Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Treks Planner Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp is also quite a bit lower in elevation 4,130m vs. 5,380m or about 4000 feet difference so if you anticipate problems with altitude it might be the better trek. The Everest trek is also colder and drier because of the higher elevations. So, considering that the village of Nayapul, at the start of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, is at 1060m and the highest point of the trek, Annapurna Base Camp, is at 4130m, you could expect an average temperature drop of around 19˚C or 10˚F. And that’s not accounting for more unpredictable weather at higher altitude.
The altitude climb is gradual and the height of the base camp of Annapurna is only 4,130 meters/13,549 feet allows a fairly easy acclimatization. A good Sherpa guide is far from essential for this trek. You will find fantastic local Sherpa guide for this trek. You also must have to beware of the altitude sickness; it may arrive at a certain altitude. Some people begin to experience headaches and nausea. If this happens, the Sherpa guide and staff helps you out until the symptoms subside, it is important to follow Sherpa guide advice & some steps uphill over 3,000 meters, the body often needs a little time to get used to and one should not ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness if they appear. To protect from high-altitude sickness if tourists walk slowly and steadily with many breaks on the way to trek they can acclimatize easily and the trek will be easy. The Annapurna region tends to get more snowfall and because the trail to Annapurna Base Camp lies low in the canyon it is susceptible to avalanches coming from the peaks above. Avalanches are not normally an issue but it’s certainly something one should be thinking of if you’re visiting during a period of heavy snow. The weather in Annapurna base camp varies from one season to another.
During the spring (Mar-Apr), the day starts nice and clear but progressively gets windier and cloudier which leads to frequent afternoon showers. The landscape seems to be newly designed and lush.
Monsoon seasons signals a grinding halt to the trekking sector of Annapurna region but in contrast, the wildlife are in full vigor. Wild flowers eagerly anticipate the monsoon, Himalayan Tahrs get busy tending to their newborns and Himalayan Monals work hard displaying to prospective mates. The whole land rejuvenates during Monsoon season which ends in September.
When September rolls around, the clouds leave their hold of the sky creating a perfect backdrop of clear and blue skies. The mountains wake up from their deep slumber during Monsoon season and display their full bloom of beauty. This makes for a perfect trekking season up until November a bit crowdy.
By December, winter is in full swing with occasional heavy snow. Since there are a lot less people and more wildlife, it is a perfect time to trek for the prepared. However, caution must be exercised to its fullest to prepare completely for the winter weatherperson of the Himalayas.
It is possible to do this trek in all seasons; however, in the winter the Base Camp can sometimes be closed due to the snow level. In spring time the huge rhododendron forests are in full bloom which gives the trek an extra appeal. Despite various difficulties Annapurna base camp is a lifetime achievement and full of unexplainable accomplishments.