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Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekkers should know about the best time for Everest Base Camp Trek to experience the best of it. Everest Base Camp trek is the high altitude trekking that includes the grandest walk. The Kalapatthar is the final destination of the trip at an altitude of 5550m whereas the base camp itself lies at 5380m /17,600 ft above sea level. Since the entire trail runs at a high elevation, we rarely find warm temperatures in the Everest region trek. Likewise, we experience a dramatic variance in the timing of snowfall, temperatures, and precipitation throughout the year in the Everest region. Therefore, the proper trekking plan in the proper season would be a wise idea to conquer your wonderful trekking journey to Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trekking
Everest Base Camp Trekking Thogla Pass

Winter

Winter falls between December to February. Although hiking during winter is said to be an off-season trek, it is not a bad time to trek to the EBC. During winter, the temperatures are extremely cold. Since the Everest base camp trek is popular among all interested travel enthusiasts, the traffic is high during peak seasons. One should choose the winter season for the EBC trek to avoid crowds.

It is not favorable and justifiable to tell you that winter is off-season. Because during this time, you will get crystal clear views of mountains. Besides this, you will not face the crowd of trekkers en route which provides you a better chance to enjoy each moment.

The only concern of Winter is dealing with the coldness and low temperatures. If you are planning a trip to Everest base camp, you must be prepared for the cold. Usually, the temperature falls below -10°C at night but the temperature during the day is warmer because of the appearance of the Sun. To avoid the risk of coldness and keep your body warmer during the night, you must make sure to prepare the essential gear accordingly. Despite the clear skies, the occasion rainfall in the lower reason brings heavy snowfall in the mountain areas. It might create a terrible situation in the upper sections of the Everest Base Camp trail with a disrupted path with snow piling.

Spring

Alike the other mountain destinations, Spring is the best season for trekking to EBC. Months from March to May fall in this season. This is a very popular season among trekking lovers in Nepal. During this time, the temperature and the weather tend to be stable. Approximately, the temperature ranges from 5 degrees to 20 degrees during the spring. It is at the same time, the rhododendron starts to blossom. Walking on the beautiful trail with the scenic view of pink and red rhododendron flowers will make your journey more enjoyable. This is also the best time for climbing toward the summit. In addition to this, you can observe and experience the great Nepali Festivals which fall during Spring i.e. Holi in March and Nepali New year in April. Therefore, Spring is always favorable for the mountain lover.

As you have sunny weather during spring, you can carry out light clothes during the season. However, you must consult with the operator about the essential gear before setting up for the trek. Also, ensure the quality and comfort of your backpack.

Summer

As the Summer heats the overall temperature, the trail to the Everest Base Camp also becomes warmer during the season. The weather is humid, the skies are cloudy, and occasional rain results in a rapid change in weather conditions. Therefore, the Everest region records wet time in the summer and it brings heavy moisture with typical climatic conditions. Since the monsoon brings frequent rain and clouds, it is not the best time for trekking in the Everest region. The clouds and frequently changing weather spoils the view of beautiful mountains and Himalayan ranges. Besides that, landslides are a real threat during the monsoon season in Nepal. Therefore, there would be no people or fewer people on the trekking trail.

Autumn

Autumn which falls between September to November, is the best trekking season among the four. During this time, the temperature remains relatively stable, the skies are clear and the weather conditions are favorable. Since this is the most popular and weather-friendly time for trekking in Nepali Himalayas, the crowds are at their peak. The consistent views of the mountains are the major factor to attract more people to the Everest Base Camp tour.

In Nepal, the monsoon sometimes delays and remains till September resulting in the cancellation of mountain flights. The cloudy weather may cause more issues with getting in and out of the mountains. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Nepal in September in the Himalayas, having some extra time in your schedule will help to conquer the trek. The temperatures are usually warmer in September. Along with this, the lush and green landscapes add beauty to the trail while you are walking in the lower parts of the EBC trail.

