Beginner Guide to Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Highlights of the trek

• Stunning landscapes

The Annapurna base camp trek passes through stunning and diverse landscapes. It varies from the hot water pools at Jhinu Danda to the mighty Madi River and pine and rhododendron forests to the high mountains. 

• Diverse culture

The trails pass through the charming villages of Gurung and Magar people. The traditional culture of these ethnic communities is reflected in daily life. The majority of males in these communities join the British or Indian Army and are known as Brave Gurkhas. You can even observe the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk which is the largest settlement of Gurungs.  

• Manageable difficulty

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is of manageable difficulty. It is not technically demanding as some of the higher-altitude treks of the Himalayas. However, it requires a reasonable level of fitness and preparation.

What makes ABC a popular trek for beginners?

ABC is a popular trek for beginners because it is an exciting and thrilling adventure for first-timers. It offers moderate difficulty, accessibility, and stunning landscapes. The trail is well-marked, making navigation easier. It also has a range of accommodation options at several places. As beginners, trekkers can rest at every stop and acclimatize comfortably, minimizing altitude sickness risks. The trek offers diverse scenery from lush forests and terraced fields to panoramic mountain views. It provides a close-up view of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. 

Trek Overview

Basic Facts and Stats

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is located in the northern part of Central Nepal. The starting point is Nayapul or Ghandruk which is accessible from Pokhara. The duration of the trek is 15 days round trip, depending on the route and acclimatization schedule. It typically covers about 110km of distance. You will have to walk for 6 hours on average and cover a distance of 10km on average per day. Accommodations are available on the trail. Teahouses offer basic but comfortable rooms and meals.

You can enjoy the close views of Annapurna I (8,091m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of towering mountains, including Mt. Fishtail (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219mm), and Gangapurna (7,455m). The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp itself at an elevation of 4,130 m above sea level. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal, occupying 7629 square kilometers. The conservation area is home to 474 species of birds, 39 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, and 102 species of animals. The scenic route gives trekkers a chance to experience Himalayan landscapes, vibrant villages, and Annapurna Sanctuary. 

Difficulty level and what beginners can expect

The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. Beginners can also do this trek as it does not require technical skills. Anyone with reasonable fitness and preparation can complete this trek. It involves daily hikes of 5-7 hours with gradual altitude gain and a few challenging uphill sections. Beginners should expect a steady ascent through diverse terrain including stone steps, forested trails, and suspension bridges.

The Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 4,130 meters. The gradual ascent helps with acclimatization. However, beginners have to be careful of altitude sickness symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Take rest days, keep hydrated, and pace yourself to manage it. 

The trek includes a variety of landscapes, from villages to bamboo forests and alpine terrain near Annapurna Base Camp. Beginners can expect an exciting experience of Nepalese culture, and friendly teahouses along the route offering a cozy space to rest, eat and meet fellow trekkers. The hike needs good physical fitness and it can be managed with regular breaks. 

Best Time to Trek

The best time to trek depends on the weather conditions, temperatures, and preferences. Spring and autumn are considered peak seasons for trekking in Nepal. Whereas winter and monsoon are considered off-season.

Spring:

Spring is one of the best times for trekking at Annapurna Base Camp. The weather is stable and dry. The temperature is mild and pleasant. During this season, the rhododendrons bloom into vibrant colors. As a beginner, you will enjoy the enchanting flora and fauna of the Annapurna region. 

Pros:

Mild temperature: The temperature is mild and pleasant. It is comfortable for trekking.

Active wildlife: During spring, wildlife becomes active. You may spot some wild animals on the trail.

Rhododendron blooms: The landscape turns vibrant because of the blooming rhododendron during the spring season.

Cons:

Crowded trail: Due to the popularity of the season, the trails get crowded on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. As a beginner, you may have to pre-book the accommodations.

Visibility: There will be a haze in late spring because of the pre-monsoon climate. The mountain views will not be visible which may disappoint the beginners.

Summer:

Summer and monsoon coincide in the Himalayas. There will be hot and humid temperatures. Frequent rain in monsoons causes slippery trails and a risk of landslides. Leeches and mosquitoes are annoying. 

Pros:

Solitude: Summer is off-season for trekkers. As a beginner, it is ideal for your solitude.

