- AddressG21b, The Pier, Pier Point Road, Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
Be prepared for thousands of steps on this trail! It’s different to other treks in Nepal as you are slowly gaining and then losing elevation before regaining! There’s a lot of up and down, and this is true for both directions, going to Base Camp and returning from Base Camp. You will need to prepare for these steps before coming, the best training for this trek is to get plenty of uphill step practice in, whether it be out in nature or on the stair master at your local gym. We also recommend you train with a backpack on as you will need to carry a daypack on your trek and training with a pack will make your experience more pleasant and easier.
Although there are lots of steps on this trek, there’s also a lot of Nepali flat which balances out the steps!
Annapurna Base Camp is a very different experience to Everest Base Camp. There are far less lodges on the trek, it’s much quieter, and is much less commercial than the Everest Base Camp Trek. There are very few lodges on the trails and the WIFI connection along the way in nowhere near as fast and reliable as on the Everest Trails! The Everest Trek is incredible but over the years the trekking villages have grown to accommodate the rise in trekkers in the region. The Annapurna region has a very traditional feel to it, you will see villagers go about their daily lives in the lower altitudes and as you go up higher you will get closer to the Himalayas than you imagined possible, it’s truly special.
If you do the Annapurna Base Camp trek in the peak seasons of April, May, October and November you will need to prepare for all seasons! If the weather follows it’s average temperatures you will be comfortable trekking in shorts and t-shirts on the first few days but as you head up higher in altitude and get closer to Annapurna Base Camp you can expect to get your thermals out and layer up! The temperature takes a dramatic dip as you reach higher altitudes, it will likely get down to below freezing temperatures, you will need to ensure you have a down sleeping bag and down jacket with you for those freezing nights. As you descend, the temperature will go up and you will return to t-shirts and shorts!
Unlike the Everest and Langtang trails, there are no fires in the teahouses. This is fine, with the right clothing you won’t be uncomfortable. We share this info as you may be disappointed if you have trekked other trails in Nepal. The reason there are no fires in the lodges is due to preserving the local forests, and the lack of yaks on the trails. In the Everest region Yak Poo is used as fuel for fires, this option is not available on the Annapurna Trails. We think it’s a good thing that trees are being spared, even if it is at the expense of warmer lodges!
Pokhara is a vibrant and bustling town at the foothills of the stunning Annapurna Ranges. The town is full of awesome shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to enjoy on the eve of your trek and also at the end of your trek. Many people use their time in Pokhara to row out onto Lake Phewa and to spend time at the beautiful Peace Pagoda. There’s also the option to take advantage of the massage services on offer in Pokhara, it’s well deserved after your trek to Annapurna Base Camp!