In October and November, the monsoon is already over and it offers clear views of the skies. Therefore, October is one of the busiest months on the trail. It is quite comfortable to trek at this time since the temperatures have not dropped down during this month.

Final Thoughts about the Best time for Everest Base Camp Trek

In addition to the natural beauty of the lush green forest, you can observe and enjoy two major festivals in Nepal in Autumn. Dashain is the greatest festival of all and Tihar is the second greatest festival in Nepal. Dashain falls in October and Tihar falls in November. Therefore, if you want to celebrate those greatest festivals with them, you have to inform your company beforehand with enough schedule. Oriental Journeys is always there for managing your trip with full fun and enjoyment.

Although Autumn and Spring are the best trekking season for EBC, we can either do the trek in EBC during the winter season too if you take care of a few things like fluctuating and decreasing temperature and coldness. However, Oriental Journeys always recommend traveling during Autumn and Spring since this is the best time for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas with warm and stable temperatures.

Alternatively, the trekkers can do the trek in the rain shadow area at this time. The trek to the lower and Upper Mustang areas provides an incredible experience when there is a rainy season in the other parts of Nepal. Similarly, the Nar Phu valley trek is another attractive destination of the Annapurna region. Besides this, if the time is suitable, you can observe the Yarthung Horse Festival in Manang which usually takes place in June. The trekkers who love to go for more adventure can choose the Dolpo Trekking of western Nepal for the summer season. Alike the Upper Mustang and the Nar Phu area, the Dolpo region also falls under the rainshadow area of the high Himalayas.

Best time to visit Chitwan

Best time to visit the Chitwan National Park

Best time for Birding – Migration

September to November and February to April are the best time to visit Chitwan National Park for Birding. Since the seasons are a favorable time for bird migration. Several species of birds migrate to the wetlands of the national park from different parts of the world. Study shows that almost 550 species of birds occur in Chitwan.

Most of the trips to Chitwan National Park, either Jungle safari or birding, runs from late September to May. It helps visitors to avoid the monsoon rains. The monsoon continues in Nepal from mid-June and mid-September. Nepal receives 80 % of the total rainfall during the monsoon months.

We can consider October to early March as the best time to visit Chitwan at a pleasant temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius. Visitors who can tolerate the temperature can visit the area between April and May. It is the end of the dry season and most of the wildlife gathers at waterholes. You have to expect meltingly hot temperatures in the mid 40°Cs during this time.

Relative to other months, January is the coldest month. It is freezing during the night. Morning and nights are more humid. The air is more humid from the end of November to the beginning of the monsoon. However, you can expect clear skies with good visibility in the winter months of November – January. But, the atmosphere around the Chitwan National Park is hazier during other times of the year. It is due to the industries near the Chitwan District.

Best time to visit Chitwan – Weather

The weather is around the year suitable to visit the Chitwan National park. However, the rainy season highly affects the lowers plains of Nepal including Chitwan National Park. The risen water level in rivers, and flooding cause problems during the monsoon time. It causes many resorts to shut down during the rainy season. The hotter dry season is attractive to enjoy the safari on a wonderful Jeep ride. People visit Chitwan throughout the year. However, February to Mid June and September to December are the best time to go for Chitwan Jungle Safari. Compared to Kathmandu and Pokhara, Chitwan lies at a lower altitude and has a warm temperature during the wintertime.

Activities to do

The Chitwan Wildlife tour is popular among nature-loving travelers. Nature Walk, Local Tharu culture, and a Jeep Safari ride to spot the wild animals are the major activities to perform during your visit to Chitwan. Visitors can choose our 2 Nights & 3 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari standard package to enjoy Chitwan in short. Besides that our tailor-made holiday trip can be customized to explore the national park in deep for a week or more. The keen naturalist, birder takes a longer break in the park. The major to do activities during Chitwan Visit includes the following activities :

  • Jungle Safari
  • Jeep Safari
  • Nature Walk
  • Enjoy the Tharu Cultural performances
  • Taste the local cuisines
  • Thrilling Dugout Canoe ride
  • Capture the Elephants bathing
  • Opportunity to encounter the One-horned Rhino in the middle of town during the night

Besides that, there are many places to visit during the Chitwan Tour. Some of the attractive places are a bit far from the Chitwan National park. However, the places are worth visiting.

