Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

Related Information on Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Short trek is quite an exciting journey that takes you through the fascinating spots of the Annapurna region. But to make your adventure the most memorable experience of your life, you need to be well-informed about the destination, its weather, available options for accommodation, and many more. 

How high is Annapurna Base Camp?

Being the base to the 10th highest peak in the world, the elevation is 4130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. This point offers a mesmerizing view of the Annapurna ranges and the region’s surrounding peaks. Along with Annapurna, you can also catch a view of Mount Machhapuchre and other surrounding ranges.

Accommodation for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

Depending on your location, the accommodation for your ABC trek ranges from 3-star hotels to teahouses. As you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a three-star accommodation, primarily at Kathmandu Business Hotel or similar properties. You will have the option of twin-sharing or double accommodation with breakfast. It is a standard room with all basic amenities like a private bathroom, ample storage, a comfy bed, and more.

Additionally, you can request a five-star accommodation with all amenities, but it does come with an additional cost. While on the trekking trail, you will have standard accommodation in tea houses. Usually, these rooms are shared and have a common washroom. However, here, you will also have the option to get a private room with a personal bathroom, but for an additional cost.

Washroom Facilities on the Trek

Since you will be staying in standard lodges and tea houses, the washroom facilities are reasonable. Stops like Pokhara, Ghandruk, and Jhinu Dada have standard rooms with private attached bathrooms. However, most places on the trail don’t offer washroom services until you reach a village settlement or your destination for the day. Often, you need to carry a pee bag to relieve yourself in places that lack washrooms. It is necessary to know that comfort on the trek to the mountains is modest, and often, you might have to adjust to limited choices available.

Trek Essentials

Trekking in the Annapurna region is slightly difficult and might involve some risk if you are a beginner. For these reasons, you must check off all the boxes of your trekking essentials, as mentioned below.

Permits 

You will require two main passes to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna Conservation Area permit is essential for trekking through the trail that falls within the territory of this conservation area. Similarly, you will require another permit, the TIMS card, to trek through any region of the country.

Travel Insurance 

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp requires crossing an elevation of 4000 meters from sea level, and there is always a risk of natural disasters like glacial flooding, avalanches, and landslides. Thus, it is mandatory to have insurance. Besides, the lower temperature and scarce oxygen at higher elevations often cause altitude sickness, frostbite, and other medical emergencies. Having trekking insurance helps a lot in such scenarios.

Trekking insurance usually covers possible events like accidents, emergency evacuations, natural disasters, and flight disruptions. These insurances can be bought from several providers, depending on your location. Here are some suggestions for you:

• USA and Canada: Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Tugo, World Nomad
• Europe: Austrian Alpine Club, Europe Assistance, Allianz Europe
• New Zealand and Australia: Allianz Australia, Fast Cover
• Singapore: World Nomad, Ergo
• India: ICICI Lombard

Trek Difficulty 

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is definitely a difficult task. You will have to trek continuously for 6 to 7 hours a day. It is physically demanding, as the trek takes you to an elevation above 4000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully. 

Besides, the weather can be quite unpredictable. The temperature is lower and can often drop to freezing at night. The higher-elevation areas usually have snowstorms, soft rains, and chilled breezes.

Trekking Distance from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp 

For a short trek, we usually start from Nayapul and pass through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and the Himalaya before finally reaching the Annapurna Base Camp. The total distance encompassing all these points is 37.1 kilometers. Climbing to the base camp takes three days, and similarly, it will take four days to descend to Pokhara. 

Best Time to Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

It is possible to trek to Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year, each time with different experiences. However, the cold, freezing winters or the heavy rains of the monsoon season might not be for beginners. There is nice snow during winter, but it also comes with a risk of altitude sickness, yet proficient summiteers also choose this time to avoid the crowds of peak season.

