Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Mount Glory has labeled this 10-day Annapurna Base Camp’s difficulty level as ‘moderate’. What this means is that it’s neither easy nor tough, and exactly suited for normal trekkers.
So, if you have previous trekking experience in high-altitude regions, the ABC trek is going to be a piece of cake for you. But even if this is the first time you’re doing any kind of trek, you’ll only find it slightly challenging.
In fact, our professional guides are always there to assist our guides, providing tips and tricks all along the way. Hopefully, that should somehow reduce the difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
However, there are still other reasons that can make your ABC trek a bit difficult. These include not carrying the right trekking gear, choosing inappropriate seasons, going all alone without properly understanding the importance of trekking agencies, and more!
Not to forget that the Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 m, which is a high altitude to stay in. Spending overnight and even ascending through the high-altitude region of this ABC trek poses a bit of risk.
Besides altitude sickness, the change in weather is also a factor to consider. Once you reach the top (especially in the snowy seasons), you’ll start getting glimpses of multiple avalanches. That shall scare a lot of you.
In fact, the temperatures in this region are unbearable if you pick the winter season. For anyone trekking in this part of the Himalayas, it’s common to get cold within just a few days of the trek. And if you have any medical syndromes, you have to take care of that beforehand.
These were natural difficulties. Now, if you don’t carry your permits and documents, that poses another risk, as the forest officials are likely going to need these at every check post. So, make sure you don’t forget to pack them on your side/duffle bag.
Don’t worry! Continue reading this article up until the end as you’ll uncover hidden secrets and tips that’ll be essential for you during this Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Best Time to Trek Annapurna Base Camp
The beauty of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is that you can do this in every season. However, Mount Glory doesn’t recommend you pick the monsoon/summer season, which in Nepal is between June to September.
There’s a solid reason why. Firstly, the forest region of the ABC is packed with leeches, even up until early October.
While there are various techniques you can apply to avoid them, it’s still a no-no for a lot of you, right? Imagine having to spend eight days with the fear of such insects sucking your blood.
It’s gross and a little dangerous, especially considering the fact that you’ll be at such a high altitude.
So, which season to choose for the ABC trek then? The answer is the remaining months. We mean it–every season other than monsoon has its own perks.
The spring season (March through May) allows you to walk alongside the blooming rhododendron forest. Trekkers love it in the Ghandruk and Poon Hill regions. It’s a perfect spot for your photos and videos too.
While winters (December to February) do possess risk as mentioned earlier, walking in the snow hits differently. Mountains are all about cold and snow, so if you don’t experience that, the ABC trek won’t even be fruitful, really!
Lastly, the autumn season (Late September to November) and that’s Mount Glory’s favorite season. It’s the peak season, so you have to adjust to the crowded trail.
But the views during the season are breathtaking as all the mountains are clearly visible. Even the cloud formation you’ll see makes it feel like you’re on cloud nine. Weather and temperature-wise too—it’s best suited for everybody.
So, to conclude this part, we’d say that anywhere from the time of October to May would be a smart choice.
Permits Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
For this trek, you’d be visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area which shelters an area of 7,629 sq. km. It stretches across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung districts of Nepal.
However, during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we’d only be visiting Kaski and some parts of Myagdi.
The Annapurna region is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation since 1985 and has done a pretty job protecting the trail as well as its flora and fauna. As of now, this conservation area is home to 1,352 species of plants, 128 wild mammals, 514 birds, 348 butterflies, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians.
To make sure every animal's life is safe and secure, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project is in effect. There are tons of rules and regulations that both locals and tourists have to follow.
And for every foreigner, it’s essential to get permits before even paying a visit here. There are mainly two main permits you need to get:
| Permit | Nationality | Total Cost |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Nepalese SAARC Other countries | NPR 100 NPR 1000 USD 27 |
| TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card | SAARC Other Countries | Npr 1000 Npr 2000 |
You see—there’s not much headaches in getting these permits. But still, through a travel agency, like Mount Glory, you don’t have to stress about this at all. We’ll manage them for you!
Note that the cost of these permits may change in the future. So, it’s always best to contact us beforehand for final confirmation.
One point we don’t want to miss out here is that if you’re planning to document your trip or take drones with you, there are other permits you need to take. Depending on what you’re looking for, we shall help you out for sure. But it won’t be included in the package though.
Packing List For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Besides permits, you have to carry all your essential documents and trekking gear with you for the ABC trek.
If you have wondering what things to buy or rent, don’t stress out as we have made this packing list ready for you:
- Passport & visa: Valid for at least 30 days
- Insurance and Emergency: Should include the one that covers your health issues, injuries/accidents, air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and personal treatment costs
- All the necessary permits that we mentioned earlier
- Photos and Identifications
- Copies and backups of your documents
- Nepali cash
- Headgear: Wide-brimmed hat, Sun Cap, Woolen Cap, etc.
- Body gear: Categorize based on base-mid-outer layer (thermals, jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, raincoats)
- Handwear: Inner and outer gloves
- Footwear: Trekking boots, Trekking Socks, Gaiters, Rain Shoe Covers, etc.