Things to do in Chitwan National Park

Chitwan is one of the best family destinations in Nepal. Visit with the couple and bring the children. Our Tailor-made family holidays introduce children of all ages to the wonders of Nepal. The Wildlife of the Chitwan National Park and its wonderful highlight amaze visitors of all age groups. You can ride a canoe deep into the jungle, shoot the exotic birds, and take a jeep safari on the lookout for tigers. Encounter the one-horned rhino, deers, and mischievous monkeys.

Chitwan National Park is a paradise of colorful birds. An experienced and local naturalist guide accompanies your group and will keep little ones excited and engaged. Take a birdwatching safari. These are often an optional extra while in Chitwan, but you don’t have to be a 24/7 twitcher to enjoy them – Chitwan’s birds, in all their feathery diversity, win over anyone. By the river, look out for storks, kingfishers, and fish eagles and in the grasslands and forest spot parakeets, woodpeckers, and beautiful peacocks.

Walk. Chitwan is one of the only places in the world where you can see tigers while on foot (that’s you on foot, not just the tigers). It might seem dangerous to take a walking safari in tiger territory, but they are a safe and immersive way to see wildlife, with no rattling jeep engine and only footprints left behind. Two guides accompany each group, one in front and one behind, armed with stout sticks. As they’re local and know the park intimately, they are experts at finding wildlife.

Things not to do in Chitwan National Park

Since Oriental Journeys practices Responsible Travel, we strongly discourage visitors to join an elephant safari. There is no question that these rides provide useful conservation revenue for the park but our operational guidelines restrict it. The captive elephants present one of the biggest threats to the remaining populations of endangered Asian elephants. The Chaining process undergoes a horrific step to tame the elephants. It crushes their spirit. However, we can not deny the contribution of the Elephant breeding center in conserving and increasing the population of elephants in Nepa. Besides that there are several more activities to enjoy the charm of Chitwan with Jeep safaris, walking safaris, boat, and canoe trips. These are more ethical ways to enjoy your tour in Chitwan National Park territory.

Spotting tigers is not easy in Chitwan, but several groups spot it during Jeep Safari Drive. Don’t come purely for the tigers. Sightseeing is much more frequent in Chitwan. The fearsome reputation of the tigers prefers them to hide in the high elephant grass instead of taking a walk in plain sight. Hence it is not easy to see them. Travelers who are determined to see the tigers during their Chitwan tour are requested to join our wildlife-watching holiday. It lets you explore the National Park more deeply for a week or even longer time.

Another Related post

  1. Chitwan Fast Facts
  2. Places to visit in and around Chitwan
  3. Nepal Highlights Tour

Final Thoughts on the best time to visit Chitwan

Chitwan National Park is one of the popular destinations among both domestic and international travelers. It lies on the accessible plains of southern Nepal. The broad highways from all the major cities of Nepal connect the local hub of Chitwan.  The monsoon season highly affects the area with frequent rainfall, flooded rivers, and disturbed highways. We suggest the traveler skip the rainy season to visit Chitwan. Despite the cold and foggy weather, winter is the best time to spot wild animals with the closest sights. Relatively, the autumn is better with moderate temperatures and much greenery. Furthermore, the autumn and winter are comparatively better also to observe migratory birds. Spring is definitely the best time to visit here. The less water in the rivers, colorful forests, and clear weather with rare rain lets you enjoy the safari in full.

Langtang Valley trek Difficulty

Langtang Valley trek Difficulty

Trekkers should access the Langtang Valley Trek difficulty before planning the trip to Langtang. The trekking trail to the Langtang valley includes a gentle ascent and reaches an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. Langtang Valley Trek is a short and difficult level of the moderate range. The valley is popular for its serenity, wonderful mountain views, and Tamang people. 