Fall and Spring are the best seasons to trek to the Annapurna region. Since the climate is suitable, the trails are dry, and the skies are clear during these two seasons, it is also the best season for climbing the Himalayan regions of Nepal. Usually, during September-November and April-May, most visitors ascend through different trekking routes of the Annapurna region. 

Safety on the ABC Short Trekking 

Traveling to one of the highest peaks in the world, situated above 4000 meters from sea level, obviously comes with some risks and challenges. However, these risks can be mitigated with proper trekking, preparation, and adaptation of the necessary safety measures. Plan your trip in favorable climbing seasons to get off safely from your adventure.

 Before travel, you must train and prepare your body to trek rough terrain for up to 7 hours daily. You must also be ready to tackle altitude sickness and other health conditions that might appear when traveling to high altitudes. You can buy trekking insurance to prepare for additional security, as you will be trekking above 5000 meters in an area with high avalanches and unpredictable climate risks.

Preventing Sickness during the ABC Short Trek

While trekking to higher elevations, such as the Annapurna base camp trek, altitude sickness is inevitable and often carries fatal risks. Since medical facilities are limited en route, you need to prepare well to avoid any symptoms of altitude sickness. Ensure you bring proper layers of clothes and warmers to protect yourself well. 

You should also opt for a gradual ascent, as this helps you adapt to the harsh climate and low temperatures. 

However, if you get altitude sickness on your way to the ABC, let your trekking guide know about the situation. The guides are prepared with the first aid required for such a situation. 

Rest for a while at the same spot and take the anti-sickness medications. After you feel a little better, you can descend to a lower altitude. If the situation worsens, request the guide to contact the Kathmandu head office for a helicopter rescue.

Wi-Fi and Internet Facilities on the ABC Short Trek

Compared to most trekking routes, the Annapurna region has good internet and Wi-Fi facilities, given that it is the most travelled route. Most of the tea houses en route to the Annapurna base camp have internet services, which are often free of cost. However, you might need to buy internet packages from the service providers for the trekking trail.

You can also get mobile SIMs from different network providers in Nepal to make the internet more accessible. However, you must remember that these SIMs might encounter network issues while traveling through dense forests and remote areas.

How to Get to the Annapurna Region? 

You can reach the Annapurna region by taking a scenic drive along the hills or catching a flight to Pokhara. Then, you can continue driving until the starting point of the trek. Depending on which trekking route you choose, there are different routes to the Annapurna region. 

Usually, for the ABC trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, and other similar short treks, you will have to come to Pokhara. Then, you can start the ascent from Nayapul, whereas, for the Annapurna circuit, trekkers usually go to Besisahar via bus, begin the trek, and end it in Pokhara.

Pokhara Flight from Kathmandu Airport

If you do not want to exert yourself by travelling around 8 hours by road, there is also an option to take a flight. When the air traffic is under control, the flight to Pokhara takes off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. You can catch these flights easily in the off-season, but during the spring and fall seasons, the traffic flow is heavy, and often, you might get stuck in an air traffic delay.

Bag Allowances in Pokhara Flight

On the flight to Pokhara Airport, a traveler is allowed to have a maximum of 15kg (approx. 33 pounds) of baggage. This weight includes both the duffle bag and your backpack. Hence, we suggest you pack light and carry only the essential trekking requirements.

If your bag exceeds the given weight limit, you must pay an extra fee of US$ 2 to 5 for each kilogram of additional weight. 

Extending Your Trips 

Extending your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp is possible even after you start the adventure, as long as you have a few extra days in hand. However, adding a few additional days to your trek involves some additional costs.

Charging Your Gadgets

Electricity is available in standard guesthouses and teahouses on the route to the Annapurna base camp trek. However, these cost around 1-5 US dollars per charge, specifically in higher altitudes without proper electricity facilities.

It is advisable to carry your own solar-powered chargers or batteries to keep the devices charged. It would be helpful while camping on the base of Everest, where there are no guesthouse facilities.

