Going Trekking in the high Himalayas is never an easy task. But the exciting adventure and action-packed journey are not to be missed. Nepal is one of the best countries that offer many exotic Trekking routes.
Everest regions and Annapurna regions are a few of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal. Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most visited trekking routes of the Everest Region. While Annapurna Base Camp Trek one of the popular destinations of the Annapurna region.
Are you planning on going to Annapurna Base Camp Trek? Wondering how difficult the trek is? Then our article on Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty will help answer that question for you.
The Annapurna base camp trek is not that hard compared to other destinations of this region. But still, the grade of difficulty is moderate level climb. The level of difficulty varies according to the individual.
Facing the difficulties and completing the trek gives an overwhelming feeling to the trekkers. You will be making many up and downhill walks in this trek. Crossing beautiful forests of various vegetation.
Also, the magnificent view of various peaks seen along the way is breathtakingly beautiful. Walking off beaten paths viewing the scenic views adds adventure to your trek.
This trek is a bit challenging and demanding so having a fit body and mindset is necessary. Dare yourself to walk in these thrilling paths and enjoy some wonderful time in the Annapurna region.
To know more about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty read further below.
About Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp lies on the foot of Mount Annapurna the 10th highest mountain of the world. It lies at an elevation of 8091 m above sea level. The mountain resides on the south side of Pokhara valley.
The Annapurna Massif is surrounded by the Annapurna Conservation Area which is the largest conservation area of Nepal. Thus you will be needing permits to enter this region. This area has been home to various world-class treks. Such as Annapurna Circuit Trek, etc.
Annapurna Base camp is also a part of Annapurna Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to Gurung people who have been living here for centuries. These people are both Hindu and Buddhist followers.
The astounding hospitality provided by these people will mesmerize you. These people are friendly in nature making your stay more comfortable and worth the while.
Walking through dense forest and terraced land while viewing beautiful landscapes, mountain views, etc. Also, exploring the region while experiencing the rich Tibetan influenced culture and tradition adds color to your trek.
The trails of Annapurna Base Camp Trek pass through many beautiful towns and villages. You get to learn a lot about the Himalayan people and their lifestyle on this trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Grade
Annapurna Base Camp Trek has been graded as a moderate level climb. The trek is suitable for any level climbers. The trek begins from an altitude of 1070 m and reaches to 4130 m above sea level.
Even though you are trekking to the base of the world’s 10th highest mountain. The routes are easy compared to other routes of this region. It is not very harsh and is quite easier.
You will be walking for 6 to 7 hours a day so it is necessary for you to be physically and mentally fit.
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
As you know, trekking in the high Himalayas has its own thrill and adventure. You might face various kinds of difficulties during your trek. Thus we have mentioned below a few of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty:
Distance and Duration
One of the major difficulties is distance and duration in this trek. You will be spending around 2 weeks on this trek. It usually lasts from 10 to 14 days. You can add or combine other side treks to lengthen the trip as well. Some also reduce the trekking days to make it short.
You will be walking a total distance of about 115 km in this trek. Thus walking around 10 to 20 km per day. Each day’s walk will be about 6 to 7 hours every day.
Continuously trekking for a few hours can be tiring for people who don’t have the habit of walking. Thus they can be exhausted pretty fast and slow down the group as well. Making them feel quite uncomfortable.
However, experienced trekkers can reach the destination much sooner than a novice. While trekking in high altitude places it is better to choose packages with longer days. As you get to take it slow and have plenty of rest while enjoying the trek.
Altitude Sickness
If you have trekked in high altitude then you must have heard about altitude sickness before. Suffering from altitude sickness is normal when trekking in high places. But if this is your first time hearing it then here’s a brief explanation:
Altitude sickness is the mildest form of Acute mountain sickness. It occurs when trekking in elevation above 3000 m. The oxygen level is low in high places. Thus exposure to them for a long time causes breathing difficulties.
On this trek, you will be heading to an elevation of 4130 m above sea level. It is common for trekkers to suffer from altitude sickness at this height. However, not every trekker suffers from this. It depends upon the stamina and health condition of an individual as well.
Your trek can be more challenging due to altitude sickness. As you climb higher in the elevation the air gets thinner. Usually, people suffer from this after crossing 2500 m.
Some symptoms people suffer from are Headache, breathing difficulty, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty in sleeping, and others. If the sickness worsens it can be risky for one’s health.
So, be careful and don’t ignore the symptoms. If you suffer from any symptoms mentioned above then inform your guide immediately.
Accommodation
Trekkers call Annapurna Base Camp Trek one of the best teahouse treks in Nepal. The tea houses have a traditional and elegant design to them. And they provide basic facilities as well.
But it can be a bit disappointing for trekkers seeking luxurious facilities. You might have a hard time finding rooms in peak seasons. You might even have to share rooms with your fellow companion on this trek.
Finding single rooms is rare during peak times. Also, you don’t have attached bathrooms in high mountains. So you will have to share a public washroom and bathrooms.
You will have to pay an extra price for a hot shower as well. Not every lodge and tea house offers this service.
Food and Drinks
If you are a western food lover then you will be missing them for the entire trip. As you won’t find these delicacies in high places. The lodges in high mountains offer only a few numbers of food on their menu.
