Best Weather of the Year
There are two finest weathers in a year for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In fact, these two weathers are best for all kind of trekking/travel in Nepal.
Autumn( Sep-Nov) and Spring (Mar-June) are the best two weathers of the year for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekkers will entirely be favored by the weather condition during these months so that they don’t have to panic about any other unforeseen circumstances like rain and the snow during the trek.
The temperature will be mild, the views will be breathtaking and the trails will be very fine for getting new higher elevations and accomplish the trek pleasantly.
However, one can do Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year during the fair weathers when there is no rain and snow.
Level of Difficulty and Preparations
ABC or Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate adventure in Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to the highest elevation of 4130m through Ghorepani/Poonhill which is 2800/3200m. Trekking up to 4000m is considered to be a mild trekking. However, it can, sometimes, be challenging if you haven’t prepared comprehensibly especially for the beginners. Even, the beginners can do Annapurna Base Camp Trek but have to prepare very well.
Trekkers who are undertaking this trek have to have the experience of short hiking/day hiking/ walking ups and downs at least for 5-6 hours consistently. To avoid the sudden incidents on the trail, one has to boost up the level of stamina and confidence. Another important thing to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp is trekking equipment. It means, one must pack up very reliable trekking equipment and all other necessary stuffs before you depart for the venture.
Elevation Ranges
If you begin your trekking from Kathmandu, you are at 1400m high. Then, you switch to Pokhara which is located at an elevation of 900m lower than Kathmandu. Next, you go to Nayapool to begin hiking up to Ulleri (1960m) and Poonhill ( 3200m). Further, you will trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) and finally to Annapurna Base Camp(4200m) which is the highest elevation of this trek.
So, summing up, Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation ranges between 1400m-900-3200-4200m.
Required Permits
Trekkers require obtaining two different types of permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These are TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. If you can go and visit Nepal Tourism Board Office on your own, you can collect them, or, you travel partner will help you collecting these permits before you depart for the trek. TIMS Card costs USD 10 and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit costs USD 30.
Food and Accommodation
Trekkers will have the food items provided by the local teahouses/lodges/hotels on the trail. You will have the food items like Continental, Asian, Chinese, Tibetan, Indian and Nepali dishes on the menu prepared by them. The food items will fresh and organic. Sometimes, you may not have the food item you like because they may run out of the raw materials for the foods since there is no good transportation facility on the trekking trail. Single item of food costs between Rs.600-1500 on the trail.
The accommodation will be provided by the local lodges/teahouses on the trail. The accommodation will be on the twin sharing basis. The beds and the rooms will fairly clean to stay overnight. But, you suggested carrying sleeping bag so that you don’t need to ask for extra piece of blanket in case the weather goes too cold.
Altitude Sickness and Preparations
Of course, there are a few cases of altitude sickness with the trekkers every on the trail while ascending up to Annapurna Base Camp. But it is not common to all. Actually, if the trekkers are not prepared well and they consume contaminated food and water, they may get altitude sickness. Also, if the trekkers get the new elevation quickly without proper acclimatization, they may get it.
What happens if you we get altitude sickness? You have got fever, stomach ache, diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache, vomiting etc. If these problems go worse, then, you had not better continue the trek and you must walk down or take rest at the place where you are. If you feel you at risk and ask your guide to arrange for the rescue and you will immediately be evacuated to the nearest city where you can have a good treatment.
The Ways of Avoiding Altitude Sickness
- Prepare and pack up the right and reliable trekking gear
- Avoid drinking contaminated water from local taps and river
- East fresh food items
- Do not smoke and drink a lot
- Address any kind of serious illness if you have beforehand the trek
- Ascend with the right pacing and have proper acclimatization
- Tell your guide if you have any sudden problems in your health
- Just relax, be confident and have plenty of hot drinks