If you want to enjoy the 360 degrees of panoramic views of the mountains from Langtang valleys, you must have to overcome the barriers that get appeared during the trek. As Human beings, we can create plenty of ideas to subsidize these barriers. 

Langtang is not a technical trek. You do not need any mountaineering and climbing skills for accomplishing the Langtang Valley trek. The main difficulty of this trek is the ascending trek and you will get altitude sickness although the altitude is only 3800m. There are plenty of places for proper accommodation and food.  Likewise,  If you have a passion for exploring rural Nepal and remote places, this would be the ideal trek. 

Normally, all people are not similarly capable of doing the trek. Some are physically fit and some are not, some are mentally prepared and some are not. However, enough preparation for this trek reduces the chance of facing difficulties. Therefore, Oriental Journeys always recommend our trekkers be prepared with all essential gear so that we can overcome those complications.

What are the factors that make the Langtang valley trek difficult? 

Langtang valley is not the toughest trek compared to other treks in Nepal. This is the third most popular trekking destination in Nepal after Everest and Annapurna. Some factors make the Langtang valley trek the toughest one although these factors are common for other trekking destinations too. They are as follows: 

Altitude Sickness: 

People may have altitude sickness problems at any time while trekking to the mountains. However, the Langtang valley trek does not take you to the extreme altitudes as Everest does. But still, we can find many people who are suffering from altitude sickness in Langtang. Therefore, Oriental Journeys always suggests its avid traveler make their body properly acclimatize to the altitude.  If you feel that you have altitude sickness, please convey this problem to your guide and descend as quickly as possible. When you take rest until you have normal breathing then you can start climbing. 

It is fair to say that every trek will have a certain amount of difficulties that you have to face. You may or may not feel altitude sickness at an altitude of 3540m. However, as you move ahead and reach Kyanjin Gompa and Tsergo Ri, it locates at the highest altitude of 4985m  where you have higher chances of suffering from acute altitude sickness. 

Furthermore, you can use the medicine named Diamox which can be purchased in most pharmacies. But Oriental Journeys suggest you have a consultation with a doctor beforehand. 

Remoteness

Langtang valley is one of the most remote places in Nepal and is near Kathmandu. There are no proper road and transportation facilities. Therefore, one should have to obtain carrying or flying services. 

The roads are narrow and surrounded by hills and mountains. Due to the remoteness, you will not have easy accessibility to any facilities during the Langtang trek. Therefore, you must be well prepared for trekking to avoid getting sick and injured. It takes a day to get to the proper medical facility. Therefore, the information should be passed instantly to the central team if there is any concern or emergencies. The company will manage the flying service so that you will be cured soon. However, it will increase your expenditures. 

Trekking Routes  and trail

The difficulties depend upon your choice of the trek and the routes. As mentioned earlier, the trekking routes of the Langtang valley are mostly moderate. However, still, there are some steep trails. Therefore, you need a significant amount of Stamina and have to set a goal to accomplish this trek with fun.

Mental and Physical Condition:

Another situation for the difficulty in trekking depends on your mental and physical condition during the trek. Preparing yourself mentally and physically for walking 5/6 hours per day would not bother you. However, if you found it difficult for average walking, there is an option for you to take the Helicopter tour to Langtang.

Therefore, preparing yourself physically and mentally will help you to overcome the barriers. It is a wise idea to keep your baggage as light as possible with good-conditioned trekking gear. if you are a novice trekker, you can avoid the trekking difficulty in the best trekking seasons, especially during the Autumn and Spring season.

Nepal plans to resume Domestic and International Flight from 17 August

Nepal plans to resume Domestic and International Flight from 17 August

Nepal plans to resume domestic and international flights from August 17 announces Nepal. A press statement was released by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on June 17 that it was planning to resume all domestic and international flights from August 17. The government has already directed the concerned aviation authorities and departments. They will make necessary preparations for the resumption of domestic and international flights starting August 17.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal has suspended all passenger flights. The suspension followed the enforcement of the nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020. The

The official also confirms that it has already prepared the necessary guidelines to resume domestic and international flights. The guidelines are prepared as per the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Authority Nepal and the World Health Organization.

