Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is a famous trek in Nepal. It takes you through many different landscapes, from green valleys to the high Thorong Pass, with the beautiful Annapurna mountains always nearby. There are many lodges and clear trails, making it easy for both solo hikers and guided groups. It is also a great option for experienced trekkers on a budget because of low permit fees and no need for a guide. Every year, the Annapurna Base Camp trek draws the attention of thousands of trekkers from across the globe and is considered to be one of the most famous regions in Nepal to trek in. It is situated at 4130 meters and serves as a gateway to Mt. Annapurna, the 10th highest peak in the world. This iconic trek offers you an unforgettable journey through the Annapurna Sanctuary where you walk through trails surrounded by towering peaks.
The ABC trek offers you a perfect blend of nature and culture where you traverse through lush rhododendron forests, and picturesque villages along with the vibrant culture of Gurungs, and Thakali locals. You will accommodate yourself in charming villages and get the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and culture. We will visit Buddhist shrines and experience the warmth of their hospitality which offers you deep insights into the richness of Nepali culture.
We start the trek as we hop on a bus for the scenic route from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We start our trek from Pokhara and walk our way through Hile following the Modi river. We will traverse through dense forests of rhododendrons and bamboo and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As we move ourselves higher the vegetation thins and we will be exposed to the naked beauty of nature. This trek is perfect for both new and experienced trekkers as it offers trekkers a chance to challenge themselves physically while revealing the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Whether it's witnessing the sunrise from Poon Hill or soaking in the hot springs of Jhinu, every moment you create in this trek will be lifelong memories.
Ideal Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The prime seasons depend on your preference of climate and temperature but the two most preferred ones are spring( March to May) and autumn( September to November). With each season having its unique advantages and drawbacks, we would like you to choose the one that suits you best.
Spring gifts trekkers with warm weather and vibrant blossoms. That warm weather will help you adjust altitude faster but it comes with a chance of rainfall and snowfall at higher altitudes. On the other hand, autumn offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for every trekker. But it comes with larger crowds due to festivals and peak hiking season. Based on this information we would like you to decide the one for you.
Arrival and Visa Procedures
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll swiftly proceed to obtain your visa. Airport staff will be at your assistance for the whole procedure. We advise you to carry cash for a visa which will ensure a smooth transaction. After you acquire a visa, our Red Rose team will warmly welcome you to Nepal and transfer you to your comfortable hotel where you can rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
Difficulty of the Trek
Even though the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is beginner-friendly, it presents significant physical and mental challenges. The altitude reaches up to 4130 meters hence a good level of physical fitness is essential. The trail being one of the most demanding ones is well maintained. We suggest you be well prepared for steep ascents, diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather conditions (in the off-season).
Food and Accommodations
Red Rose ensures that you enjoy nutritious, healthy meals and stay in comfortable accommodation given any place. The guest houses in the lower altitude will provide you with most of the facilities but as we ascend higher things might not be the same. The guest houses at higher altitudes offer only basic facilities like simple bedding and common bathrooms. This provides you ample time to immerse yourself in the local culture and nature.
These guesthouses are run by local families where you will be served wholesome traditional meals like dal bhat and fresh seasonal vegetables which will aid in the acclimatization process.
Dealing with Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a potential risk with an elevation exceeding more than 3000 meters. The symptoms of Altitude Sickness can be a headache, fatigue, vomiting and nausea. We advise you to take things easy and report if you feel any difficulty. Our experienced guides are well-trained to handle these situations. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, we suggest you follow a few tips like staying hydrated, taking enough rest and taking things slowly.
Personal Expenses on the Trek
Organising your trek with guides and porters sounds very expensive, but is a very affordable way of trekking. We found the route easy to follow, and it is reasonably well-marked. If you are not an experienced trekker or are walking alone, a guide is a good idea. If you do not want to carry your pack, hire a porter. Many solo trekkers hire a guide as a company. You can be a group sharing one guide and more than one person can share a porter if you carry some of your gear, bringing this total price down significantly.
Safety Measures During the Trek
Your safety will remain our priority throughout the trek. Our expert guides are well-trained to handle situations. We advise you to interact with them if you feel any discomfort in your body. In case of emergencies, our guides will arrange for evacuation to the nearest healthcare facilities or if necessary, Helicopter evacuation services can be arranged. The associated expenses will be handled by your insurance in your home country.
A Typical Day on the Trek
Each day on the trek will start early with a captivating sunrise view over the mountain range followed by a warm delicious breakfast. After breakfast, we embark on our hike which will take about 5-7 hours. We will traverse through lush rhododendron forests, diverse landscapes, and picturesque villages, enjoying the breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. Upon reaching our destination, we will get the opportunity to interact with locals, learn their culture and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner before we rest for the night.
Electricity, Wi-Fi and ATM Facilities
This trek will take you through remote regions of the Annapurna region which will greet you with the naked beauty of nature. The guest houses at the lower altitude will offer you electricity and even a Wi-Fi facility on a nominal charge but as we ascend higher things might be different. We suggest you enjoy this dynamic of life and embrace this as an opportunity to immerse in nature.
About the ATM, we suggest you carry enough cash with you and exchange cash in Kathmandu beforehand as the ATM might not be available during the trek.
Different ABC Routes
We can start our ABC trek from different places. If you want to do the ABC trek as a separate trek without going to other routes then you can start from Kande and finish your trek in Ghandruk or the way around. But you can also combine other routes with ABC like the Poon Hill trek.
Another popular option is to combine the ABC Trek with the famous Mardi Himal Trek. We will start our trek from Kande and walk to Landruk or a jeep ride to Siding. From both places, we will first go to Mardi Himal Base Camp and down to Landruk again. From that, we will continue our regular ABC trek.
If you want to do the circuit trek then you can combine the Annapurna circuit trek with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
This trek will take about two weeks to complete the circuit and 6 more days to finish the ABC trek, so in total around three weeks to finish the trek.
