To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles. If you love thrilling and want to experience breathtaking trekking destination, then Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most admired journey that one can witnesses the endless beauty of the Annapurna region.

ABC trek holds several treasures for the mountain lover. Along with distinct views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, the trek offers a variety of vegetation. Likewise, during the trek your encounter with the local people and their authentic food will add a golden memory. Here is some most common question that trekkers might be curious about.

1. How long does it take to reach Annapurna base camp?
2. How do you get to Annapurna Base Camp?
3. What is the best time to do Annapurna Base Camp trek?
4. How difficult is Annapurna?
5. Do you need a permit to trek in Annapurna Base Camp?
6. How much does it cost for Annapurna Base Camp?
7. Which is harder Everest base camp or Annapurna?
8. Why is Annapurna base camp popular?
9. What mountains can you see from Annapurna base camp?
10. Do you need local guide during the Annapurna Base Camp?

In the below pages, we will answer your question and queries.

1. How long does it take to reach Annapurna base camp?

Before travelling you must be aware about the altitude sickness, duration, accommodation and make sure to have a proper plan to reach the destination. The camp is about 67 km long and you need to do the trek in 9 days to and from Pokhara. The hikes began from Kimche, goes via Dovan to reach ABC in five days. Every trekkers need up to 8 hours a day and at altitudes over 4000 meters at times. Thus, you need to be aware of altitude sickness as well.

2. How do you get to Annapurna Base Camp?

Among other treks Annapurna Base Camp is probably the best legendary and classical treks in the world. The trek offers breathe stopping Mountain View, give opportunity to experience the typical Nepali village, local people and their way of living traditional life in Himalaya of Nepal. The journey starts from Pokhara and on your first day you have to reach Nayapul by vehicles.

After that you have to walk to reach beautiful Ghandruk village. And for the second day you have to travel towards Sinuwa. That is 2310m far from the Village and it needs around 6-7 hours hike. On that day you will experience
gradually upwards trail.

On you third day you will reach Deurali at the altitude of 3230m. That day you have to walk 6 to 7 hours. Above Deurali you will experience the valley widens and becomes less steep. Passing through the hotels and sticking to the west bank of the Modi River you will enter an open valley near Machhapuchhre Base Camp on your fourth day.

Credit: kimkim

Your journey from Machhapuchhre base camp to Annapurna Base Camp will be one of the best and unforgettable treks ever in your life. On that fifth day you might feel tremendous change in your leg and lungs. That day you will reach at the top of point of your trek, thus it needs you to rest one night.

On your sixth day, you have to walk around 6-7 hours to reach Bamboo. And after that you will reach Dovan via MBC, Deurali and Himalaya. Through the narrow jungle walk to Sinuwa then you have to head down to Chhumrung Khola on your seventh day.

After crossing the up and down staircases of Chhomrong, you have to continue your journey to Jhinu Danda. On that eight day you can take a 20- minute walk down to a hot spring by the Modi Khola. On the final day you have to reach Pokhara where you started your trek.

3. What is the best time to go on Annapurna Base Camp trek?

As we know that the peak trekking season is spring and autumn. For the Annapurna Base Camp the best time is either April - May (spring) or October - November (autumn). Both of the season are considered to be pre-monsoon and before winter respectively.

The monsoon has cleared the air, and dust-free trails. At that time the weather is mildly hot during the day while hiking and cold at night depending on the altitude. Because of the altitude the trekker might feel cold so prepare for cold days and even colder nights.

4. How difficult is Annapurna?

Because of the fairly challenging, numerous river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges Annapurna base camp are not considered to be a difficult trek. The trek is varied trails that can be rocky, steep or slippery.

Similarly, the trek might find difficulty on stairways as compare to walking on straight paths. The trail is very adventurous and the key factors of the trek are to walk slow and steadily. Thus, the Annapurna circuit is regarded to be a moderate trek.

Credit: intrepid

5. Do you need a permit to trek in Annapurna Base Camp?

Usually, everyone needs a permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Range. There are two permits that you will need one is TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) card and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation are permit).

You can get those permits in the Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu, and also at Pokhara or in Nayapul. If you book with trekking agency then it will be easier for you.

6. How much does it cost for Annapurna Base Camp?

The diverse landscape, culture complete with rich mountain vistas, terraced fields, quaint Gurung and a wide variety of flora and fauna Annapurna Base Camp is not the most expensive trek in Nepal. More than thousand people travels per years.

The traveler includes domestic as well as international tourist. For the Annapurna trek per person it takes around at least Rs. 1,350 per day with basic food and accommodation. However, the cost will be Rs. 2,250 on the day you are in Gorakshep. Meanwhile for Indian the fee is NPR 1,000 and NPR 4,000 for International trekkers. The fee includes National Trust for Nature conservation and for registering with the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS).

7. Which is harder Everest base camp or Annapurna?

Both Annapurna Base Camp, as well as Everest Base Camp are above 4000, high and lie in the Himalayan
region of Nepal. Whereas comparing to both circuits Annapurna Trek has fewer steep climbs and the average altitude is much lower. Similarly, Annapurna has less than half the number of trekking days as the Everest Base Camp trek.

Thus, we can say that the Annapurna Circuit the less strenuous of the two treks. Good thing is that both of them have pretty good mobile phone reception and 3G connectivity.

8. Why is Annapurna base camp popular?

Beautiful Trek allows your body to get adapted and acclimatized with high altitude. Its trail entails meandering past rural villages with a jaw-dropping backdrop. Through the trekking you may experience a diverse flora and fauna in its vicinity.

The landscape with different vegetation is quite interesting to experience. During the trip you will encounter the group of rich culture and pristine natural beauty.

9. What mountains can you see from Annapurna base camp?

During the travelling and trekking you will see some great mountain views of mountains, hills and lush jungle. The Annapurna Circuits includes the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda.

10. Do you need local guide during the Annapurna Base Camp?

Although its completely up to you whether you hire a guide or not, a guide is not required from the Annapurna Base Camp. However, if you hired someone then it will be very easy and safe to do. If you are planning to hire someone then wait until you are in Nepal. 

If you want to explore the Annapurna region with a guide who has an indepth knowledge of the Annapurna region, do connect with us!