When is the Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Base Camp?
The best time for the “Annapurna Base Camp trek 7 days” is the Autumn months of September to November and the Spring months of March to May.
Autumn (September-November)
The warm and dry weather conditions of the autumn season are perfect for trekking. The clear blue skies and snow-capped mountains are the highlights of the trek. The festive atmosphere also adds to the attraction of the trek. The temperatures are perfect for trekking in the daytime.
Spring (March-May)
The spring season is when the Annapurna region looks the best. The Rhododendron and other wildflower bloom over the region are turning the hills pink and red and the dry leaves green. The green landscapes of the region will enthral you. The majestic views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range of mountains will spellbind you.
The summers are wet in the Himalayan region. The temperature decreases below 0 degrees in the winters. There are many challenges of trekking the region in these off-seasons. The heavy rainfall in the monsoon season makes the trails slippery. There are chances of landslides and increment of leeches around the area.
Overall, if you love to trek the Annapurna Base Camp pleasantly, autumn and spring are ideal for you. However, with proper packing and preparation, the trek is possible all year.
Related:
- Ghorepani Poon hill trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Mohare Danda Trek
- Khopra Danda Trek
Contact us if you any information regarding the trek.
How Difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days?
The “ Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days ” is quite challenging. If you are a beginner, then the trail can turn out to be quite challenging. The oxygen levels decrease rapidly in high altitude conditions which causes Altitude sickness in trekkers.
The process of breathing gets highly difficult for trekkers. Thus acclimatization is the key for such high altitude treks. Descending to a lower altitude is necessary along with hydrating regularly. The primary key is to go slow and take a rest and hydrate at regular intervals.
Expert trekkers recommend you to not trek in a rush. The total distance of the trek is approximately 115 kilometers. You will be walking for 5-7 on average for seven days. The trek distance and duration of the trek can get quite taxing. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days trek also demands a basic level of fitness.
A basic training regime helps immensely for beginner trekkers. The difficulty level of the trek also increases according to the seasons and time you choose to trek. In winters, the trek gets covered in snow, and the temperature can fall below 0 degrees.
Why Trek the Annapurna region?
Scenic mountain landscapes
You can observe the beautiful Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and other ranges of mountains from various vantage points in the trek. The breathtaking panoramic sunrise is one of the major highlights of the trek.
The golden sun rays falling upon the silver mountains is a once in a lifetime experience. In spring, the wildflowers and especially rhododendron bloom all over the hills.
Diverse flora and fauna
There are diverse flora and fauna in the Annapurna region. You also have an opportunity to spot rare wildlife in the region. The green vegetation and the vast landscapes are the primary attraction of the trek.
The beautiful Annapurna region has abundant wildlife and plants that get protected under the Annapurna conservation project. The picturesque Annapurna region has a vibrant natural beauty, which makes it very appealing.
Cultural exploration of the community
The Annapurna region also presents us with an opportunity to explore the culture, tradition, and heritage of the place. Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa community and their Tibetan Buddhist inspired heritage is a significant highlight of the trek.
The Buddhist heritage and monuments, including mani walls and Chortens cover most of the trails. Many festivals happening all around the year, including Lhosar, Dashain, Tihar, and others. The incredible hospitality of the local people is another aspect of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Six Essential Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days
Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 7 days is a high altitude trek. Decreasing oxygen levels can lead to altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization and regular hydration help you to cope with the altitude sickness.
You should maintain a slow and steady pace. This process helps the body relax, increase the oxygen levels in your body, and adapt to the high altitude conditions.
Prepare and pack properly
Proper packing and adequate preparation is a must while trekking the high altitude regions. You should pack appropriate clothes as the Annapurna region can get notoriously cold in the mornings and at night.
You should also dress in layers so that you can add or remove layers of clothing if you feel necessary. Besides this, you should also carry, trekking shoes, trekking clothes, thermals, sleeping bags, ski-goggles, gloves, emergency lights, down jackets, and others that you find necessary.
Start your trek early
Starting your trek early is the best advice you can get. The treks can take you longer than expected, you might need regular breaks and the weather might be unfavourable at times.
The trek takes 7-8 hours on average, and an early start will make sure you arrive at your destination before dark.
Hire a guide and a porter
A professional trek guide helps you find your trail easily and ensures you understand the local culture, and tradition. This is necessary because the treks can get lost in case of adverse weather conditions.
The guide is also your helping hand in case of any emergencies. A porter helps you to share the weight of your heavy luggage. Some guides also work as porters.
Get Proper training and a balanced diet
A proper training regime must get set before you trek in the Annapurna Base Camp. It helps you to increase the fitness levels and stamina for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Trekkers should also get themselves a balanced diet and take regular breaks. The training regime should include cardiovascular activities like hiking, cycling, swimming, and others. It helps you to gain fitness levels and increases your stamina.