- Innerwear: Undergarments and sports bras (based on gender)
- Backpacks: Trekking bag, duffle bag, zip-lock bags, garbage bags, etc.
- Hiking Essentials: Trekking poles, Water bottles, Crampons, Swiss Army knives, etc.
- Navigation & Communication: Guidebook, Map, Local SIM cards, etc.
- Toiletries & Personal Hygiene: Sunscreen, Lipbalm, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Moisturizing cream, Deodorants, Tissue papers, Wet tissues, Makeup items, etc.
- First Aid Kit With Medicines: Antibiotics, painkillers, Pain relief sprays, Adhesive bandages, personal medical prescription (important), etc.
- Food and snacks: Protein/energy bars, Dried fruits and nuts, Biscuits, Garlic and cloves, etc.
- Electronics and Accessories: Your smartphone, cameras, earphones, power bank, solar charger, Headlamp, extra batteries, etc.
- Optional Comfort Items: Sewing set, Small padlocks, Sunglasses, Purse, etc.
Accommodation and Food During the Trek
A typical day in your ABC trek would be something like this–wake up, enjoy the mountain views, have breakfast, trek for certain hours, have lunch, continue your hike, take rest, get warmth, have dinner, socialize with new trekkers, and finally go to sleep.
This routine is going to continue for the 8 days and even if it sounds monotonous, it isn’t. Getting close to the mountains shall remove all your worries and you’ll be focused on just one goal—reaching the top!
Honestly, most of us are going to forget there are even meals to take, all thanks to the excitement of this ABC trek. But when your belly calls for food, you have to eat something.
Mount Glory is unsure how what your personal diet plan is. But when you’re in Nepal, you have to adjust to Dal-Bhat with pickles and a variety of vegetables. While in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we’d suggest taking Thakali set, in the mountainous region, you have to adjust with what you’ve been provided.
This is when we all learn about the importance of food in our lives. It’s not that the ABC Trek doesn’t offer other kinds of stuff. You can even pay a hefty amount to enjoy what you’ve been eating back at your home.
However, you’ve come so far to learn the culture of Nepal–so, it’s always best to follow what the locals provide to you. It’s not bad for your health, we promise. In fact, this is the best nutritious food that’s needed on high-altitude treks, like Annapurna Base Camp.
Nonetheless, we still suggest carrying a few snacks with you in case you need them when ascending. Backups are indeed important.
Besides Dal-Bhat, don’t forget to try Thukpa, Tibetan Bread (mainly for breakfast), Yak Butter Tea, and Momos. These are the specialties here in Nepal!
Regarding shelter, you don’t have to panic about sleeping bags and setting up camps/tents. The ABC trek trail offers tons of tea house accommodations. But don’t expect to find 3-star or 5-star hotels in the region. Maybe in the future, but not now.
Cultural and Natural Attractions of the ABC Trek
If you’ve been reading this article from the very top, you’ve probably already memorized a lot of landmarks. Now, let us summarize them for you so that you can get motivated for the ABC trek even more:
- Ghandruk: The start of the trek through this beautiful Gurung village shall help you learn more about their culture and lifestyle.
- Ghorepani/Poonhill: Optional trekking destinations that offer scenic views of the mountains, and great spots for sunrise/sunset.
- Chhomrong: Another beautiful Gurung village along the trail, where you’ll spend a night and try the local foods.
- Deurali: The best trail across Nepal takes you to the top of the hill via the alpine forest and chances to see the flora and fauna.
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp: Although we don’t spend a night here, this is still a big milestone at 4,000 m.
- Annapurna Base Camp: The close view of Mt. Annapurna during the trek and you’ll be sleeping at an altitude of 4,130 m.
- Jhinu Danda Natural Hot Spring: A final dip in the hot spring is the best relaxing way to end the ABC trek.
Challenges in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Unlike some of the restricted trekking trials, the Annapurna Base Camp trek doesn’t fall in one. This means that the challenges are less and even beginners can easily complete this hike within a given timeframe.
Yet, we talked about the difficulty level of the ABC trek earlier, which is moderate. This means that there are still a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few points that should help you be mentally aware of the possible challenges ahead:
- Getting permits can be a bit time-consuming.
- Finding the right guides and porters is another difficulty.
- If you’re coming solo and this is the first time in Nepal, trusting anyone can be risky too.
- While the ABC trek is well-known for proper Wi-Fi services, there are still some remote regions where you might lose the connection.
- Electricity is still limited, so you have to manage your charging as per the provided time.
- There’s no proper filtration system for drinking water, so you may be exposed to water-borne diseases if you don’t carry your own purifying tablets.
- You have to manage no shower for at least a week.
- Communication becomes a problem if you’re not walking along with a guide as the local people only understand basic English.
- Very limited ATMs are available (which are also recently introduced). So, you can’t rely heavily on that and make arrangements for Nepali cash.
- It’s important that you dress decently, without harming the culture of the people living in the Annapurna region.
Essential Tips For ABC Trek
Most of the challenges can easily be tackled if you pick us–Mount Glory as your travel partner. We shall help you out no matter what the issue might be. We are a trustworthy registered travel agency in Nepal and have helped tons of guests over the years.
