Here we are going to thoroughly discuss Annapurna base camp trek weather. Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Annapurna base camp trek route provides the most outstanding Himalayan panorama and beautiful natural sceneries. Annapurna base camp trek itinerary starts and ends in Pokhara where the trek begins/ends in Nayapul after a drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul it’s a beautiful and scenic trek all the way to Annapurna Base Camp. Altogether Annapurna base camp trek distance is around 67 kilometers. Weather and climate are crucial factors during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna base camp trek altitude is 4,130 meters where the weather is rather unpredictable. Annapurna base camp trek weather depends upon the season you trek and differs by season. Usually, nighttime is much colder than daytime. During winter (Mid-January to Mid-April) the trail will be snowbound including at Annapurna Base Camp. But such is not the case during summer (Mid-July to Mid-September).
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
– Get a glimpse of the panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna range along with other adjacent mountains.
– Explore Annapurna Base Camp with an eye-popping view of Mt. Annapurna.
– Hiking past gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers etc.
– Witness a variety of floras and faunas.
– Discover ethnic people living in the high Himalayas and their unique culture and traditions.
Annapurna base camp trek itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight (25 min) or by Bus (6-7 hours)
Day 03: Start of Trek, Pokhara to Ghandruk (1940m) [5-6 Hours], 8.6 km
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m) [4-5 Hours], 9 km
Day 05: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m) [5-6 Hours], 8.6 km
Day 06: Trek from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) [5-6 Hours], 8 km
Day 07: Trek from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) [2-3 Hours] & back to Dovan [5-6 Hours] 10 km
Day 08: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu (1760) [5-6 Hours) 7 km
Day 09: Trek from Jhinu to Nayapul to Pokhara (5-6 Hours trek, 1-hour drive) 13 km
Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 11: Transfer to airport for your onward destination
Best time to do Annapurna base camp trek
Though the trek can do done round the year the best time to do Annapurna Base Camp trek is from February till May and October till December. These months are considered the high tourist season in Nepal when travelers from around the world flock to Nepal be it for trekking or other travel activities. Besides these popular high seasons, the trek can be done in other months too as detailed below.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in January
January falls under the main winter season so the temperature falls down to freezing point. So it’s going to be very cold trekking during January. The fact that winter is no time to trek even for an experienced trekker is not true. Trekking in winter can be more fun if you are well prepared. Apart from that, the highest altitude gained in this trek is lower if you compare it to other treks like Everest Base Camp. Annapurna base camp trek altitude is 4,130 meters, the highest point on the trek. The trek is from a lower altitude gradually ascending to the higher region with your body acclimatizing to the changing weather conditions. Trekking Annapurna Base Camp in January you will see lots of snow and the least number of trekkers on the trail. During spring and autumn, Annapurna Base Camp will be crowded with trekkers. If you don’t like the crowd then choose January and you will have all the trek and the tea-houses all by yourself completely. Also, January provides clear mountain views.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek In February
Again February is the winter season in Nepal during when trekkers prefer not to hike. But still, some of the true adventure seekers have been trekking Annapurna Base Camp Trek In February. February is the off trek season in Nepal so trekking Annapurna Base Camp during this month is a peaceful hike. The trekking trails will be covered with snow and the Annapurna Base Camp itself. People knew it is cold up in the mountain during winter and it’s true, but what they don’t know about the sceneries which are more remarkable than in other dry months. It will be clear blue skies and have good mountain views. Though it will be a cold trekking experience but with better preparation and warm clothes in your backpack, the trek can be thoroughly enjoyed. Another plus point for trekking Annapurna Base Camp in February is the easy availability of accommodations and it’s also the season for bargains and discounts.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Another reason for trekking Annapurna Base Camp in December is less crowded trails, plenty of accommodation availability wherever you go (you might have to sleep in a dormitory in lodges during the sometimes during high trek season) and with clear mountain views. The average temperature level is -5 Degree Celsius in December making the trek even more demanding. It will be harder for novice trekkers but it is not impossible also. With good planning and the best equipment, the trek is easy as can be.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in November
November is the autumn season in Nepal and is the high trek season. Trekking during November you will witness clear blue skies and good mountain views. The temperature during November is moderate with unobstructed mountain views making November the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp. The days will also be bright and sunny. Since being the main trek season, the Annapurna region will be bustling with trekkers from around the globe so the atmosphere will be lively in Annapurna. Additionally, you get to witness the local culture and traditions, and the way of daily lives of the people living in the high Himalayan region during the Annapurna Base Camp trekking.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek In October
October is the middle month of the most popular trekking season in Nepal. September and November are the other popular months but to see the true color of autumn October is the most favorable month. You will meet lots of trekkers from around the globe who come to the Annapurna region and especially Annapurna Base Camp to witness it’s magical beauty and the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains. During October the whole region of Annapurna blushes in the colors of autumn. Trekking in October is the best time during when monsoon has already left and no more rain clouds, so visibility is great during October. If in September or November there might be chances of rainfall or snowfall but such is not the case in October. The average daytime temperature of the Annapurna region in October is around 20 to 25 degrees. During night and morning hours when the sun is not, an average temperature revolves around 10 to 15 degrees or even lower.
How difficult is Annapurna base camp trek?
Annapurna base camp trek difficulty falls under moderate graded trekking. Anyone with sound physical fitness and also with no previous trekking experience can accomplish this trek. The total Annapurna base camp trek distance is around 115 km. This means you have to cover at least 10 to 20 km each day. This can be difficult especially for the first-time trekkers since the walk is on the high mountain trails ascending up and descending down as per route. But with better pre-planning like walking, running a month or two before your trek starts, anyone can do this trek. Annapurna base camp trek duration is 11 to 14 days as per the route taken which can be can be lengthened or shortened by altering the itinerary. Trekking the Annapurna Base Camp requires 5-6 hours of walking each day. Annapurna base camp trekking route does have steep ups and downs every once in a while. So Annapurna base camp trek difficulty level can be extreme for non-experienced trekkers.
Is Annapurna base camp trek safe?
The answer is ‘Yes’. The only thing risky to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is the avalanches. But the avalanche area is only for 2 days in the Annapurna Base Camp route. The risk zone area is only from Hinku Cave to Machhapuchhare Base Camp and all the other sections of the route are totally safe. But with certain precautions taken this can be avoided. During the time of the avalanche, locals will open another route that is totally safe from avalanches.
Another important thing trekkers have to deal with during trekking in the Himalayas is the altitude. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a high-altitude trek where you go above 4,000 meters. High altitude can be a major problem for those who aren’t comfortable with higher altitudes. They can get high altitude sickness if no precaution is taken beforehand. The trick is to walk slowly at a gentle pace, get enough fluids to avoid dehydration to win over altitude sickness.
Conclusion
You should take into account that weather is the major factor while trekking in the Himalayas which can make or break your whole trekking trip. So, it is very important to plan at the right time. This article surely had helped you to get some ideas about Annapurna base camp trek weather. Also, plan for your trek to Annapurna Base Camp at the right time of the year. In conclusion, at whichever time of the year you do the trek you need to prepare for the trek properly. You need to be fully prepared to face any weather and climate condition which may occur in this region.