Scenery: You will enjoy great scenery because of lush greenery and waterfalls.

Cons:

Slippery Trail:  Heavy rains lead to slippery trails and potential landslides. 

Obstructed views: Cloud cover can obscure mountain views at higher elevations.

Autumn:

Autumn is one of the ideal seasons for trekking at Annapurna Base Camp. The weather is calm and stable. The skies are clear and temperatures are comfortable. You may also encounter the cultural festivities of Nepal. 

Pros:

Stunning Views: Clear skies and excellent visibility make it the best season for mountain views.

Pleasant Weather: The weather is stable, with mild temperatures and low precipitation. 

Cultural Festivities: It is an ideal time for visiting Nepal as there are main festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You can experience cultural activities during this season.

Cons:

Crowded trails: Peak season means more crowds, so accommodations can fill quickly, and trail traffic increases.

Winter:

In winter, there may be occasional snowfall in the higher altitude. The icy trails and snow-covered hills could be difficult to navigate. The temperature is freezing and you may need proper gear for the cold.

Pros:

Solitude: As a beginner, if you prefer solitude, and don’t mind the cold, this is the perfect season to trek.

Serene Landscapes: The hills and mountains are covered with snow. The landscape looks beautiful and serene. 

Mountain views: The skies are clear in the early morning, so you can have spectacular views of the mountains.

Cons:

Extreme cold: Temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes. Beginners may have to be prepared with extra layers and gears.

Blocked trails: Snow may block parts of trails, making it difficult to navigate the trail.

Planning Your Trek

Permits and Regulations

You will require permits to enter the protected areas. If you trek with Nepal Trekking Routes, we will arrange the permits. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit – NRs 3000 per person.

You can obtain the ACAP permits from the Nepal Tourism Board Office, in Kathmandu, or the ACAP Office in Pokhara. Annapurna Conservation Area Project aims to create sustainable economic and social development to raise the standard of the locals and conserve the natural beauty of the region. This conservation area contains many Himalayan trekking routes. A large number of trekkers and visitors come to this region every year. This can cause a threat to wildlife, vegetation, the natural environment, and local cultures. Managing huge amounts of garbage produced by visitors is challenging. The National Trust for Nature Conservation manages and preserves the natural environment and local traditional cultures and keeps the region pollution-free. 

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card – NRs 2000 per person. Each trekkers are registered in the system. This card is checked at every checkpoint along the trail. It is the basic permit implemented jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). This ensures the safety and security of trekkers.

Getting to the Trailhead

Getting to the trailhead for the Annapurna Base camp trek is straightforward. This region is well-connected and offers multiple starting points. After you arrive in Kathmandu, you need to travel to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will travel to the trailhead to start your trekking.

Kathmandu to Pokhara:

To travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara you can either take a flight, a private vehicle, or a public bus. Flight is a quick and comfortable mode of transportation. The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers a chance to have an aerial view of Mount Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Dhaulagiri. Another way to reach Pokhara is a private jeep or a car travelling by road which will take around 4-5 hours. You can also take a tourist bus which may take a little longer around 6-7 hours and perfect for budget travelling. 

Pokhara to Trailhead:

From Pokhara, you can get to the starting point of trekking by private jeep, shared jeep, or a local bus. If you trek with Nepal Trekking Routes, your trekking guide will arrange the transportation for you to get to the trailhead. For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, some of the popular starting points are Nayapul, Dhampus, Ghandruk, etc. They are accessible from Pokhara, the gateway city for the Annapurna region. Here is a brief note about these starting points and the transportation options available to each:

Nayapul:

Nayapul is the most common starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is easily accessible and has well-marked trails leading to the Annapurna Conservation Area. The route from Nayapul has a steady ascent, passing through villages like Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Nayapul from Pokhara. Transportation options are private taxis, jeeps or local buses. 

Ghandruk:

Ghandruk is another popular starting point among trekkers. It is a shorter and direct route to Annapurna Base Camp. This charming village is known for its cultural richness and offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. You have to travel from Pokhara to Kimche and hike from there to Ghandruk. It takes around 1.5 hours to walk to reach Ghandruk from Kimche. You can take a private jeep for convenience or a shared jeep which involves waiting until they are full. 

