8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trekking in Annapurna region is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. There are several routes within the region. Each of the routes offers its own unique flavor and experience.

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the more popular routes within the Annapurna region. It is a trek up to the base camp reaching an altitude of almost 4200m above sea level.

During this trek, you are greeted with magnificent views of some of the world’s highest peaks; you get to enjoy and experience the traditional lifestyle of the rural mountain people of Nepal and also witness the thick and lush forest life along the route.

This 8 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is great for those who are short on time and yet want to get an experience of actual trekking in the mountains of Nepal. There are other Annapurna Base Camp treks available that take you longer along different routes within the region.

Main highlights of the trip

• Glorious views of mountains like Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machapuchare (Fishtail), Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt.Hiuchuli
• Beautiful, traditional village settlements of the Gurung tribe
• Natural hot spring
• Beautiful sunrise, sunsets
• Experience of the local culture, lifestyle of the rural Mountain areas of Nepal

Best time to do this trek

Nepal is good for trekking throughout the year. The country is divided into 4 distinct seasons. Autumn season is the best season for trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It has beautiful, cool, clear weather conditions making for magnificent views of the mountains and landscape.

Spring season comes in a close second. This time of the year provides beautiful, picturesque view of the blossoms of the rhododendrons and the lush forests. Autumn falls in the months of September and October and spring falls in April, May.

You can check our Annapurna Base Camp trek weather for details or any other questions related to weather on this trek.

Type of Trekking

This trek is on the moderate scale of trekking and is doable by anyone who is physically fit to walk uphill for 4/6 hours daily. It is not a technically challenging trek, so you don’t need any kind of alpine trekking experience or any technical climbing experience. Of course, having these experience doesn’t hurt.

Annapurna base camp training may help you get further acquainted with this topic.

Trekking Permits

Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires every trekker (international) to have two permits. The first one is TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) which is compulsory for every trekker that comes to Nepal. The second one is the ACAP or Annapurna conservation area entry permits as you will be trekking through the Annapurna conservation area. Portions of this permit cost will go into the funds for the Annapurna conservation trust.

With or Without a Guide and Porter

Trekking without a guide and porter is definitely cheaper and offers a slightly different kind of adventure. However, we do recommend hiring both.

Having a guide and porter allows you to have company as well as prevent you from getting lost. It also allows you to trek freely without the added weight of your backpack and luggage.

They can provide you with information regarding almost everything from the best, local tea houses to the animals and birds you may encounter on the trek. They can also help you to make conversations with the local to get more in-depth knowledge of the local lifestyle, culture and so on.

Accommodations and food

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a tea house trek which means you will be staying at tea houses for the duration of your trek.

The tea houses have all the basic amenities like toilet, shower, and beds. These tea houses also provide your food.

Being a popular trekking destination, you do get a wide range of choices in your menu in the lower regions of the trek. There are bakeries as well. In the higher ranges your menu may be limited to the local cuisine of dal-bhat-tarkari. This dish consists of steamed rice (bhat), lentils (dal) and some vegetables (tarkari) along with pickles. This is a to-do list on most trekkers list who visits Nepal, so you may as well try it.

Water

Your body gets dehydrated quicker on the higher altitudes, so it is very important to remain hydrated throughout your trek for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

It is recommended you bring your own water purifying tablets, steripens and so on. You do get bottled water, some clean drinking water stations and hot water along the way.

High Altitude Sickness

Know as much as you can of altitude sickness. If you see anyone having any symptoms of altitude sickness, let the tour operator or your guide know immediately. Take all the necessary precautions for a safe and comfortable trek.

Other things to consider for this trek

• This trip entails walking continuously for 4/6 hours uphill on a daily basis. So be mentally and physically prepared for it.
• It is recommended to have travel insurance in case of loss of baggage, travel documents, cancellation of travel plan, and so on.
• You can get visa on arrival, however during peak seasons you may end up queuing for hours.
• Inform the tour operator of any health complications you may have.
• This 8 day trek is not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart complications.
• Avoid sun exposure as much as you can. Too much sun exposure is not only bad for your skin but also leads to dehydration, nausea, dizziness. This can dampen your comfortable trek.
• Make sure to check the credentials of your local guide
• Remember to have a good time; you are on a holiday after all.