There is one saying “If you really want to get lost somewhere make sure you are lost in the right direction”. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the best kind of right direction for you to stay lost and lust in nature’s laps. This trek located in Nepal is a well-liked trek in the world and is walked by many thousands of feet till now. People hear about this trek’s admiration all the time from the trekkers who have done it already and as a result the listeners also come to Nepal to explore and experience it.
It’s quite natural for treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek to get so much recognition. Above all, ABC Trek has everything in its pouch: striking mountain and landscape views, greenery trails, lovely people, and villages on the way. Doing this trek will let you enjoy every good thing along with trekking.
ABC Trek is doable throughout the year but there are times when conditions are very much helpful for trekking. We meant to say the two peak seasons for trekking in Nepal: Autumn and Spring. Nepal’s conditions are at best for wanderers during these seasons, more specifically in the Autumn season.
Yes, and luckily, October, the main part of this article, is the middle month of the most favorable trekking season in Nepal and so for the ABC Trek also. September and November are the two other months of Autumn but the true colors of Autumn seem to be around in the middle month, October.
Definitely, Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October is the best thing that can happen to a trekker. He/She gets to explore the alluring Annapurna region when the whole region blushes in the colors of Autumn. If you want to know what happens to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek during October then read the entire article. The further article tells you what it’s like to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn i.e. October.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- A striking view of the snow clad peaks like Annapurna I, II, III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc.
- Enjoy the dramatic trails to the base camp of the world’s tenth highest peak, Mt Annapurna I.
- Walk beside the dense forests, sounding streams, and lively settlements.
- Get to know the rural life and their lifestyles of Nepalese.
- Intake the best mountain panorama of life from ABC and Poonhill.
- Know every corner of the much-admired Annapurna Region.
Outlined Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu(1,400m).
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing around the world heritage sites.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara(1,400) and then drive to Nayapul(1,100m) and Trek up to Ulleri(2,050m).
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Drive Time: 2 hours
Trek Time: 5 to 6 hours
Day 04: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani(2,750m)
Trek Time: 4 to 5 hours
Day 05: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani(2,700m)
Trek Time:6 to 7 hours
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong(2,170m)
Trek Time: 6 hours
Day 07: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo(2,310m)
Trek Time: 4 to 5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali(3,230m)
Trek Time: 3 to 4 hours
Day 09: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp(4,130m)
Trek Time: 5 to 6 hours
Day 10: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo(2,310m)
Trek Time: 7 to 8 hours
Day 11: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda(1,760m)
Trek Time: 5 to 6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara(1,400m)
Trek Time: 6 hours trek
Drive Time: 2 hours drive
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu(1,300m)
Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours drive via tourist bus
Day 14: Final Departure
The weather of ABC Trek in October
The weather of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October remains just the way trekkers sought for. It’s one of the unbeatable time periods of the year to trek in Nepal. Autumn enters surrounding entirely by the start of October. As monsoon has already left, there are no rain clouds all around the sky. It’s just the sun and bluish skies during October. That is why the days of October have better visibility.
Mountains seem to be sunbathing and glittering on sunny days. You get to look at the mountains as long as you want. There will be no hindrance around the view like the rainy season. However, you might get sunburn easily so always have a hat and sunscreen in your backpack during ABC Trek in October. People all too often worry about the snowfall in the higher areas. But, there will be no immediate and sudden snowfall throughout October.
Weather is at its calmest mood in Autumn, especially in October. If your trek would have been in September or November, there would be chances of snowfall and rainfall. The reason is September is the first Autumn month after the departure of Monsoon season. And November is the last month before the arrival of the Winter season. Nevertheless, October is the middle month of Autumn so neither clouds nor snowfall.
Temperature During ABC Trek in October
Up to this point, you have known that October is ideal for trekking in the Annapurna region. The temperature also remains stable and unwavering in October. Days of October are mostly sunny and warm so you should expect a pleasant temperature. However, the temperature of the Annapurna region is different in day and night hours. The temperature during Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October is the same for the higher and lower areas of the trek.
