Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 15 days

Best Season

For the experienced high-altitude traveler, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is open any time of the year. However, for the new backpacker, the winter (December-February) time may not be that suitable due to tough weather, and heavy snow along with extreme cold.

The summer/monsoon of June to August comes with its own beauty, but the heavy rains often create flooded trails, making it less suggested time for both the new and seasoned travelers.

Thus, the perfect timing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek for all levels of travelers will be spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

The rhododendrons and the green, rich jungle trails of spring and the clearest azure sky of autumn create a wonderful environment for hiking activity.

Difficulty Level of Annapurna Base Camp Trek 15 Days Trip

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a medium-sized trek, categorized as II, in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The ultimate altitude of the adventure is only 4130 m, which is relatively lower than other mountain adventures in Nepal.

The route of the Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is also non-technical and has many comfortable accommodations along the way. Thus, it is accessible to any fit hiker who can manage an average daily walk of 5 to 6 hours.

However, there are some challenges in the Annapurna Base Camp trek, such as constant altitude changes, steep drops and ascents, 3300 stone steps to Ulleri, and the ridge of Deurali at 3090 m. But if you keep a steady pace, you can easily handle these challenges.

Who can participate in our Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary?

The amazing and adaptable nature of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, along with its varied immersion each time you step in, makes it a perfect mountain adventure for repeat and new visitors equally.

The daily changing terrain, and the view with the extraordinary wildlife of the Annapurna make it an extraordinary journey for the nature buffs, while the thriving culture of the Gurung and Magar communities make it excellent for culture enthusiasts.

The safety, popularity, and comfort available on the route make the Annapurna Base Camp trek equally suitable for lone hikers, single female travelers, families, and children.

However, we advise you to speak with your doctor and get his approval for your participation in the Annapurna Base Camp trek if you have any lung or heart conditions.

Altitude Sickness/AMS/Acute Mountain Sickness and Acclimatization

The highest altitude of the Annapurna Base Camp trek may be moderate, but it is still a mountain elevation exceeding 4000 m. Therefore, the AMS probability exists in this adventure that can show itself with the common symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness, sleep issues, swollen hands and feet, and loss of appetite.

Other than the nature, your fast pace, and neglecting to drink water can also trigger these symptoms of AMS. Therefore, our team has come up with the very gradual-paced Annapurna Base Camp itinerary, allowing all to slowly acclimatize to the changing elevation.

Still, if you start to feel any one of these symptoms, please inform our guide. Respect what he decides (stay where you are or descend) and take medicines such as aspirin or Ibuprofen.

Drink plenty of garlic soup, ginger tea, or lemon honey tea, and take your time climbing. Taking Diamox from Kathmandu onward will also help you quickly adjust to the height. Ensure you don’t have any kidney issues before taking Diamox, as it falls under Diuretic Medicine.

Training and Preparation

If you already are in decent shape, active, regularly train yourself, and reasonably healthy, then you are well-prepared for our Annapurna Base Camp trek.

However, remember, you can’t dive into the adventure without any preparation, as it will be quite problematic for you. Therefore, start your training focusing on building the strength in your legs, muscles, lungs, and heart at least two months before.

Running or walking on the leveled and mixed terrain for around 5 to 6 km a day will be excellent. Other activities such as squats, cycling, sports, rock climbing, push-ups, pull-ups, swimming, stair climbing, and rope skipping will also prepare you for the steep drops and ascent of the route.

Alternate Route and Extension of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

We understand if the South Annapurna Base Camp trek no longer excites you. If that’s the case, you can also choose to go to the magnificent north base camp of the Annapurna.

The less frequented trail of this Annapurna Base Camp trek is largely unspoiled and was first explored by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal in 1950.

Equally magical, this Base Camp stands at 4190 m and will lead you through Tatopani, Narchayng, Chhotema, Kalo Khola, and Phulbari before arriving at North ABC.

Likewise, by adding the Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, or Mohare Danda Trek, you can make your existing Annapurna Base Camp trek more exciting and thrilling.

Sleeping, Eating, and Travel Arrangements

To guarantee you a comfortable and peaceful overnight stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we have arranged your accommodations in medium-rated three-star hotels.

Here, you will get a twin-sharing room that will come with an in-room bathroom, WiFi, hot and cold water, and personal electric outlets.

On the trail of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will unwind in welcoming local tea houses. Our guide will find you the best upgraded lodges that will offer you your own bathroom with hot water and also WiFi.

In terms of your eating arrangements, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will get breakfast every morning with a farewell dinner on the last evening in Kathmandu.

On the trek, three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served. The choices on the lodge menu will be Dal Vat, pizzas, burgers, noodles, momos, pasta, Tibetan cuisine, and many more.

For your traveling, we will use our own vehicle for your airport arrival and departure. A tourist bus with AC will take you between Kathmandu and Pokhara, while a private or shared jeep or car will be used for transfers between Pokhara and Nayapul.

Essential Permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 15 Days Adventure

For any trips in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card are mandatory.

• The ACAP Permit fee for foreign nationals will be NPR 3000 per person, whereas for SAARC Nationals, it will be NPR 1000 per person.
•  The TIMS Card costs NPR 2000 per person for foreign nationals and NPR 1000 per person for SAARC nationals.
• Children under the age of ten can enter free.

The Prime Holidays team will be arranging these permits for each participant of the Annapurna Base Camp trek from the Nepal Tourism Board or the TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and the costs will also be covered.

Travel Insurance

Please know that travel insurance is an important necessity for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, which is a remote mountain adventure involving hiking, flights, and a bit of climbing for several days.

You must send us or personally provide us with your international travel insurance copy in Kathmandu, as it is essential to buy the permits for the trek. For the Annapurna Base Camp trek, please buy the insurance that covers the cost for mountaineering search, rescue, transfer, recovery, and rehabilitation if necessary.

Regarding the altitude for the helicopter rescue during the Annapurna Base Camp trek 15 days trip, it should be specified as 4200 m at least. Additionally, you should also not forget to include the coverage for medical costs related to hospitalization, treatment, medications, and surgeries.

Moreover, you can make your policy more thorough with added security against potential extended stays, delays, or interruptions in travel plans, as well as damage, theft, or loss of baggage.

Add Ons

Upgrade Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Prime Holidays also offers accommodation upgrade options for those who like to indulge in luxury while staying in the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

At just US$190 per night per room, you can have the five-star amenities while you are staying in two major tourist cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

From the sophisticated utilities to the garden and private pool, you will get personal service during your stay. Please notify us in advance so we can manage the arrangements before your arrival in Kathmandu.

Upgrade with a Flight Between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Instead of traveling like an ordinary backpacker, why not decide to travel in style during our Annapurna Base Camp trek 15 days journey?

Instead of a long 6 to 7-hour bus ride between Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can choose to fly, which will give you an entire day to enjoy the charm of these two enchanting cities.

You will have the flexibility to fly one way and return by bus, or begin with the bus and fly back to Kathmandu. Just remember, these alternatives do involve an additional fee.