Get a Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must while trekking in the high altitude regions like the Annapurna Base Camp trek 7 days. The travel insurance covers you from any injuries, flight cancellations, helicopter evacuation, and others. In case of severe altitude sickness, you might need helicopter evacuation, which costs around $5000 to $10000.
The travel insurance also helps you to remain stress-free and enjoy your trek to the fullest extent. Hence, anyone trekking the high altitude region must consider getting a good travel insurance cover.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days Packing List
The Annapurna Base Camp of 7 days requires a great deal of packing. The items you need to pack also depends upon the time on which you are planning to trek. Some of the essential items you need to pack are as follows:
Clothing
- Trekking pants and jackets
- Trekking boots
- Lightweight Sweaters
- Thermals underwear
- Trekking Gloves
- Woollen cap/ beanies
- Short-sleeved trekking shirts
- Long-sleeved trekking shirts
- Insulating jackets
- Fleece-lined jacket
- Rain covers/ Umbrella
First Aid
- Anti-nausea Medicines
- Band-aids
- Diamox tablets
- Sanitary pads/ Tampons
- Oral rehydration salts
- Mosquito repellent spray or ointment
Toiletries
- Toilet Paper
- Moisturizer
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
Accessories
- Cameras
- Sleeping bag
- Sunglasses
- Hot water Thermos
- Water Bottle
- Solar Chargers
- Extra Batteries
Important Documents
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu or Pokhara - Nayapul - Ghandruk
Maximum altitude: Ghandruk (2020m)
Drive duration: 6-7 hours (from Kathmandu) or 1.5 hours (from Pokhara)
Trek duration: 1 hour
We start our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Nayapul. The trip takes about 6-7 hours from Kathmandu and 1-2 hours from Pokhara. After arriving at Nayapul, we start our trekking journey to Ghandruk.
The one hour trek to Ghandruk village passes through pristine forests. We stay overnight at a homestay in Ghandruk village.
Day 02: Ghandruk - Chhomrong - Sinuwa
Maximum altitude: Sinuwa (2340 m)
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
After having a delicious homemade breakfast at Ghandruk, we start our trek. We resume our trail through lush alpine forests to arrive at the Chhomrong Village.
The local Gurung culture, heritage and tradition in Ghandruk and Chhomrong are worth exploring. After lunch, we resume our trail to Sinuwa, where we stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 03: Sinuwa - Bamboo - Dovan - Himalaya - Deurali
Maximum altitude: Deurali (3200 m)
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek from Sinuwa, passing through the settlements of Bamboo, Dovon, Himalaya to arrive at Deurali. We observe beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains and the green hills.
We take a break to have lunch at Bamboo and then resume our trek to Deurali which takes about 6 to 7 hours. The uphill trail is laden with incredible floras and faunas. We stay overnight at lodge in Deurali.
Day 04: Deurali - MBC - Annapurna Base Camp
Maximum altitude: Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek of the stunning Annapurna Base Camp, which is our primary destination of the trek. You will need to trek for almost 5 to 6 hours to reach Annapurna Base Camp from Deurali.
We will pass through the beautiful Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) on our way. The magnificent views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Glacier Dom, Gandharva Chuli, Gangapurna, and others will spellbind us.
As you arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp region, you can also observe a stunning Himalayan sunset. You will stay overnight at a camp.
Day 05: Annapurna Base Camp - MBC - Deurali - Himalaya - Dovan - Bamboo
Maximum altitude: Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m)
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
We wake up early in the morning to observe the greatest sunrise over the Himalayan vista of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Himchuli, Barahi Shikhar, and Gandharvachuli.
After breakfast, we start our return trek passing through the MBC, Deurali, Himalayan, Dovan and finally arrive at Bamboo.
Day 06: Bamboo - Sinuwa - Chhomrong - Jhinu - Kyumi
Maximum altitude: Bamboo (2340m)
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we start our trek with passing through the settlements of Jhinu via Sinuwa and Chhomrong. We have our lunch at Jhinu located at a height of 1,690m.
You can also take a dip in hot water springs of Jhinu danda. We resume our trek after lunch and arrive at Kyumi after 6 hours of walk. We stay overnight at a lodge in Kyumi.
Day 07: Kyumi - Siwai - Nayapul – Pokhara or Kathmandu
Maximum altitude: Kyumi (1690m)
Trek duration: 5-6 hours
Drive duration: 6-7 hours (to Kathmandu) or 1.5 hours (to Pokhara)
After breakfast, we trek for a short while to arrive at Nayapul via Siwai. Our trek comes to an end as we drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Famous Region Treks:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna View Trek
Contact us if you any information regarding the trek.
