Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Hike in The Footsteps of Legends

In the race for the first ascent of an 8000 meter peak, a French expedition chose the 8091 meter high Annapurna l as their objective. This was in 1950, long before climbers were outfitted with technical gear. The arduous, but successful expedition was immortalized by its expedition leader Maurice Herzog in his book simply called Annapurna. It is a tale of heroes and horror, a must read for anyone doing the Annapurna Base Camp trekking. Many people think K2 or Mount Everest are the deadliest of all the 8000m peaks. It is actually Annapurna l, where one out of three climbers who attempt the mountain don’t come back. The mountain is this lethal due to the many avalanches tumbling off its slopes on a daily basis. Which is pretty amazing to see from the safety of base camp!

We consider the trek to be moderate. Yes, it’s hard work, but there is nothing technical about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Well-trodden trails connect iconic places such as Poon Hill, Machhapuchhare Base Camp and of course the highest point on the trek at 4,130 meters above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp (aka ABC). There is often a little confusion about ABC and the Annapurna Sanctuary. Just to clarify, ABC is the camp itself whereas the Sanctuary is the geographical area around the foot of the Annapurna Massif. When we talk about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, these are the same.

Trekking in Nepal, surely it’s all the same? Well, not quite. Although there are of course lots of similarities between the different trekking areas, there are also big differences. Let’s have a look at the differences between Nepal’s prime trekking destinations, the Annapurna region versus the Everest region. We’ll also compare the two main long-distance treks in the Annapurna region, Annapurna Circuit versus Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna trekking versus Everest trekking

Travel to and from

All treks in the Everest region start in Lukla and require a flight by either a small airplane or a helicopter. The trekking routes in the Annapurnas can be reached by vehicle, although flights (to Pokhara) are optional.

The mountains

Ok, the Everest region has the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. However, trekking in either area gives you the chance to see three or four 8000 meter peaks. It’s basically Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu versus Annapurna l, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri. Apples and oranges, all phenomenal mountains to look at.

The length of trekking routes

Both areas have short and long trekking routes. Generally, treks around Everest are longer, and you need to commit at least 10 days to complete a route. There are more options for shorter hikes in the Annapurna region, such as Mardi Himal and the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. These can all be done in 8 days or less.

The altitude

The main reason that you need more time in the Everest region is the altitude. If you want to avoid doing a return hike, you need to scale passes that are over 5000 meters in order to do a loop. The Annapurnas have options. You can go high on the Annapurna Circuit. But it’s possible to trek below the 4000 meter mark and still have incredible views. It lowers the bar for people with less time, or those who don’t want to reach extreme altitudes.

The people

It is a common misconception that all the mountain people in Nepal are Sherpa. The Sherpa people live and work primarily in the Solu-Khumbu Valley, the main inhabited area in the Everest region. The Annapurna region has two main ethnic groups: the Gurung and Magar people.

Our verdict

Both areas are world-class trekking destinations. If you don’t have a lot of time, you want to avoid flying or you trekking to very high elevations is not what you’re after, then the Annapurna region is probably a better choice. If you crave high altitude adventures, away from the crowds and possibly scaling a 6000-er then the Everest region may be up your street. In either case, Bookatrekking.com will make sure your Nepal trek will be unforgettable.

Annapurna Base Camp versus Annapurna Circuit

These treks are in the same area, yet they are quite different in character. One of the main differences is the altitude. On the Annapurna Circuit, you have to scale the 5,416 meter high Thorung La, if you want to finish the trek. The Annapurna Base Camp elevation at 4,130 meters is much lower, and if things don’t go well, there is no absolute necessity to make it up there. Most itineraries on the full Circuit are more than two weeks. ABC can be done in 9 days, ideal for trekkers with less time on their hands. Finally, the Annapurna Circuit has seen lots of road development, forcing trekkers to walk on the road. That won’t happen to the Annapurna Base Camp hike anytime soon, as the route to the Sanctuary is a dead-end. So, take your pick, both treks are excellent!

Most of the mountain adventures that we do at Bookatrekking.com is trekking, except for our Island Peak and Mera Peak climbs. Trekking can be hard, but in most cases the technical difficulty is fairly low. Walking paths are clear and the terrain itself is safe. What makes trekking in Nepal often hard is the altitude. To get closer to the high mountains you will have to go up. Having said this, the Annapurna Base Camp height is fairly modest compared to the likes of Everest Base Camp. At just over 4000 meters, and with a gradual approach in terms of elevation difference, the hike to Annapurna Base Camp is not extreme by any means. It would make a great first time Himalayan trek.

The Annapurna region has the same trekking season as most of the other mountain areas in Nepal that are prone to the monsoon rains. Pre-monsoon, in Northern Hemisphere Spring, trekking conditions are great. It’s not as cold as winter and rainfall is normally low. Obviously it’s busier during this time of year. The summer months are generally wet and the chances of seeing the mountains are lower due to the cloud cover. The good thing about this time is, that you have the trail to yourself. Autumn is similar to spring with one difference. Due to the monsoon rains, the air is more clear. Finally, there’s the winter season. The Annapurna Base Camp hike is actually great to do in winter. The highest point is 4,130m, which makes the trek less cold than the likes of Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, that all exceed the 5000 meters mark. And you’re unlikely to share the mountains with other trekkers.

What is it like to stay in the traditional villages along Nepal’s trekking routes? In my opinion it is an integral part of trekking in Nepal. It’s a perfect symbiosis of rugged mountain wilderness and a unique mountain culture. When you stay in the mountain villages, you really catch a glimpse of what life is like in the Annapurnas.

In each village you will stay in a tea house, the local expression for a guesthouse. On my Nepal trekking adventures, I’m always keen to arrive early at the next destination. Why? Because I love the serenity and simplicity of life in the mountain villages. Sipping tea, while immersing myself in the daily hustle and bustle of life in the Himalayas. In some villages you can visit a monastery, or if you’re lucky one of the many Buddhist festivals. The tea houses themselves are simple, though in the past years some of them have been upgraded somewhat, with flush toilets, warm water and even WiFi. The delicious dhal bat, essential trekking food in Nepal, is fortunately still on every tea house menu. Experience Nepal’s mountain culture on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek!

When planning a trek on the Annapurna Base Camp, it's essential to obtain the following permits:

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):

This permit is crucial for any trekker intending to explore Nepal, whether on the Everest Base Camp or the journey to Poon Hill. It is a mandatory requirement for all trekking routes, and the fee is NRS 2000 per person, approximately 17 USD or 15 EUR.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

An ACAP Permit is a must for those wanting to traverse the trekking routes within the Annapurna region. Administered by the National Trust for Nature, its primary objective is to protect and conserve the wildlife and natural environment of the region. The funds collected from this permit are dedicated to conservation initiatives.

For each individual embarking on a single-entry trek, the cost of an ACAP Permit is Rs. 3000 (roughly USD 25), regardless of the duration of the stay. These permits can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara, and designated checkpoints along the trail ensure the maintenance of trekking records.