ABC Trek. However, with good physical and mental health and excellent guidance, novice trekkers can also climb the Annapurna Base Camp.
While the Annapurna Base Camp may be somewhat challenging, its completion will give you a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Enjoy the view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain) and the Annapurna ranges from ABC.
Short Information about Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Max Altitude: 4130m
Trek Difficulty:Moderate
Accommodation:lodges, teahouse
Food:Authentic Nepali meal(Dal Bhat tarkari), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge, muesli, momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake, indian food etc.
Main Luggage: backpack water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc, others are carried by porters
Health and fitness: Not suitable for heart, lung, and blood diseases
Necessary equipments for the ABC Trek
Some necessary equipment for the ABC Trek are:
Personal Amenities
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Towel
Emergency
- First aid kit with any medicine that you need to take regularly
- Emergency cash
Equipment
- Clothing depending on the season
- A backpack that supports all the gear
- Trekking socks
- Hiking shoes
- Sleeping bag
Necessary Documents
- Visa
- Passport
- Other important documents like photos, travel insurance, etc.
- Necessary permits
Electronics/Extras
- Camera
- Power bank
- Mobile phone along with a charger
Best Seasons/Months for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Two Main Trekking Seasons of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
With years of experience in the Himalayas, the two best seasons for the ABC Trek are the pre-monsoon and the post-monsoon season. Also, March to May, October, and November are considered the best times for the ABC Trek.
Pre Monsoon Season
If you were to trek Annapurna in the pre-monsoon season, the weather is warmer and the days are longer. They become the best alternative to the busy autumn season. The beautiful rhododendron forest gives the most picturesque scenery during the ABC Trek.
The pre-monsoon incorporates the months of February, March, April, and May.
Highlights:
- upper hill and lower mountain ranges from 16-23°C
- Pleasant, warm weather and trekking conditions
- Less crowded than autumn season
Post Monsoon Season
The post-monsoon seasons are considered the best season and the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit. The dust-free trails, clear air, and scenery make them the best and the peak season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The post-monsoon seasons incorporate the months of late September, October, November, and December.
Have the right gear and be prepared for all weather conditions during the pre monsoon season.
Highlights
- stable with clear skies
- Clear mountain view
- uphill and lower mountains reach about 15-24°C
- Warmer Days
- low precipitation
Winter Season
Winter trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek may be possible.They are a welcome break from the high crowds during the autumn. But there may be cold days and even colder nights. You may also face many route changes during the winter.
The winter season includes the months of November and December. The season of January may also be included in the winter season. In January, the temperature of the Annapurna Mountain Range is -10C/14F to –15C/5F.
You may have to stop the trek in the winter season at any time. In that case, you are going to need warmer gear and also face harsh weather conditions.
Highlights
- Clear skies
- Beautiful views suitable for photography
- Less crowded trekking route
- Celebrate New Year or Christmas with the locals
- Accomodations easier to find and cheaper
Annapurna Base Camp trek-Month by Month
September, October, November: peak trekking season, dust-free trails, clear scenery
November and December:low crowd, cold days, colder nights, may need detours.
January:Heavy snowfall, may encounter route blocked
February, March, early April: warm long days, pleasant weather
May:warm at at lower altitudes, chances of rainfall, wet-weather gear necessary
June, July and August:monsoon, slippery trails, green scenery, obscured scene of Himalayas
Optional Side Tours for Annapurna Base Camp:
Some alternate optional tour while trekking Annapurna Base Camp Trek are:
- White Water Rafting
- tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Chitwan Jungle Safari
- Adventure sports: Bungee Jumping, Altra Light Flight, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc.
- Extension to: Tibet or Bhutan
Hence, there are some months that may have the best time to trek at the Annapurna Base Camp, it may also depend on the time, schedules, equipment, physical quality of your body, and many more. Therefore, if you choose to go to the ABC trek, be sure you and your body can meet all the requirements necessary.
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