The operation guidelines include standard health and safe distancing measures. However, the resumption plan would also depend on the behavior of the COVID-19 virus. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation will enforce the resumption plan in proper coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population.

Movement in the tourism Industry

Suddenly after the government’s announcement, the Nepalese tourism sector responds positively. Some of the tourist hotels of Pokhara and Kathmandu have published their new tariff with discounted prices. In the first phase, the hotelier intends to attract domestic tourists. The operation procedure should follow the Post COVID-19 protocol. This will ensure the hygiene and the health safety of the traveler. The tourism industry hopes to move towards revival after the domestic and international flight operations.

Oriental Journeys opens booking

Oriental Journeys Pvt. Ltd, as a Nepal-based tour and trek operator, opens its trip booking for the upcoming seasons. We have announced that we open bookings for the trip for October – December 2020 and all the seasons of 2021. Travelers can book the trekking trips leading to all parts of the Nepal Himalayas and the cultural tours and the wildlife Jungle Safari tours throughout the country. However, travelers can book the trip on flexibility on the departure date option till 2022. Considering the present context of COVID -19 and the pandemic of the disease, travelers can book the trips now but can postpone their traveling dates with prior notice till 2022 AD.

It will operate the private tours and completely discourage the group travel till the world receives a final treatment for the COVID 19. We follow the protocol jointly suggested by the Nepal government and the WHO. We ensure to maintain the proper sanitization measures throughout the trip.

Trek Langtang valley without a guide

Can we do the Langtang valley trek without a guide? 

Hiring a trekking guide is not mandatory when you are planning for the Langtang Valley trek. However, accompanying a guide and porter will always make your trip safe, easy, informative, and memorable.

A well-experienced guide has tons of knowledge and this is a massive asset during trekking. A guide has an idea about the changing weather and temperature and he will land you in the safest place as soon as possible.

The trekking guides are from the mountain areas of Nepal. They are local people and keep a deep knowledge of the local aspects. Their in-depth knowledge lets travelers make their journeys worthwhile. Additionally, the trekking guides are experienced and professional to work in any probable difficult situations in the mountain.

Guides are closely familiar with the circumstances in the mountain region. He will be your best friend and safely land you during the hard times.

Furthermore, he is the most important person for motivating you to accomplish your journey. Since Langtang is a remote place with the least or no facilities in terms of medicine and transportation, taking an experienced guide would be a better choice. Oriental Journeys always recommend all its travelers accompany the guide while trekking for the safest journey ever in the Himalayan region because you never know when misfortune comes and what leads you to the next!

Misfortune with solo travelers

It is safe to travel alone in most of the tourist destinations of Nepal. Some misfortune has happened to Solo Trekkers while trekking in the Nepal mountains.  However, the threats are not always human-caused. The difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions sometimes become life-threatening. The mountain trails pass along the side of glacial rivers. The rivers flow with a high current. If somebody slips from the trail and falls, there will chance of getting help from a solo trekker. A volunteer website that records the missing trekker in Nepal. The misfortune happened with solo trekkers.

Aubrey Sacco
Aubrey Sacco – USA
Missing in Langtang region Since April 21st, 2010
Martin Udsen Overgaard,
Martin Udsen Overgaard, Danish Missing in Langtang region since 6th March 2017

Langtang still seems to be a calm trekking destination. Relatively, a very low number of tourists visit the area resulting in less traffic on the trail. Especially, during the winter numbers are often lower and you may feel like traveling alone. The risk factors are not humans all the time. Altitude sickness may cause a terrible effect on solo travelers. Besides, the trekker going to the Tsergo Ri area have lost their way back to Kyanjin valley. Some even lost their life.

What does the record show?

