When is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
- Monday June 1, 2020
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek or ABC Trek, is the most beautiful and enticing trek in the Annapurna Region.
Any time of the year is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as each season offers a different trekking experience. Thus, the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp depends on your weather preference and what you want to experience on this trek.
This Annapurna Trekking is a moderate-level trek and less troublesome than other famous treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit trek. So, from novices to experienced trekkers, anyone can embark on this Annapurna trek.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a marvelous blend of beautiful rhododendron forests, alluring pastures, lush vegetation, crystal-clear alpine rivers, typical settlements with rich culture, and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. And with this, each season offers a different and unique experience altogether.
The ABC trail is relatively easy, with a gradual increase in altitude. This trek begins from Nayapool at 1010 meters, taking you up to 4130 meters at the base camp.
Thus, you can enjoy a moderate walk in the beautiful nature and people of the Annapurna region. Annapurna Base Camp trails are a paradise and a trek you should experience at least once.
On this trek, you will stay at the local teahouses and lodges. There are many teahouses and lodges along the way. So, finding accommodation and food may not be a problem. Along with that, the teahouse and lodge remain open throughout the year.
Now, let’s get back to the topic. This article will learn about the weather and temperature conditions in different seasons.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As mentioned earlier, Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be done. However, Autumn (Sep-Oct) and Spring (Mar-May) are considered the best seasons for trekking at Annapurna Base Camp.
Different seasons offer different weather, so you can choose the time to trek according to your weather preferences. Although this 14-day Annapurna trekking is doable throughout the year, you should learn about the region’s weather pattern and climatic conditions before heading to the trail. And packing must be done accordingly.
Annapurna Region experiences four seasons in a year: Autumn, winter, spring, and summer/monsoon, just like any other part of Nepal.
1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Autumn (September-November ) – Best Time for ABC Trek
Autumn is Nepal’s most popular time for trekking, and Annapurna Sanctuary is no exception. Because of the perfect weather and temperature condition, with little to no rain at all, and the breathtaking views of the mountain in Autumn make it the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Since Autumn arrives after the rainy monsoon, the trails are dust-free and clean. The autumn days are usually bright and sunny with crystal clear skies. The falling leaves fill the trail, making it even more magical.
The days are pretty warm at the lower elevation, with an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Thus, you will have an easy and comfortable walk in the daytime. While in the nighttime, the temperature drops just above freezing temperature.
As you get to a higher altitude, the temperature drops, even below the freezing temperature at night. It would help if you carry your sleeping bag with you, and you will get through it warmly.
If you want to enjoy the crystal clear views of the majestic mountains, then Autumn is the best time to trek. Since the skies are clear with little to no clouds, you will get a picturesque panorama of the Himalayas. Also, the rain won’t be a problem as there is very little chance of a downpour during this time of the year.
Autumn is also famous for its night sky. You can enjoy the nights by viewing the stars.
Since Autumn is the peak time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, thousands of trekkers visit the Annapurna region to admire its beauty. The teahouses and lodge are packed. So, pre-booking for accommodation and food is recommended for trekking in Autumn.
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2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter (December-February)
If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a great season. Winter is the most adventurous time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Although cold, the fairytale experience you will get from the trek cannot be described in words.
During winter, the Annapurna region is in its coldest form. However, the shivering cold and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain are what winter is all about. The days were not as cold as night and morning. You will have a comfortable walk during the daytime with some warm clothes.
The average temperature during the day is around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the temperature at night is well below freezing. Thus, there is a high chance of heavy snow at higher altitudes during the winter.
Hence, you must collect enough information regarding the weather before trekking.
The trails during winter are usually empty and snowy. Winter is the best time to have a peaceful walk in solitude. Also, you don’t have to worry about accommodation and food as only a few trekkers trek Annapurna Base Camp trek during winter.
During this time, views are often covered by heavy clouds. However, there are frequently clear days when Himalayan vistas are at their best.
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3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring (March-May) – Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring is the second-best time to trek at Annapurna Base Camp. Also known as the season of color, the hills are filled with colorful rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The vegetation is in full blossom during this time.
If you are trekking in early March, you may see some snow on the trail. But by April, much of the snow and clouds had disappeared, leaving the views crystal clear. The days are clear and warm, while nights and mornings are colder. Thus, you will have a warm and comfortable walk during the daytime.
In the lower altitudes, the average temperature during the day is around 10 degrees Celsius, while night and mornings are the below-freezing points.
As May comes, the visibility is not clear in the lower altitude due to the haze and clouds, but once you get to the higher elevation, the skies clear up, giving you the perfect views of the mountain peaks.
The days become hotter in May as the monsoon season approaches, making it quite uncomfortable to trek at the lower altitude. The average temperature during the day is around 20 degrees Celsius in the lower altitudes, and it drops to 5 degrees Celsius at night.
Walking through the beautiful terrains filled with colorful wildflowers in the backdrop of the majestic mountain peak is just breathtaking.
Like in Autumn, pre-book for the accommodation and food in spring.
4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Summer/Monsoon (June-August) – The best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Summer/monsoon reside in the Annapurna region during June, July, and August. Although torrential rains, plagues of sponges, and mud-slides make the monsoon period not the best time for trekking in Nepal, this is not entirely true here, where rainfall, especially in the north, is far lower than in most other regions.
On average, in the summer, the temperature ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius during the days and 10 to 12 degrees Celsius at night. This makes trekking in lower elevations very sweaty and hot.
Most days are rainy and cloudy, which obstructs the visibility of the mountain, but it is not always the same. On a clear day, you can fully enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountain peaks.
During this time, the vegetation is green and enticing in a dust-free environment. Also, Summer is the off-season for the Annapurna trek. So you can enjoy the trek in complete solitude.
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Some Extra Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Walk slowly and steadily. Take enough rest and acclimatize wisely. And always keep yourself hydrated.
- Learn about altitude sickness, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
- Don’t plan your trek based on the weather in Pokhara or Kathmandu. The weather in the mountain region never remains constant. Do research and study the region’s weather before going on the trek.
- Have a complete body check-up before the trek.
- You may plan an extra day on the trip as there may be flight cancellations and problems.
- Do proper training and prepare yourself to face any hurdles that may come your way.
- If you are a beginner, it is always better to hire a licensed guide or porter, especially if you are trekking in the off-season.
Conclusion
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s second most popular trek after Everest Base. This trek will take you to the lap of Mt. Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre.
This trek is doable any time of the year with the proper preparation, training, and suitable packing. There is no specific best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You need to choose your best time to ABC trek according to your preferences and what you expect from the trek.
Furthermore, if you have any questions or queries regarding this trek or any other trek in Nepal, please get in touch with us.
