Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty | How Difficulty is ABC Trek?

Trekking to the base of the world’s 10th highest peak, Mt. Annapurna is definitely not so easy. Trekking to ABC is a journey with lots of twists and turns, highs and lows. The mountains will add hurdles to each of your steps.

However, conquering the Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty and standing at the base camp is the best feeling. The steady ups and downs, walking over the tedious stone steps aren’t so easy but they add adventures to your walks.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a little demanding and a little challenging. With a strong body and a positive mindset, any level of trekkers can do the trek.

Dare to encounter the challenges that Annapurna region possesses. You will have a wonderful trek that is worth the difficulties.

Trekking Grade of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate level trek in Nepal. The trek begins at Nayapul, 1070 meters. The maximum altitude on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp, 4130 meters.

This trek to the base camp of the world’s 10th highest peak is relatively easier. All levels of trekkers who are physically fit to walk for 6 to 7 hours a day can do this trek easily.

The difficulty of Altitude and Altitude Sickness

During the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will trek to the highest altitude of 4130 meters at the Base Camp. Walking to high altitude remote places isn’t so easy. With high altitude comes several challenges as well.

Get ready! High altitudes are full of challenges. The weather and temperature variations are frequent there. With increasing altitude, the air gets thinner. You must have to walk through strenuous uphills.

The possibility of getting altitude sickness is always there after you reach 2500 meters. Be careful! You might go through some symptoms of altitude sickness.

Remember! Keep distance with alcohol while trekking. Do not consume any sleeping tablets. Keep yourself hydrated. Keeping safety precautions in mind, the ABC trek is a lot easier.

The difficulty of Distance and Duration of the Trek

The total distance of Annapurna Base Camp trek is around 115 km. In general, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 10 to 11 days. You will be walking 10 to 20 km every single day.

You can customize your trek. Some people reduce the number of trekking days. They go for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, some people elongate the trek duration.

You will have to walk for 6 to 7 hours a day during the trek. But if you are an experienced trekker, you can reach your destination sooner.

If you choose the longer packages, you will have more time to rest and enjoy the trek. We have the best Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The difficulty of Accommodation, Food, and Drinks

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a famous teahouse trek in Nepal. The trek takes you to the traditional and beautiful tea houses or lodges in the Annapurna Region.

The teahouses in the Annapurna region provides you with basic facilities. If you are a luxury seeker, then tea house trekking can be quite disappointing. The tea houses provide basic necessities like food drinks and beds and a blanket.

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a very famous trekking destina tion in Nepal. It is very rare to find a single room while trekking during the peak seasons.

Also, you have you use the toilets and bathrooms on a shared basis. Pay some extra fees, getting a hot shower is possible in some at some places.

During the Annapurna Base Trek In Nepal, the availability of delicacies decreases as we trek to higher altitude regions. Do not expect to have a long food menu. The food and drinks they serve have limited options. Drinks include a few hot drinks like tea and coffee.

Do not forget to carry a refillable water bottle. A bottle of water costs $1 during the trek. Also get some water purification tablets or liquids. Make sure you drink pure water and eat good food.

Difficulty on the Basis of Trekking Experience

Do you have previous high altitude trekking experiences? If yes, the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking will not be so difficult for you.

However, if you are a beginner, there are lots of things to do before you go on the trek. Make a few preparations before you go. The trek demands a certain level of physical fitness. Get some physical exercise and training.

Also, you must have a strong determination and desire to trek. You must adjust to anything that might come along the way.

You must eat what they serve. Stay at the teahouses with the basic facilities. Do not start complaining about things after you are there.

Annapurna Base Camp Trail Difficulty

You are trekking into the mountains. It is obvious that the mountainous trails are not smooth. There will be lots of ups and downs, twists and downs. The trails are difficult sometimes.

Walking through the tedious ups and downs requires good stamina and patience. Some trekkers face the exhaustion during the trek. As you’ll pass through the long and steep 3300 step stone stairs.

To overcome the trail difficulty, you need to trek wisely. Know your limits. Be strong, be patient. Do not try to overdo long walks. Eat a balanced diet. You will need lots of energy to trek continuously over the rugged trails.

The Budget Management Difficulty

Transporting goods in the mountainous region is difficult. The only means of transportation in the Annapurna region is via mules or porters.