That’s also one of the main reasons why we’ve come up with this article so that you become aware before even coming to Nepal. We haven’t just written this guide to prove to you that we have the best price in the country, but even to help you navigate this trek in more depth.
Now, here are some essential tips that you need to follow along when doing the Annapurna Base Camp trek. We’re pretty sure you’ll thank us when we meet in Kathmandu.
- Understand the meaning of Namaste. It’s a sign that everyone uses to greet each other. It’s kind of saying ‘hi’ with more respect.
- Many are confused with the terms ‘hiking’ and ‘trekking’. If you read this guide to learn the actual meaning of trekking, it’s going to help you a lot!
- During the ABC trek, be sure to hire porters and mules so that you don’t have to carry all the bags yourself.
- Make sure to carry the permits and documents at all times with you (in your personal bag).
- Avoid alcohol at all costs. Instead, eat and drink healthy. You may party after coming back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- Purchase good-quality trekking gear and carry only items that it can hold.
- Contact your assigned guide or directly to Mount Glory in case you’re not satisfied or feel uncomfortable during your ABC trek.
Post-Trek Activities
Another essential tip that we might not have mentioned is to visit Nepal during the festival seasons. This way, you get even better knowledge of the culture, lifestyle, and Nepali religions.
For example, plan your trip just ahead of Holi or Nepali New Year. This way, after long walks, you can enjoy the best time in Nepal, meaning the trip ends with even more fun.
Similarly, choosing the Annapurna Base Camp trek during Dashain and Tihar which falls in the autumn season is also another great idea. These two are the biggest festivals of Nepal and your perfect chance to celebrate it together with the Nepali people.
The beauty of Nepal is that there’s always something coming. Since it’s a country of multilingual, multicultural, multiracial, and multi-religious, you can expect to learn new things every season. That’s also the reason many revisit Nepal, and honestly, it’s the place that you want to visit often!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Breakdown
US$550 for a 10-day trip is probably the best price you can find in Kathmandu. At this price, you won’t just be given basic foods and needs during the trek, but a company of professional and experienced guides. That’s even more valuable than anything in the ABC trek.
We’d like to recall the things you’ve been reading throughout this guide. Mainly the high-altitude region that poses the risk of altitude sickness. You wouldn’t want to fall sick on your vacation and are definitely looking for someone you can rely on, and that’s exactly why Mount Glory should be your go-to choice.
Even if you think the price is high, we have group discounts available. And if you have any confusion, we’re even dropping our Whatsapp number right here so that you can contact us any time you need: +977 9849856378.
To get a clear idea of what this 10-day Annapurna Base Camp package includes and excludes, we suggest checking the list below.
Recommended reading: Annapurna Base Camp Updated Cost 2025
Booking and Payment Process
To confirm your booking for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package, hit the Reserve Now button on the right side of your screen. Then, fill up the provided form. Note that you need to make an advance installment of 20% of the package before the trip.
Don’t hassle with paying the remaining fee soon. You can come to Nepal, visit our office, meet us be happy, and then proceed with the final payment.
Once we receive the final payment, we will provide you with the necessary information, like agenda, adapt list, and arrangement tips.
Tipping Culture
You might have read in the list above that we don’t offer tipping to porters or guides in the package. But you might have a question, “Do I really need to tip?”.
Well, a simple question for you is that you probably tip your waiters in restaurants, right? It’s very similar to that here in Nepal.
Basically, this is a culture that has been going around for a very long time. Guides and porters are always at your back and they don’t ask you for money in any way. Yet, what we do need to keep in mind is that they are professionals and yet don’t make tons of money they deserve.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and we do not have proper laws that help our beloved porters out. Basic salary is too low and they also need to make a proper living, right?
Well, we at Mount Glory believe in equal pay, but still roaming every day in such a rural region of Nepal is something to think about. You’ll get to know that once you start your ABC trek, and you’ll definitely have this in mind for sure.
So, what we want you to do is bring some extra cash to tip the porters as well as guides. There’s no bare minimum or maximum, the tipping should come from your heart and any amount is acceptable.
Why ABC Trek is a Must-Do Adventure?
Whether you’re from the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, France, or any part of the world, you’ve probably heard of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal.
Understanding its popularity, there’s no doubt that ABC is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal that features one of the 14 highest peaks in the world, Mt. Annapurna.
You get to meet new people, learn about the Nepalese lifestyle, indulge in the Gurung community, and appreciate the beautiful mountains here in Nepal. These are just the things we can express in words and when you start the ABC trek, there’s even more to do!
In fact, many even consider reaching ABC as their dream because that’s how beautiful it is. This adventure is packed with waterfalls, glaciers, and rich history. And if you only visit Nepal, you’d be recommended the ABC trek by almost every individual you meet along the way.
Mount Glory, we consider the Annapurna Base Camp as the top 5 trekking destinations in Nepal.
You’re just one click away from your booking and meeting the best professionals in the travel industry. So, hurry up, and let’s do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek together!
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