Only a limited number of food and drinks are available on this trek. So don’t expect fancy food and drinks. You will be having traditional food in most parts of the trek.
For drinks, you will have the option of tea, coffee, and cold drinks. Also, you can find mineral water bottles but they can be expensive. So, better to carry a personal bottle while trekking.
Lack of Training
The routes of Annapurna base camp trek are neither too steep nor too difficult. It is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. However, it might be challenging for beginners as they have no prior trekking experience.
You will be reaching the base of Mount Annapurna so preparation before going on this trek is important. Without proper training, you might find it hard to complete this trek.
As you have to walk about 6 to 7 hours every day. Due to lack of training, you might find it hard catching up with fellow companions. Downhill walks will be easier than the uphill walks.
Being physically and mentally fit is quite necessary on this trek. So doing training programs related to trekking will come in handy. This training is not very hard so anyone can do it.
Packing Difficulties
Packing with limited stuff can be a hard choice. You might feel like you might need everything on this trek. However, that is not the right way to pack for trekking in high mountains.
Before packing your gears and clothing make a list of things you need to bring along in this trek. Selecting proper clothing depends upon the season you are traveling in. You need to choose clothes according to the weather and temperature.
It will be tough deciding on what to bring along and whatnot. You need to carry all the necessary things needed for the next few weeks. As you might not find them in shops found in high places.
Trail Difficulty of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As you are heading in altitude above 4000 m in the mountains the trails are not going to be smooth. As you will be making many up and downhill climbs. Along with many twists and turns. In some parts, the trail can be difficult even for experienced trekkers.
You need to have patience and a huge amount of stamina to make the tremendous climb. Also, it might get exhausting for some trekkers after passing the 3300 stone stairs.
So walk wisely and know about your limits. Don’t force your body if it can’t handle much. Walk slowly and be patient.
Budget Management
Managing a budget is a very difficult task when trekking in high places. As the goods and services are expensive there compared to the lower region. You might have to carry more than you have budgeted for this trek.
Also, there are no banks and ATM machines in high places. So, it is necessary to carry enough cash with you. Transportation still hasn’t reached most of the places. Thus the only means of transportation are porters and animals.
So the cost is much higher in comparison to Kathmandu. The price increases as you climb higher in the mountains. As you enter the remote areas you will understand why goods and services are expensive.
Guide and Porter
Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be done solo or you can hire a guide for this trek. Usually, people prefer hiring a guide however they don’t hire a porter. Also some do this trek alone.
We suggest it is better to hire a guide or porter just to be safe. As they are well known about the way they can help you find ways and shortcuts. Nothing is predictable in the high region so having a companion can be helpful for you.
This trek is purely based on physical strength rather than the technical section. So, hiring porters can come in handy when climbing the stone stairs and steep sections.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty- Season
There are four seasons in Nepal and each season gives out a different difficulty to the trekkers. To know more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty according to the seasons read below:
Autumn Season
The Autumn season falls under the month of September, October, and November. This is the peak season for trekking when the routes are packed with trekkers from around the world.
Trekkers consider Autumn the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, you will still face various difficulties in this season. One of the major difficulties faced will be crowded routes.
You will have no privacy during this time the paths will be buzzing with fellow travelers. This is not the right time for a peace lover. Also, the accommodation will be quite a problem.
Due to the bustling of people, you won’t get to choose the room of your choice. You might even have to adjust and sleep in the lobby during this time. Waiting in the queue for food will be another disappointment
Also, the price of goods and services will be higher in comparison to the offseason.
Spring Season
After Autumn, the spring season is another best time to visit the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The months of March, April, and May fall under this month. This is the most colorful time of the year.
Like autumn this season is also crowded with people looking forward to viewing the beautiful scenarios. This is the perfect time for nature lovers. The blooming flowers make the forest look colorful.
The season of spring is one of the busy times when it is noisy throughout the trek. Finding solo rooms will be hard and rare during this time. The weather is a bit chilly during the earlier weeks.
There are chances of a light rain shower at the end of this season.
Winter Season
Winter is the season of the cold and offseason time of the year. The walks are challenging during this season. The months of December, January, and February fall under this season.
As this is the season of cold snowfall occurrence can be any time of the year. The trails of the upper region get covered in snow so walks can be tough. Sun shines during the day but it is not warm enough.
As for the nights, it gets colder with the sunset. The temperature drops up to -17 Degrees during these months. There are chances of an avalanche being an obstacle.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season is the least favorite time to visit the Annapurna Base Camp. it gets hot during earlier months and downpour begins by the half. Trekkers usually don’t visit the Annapurna region during this season.
The months of June, July, and August fall under this season. The weather is hot and humid in the lower region. Thus hiking during the day will be sweaty and tiring. As the downpour begins the routes become slippery and muddy.
You will have quite a harsh time walking in these routes. Also, the view will be blurred which is a huge disappointment. You should be aware of the leeches as well.
Final Say
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is quite an adventure filled with thrills and challenges. You won’t be disappointed throughout the trek. However, various difficulties might occur in this trek.
Thus our article on Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty lets you know in brief about them. We hope you found this post handy and have a great time on this trek.
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