According to the official report of the Nepal government, one female solo trekker was killed in the Langtang area. The government also has a record of trekkers being vanished or attacked. Across the country, 2-3 solo trekkers disappear. The reason is unknown and not specific. It might be due to bad weather, or without the proper knowledge of trails, or doing some risky activity while hiking from one place to another. The reported cases are usually that of solo male trekkers and trekkers traveling without a guide.

Hence, it is always advisable that you hire a guide through a registered operator. Those guides or porters are bound to be responsible for their job. They will brief you about your itinerary and are better familiar with the local area and topography.

Access the risks

While preparing for the trek go through the details of risks associated with your trekking trail. If you are sure to go for a solo trek, keep all the necessary cautions. Train yourself for a high-altitude walk. Assure yourself about your physical and mental preparedness. Choose the best season to travel so that you will meet the maximum number of other groups on the way. Do not choose off-the-beaten paths that restrict you from getting any support while in a problem. Hiring a licensed guide through a legally registered trekking company assures your safety.

Getting permits for the Langtang Valley trek without a guide

Take at least a day to get the issue of the permit for the Langtang Valley trek without a guide. There are two types of permits you should issue for Langtang Valley Trek. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card and Langtang National Park Entry permits are the two necessary permits to trek the valley. Nepal Tourism Board in Kathamndu issues TIMS cards for FIT and solo trekkers. Apply there with a copy of your passport with a valid visa and two copies of recent photographs. For the National Park Entry Permit, apply directly at the National Park check post office just before Dhunche.

Extend your trip to Gosaikunda

Sacred Lake of Gosaikunda

The Langtang Valley Trek route shares the first section of its route with the Gosaikunda Lake trekking trail. One can extend the trekking itinerary to the Gosaikunda Lake trail after completing the Langtang valley trek. The trekking program is called Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The same permits work for a single entry into the national park. A solo trekker or trekker without a guide can do the Gosaikunda Lake trail extension. However, one should consider the risks associated with traveling without a guide. Ascending the Gosainkunda Lake includes a steep climb which is highly prone to High altitude sickness. A rapid climb without acclimatization increases the risk level for high altitude-related health issues. It is advisable to extend their trip to Gosaikunda Lake while doing the Langtang Valley trek.

Final Thoughts

Safety and security should always be the main concern. We travel to enjoy and enrich our travel experiences. So, accommodate, accompany, and prepare to experience the best. Weather and strange terrain should not be challenged. We want to see Nepal as a safe travel destination for all kinds of travelers. Wish you all the best for your Langtang Valley trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

If you are dreaming to go for ABC trekking, it is obvious to know about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty. Accessing the risk factors helps with perfect preparation. The associated risk for going the Annapurna trek is relatively very lower than mountaineering or peak climbing. Most of the sections have fine trails with proper steps. Physically, you might have to encounter minimum dangers. Check the weather forecast, hire an experienced trek guide, following acclimatization rules, walk steadily, and consume healthy meals, intake enough liquid are the helpful factors to cope with the associated risks.

How to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Get the proper physical preparations

Annapurna Base Camp trek is an adventure high-altitude trek. It requires good physical condition to enjoy hiking. From the beginning, the trail includes stone stairs. Continuously climbing up and down the stairs gives exertion to your knees and foot muscles. Proper training to walk on a similar terrain helps to complete the trail without strains. The trail has thousands of steps special en route to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Most of the part of the entire trail to Annapurna Base Camp is rocky with frequent ups and downs. It is a moderate trekking trail. However, requires training yourself before your trekking days.

Train on Stairs

Besides, jogging and running you need to train on steps up and down to prepare yourself for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.  The terrain of the Annapurna region is steep and filled with steps. Furthermore, you should train yourself by carrying a small backpack for proper practice. Carrying your weighted backpack on while training up and downstairs, will help to tighten your thigh muscles and knee joints. A regular workout is good for your physical fitness.

How Difficult is it to Trek Annapurna Base Camp?