Dhampus:

Dhampus is a scenic and less-traveled starting point with panoramic views of the Annapurna range right from the beginning. It is ideal for those who want to avoid the busier sections of the trail and prefer a more peaceful start. You have to travel from Pokhara to Phedi and trek from there to reach Dhampus. Trekkers have to stay overnight in Dhampus and start the trek the next day. You can take a taxi or local bus from Pokhara to Phedi.

Packing Essentials

As a beginner, you may be excited about traveling but also have some packing anxiety. You may not know the type of gear needed during the trek. To prepare you for your trip, we have compiled a packing list including clothing, trekking gear, and other essentials. 

Clothing and Footwear

Layering is essential for ABC, especially for altitude and temperature changes.

Headwear

• Sun hat/cap
• Fleece or wool hat
• Scarves 
• sunglasses

Bodywear

• Base Layer: thermal tops
• Insulating layer: fleece pullover or jacket
• Outer layer: Down Jacket
• Hiking Pants
• Thermal Trouser
• Hiking Shorts for summer

Footwear

• Trekking boots
• Hiking socks
• Sandals
• Make sure that the trekking boots are broken in and comfortable. 

Essential Gear

Packing list for beginner trekkers 

• trekking poles
• water bottles
• headlamps
• sleeping bags
• trekking backpack
• duffle bag

Renting vs. buying gear in Pokhara or Kathmandu

You can decide to buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara depending on your budget. You have to consider how often you will use the gear. 

Renting

Renting is a budget-friendly option that can save you money on heavy expensive items like duffle bags, down jackets, sleeping bags, etc. You can rent gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the shops that often recycle expedition equipment. If you are trekking with Nepal Trekking Routes, we will provide or recommend some of this equipment.  

Buying

Buying can be a good investment if you plan to hike or trek frequently. You can have better fit, comfortable, and hygienic products. As a beginner, you can buy cheaper, non-branded items but you should invest in quality hiking boots. You can buy trekking gear in Thamel, Kathmandu Lakeside, and Pokhara. 

First Aid and Health Supplies

Nepal Trekking Routes Guides carry the first aid kit during the trek. However, we recommend you to have basic medical kit essentials for the trek.

• Painkillers
• Plasters, bandages
• Skin blister repair kit
• Water purification tablets
• Electrolytes
• Eye drops
• Sunscreen cream
• Insect repellent
• Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Prescriptions

If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, take rest and hydrate. For potential health issues, consult your doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions. You have to take precautions and a health insurance. 

Physical Preparation and Training

Fitness Requirements

As a beginner, you should have a good fitness level and do some training. You have to include plenty of weight-bearing exercises. Walking, cycling, swimming, and easy hiking are good choices for beginners. As your fitness improves, you can progress to harder hikes, hill walking, jogging, and stair climbing.

Here are the types of exercises and workouts to prepare for trekking:

Strength: Increase strength in the muscles that trekkers rely on. Stronger legs and core muscles will support the load in your backpack and help you hike harder and longer.

Cardio: Plan to do some cardio exercises, such as trail running, mountain biking, or other aerobic exercises you enjoy.

Endurance: Build endurance in the major muscles including the shoulders, and lower back because trekking can be an all-day activity.

Suggested Pre-Trek Training Plan

Start training 8 weeks before your first trekking. A good mix of workout types for each week involves the following:

1. 2 nonconsecutive days of strength training.
2. 2 nonconsecutive rest days; take more anytime you feel your body needs it.
3. 3 nonconsecutive cardio sessions weekly until the final two weeks before the trek.
4. Two weeks before your trip: Change your cardio days to long day hikes with a pack that’s close to the weight you’ll be carrying on your trip. 
5. One or two days before your trip: Ease up on all training.

Tips for preparing even if local trekking isn’t available:

Warm-up: Get yourself warmed up by doing a brisk 5 to 10-minute walk. Then do the following exercises.

Jump Squats: Squats provide an excellent all-around workout for all of the muscles in the lower body and legs. Adding a jump helps to develop power in the lower legs.

Hip Roll exercise: Most of your daypack weight stays on your hips. This exercise works the muscles that support the hips to improve their stability and endurance.

