When you trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you stand among some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet. The hike leads you through some incredible scenery, like untouched alpine forests, beautiful waterfalls and picturesque villages along the way. And at base camp itself, you find yourself in an amphitheatre of giant peaks. If all this sounds right up your alley, we’ve got the answer to all of your questions in our ultimate guide to Annapurna Base Camp…
Ultimate Guide to Annapurna Base Camp
- How hard is it to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
- How long does it take?
- Is it safe to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I cope with altitude sickness?
- What do I need to pack?
- How do I train for Annapurna Base Camp?
How hard is it to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
We give all of our expeditions a difficulty level, so you can assess how tough it might be. Our expedition to Annapurna Base Camp is a level 3, which is actually one of our more accessible expeditions. That means you can expect to trek an average of 4 to 6 hours per day at altitudes not usually exceeding 4,500 metres. As a rough guide, you should be comfortable hillwalking for 5 to 6 hours per day for two days in a row.
Read more about how hard it is to trek Annapurna Base Camp in our blog post.
How long does it take?
Our expedition to Annapurna Base Camp takes 16 days, which includes 10 days of trekking. The pace and our route are both well considered, meaning that we acclimatise slowly and also appreciate our surroundings. Trust us, when you see how beautiful the region is, you’ll want the time to take it all in!
Read more about how long it takes to trek Annapurna Base Camp in our blog post.
Is it safe to trek Annapurna Base Camp?
While the Annapurna mountains are known for being exceptionally tough to climb, the trek to base camp is far more manageable (and therefore safe). However, you should always prioritise safety wherever you go. That’s why we make careful decisions, and send an international guide and doctor on every expedition. Our local team have expert knowledge of the region, too.
Read more about if it’s safe to trek Annapurna Base Camp in our blog post.
How much does it cost?
Our expedition to Annapurna Base Camp currently costs €3,699, including international flights from Dublin. You can also book the expedition without these flights, at a current cost of €2,999. This means you can book your own flights to Kathmandu, but everything else is still included. There are a few bits that aren’t included, like travel insurance, tips and vaccinations, of course.
Read more about how much it costs to trek Annapurna Base Camp in our blog post.
How do I cope with altitude sickness?
Annapurna Base Camp isn’t at as high an elevation as other expeditions. But altitude sickness can still be a concern. And remember, it can affect anyone, despite their own fitness or health. This is why it’s important to walk at a slow pace, stay well hydrated and fed, and to treat AMS as soon as the first symptoms begin. Remember, our expedition doctor is highly trained and experienced in treating AMS on the ground.
Read more about coping with altitude in our blog post.
What do I need to pack?
Whenever you’re planning an expedition, you need to think carefully about what to pack. Luckily, there aren’t any technical skills needed to trek to Annapurna Base Camp, so you won’t need crampons, ice picks or anything like that. You will need a selection of hiking gear like trousers, base layers, hiking socks and (broken in) boots. We tell you exactly what you need to pack well in advance, and you can even get a 15% discount prior to your expedition at Great Outdoors.
Read more about what you need to pack here.
How do I train for Annapurna Base Camp?
While this trek isn’t a technical climb, it is very steep in places and you’ll be gaining height quickly. Therefore, it’s important to train properly for the expedition. The best way to do this is to mix hillwalking with cardio training. You need to be physically fit, but also used to trekking multiple days in a row.
Read more about how to train for Annapurna Base Camp here.
If you want to read all about our expedition to trek Annapurna Base Camp, click the link go to our expedition page.