The adventure journey to Annapurna Base Camp is a stunning hike. It goes around some of the world’s highest peaks. The trekking trails lead you through the famous Annapurna Sanctuary. Hiking the trail gives you a world-class mountain trek with an amazing mountain view at a relatively lower altitude.

You will spend most of your time below 3,000m/ 10,000 feet from sea level. The terrain is challenging offering the view of terrace fields. You will be walking continuously for hours through the stone-paved stairs.

Is it tough for me? Will I be able to make it successful?

You can make it happen. The trek surely demands good preparedness. But many hikers with physical disabilities have completed the trek in past.  The requirement is to go through proper training. You can develop your excellent leg strength, and balance by walking up and down long sets of stairs with a backpack on. Go through the training on a stair master with a weighted backpack at least four days a week. Incorporate a longer day hike with your weighted backpack to build your confidence. One must go for a couple of such hikes at least once a week before the trek. You should be ready for your adventure trip to Annapurna Base Camp.

You can leave a quick inquiry for any type of suggestion and guidelines. We will be happy to provide you with the free necessary trek information.

Getting the entry permits

ACAP entry permit and TIMS Card

You require to issue two types of permits to trek the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Since the entire trekking trail falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area, you should get your first entry permit from ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) counter in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Pay NRs 3000 per person for the permit. Similarly, get your TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System Card from the TAAN counter in Kathmandu or Pokhara beforehand of the trek commencement.

You can get your TIMS care for NRs 1000 (Packaged Trekker) and NRs 2000 (FIT). Packaged or Group trekkers are hikers who buy a trekking package from an authorized trekking company in Nepal. Both permits are valid for a single exit. Once you exit the check post, you should issue another for the next entry. The same entry permits work for all the trekking trails of the Annapurna Region. You should follow the same procedure to issue the permits for Ghandruk Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trekking,

What can I get to eat there? – Meal Options

Similar to the Mardi Himal Trekking route and surrounding trails of the Annapurna Region, Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a variety of meal options in the menu. The Annapurna conservation area projects and the local management committee jointly monitor the food menus of the region. The lodges of the trail have a distinct menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Trekking can choose to order as per the menu. Generally, it contains items of bread, potato, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. Most domestic tourists prefer to eat Dal-Bhat, a local Nepali dish twice a day. Since the Dal-Bhat is served with seasonable vegetable curry and pickles, it is a heavy diet for hard workers. Trekking guides and porters prefer to eat Dal-Bhat instead of other meals.

Breakfast during Mardi Himal Trekking
Breakfast during Mardi Himal Trekking

Best season to trek Annapurna Base Camp

March-June and September-December is the perfect time to visit Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Some people prefer to visit the region around the year.

The maximum altitude I will get while on the Annapurna Base camp trek

We reach 4,130m altitude in Annapurna base camp trekking. Most of the hikers combine the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking. It adds up the charm in your itinerary with the amazing sunrise view experience from the top of Poon Hill. Furthermore, it will train the hikers to acclimatize up to the altitude of 3200meters with a stressful stair walk beforehand the Annapurna Circuit trek.

What happens when it’s a fast group and I am the slow plodder of this trek?

Generally, 5/6 hours of walking is the average walking of each day during the trek. If the trekker could not pace for average walking, Oriental Journeys will provide a separate guide. And even you can customize the itinerary as per your physical condition, comfort level, and time availability.

Annapurna Circuit vs Annapurna Base Camp

While looking at Annapurna Circuit Vs Annapurna Base Camp trekking trails, we should know the related facts. Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek hears similar but in reality, are two different trekking trails. They lead two different areas of the Annapurna Mountain region. Annapurna Circuit trek is often called Round Annapurna trekking. It is a long journey with a challenging hike. The Annapurna Circuit trek is relatively longer and more scenic. The Annapurna Round Trekk passes through the wonderful Manang valley along the Marshyangdi river. Then crosses Thorong La and enters the Mustang Valley. Often mentioned as the zone of salvation, Mustang is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Hindus. It crosses an altitude of  5,420m/ 17,782 feet over Thorong-La pass. The trail circumambulates the Annapurna massive from Northersied making a circuit. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world.

