Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

If you’re planning to visit the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) or any other treks in Nepal, it’s important to understand the trek’s difficulty level first. In this article we will discuss in detail about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty.

Before we discuss the ABC Trek difficulty, let’s look at its location and what you can experience along the way. Learning about these things will help you plan this adventure and raise your excitement, no matter how challenging it may be.

So, the Annapurna Region is among Nepal’s most commercialised regions when it comes to trekking or any kind of outdoor recreational activities. And trekking to the ABC is one of the popular journeys from the region, offering close views of the peaks in the Annapurna Range, such as:

• Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545.28 ft)
• Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail, 6,993 m/22,942.91 ft)
• Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,131.89 ft)
• Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684.38 ft)
• Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,786.75 ft)
• Annapurna IV (7,525 m/24,688.32 ft)
• Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,458.66 ft), and others

The trek is situated in the Kaski District of Gandaki Province in western Nepal. Besides all these peaks stated above, you’ll also enjoy the Modi River and the Modi Waterfalls along the trail during the trip. The Modi Waterfall is a spot where most trekkers take a break for a photo session.

The entire trail is inhabited by the Gurung community. They’re one of the friendly ethnic groups of the country, and they’ve their own language and customs. You can also learn about their culture during the trek if you’re interested in learning about different cultures and lifestyles that are away from your place.

So, these were some of the basic things about this adventure that you should be aware of before you leave your comfort zone. Now, let’s get to our main topic, which is its difficulty level.

Take time and read the blog thoroughly. You’ll discover how hard the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is and other important details regarding this journey today.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty: How Challenging Is It

The difficulty of ABC Trekking is considered moderate. It’s suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners, as the route isn’t technically demanding and can generally be completed in just four days.

You don’t need to take advanced training to conclude this trek successfully. Nevertheless, elevation is something to be concerned about. Even though the trail is safe and easy, the altitude gain during your journey might put you in trouble if your carelessness is at its worst.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude: How High Is It

In terms of altitude, the typical starting point of the trek is Jhinu at 1,760 m (5,774 ft). From there, you’ll begin to gain height gradually and go through several places before making it to the Annapurna Base Camp, rising to 4,130 m (13,549.87 ft). These places are as follows:

• Chhomrong (2,170 m/7,120ft)
• Lower Sinuwa (2,260m/7,413.9 ft).
• Upper Sinuwa (2,500 m/8,202.1 ft)
• Bamboo (2,310 m/7,579 ft)
• Dovan (2,600 m/8,530.184 ft)
• Himalaya
• Deurali (3,230 m/10,598 ft)
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700 m/12,139 ft)

So, now, you’ve learned the elevation you’ll gain during this trek. For an experienced hiker, these heights might not be a big deal. However, if you’re a first-timer, residing at sea level, and don’t use caution while ascending, then you are more likely to get into trouble.

In such a case, you may feel the trek challenging, although it’s moderate. Therefore, no playing around with altitude; instead, take it seriously.

Why Is The ABC Trek Considered Moderate

You’ve already learned what are the factors that make the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp difficult, despite the fact that it’s an easy trek, let’s learn why it is considered moderate, and there are several factors behind it. The major factors affecting the difficulty are:

Trekking Trail

As we already discussed, the trail isn’t technically demanding, as there’s no single scary part you’ll have to pass through. Almost 85% of the route consists of stone stairs built by the local community.

Moreover, you’ll follow the same trail back to the starting point. You don’t need to hike an alternate path to complete this trip.

You will encounter the difficult section only twice in an entire trip. You’ll have to go through that part on your first and last day. It is from Chhomrong to Sinuwa.

The trail isn’t tough to walk. However, it makes you tired easily because you need to go all down from Chhomrong first and again ascend straight to Sinuwa. The same moment comes back to you on your last day, while returning.

Duration

This is also what we’ve already discussed above. You can easily complete the ABC Trek in four days, and hiking for such a short duration on a safe trail is normally considered an easy journey.

Distance

Speaking of the total distance of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it covers around 110 km (68 mi). It is much less compared to other challenging adventures, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, etc.

During this trek, you need to hike for an average of six hours every day, covering 10 km (6.21 mi) to 18 km (11.18 mi). For an individual with good physical condition, it’s normal to walk for such a duration daily on a trek.

Accommodation

It’s one of the most popular treks in the country. Hence, there are plenty of hotels and tea houses along the way. Each of these hotels is equipped with modern amenities, such as electricity, hot showers, and internet.

For using a hot shower and the internet, you will need to pay a small amount separately. They also made available a variety of food options on the menu, both local and Western cuisines. So, you can order food of your choice.

During peak trekking season (spring and autumn), the trail gets crowded by tourists, making it difficult to find a room at the hotel for an overnight stay. In such circumstances, you’ll need to do early booking, and for that, you don’t need to worry.

Under the Nepal government law, solo trekking is prohibited. You must go through a local trekking agency, and they arrange everything for you on time.

