ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP – A COMPLETE GUIDE
Situated in the lap of Nepal and guarded by the great Himalayas, Annapurna Base Camp is a must-do-once-in-life trek. Famous for its snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, meadows and a huge variety of flora and fauna, Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most dangerous but most travelled destinations.
Rated as one of the best and must-do treks, Annapurna Base Camp is a major highlight in an avid trekker’s career.
The trek is 115 km long and it’ll take you 10 to 15 days to cover the entire distance. You’ll be spending 3 to 5 days on high altitude and feel like walking on the clouds and talking to the sky.
The untouched natural beauty, magnificent landscapes, even-odd pathways and beautiful stream will mesmerize you, making this trip an unforgettable one.
Quick facts-
Region- Nepal
Maximum Altitude- 13,550 feet (4,130 m)
Basepoint- Pokhra and Nayapul
Distance to be covered- 35 km (from Pokhra to Annapurna Base Camp)
115 km ( from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp)
Time Taken- 10 to 15 days (depends on your pace)
Nearest Airport- Kathmandu
Nearest Railway Station- Kathmandu
Who can go trekking for Annapurna Base Camp-
Keep this thing in mind that the Annapurna Base Camp is not for first-timers. It is located at an elevation of 13,550 feet (4,130 m) and is 115 km long from Nayapul. Not everyone can do this trek. If you have gone for trekking before and can walk for 10-12 km in a day, this trek can be done by you. But heart-related patients must not do this trek.
The level of Annapurna Base Camp is very difficult and what makes it difficult is unpredictable climatic conditions, heavy rainfalls and high fatality rate. You need to be physically and medically fit to do this trek.
Best time to do Annapurna Base Camp-
Annapurna Base Camp welcomes you whenever you want to come. But the best time that is considered to do this trek is during the shoulder seasons- Pre Monsoon and Post Monsoon.
In Pre Monsoon, there is a less chance of rain and in Post Monsoon, snow doesn’t start to fall. So there are less chances of land sliding, trails blockage and unbearable cold.
How to get there-
Both Pokhra and Nayapul are the beginning point of the Annapurna Base Camp.
To reach Nayapul, you need to get on local transportation (bus) or hire a taxi from Kathmandu, which is well connected with all the major cities of India by Air, Train and Road.
Pokhra is at a distance of 45 km from Nayapul. You will easily get a bus or cab from Nayapul.
If you have your own vehicle, directly reach Nayapul.
The distance from Pokhra to Annapurna Base Camp is of 37 km and from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp is of 115 km.
Things to carry-
- Hiking shoes- Water-resistant and light weighed
- Sneakers and Slippers- As an extra
- Socks and gloves (2-3 pair)
- Down jacket, Fleece jacket
- Hiking pants, bottom pants and t-shirts- Warm and comfortable
- Backpack- with all necessary belongings
- Munching items like chips, chikki and packed food (dry fruits, chocolates) which lasts for at least two weeks
- Water bottles
- Plastic bag- To keep the wastage and store your dirty laundry
- Sleeping bag or tent- You can borrow these items from Nayapul
- Trekking poles- Must bring
- Camera- To capture the beauty of the Annapurna Base Camp
- Powerbank
- Torch- with extra batteries
- First aid kit (including band-aids)
- Water purification tablets- The water that you’ll get on the height is not purified
- Body wipes and hand wipes
- Cash- it’s most important, as you won’t get any ATM on the hill
Advisory-
- Make no fun of the local traditions, cultures and religious status. Respect them
- Drink no alcohol- You need to be energetic and alcohol dehydrates your body.
- Follow your group leader’s instructions and remain close with your group members. Inform somebody in your group if you need to change your path.
- If you’re travelling solo, be aware all the time. And whenever you get to network, call your family
- Don’t walk on any unknown path. You might get lost and couldn’t find the way back