The cost of basic facilities in the ABC trek route is three times costlier than the facilitated services in Kathmandu. The cost of food and accommodation skyrockets here.

But after you get into the remoteness of the region, you will feel the price you’ve paid is very fair. The price of goods increases as you ascend further to the higher altitudes.

Also, getting enough hand cash before going on the trek is necessary. There are no ATM machines on the trail.

Guide and Porter Difficulty

Many trekkers do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with a guide but not the porter. There are some who trek to ABC on their own, without any.

Annapurna Base Camp trek is absolutely doable without a guide or a porter. However, hiring a guide means you are always on a safer side.

The trek doesn’t involve ant technical sections. However, there are some steep and rugged sections. Also, walking up and down the stone stairs is not so easy. So, hiring a porter is also useful.

But if you think that you have good physical conditions, you can carry your backpack on your own. Either way, the trek is enjoyable.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulties In Different Seasons

Autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn is the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp. Though it is the perfect season, you will still encounter several difficulties during ABC trek in Autumn like:

The busy and crowded trekking trail. In Autumn, the ABC trek route is buzzing with lots of trekkers. If you seek peace, this time might not be a good time for you.
Difficulty in arranging accommodations above Chhomrong. Also, you might have to stand in queues for food. We advise you to book the teahouses earlier.
The cost of accommodation and food is quite higher than in the offseason.

Winter (December, January, February, March)

The Annapurna region is very cold in winter. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter is challenging. Before deciding to trek to ABC in winter, think twice.

If you are ready to take the challenges, here is a list of some challenges that might come along your way:

It can snow anytime. The weather in winter is drastically changing very often.
Most of the trails in the upper regions get covered in snow. The trails are very tough to walk on.
The sunlight isn’t as warmer as in other times. Keep yourself warm. Wear in layers while hiking during the daytime.
Nights are too much colder. The temperatures can drop down to -17 degrees. Get a warm and good quality sleeping bags for nights.
Avalanche risk is the biggest risk while trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp in winter.

Spring (March, April, May)

Annapurna Base Camp rejoices the most colorful time in Spring. It is the second best time for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Some of the trek difficulties that you might encounter during your ABC trek in Spring are:

Spring is a busy season. The trek route remains loud and noisy throughout.
Difficulty in finding rooms for stay still prevails. Finding a solo room is almost impossible during ABC trek in Spring.
The upper regions are still very cold during early spring.
The tea houses are very busy. You will have to stand in long queues waiting for food.
During late Spring, you may encounter a few showers. There are even chances of blurred surroundings.

Summer/ Monsoon (June, July, August, September)

Summer and Monsoon coincide in the Annapurna region. This time is very hot. Also, the monsoon downpours are quite frequent. This is an offseason to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The difficulties during the Annapurna Base Camp in monsoon are:

The sunny days are hot and more humid in the lower regions of the trek. Daytime hikes are difficult. You will feel hot and will get more sweaty.
Due to frequent rain, the trek route becomes slippery and wet. Be careful while walking.
There are various sections with risks of avalanche or mudslides. Remember! It’s monsoon and the risk of avalanche falls is higher.
The atmosphere remains blurred most of the time. You will see dark clouds covering the beautiful mountain vistas.
The monsoon rainfall continues for a few days. If so, the trek is no more enjoyable.
Leeches and summer bugs add difficulties to the trek. Take table salt and insect repellents.

Some Useful Tips on Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Walk at a continuous pace throughout the trek. Take rest and water breaks while trekking. By doing so, you will feel less fatigue.

Drinking lots of water. Keep your body hydrated. Try to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking during the trek.
Do some exercises and training starting a month before the actual trek. Build up stamina and endurance for the tough walks over the rugged mountains.
Do not go off track. You might get lost in the Himalayas and never come back.
Always be aware of food and water hygiene. Try to avoid unhygienic foods and drinks during the trek.
Take your time to acclimatize. Make a proper acclimatization schedule. Acclimating is crucial for a successful trek.
Wear a knee cap if you have knee problems. The frequent walks uphill and downhill are killing.
Take some energy bars or chocolates. First aid kit with basic medicines is a must.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate level trek. It is a perfect trek for beginners. Get some training and keep a strong mindset. You can beat every difficulty that might come along. This trek is once in a lifetime kind of experience.

If you have any queries, feel free to contact us.