Altitude Sickness Risk At Annapurna Base Camp

By now, you already know the exact height of the ABC, which is 4,130 m (13,549.87 ft). Though the trail that leads to this heavenly place isn’t that extremely hard, the elevation makes a difference here sometimes, especially if you’re trekking in Nepal’s Himalaya for the first time and live at sea level.

Cases of high-altitude sickness haven’t been found in large numbers on this trek yet. However, even if only a few have suffered so far, we shouldn’t take the matter lightly. It can happen at any time to anyone, even experienced hikers can get sick at such heights.

Overall, the risk of altitude sickness is not that high on this adventure. Nevertheless, we should always use caution.

It doesn’t matter whether the trek is moderate or challenging. If you aren’t careful enough while ascending, the outcome will be something unwanted for sure.

What Is The Best Method For Preventing Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness doesn’t care about your age, experience, or fitness level. It can happen to anyone if we aren’t careful. We can’t completely stop it from happening to us during the ABC Trek.

Anyway, we can at least minimise the chance of it occurring. Also, as stated earlier, the risk of altitude sickness is somewhat low on this trek. However, whether the risk is high or low, it’d be wise to apply the best methods for preventing it from happening.

Here are some of the best methods for preventing altitude sickness during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, in short:

• Don’t rush while ascending. A gradual ascent is all you need. You should give your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen level or air pressure.
• Take enough short breaks of at least 7 to 8 minutes while hiking.
• Once you reach above 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft), which is Deurali and MBC on this trek, don’t try to go directly to the ABC. You'd better spend a night in either of these places in order to acclimate your body properly.
• Don’t let your body go dehydrated. Drink as much water as you can, at least 3 to 4 litres a day. Also, eat foods that contain a high amount of water, such as apples and cucumbers.
• Eat foods high in carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, potatoes, pulses, and bread.
• Avoid overfried, oily, and non-vegetarian foods in your meal. Also, avoid cigarettes, coffee, and alcohol.
• If you aren’t a daily workout person, consider doing exercise for an hour every day, such as stretching, running, push-ups, pull-ups, planks, and squatting, for at least a month before your trekking date.
• Try listening to your body. Don’t push it to the limit. If you feel like you aren’t doing well, then inform your guide immediately.
• Buy acetazolamide (the best medicine for altitude sickness) under the prescription of a doctor. It’s available in any pharmacy under the brand name Diamox. Also, take a piece of garlic every morning, before you leave the hotel to continue your hiking, as it also helps you fight altitude sickness.

Best Season To Do The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The season also defines the difficulty level of the ABC Trek. Just because the trek is moderately challenging, it doesn’t mean that you’ll feel easy completing this journey at any time of the year.

Two seasons are always considered the best times for trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp or anywhere. They are spring and autumn. In terms of months, March, April, and May fall in spring, while September, October, and November fall in autumn.

In case you’re wondering why only these two are suitable seasons for trekking, and why not winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August). Several factors make spring and autumn the best seasons, and they are listed below:

Spring

• Blooming wild flowers bring back life to the trail by giving a colourful effect.
• Skies are often clear, allowing you to enjoy the mountain views.
• Days are longer, making your journey flexible.
• Chance to experience the local festivals, such as Holi (the festival of colours), Nepali New Year, and Buddha Jayanti (the lord Buddha’s birthday).

Autumn

• No dust and haze due to the monsoon rain.
• Trails are dry with very few chances of rainfall.
• Mild temperatures with warm days and cold nights (but manageable).
• Chance to celebrate Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, with locals along the trail.

Is The Annapurna Base Camp Trek Suitable For Beginners

The ABC Trek is one of the best treks for beginners in Nepal, which isn’t extremely challenging, but merely moderate. In just five days, this journey can be completed. You don’t even need previous trekking experience to enjoy this trek.

However, you need to take the altitude of the trek seriously. The base camp is at 4,130 m (13,549.87 ft), which is high for those residing near sea level. Nevertheless, due to the easy trail and availability of accommodations along the way, this adventure is comparatively more suitable for first-timers than the Annapurna Round Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Upper Dolpa Trek, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

It generally takes five days to complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Being said so the itinerary can be customized depending upon your preferences and walking pace so the ABC trek can be completed within 4-7 days.

Do I need prior trekking experience for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Since the difficulty level of the ABC Trek is moderate, you don’t exactly need any prior trekking experience. However, it’d be much better if you already have some trekking experience. If not, you should at least be fully prepared by engaging in some physical exercises, such as stretching, running, and squatting, as well as mental exercises like meditation for at least an hour every day.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

You’re required to obtain two different permits for the ABC Trek. They are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.

What is the maximum altitude on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The maximum altitude on the ABC Trek is 4,130 m (13,549.87 ft), which is the base camp.

What type of accommodation is available on the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route?

Tea houses, lodges, and hotels are available on the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route. They all offer you basic rooms with a bed and a shared bathroom. Also, they’re all equipped with modern amenities: hot showers, electricity, and internet, as well as a variety of food options on the menu, including local and Western cuisines.

How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost?

Our inclusive Annapurna Base Camp Trek package costs USD 500 to 1,000 per person. It also varies depending on the duration and service.

What is the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp?

There are two seasons known as the best time for trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp. They are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).