However, the Annapurna Base Camp trek reaches 4,131m/ 13,553 feet as the only highest point of the trek. Both trails offer wonderful experiences to take on. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp is similarly scenic and most of its section lies relatively under a lower altitude. Very few trekkers experience altitude sickness-related issues during the ABC trek.

Both of the trails require good preparedness physically and mentally.

Annapurna circuit  Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trekking trails hear similar. But Annapurna Circuit is different from the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Annapurna Circuit rounds Annapurna Massif and needs to cross Thorang La Pass (5416m) since Annapurna Base camp ends at 4130m elevation.

Risk – Is it dangerous to trek Annapurna Base Camp?

No, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is not dangerous. However, trekking and adventure tour is all about physical fitness and preparedness (logistic, physical and mental). Therefore, the trek can be easily done by people aged from 10 to 75 years. Since the trekking trail does not have a straight up and straight down path, it can be done by the first-time traveler.

Avalanche is one of the biggest risk factors while on the ABC trek. There are certain sections before the Annapurna Base Camp, where it is hard to detect a possible avalanche. You need to be more careful especially when there is rainfall or snowfall in the Annapurna Region. In the past few years, some trekkers have lost their life due to avalanches.

Is it a long and hard walk?

The Annapurna Base camp trek can be done from 10 to 12 days depending on the itinerary and pace of your walking. The total distance of the Annapurna base camp trek is 115 km from Kathmandu. You will be walking from 10 to 20 km each day for this trek. During trekking, 5 to 7 hours of walking are the average day’s walking. However, above 3500m elevation, the times will be the same but you will only cover 8 to 9 km. However, all our itineraries can be customized as per the geographical and physical conditions of the individual participant.

Charging your electric gazets

The charging facilities will be available in some hotel receptions, however; we have to pay for this service. Please do not forget to bring two or three-pin travel adapters with you while coming in trekking.

Does this package include a guide?

A package trip to Annapurna Base Camp trek includes guides throughout the trip. A well-experienced guide will accompany you throughout the trek. He will help you in every situation. Typically, there are 5-8 people in a group. But once you book, the trip is guaranteed to depart. Besides a guide, a package trip includes porters to carry your luggage.

Team: Your guide for ABC Trek

Oriental Journeys will assist you with a local English-speaking guide who is a government-licensed holder. If you like, we may also assign guides who speak French, Spanish, Japanese, German, or any other language. However, you must pay an additional fee for them. His/her English may not be perfect, but it is enough for conversation. Expect him/her to provide information on the path, local culture, lifestyle, and terrain. They are locals who routinely visit the region. Use the assistance of guides if you want to try something new on the path.

Cost: additional expenses

Annapurna Base Camp Trek’s cost depends on your interests and spending habits. While you stay in Kathmandu, you can allocate per person $50 to &70 for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. You can allocate approximately $ 300 to 350 per person to buy meals and drinks during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Besides, your expenses, you require to issue Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System Card to trek the Annapurna Region.

For an Annapurna Base Camp package trek, your handling company (operator) manages your permits. Whereas a Free Individual traveler needs to pay US$40 equivalent Nepalese rupees for the permits. On top of it tipping your guide and porter is expected.

You can leave a quick inquiry for any type of suggestion and guidelines. We will be happy to provide you with the free necessary trek information.

A final Say

It is always better to access the risk and hazardous part of Annapurna Base Camp Difficulty during planning for the same trip. Trekkers should train themself for the rocky terrain hike and high altitude walk. Prepare with the necessary gear to keep yourself during the shared weather condition too. Physical preparedness including mental readiness is the most essential thing to accomplish any task. Adventure always needs courage with a thoughtful mind. Annapurna Base Camp Trek’s difficulty is not a hindrance for the hikers with strong determination and necessary preparation. We wish you the best of luck with your Annapurna Base Camp Expedition.