An average daytime temperature of the Annapurna region in October is around 20 to 25 degrees. And during night and morning hours when the sun is not out in the sky, an average temperature rotates around 10 to 15 degrees or even lower. The prior given temperature numbers are for most of the lower areas which are below an altitude of 3,500m. But as you trek higher, the temperature will start to get lower. Annapurna Base Camp(4,130m) is the coldest point of the ABC trek even in the ideal month like October. The temperature of the base camp can fall up to -1 degrees or even lower during the dark hours.
All in all, the temperature during October in the Annapurna area is stable and easily bearable. You’ll have a trouble-less trekking time during October. But, you never know what can or cannot happen up there in the mountains. Therefore, be equipped for the possible temperature turnaround. We mean to say, have some harsh weather clothing as well for emergency cases.
Similar articles you may like:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
- Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days Itinerary
- How to Prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
How Difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Duration
Duration wise ABC Trek is 11 to 14 days long. But the duration can be lengthened or shortened by altering the itinerary. All too often, trekkers add other Annapurna region treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek in the plan of ABC trek and that makes the trek go much longer than the average period. In standard ABC trek, a trek of around 5 to 6 hours each day is required. The trail has steep ups and downs every once in a while. So, difficulty in Annapurna Circuit Trek for non-experienced trekkers can be extreme sometimes.
Distance
The distance of ABC Trek can also be a difficulty for some trekkers especially the starters. The total distance you ought to cover in this trek is around 115km. That means you have to cover the distance from 10 to 20 km per day on every trekking day. Hence, this can be a possible difficulty on the trek.
Altitude
This can be a major problem for someone who is not comfortable with higher altitudes. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a high elevation trek that takes you to the altitude of up to 4,130m(ABC). A person from a lower altitude can face difficulties in front of altitude and can be caught by mountain sickness if no precautions are taken. So, this can be another difficulty to a trekker on the ABC Trek.
Why do Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October?
Below, we present you the major reasons you should do Annapurna Base Camp Trekking In October:
Pleasant Weather
This is one of the major reasons to do ABC trek in October. Weather during October is better than ever and it doesn’t disappoint any trekkers at all. You’ll trek on under the bright sun through the scenic trail of Annapurna Base Camp. While rambling around, you need to think once also of rainfall or snowfall. It will be just you and the heavenly Annapurna region to be watched and nothing else. Pleasant weather is what trekkers want to have around when they are trekking. Unstable weather means rainfall and that results in wet and slippery trails. So, pleasant weather is the best part of October month.
Cozy Temperature
Trekking in the chilly and lungs-touching cold is very much difficult and risky. So the trekkers want to trek on the cozy temperature as far as possible. And October lets you have it thoroughly. Any day of October you pick for ABC Trek, you’ll feel a cozy and workable temperature in the surrounding of the Annapurna region.
As discussed earlier, the higher parts of the trek are colder than the lower. You can trek and stay on those altitudes easily with layers and warm clothes on your body. The Annapurna region starts to turn into a freezing zone from December onwards until February. Don’t worry, you’ll not get such a temperature to experience in October.
Better Visibility
The view of the Annapurna region is better with the brighter sun. With bright light from the sky, the mountains of the region start to shine like white diamonds, terrains start to look more clear and greenery gets greener. There is too much difference between the days with lower visibility and higher visibility. Trekkers get relaxed and healed from the steep trek by looking at the views. What if the view you are looking at is quite dull and lightless. It’s a scenic horizon all around if the bright sun is out. Luckily, October has the brightest days of the year which arranges a clear appearance of the beautiful surroundings.
Festive Month
October is the month when two most widely celebrated and greatest festivals of Nepalese fall: Dashain and Tihar. Though these festivals are of Hindus, people from all religions celebrate equally. Whole Nepal seems to be enjoying this month and there is an amazing level of enjoyment in the air. It’s the happiest period of the year when all of the people indulge in celebration forgiving all of the ever available problems and worries of life.
If you are a trekker from a different country then October lets you be part of this country and these festivals. What would be better than strolling around heavenly Nepal and celebrating the festivals like the locals? Don’t ever think that the people will let you be part of it or not. Nepalese are the most welcoming and know how to make their guests happy.
Undisturbed Mountain Views
You know what is the saddest thing in this world. You are on the expedition to Nepal just to see towering mountains and hills of Nepal and suddenly clouds block the entire view. Well, this may not be the saddest but it’s somewhat close. But, October doesn’t let that happen to you. You’ll enjoy the mountains all day long during this month as there are no clouds to block the views. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not the same without views of Mt Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapucchre, etc. Who in the world would want to trek without the views to enjoy. Therefore, October is the ideal time for ABC or any other trek in Nepal.