Similarly, remember to bring the two-pin and three-pin types of adapters to help charge your devices. In case you forget, you can buy these C-type and D-type adapters in Kathmandu.

Food in the Annapurna Region

Food in the Annapurna Base Camp trek is heavily influenced by its residents. The kind of food and accommodation you will find varies vastly based on the locations and terrains you intend to travel through. 

Typically, city areas in Pokhara offer all kinds of cuisine, including Mexican, Chinese, Continental, Nepalese, etc. But on the trek, it will be more ethnic cuisine, including noodles, soups, teas, coffee, and sandwiches. In Ghandruk, you will find more Gurung cuisine, whereas higher altitudes might serve Thakali or Tibetan-Chinese cuisine.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek Cost 

An 8-day ABC short trek package costs approximately $711 per person. However, the cost may vary depending on how food and accommodation are customized, the variation of the trekking package, and the routes you choose. 

The cost might increase with added amenities like personalized guides, private rooms with attached bathrooms, additional acclimatization days, and rest days. This trekking cost excludes personal expenses or charges for services made upon request. Please check the packages for the price and find the amenities/services offered. 

Annapurna Trek Packages  

For an exclusive experience of the Annapurna region, you need to find the right package for your requirements. Choosing the right package ensures a smooth experience and makes the experience memorable for you. From luxurious to budget itineraries, there are multiple packages to choose from:

Standard ABC Trek 

The standard Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the classic Himalayan treks that takes you closer to experiencing the divinity of nature. This 14-day adventure in the Annapurna region begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, taking you through river banks, green hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Being one of the easiest treks that can be completed even in the shortest time, the ABC trek is very popular among domestic and international tourists.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 22-day adventure that offers an unparalleled experience of the Himalayas while taking us through lush subtropical forests, diverse landscapes, and high-altitude desert plains. The trek circles the Annapurna Massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), and provides stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchre. It is the perfect trek for those looking to experience the best of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and rewarding adventure through some of Nepal’s most stunning landscapes. This trek lasts 11 days, which is relatively short compared to other treks in this region, and takes you through lush rhododendron and oak forests across alpine meadows. It is a perfect adventure for someone looking for a refreshing contrast to the hectic and busier scenario. You get to experience unforgettable moments surrounded by the grandeur of the Himalayas in serene solitude. You can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Annapurna range, including the iconic Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Himchuli.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a 5-day adventure that begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and offers a unique cultural experience along with panoramic views of peaks in the Annapurna region. This trek takes you through the pleasant ambiance of rural villages, luscious green forests, and ethnic homestays before ascending to the base camp of the Annapurna range. It also perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure, making it one of Nepal’s most popular trekking routes.

Annapurna or Everest: Which is the correct base camp trek for you?

If you have always dreamt of seeing the peak of the world with your naked eyes, then the Everest base camp trek is definitely the best choice for you. However, if you are a beginner in trekking or have never hiked in the Himalayan region, then it might be difficult for you on the first attempt. Instead of EBC, try climbing the Annapurna Base Camp to collect the experience and prepare your body for the trek.

Training for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

The trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp consists of rough, rocky terrain, steep hills, and narrow trails. You must train well to build your core strength, as this adventure requires you to trek continuously for 7 to 8 hours daily. It will also take you above an elevation of 5000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. 

To complete the trek successfully, you must be physically fit and mentally composed. You will also require good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength to ascend easily through rough terrain. If you don’t regularly perform physical training, it is better to start at least ¾ months in advance. Ensure you include cardio, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your workout to prepare your body for the trek.

Beginner’s Guide to the Annapurna Region 

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is easier than many treks in the Himalayas, but it also comes with certain challenges. Like any adventure, you need physical strength and a calm and well-prepared mind to face the challenges that may come your way. You need to train well with cardio and strength exercises, gradual acclimatization, and adequate gear to succeed on this trek. In addition, you need to rest well and let your body recover while using your mindfulness for success.