How to plan Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal - route, difficulty, best time to trek and safety for solo trekking

5/28/2020

Annapurna region, also known as Annapurna Massif, is the second most popular region in Nepal, after Everest. The Everest Region of Nepal is the most famous mountain range in the world encompassing 4 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, called the eight-thousanders (above 8000m). The highlight of the Annapurna Mountain Range is Annapurna I (8091m), the tenth highest mountain of the world, surrounded with around 30 peaks over 6000m. Ranging from easy short treks to extremely difficult climbing expeditions, Annapurna Region generously offers something to every level of adventure seeker, clearly justifying its name Annapurna (meaning full of food) - the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment.

Annapurna Range of Mountains, Nepal

Different trekking routes in the Annapurna Himalayan Range

Based on the expertise level and time in hand, the adventure seekers can choose from various trekking options available in the Annapurna Region. The most popular routes listed below take diversions at many junctions, leaving an option for the trekkers to customise their trek.

Medium-altitude treks (basic grade) : 3-4 days of trekking routes like Poonhill (2610m), Ghorepani (2850m), Mohare Danda (3300m) through forests gives panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range from a relatively close proximity.
High-altitude Annapurna Base Camp Trek (easy grade) : 7-9 days of trekking routes from different start points like Ghandruk or Birethanti (through poonhill) to Annapurna Base Camp (4310m) gets you closer to the massive mountain range and back. With the road development, the trekking route keeps getting shorter and starting point keeps changing. Click for details - the shortest route to Annapurna Base Camp trek from Ghandruk.
High-altitude Annapurna Circuit Trek (medium grade) : 14-16 days of circular trek around the Annapurna Range of Mountains, crossing over ThorongLa Pass (5416m), gives excellent views of the mighty Himalayas from all the sides.
Extreme Summit Climbs (challenging grade): the Annapurna Mountain Range blessed with over 30 peaks above 6000m, and some of the highest and most dangerous mountains to climb, there’s enough for the extreme adventurers and technical climbers.

Annapurna Range of Mountains, Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty

For a high-altitude trek at the height of 4310m, Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the easiest trek at that height, recommended for beginners. The hiking route for everyday is long, which requires good stamina.
It is extremely important to train your body for physical fitness before attempting any high-altitude trek. For the ones who aren't regularly involved into fitness routines, it is advisable to start preparing at least 1-2 months in advance by walking and jogging regularly for 4-5 kms.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Sanctuary

Most of the route is through the forest line with lots of ascents and descents on the never-ending stone steps, which can be very tiring. But due to the availability of tea-houses at every 1-2 hours, it is easy to break the journey as per the trekkers comfort.
The ascents are very gradual, with only few short steep patches. At higher altitude towards Machapuchare Base Camp and further to Annapurna Base Camp, the trail is even more gradual which makes it very easy to acclimatise at that height - don't forget to drink a lot of water everyday to acclimatise well.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Tea-houses on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route

The tea-houses on the trekking routes in Nepal makes trekking extremely comfortable and enjoyable. There are enough tea-houses on the trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp spaced at every 1-2 hours. It is easy to break at the tea-houses for tea and meals on the way, leaving the trekkers free from the burden of carrying food or extra water. Originally the teahouses were meant to provide tea and food to the trekkers, but with time, these tea-houses have developed into lodges with guest rooms. The charges for the rooms are nominal and standard at every destination.

Tea-houses on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Accommodation, food & other facilities in the lodges on trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp

The tea-houses are well-equipped with basic comforts, which literally are big luxuries on a trek. The cosy rooms have basic beds, pillows, enough warm blankets and a small light. Most of the tea-houses have common toilets and bathrooms, while some may even have an attached washroom to every room.

Accommodation in Tea-houses on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

The perks of trekking on tea-house trails in Nepal are the comfort facilities in the tea houses available at an additional cost - charging points, wifi, hot showers. Fresh cooked food is another luxury on the teahouse trails, where trekkers can order meals from a menu.