Why not do Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October?
Generally, people consider it best to do Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in October. However, some of us might find this peak time a bit unfavorable due to several reasons such as:
Crowded Trail
Until your trek date, you’ll not be the only one to know that “October is the best month for doing ABC Trek”. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most favored trials in Nepal. So, there will be a lot of other people on the trail as well to ABC other than just you. And the trail may seem crowded and overly flocked by the trekkers during October to you.
We cannot say exactly how crowded the trail can be but you should always be mindful of the crowd fact during October. If you are okay with the crowd then it’s exactly a blessing rather than a problem. You get to meet and share stories of one another with people around the globe.
Trouble finding desired Accommodation
When it’s a crowded time in the Annapurna region there might be problems in getting a liked accommodation. This is the general problem which is faced by the trekkers trekking in the peak seasons like Autumn. Doing Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in October can be hectic as it is the utmost time for the Annapurna region trekking. It might make you face accommodation problems. However, there are enough teahouses(lodges) for rest around the trail of ABC Trek but not all can meet your standards. But you know everyone favors good things, so you might have nothing left but uncomfortable accommodations.
Tips for Doing Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October
Be comfortable with people around you
Yes, it’s true that October is a crowded season when people from various parts pick Annapurna Base Camp Trek to do. But, you cannot keep ABC Trek in October in hold for the sake of the crowd. Ideal trekking time like October comes once in a year only. So, what you can do is make yourself ready to acknowledge the crowd if you are not the crowd lover. It’s not bad at all to be around the people of various countries. There is another kind of excitement in exchanging wisdom and stories with strangers.
Book early
As you have known that there can be difficulties in finding the right place to rest in October in ABC trail. The only thing that can keep you on the safe side is the early booking. Make sure you book the accommodations before the start of your trek. Though it’s a tiring thing to do, it can make you sleep in a nice room later on the trek.
Hire an experienced guide
This is the solution to every problem on the trek. When you have an experienced guide along with you on the trek, you need not think of anything but trekking and exploring. He/She is the person who is at service for all of the arrangements required on the trek. From water to accommodation all will be arranged and guided by your guide.
Do a wise packing for the trek
Backpacking is one of the major decisions on the trek. The right and wise packing make you eligible to face any emergency situation. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a high altitude trek which demands adventurers to be with full essentials. From a sun hat to the trekking socks, you have to pack all of the basic things on the backpack. The trek’s trail might not be a place to buy sunscreen or bandaids.
The conditions up there in the mountains are not the same as your home. So you need clothes and equipment accordingly.
Plus, wise backpacking lowers the load on your back on the trek and increases your trekking speed without any body ache. So, make sure you check the packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek and pack accordingly. The full packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October is listed on the next subheading below.
Hire a porter if your things are heavy
A porter is a must for you if you think your backpack is going to be too heavy for you to carry. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an exciting journey for experienced ones and a hard journey for the beginners. So, if you are a beginner or you have a heavy backpack then you should hire a porter to have a relaxing and easy ABC trek. Porters charge you a certain fee per day and will carry your load throughout the ABC journey.
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- 8 Days Annapurna Sunrise Trek Itinerary
Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October
Important Documents
- A valid passport, Nepalese visa, and some extra passport size photos for some permits
- Travel Insurance document(if there is any).
- Foreign ATM cards are not supported in Nepal so carry enough cash for the trek.
- Multiple Photocopies of your Passport and Visa(You can do it in Nepal too)
Other essentials
- Trekking T-shirts
- Windcheater
- Breathable undergarments
- Windproof trousers
- Trekking shorts for warm hours
- Thermals
- Shell jackets
- Down Jacket
- Gloves
- Trekking socks
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bags
- Headscarf
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- First Aid kits
- Medicines against mountain sickness, fever, cough, diarrhea, headache, cold, etc.
- Water purification tablets
- Hand Sanitizers
- Toilet paper
- Quick-drying towels
- Multi-purpose soap
- Water Refilling bottle
- Rain gears(if rain is forecasted)
- Extra batteries
- Power bank
- Torchlight
- Books, cards, wireless speakers for time killing