Step-up Exercise: Trekking with a pack-on involves an endless amount of stepping up and over things. This exercise builds strength and endurance in your hip and leg muscles.

Heel Down Exercise: To get down or descent, you need to be able to lower your body and pack weight under control. To prevent knee injuries and stumbles, this exercise builds strength and balance in the hip and leg muscles.

Squat Curl overhead press exercise: This exercise combines a squat to work lower body muscles with quickly lifting a moderate amount of weight to build strength. It is important while you explore the trails with your daypack on and off throughout the day.

Bridge with hamstring curl exercise: The bridge portion of the exercise engages your core muscles to help improve your balance on the trail. The hamstring curl builds up hip and leg muscles for power uphill.

Understanding Altitude and Acclimatization

Altitude Challenges and Acclimatization Tip

• You will be trekking above 2,000 meters which may be a risk for altitude sickness. Listen to your body and watch out for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc.
• You have to pace slowly and steadily while walking at higher altitudes. The trek should include the acclimatization stops on the ABC route. 

Managing Altitude Sickness

• If you notice the symptoms of altitude sickness, then stop and take a rest. Keep yourself hydrated.
• If the symptoms get worse, then descend immediately and seek medical attention. 

Trek Route and Day-by-Day Itinerary

Popular Routes to ABC

Nayapul-Ghandruk: Ghandruk is one of the popular starting points for the ABC trek. It is the direct and shortest route which takes around 7-9 days. You can enjoy the charming traditional Gurung village. 

Ghorepani-Poon Hill: This route is popular and you can enjoy sunrise views from Poon Hill. It is a scenic route with varied views. This trek takes around 10-12 days round trip. The daily distance covered will be 10-12 km. 

Dhampus: Dhampus as a starting point has quieter trails with stunning views of Annapurna and diverse landscapes. The duration of the trek is 9-10 days and a distance of 10-12km will be covered in an average day.

Sample Itinerary for Beginners

Here is a day-by-day breakdown of a 15-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary by Nepal Trekking Routes.

Arrival in Kathmandu

You will arrive in Kathmandu and rest at your hotel.

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

You will visit the world heritage sites of Nepal including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, etc. 

Kathmandu to Pokhara

You will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara either by flight, private vehicle or a tourist bus depending on your preference.

Pokhara to Tikhedhunga

You will travel to Nayapul, the trailhead of your trek. You will start your trek from Nayapul pass through Birethanti, Sudami, and reach Tikhe Dhunga.

Trek to Ghorepani

From Tikhedhunga, you will walk through rhododendrons and oak forests and cross numerous streams to reach Nangethanti and then to Ghorepani.

Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani

You will trek in the early morning to Poon Hill, the popular viewpoint to observe Annapurna, Fishtail, and Dhaulagiri peaks. After returning to Ghorepani, you will head towards Tadapani. 

Tadapani to Chhomrong

You will trek along Modi Khola and reach Chhomrong on the cusp of Himalchuli.

Chhomrong to Dovan

From Chhomrong you will trek through forests of pine and rhododendron. You will pass through villages including Sinuwa, Kuldi Ghar and Bamboo, and reach Dovan for an overnight stay.

Dovan to Deurali

From Dovan, you will trek towards Deurali enjoying the views of Machhapuchhre and exploring Hinko Cave.

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

From Deurali, you will trek through moraines and boulders and reach Annapurna Base Camp. You will observe 360-degree panoramic views of Annapurna and other peaks.

Descend from Annapurna Base Camp to Sinuwa

You will retrace your steps from Annapurna Base Camp to Sinuwa.

Sinuwa to Ghandruk

From Sinuwa, you will trek downhill and then uphill to Kimrong, Deurali and reach Ghandruk. You can explore the culture and visit the Gurung Museum. 

Trek to Birethanti, Nayapul then drive to Pokhara

You will retrace your steps to Nayapul via Birethanti. You will travel to Pokhara by jeep or bus.

Pokhara to Kathmandu

From Pokhara, you will travel to Kathmandu by either a flight, a private vehicle, or a tourist bus.

Departure

You will finally depart from the International Airport to your home country.

