Are you looking for a thrilling and unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal? Do you want to witness the majestic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range, one of the world’s highest peaks? If yes, then you should not miss the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as ABC Trek.
ABC Trek is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Nepal. It takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region, where you can enjoy the stunning views of snow–capped peaks, misty valleys, relaxing hot springs, isolated communities, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and diverse landscapes. You will also get to explore the rich culture and traditions of the local people who live in harmony with nature.
But before you pack your bags and head to ABC Trek, you need to know some important information about the best time to visit, the difficulty level, the itinerary, and the FAQs. This guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your adventure.
Best Time to Visit ABC Trek
The best time to visit ABC Trek depends on your personal preference and weather conditions. However, there are two seasons that are generally considered ideal for trekking: post-monsoon (late September to early December) and spring (late February to April).
Post-Monsoon Season
This is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is clear, dry, and cool. The sky is blue and the visibility is excellent. The forest is green and the flowers are blooming. This is the perfect time to enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C during the day and drops to 0°C to 5°C at night.
Spring Season
This is another popular season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is warmer and wetter than post-monsoon. The rhododendron forests are in full bloom, creating a colorful contrast with the white mountains. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night. However, there are some drawbacks of trekking in this season. You may encounter leeches at lower altitudes and light snow at higher altitudes. You may also face some cloudy days and poor visibility.
When Not to Visit ABC Trek
There are two seasons that are generally considered unfavorable for trekking: monsoon (June to September) and winter (late December to early February).
Monsoon Season
This is the worst season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is hot, humid, and rainy. The trails are muddy, slippery, and prone to landslides. The visibility is poor and the mountains are hidden behind clouds. You may also face some hygiene issues due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C at night.
Winter Season
This is a challenging season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is cold, dry, and windy. The trails are covered with snow and ice. The passes are closed and the risk of avalanches is high. You need to be well-equipped and experienced to trek in this season. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C during the day and -5°C to 0°C at night.
Difficulty Level of ABC Trek
ABC Trek is a moderate–level trek that can be done by anyone with good physical fitness and stamina. It does not require any technical skills or prior experience. However, it does involve some challenges such as high altitude, steep ascents and descents, long walking hours, changing weather conditions, and basic accommodation.
The total distance of ABC Trek is about 115 km (71 miles) and it takes about 7 to 12 days to complete depending on your pace and itinerary. The highest point of ABC Trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m (13550 ft) above sea level. You need to acclimatize properly and drink plenty of water.
Itinerary of ABC Trek
There are different ways to do ABC Trek, depending on your time, budget, and preference. You can either start from Nayapul or Phedi and follow the trail along the Modi Khola River valley to reach ABC. Alternatively, you can start from Besisahar and follow the Annapurna Circuit Trek route until Chame and then take a side trip to ABC. You can also combine ABC Trek with other treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, or Khopra Danda Trek.
Here is a sample itinerary of ABC Trek starting from Nayapul:
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m/2690 ft), 6-7 hours
- Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070 m/3510 ft), 1.5 hours, and trek to Tikhedhunga (1540 m/5050 ft), 3-4 hours
- Day 3: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860 m/9380 ft), 5-6 hours
- Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill (3210 m/10530 ft) for sunrise and trek to Tadapani (2630 m/8630 ft), 6-7 hours
- Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170 m/7120 ft), 4-5 hours
- Day 6: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310 m/7570 ft), 4-5 hours
- Day 7: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3230 m/10590 ft), 3-4 hours
- Day 8: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13550 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m/12140 ft), 5-6 hours
- Day 9: Explore Annapurna Base Camp and trek back to Bamboo, 6-7 hours
- Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760 m/5770 ft), where you can enjoy the natural hot springs, for 5-6 hours
- Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, a 5-6 hours trek and 1.5 hours drive
- Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu, 6-7 hours
FAQs about ABC Trek
Here are some frequently asked questions about ABC Trek that may help you prepare for your trip:
How much does ABC Trek cost?
The cost of ABC Trek depends on various factors such as the season, the duration, the itinerary, the service level, the guide and porter fees, the permits, the transportation, the accommodation, the food, and the personal expenses. On average, you can expect to spend around $800 to $1200 per person for a 12-day ABC Trek.
What are the permits required for ABC Trek?
You need two permits for ABC Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. You can obtain these permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at some checkpoints along the trail. The ACAP permit costs NPR 3000 ($25) for foreigners and NPR 100 ($1) for SAARC nationals. The TIMS card costs NPR 2000 ($17) for foreigners and NPR 600 ($5) for SAARC nationals.
What are the essential items to pack for ABC Trek?
You need to pack wisely and lightly for ABC Trek. Here are some of the essential items that you should bring:
- A sturdy backpack with a rain cover
- A sleeping bag and a liner
- A down jacket and a fleece jacket
- A waterproof jacket and pants
- A thermal base layer and a mid-layer
- A trekking shirt and pants
- A hat, a scarf, and gloves
- A pair of hiking boots and socks
- A pair of sandals or slippers
- A headlamp and spare batteries
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A water bottle and a purification tablet
- A bunch of toiletries