Food menu in Tea-houses on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Most of the teahouses have standard menus with breakfast (eggs, pancakes, porridge, local bread), lunch & dinner (dal bhat, spaghetti, pizza, potatoes, momos, spring rolls) - sounds lavish enough??!!
Dal-Bhat (a plate of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, sautéed spinach, fresh pickle) is the authentic Nepalese food in the menu, also recommended as the best for your stomach on a high-altitude trek.

Traditional Nepalese meal - Dal Bhat, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

What to pack for Annapurna Base Camp trek

After reading through the comforts of a tea-house, it is quite relieving to pack your trekking backpack with minimal basic essentials. Just make sure that you have all the gears to cover your body from head to toe as the weather can play a spoilt sport on some days.
Hiking pants, tshirts, trekking shoes, socks - for hiking.
Fleece or a hiking jacket, rain jacket & trousers - for hiking in bad weather.
Trekking pole, water bottle, sunglasses, torch - hiking accessories.
Thermal inners, down jacket, woollen socks, woollen gloves & woollen cap - for the evenings & nights.
Sunscreen, face wash, cold cream, lip balm - basic toiletries.
Personal medicines & hygiene needs.

The best place to buy all the trekking gears & accessories is Thamel market in Kathmandu, Nepal. However, if you have still missed out something important, the local shops in the villages on on the trail and the lodges do sell essentials like toilet paper, batteries, mobile recharge coupons, woollens and toiletries.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Is it possible to trek solo to Annapurna Base Camp

Absolutely! Annapurna Base Camp trek, being one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, is walked by many hikers, which makes it extremely safe for solo trekking. The teahouses on the trail provides food and accommodation, giving the ease of just carrying your own backpack to keep going! The trail is well marked and easy to follow, there is adequate information about the trail at every lodge, making it possible to trek without a guide.

Information on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

If you enjoy your own company and love to walk at your own pace, Annapurna Base Camp trek is a great deal for solo trekking!
For the ones who don't find it interesting to trek all alone - hire a porter to carry your backpack and guide you through the route -OR- join an organised group trek.
And then I met this inspiring bold beauty who chose to trek solo, carrying a backpack and a kiddo on her back, all the way to Annapurna Base Camp! And the kiddo was having the fun of his life!!

Solo Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

If you are trekking solo in the peak season, there could be issues with the availability of lodges. It is advisable to book lodges before hand. There's enough information about lodges on this trail. I'm sharing a list with contact numbers of the lodges on Annapurna Base Camp route, which may come handy while planning.

Contact numbers of the lodges on Annapurna Base Camp route

Best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) are the peak seasons for trekking in Nepal.
However, to avoid the crowd, many people choose to trek in the shoulder seasons, just before and after the peak seasons. The lodges on Annapurna Base Camp trail can be full during peak season, it is advisable to book before hand.
A lot of hikers choose to trek in spring to avoid the heat in their cities at that time, while quite a few choose to trek in autumn for clearer skies and drier weather.

Clear view of Annapurna Range from Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The 2 mandatory permits for trekking in the Annapurna Region can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - a mandatory trekking permit for all treks in Nepal keeps a record of all trekkers to ensure their safety and security.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - national park permit for Annapurna Conservation Area.

Permit checkpoints on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

How to reach to the start point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Physical Fitness ✓
Backpack ✓
Permits ✓
Leave worries behind ✓
Ready to breathe the fresh air of the Himalayas ✓

Hop onto a flight to Pokhara, or fly to Kathmandu and take the road journey to Pokhara (by bus/car).
From Pokhara, you need to take a road journey to Nayapul / Ghandruk / Matkiu to start your trek. There are several busses running on this route, else you can hire a private vehicle to get to the start point of the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Click to read - my experience on trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.

P.S. I was on trek to Annapurna Base Camp in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board

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