Accommodation and Food on the Trail

Tea Houses and Lodges

The typical accommodations during the trek are teahouses and lodges run by local people. They offer basic facilities like rooms with beds and mattresses, shared bathrooms, etc. 

If you are trekking with Nepal trekking routes, they will handle booking and find comfortable tea houses and the costs are included in the trekking package.

Food and Hydration

Typical meals available along the route are Nepali dishes including dal bhat and curry.

It is important to stay hydrated, so drink 3-4 liters of water in a day. If you have altitude-related appetite changes or loss of appetite then try to get enough nutrition by eating calorie-dense food.

Safety and Health Tips for Beginners

Health Precautions and Hygiene

Wash hands or use hand sanitizers as it is important to maintain sanitation. The water from natural resources may be polluted so have water purification tablets or filters. Due to a change of food, you may have digestive issues. Be careful to maintain hygiene and eat carefully. Be prepared with medications for ingestion or any other health issues while on the trail.

Weather and Environmental Challenges

While you are trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, managing changing weather conditions becomes essential. You have to prepare for cold nights by having sleeping bags layers of clothes and warmers.

Environmental safety is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to handle wildlife encounters, weather challenges and natural environment responsibly.

Wildlife Safety tips: 

Observe from a Distance: As you trek through the Wildlife Sanctuary, be sensitive towards wildlife and the environment. Maintain a safe distance. Sudden movements can disturb animals.

Avoid feeding Wildlife: Feeding animals disrupts their natural foraging habits and can make them more aggressive towards humans.

Stay on marked trails: Sticking to marked paths helps to avoid accidental encounters with animals and protects delicate ecosystems.

Weather precautions: 

Check weather forecasts regularly: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather before starting the trek and watch for signs of storms.

Prepare for Temperature Changes: Pack layered clothing to handle changing temperatures from warm day time sun to chilly evenings. Carry rain gear during monsoon and insulation layers for winter.

Avoid river crossings during the rainy season: Monsoon rains can lead to swollen rivers and landslides. If in doubt, wait for local advice on trail safety.

Cultural Etiquette and Responsible Trekking

Respecting Local Culture

While trekking, you will pass through traditional villages. You have to follow basic etiquette for interacting with locals. Also, respect cultural sites and ask for permission before taking pictures.

It is recommended that you learn key phrases in the Nepali language like "Namaste" for greeting, "Dhanyabad" for thankyou, etc. Observe polite behaviors like wearing non-revealing clothes, asking for permission before eating food, etc. 

Environmentally Conscious Trekking

Tips for minimizing impact 

• Leave No Trace principles: Follow the leave no trace principle to maintain the environment.
• Reducing waste: Help to reduce waste by using refillable water bottles instead of plastic bottles.

As a beginner, you have to understand the importance of responsible trekking and supporting local communities. Hire local guides as they can navigate the trail and have knowledge about the places you are visiting. Support the local businesses by buying local food and handicrafts. 

Final Tips for a Successful Trek

Finally, beginner trekkers must remember that hydration is essential. For acclimatization, pace slowly and do not hurry. You need mental resilience to keep up with the several days of trekking.

Your first trek to Annapurna Base Camp is an incredible journey and a major achievement. Here are the key takeaways:

Physical preparation and pace: Although the trek is moderate, it requires preparation. Go at a comfortable pace, taking regular breaks. Stay hydrated and take one step at a time.

Respect for Nature and Wildlife: Nepal’s wildlife is fragile and unique. Stay on trails and avoid littering. These small efforts can preserve the environment and enhance your experience.

Altitude awareness: Pay attention to altitude changes. Listen to your body, don’t rush, and remember that acclimatization is important.

Conclusion

Annapurna Base Camp trek is an exciting journey. If you are seeking an adventure in the Himalayas, then this trek is the right choice for a beginner. The ABC trek offers some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and cascading rivers to the awe-inspiring sight of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. You will be exploring Nepal’s vibrant culture through local villages, meeting friendly trekkers along the way, and experiencing the beauty of nature in its raw form.

For a beginner, Nepal Trekking Routes can offer a seamless and exceptional service. They will ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey. Lace up your boots and pack your bags for the ultimate experience of trekking in Nepal.