Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October and November

August 19, 2022

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most beautiful treks on Earth that takes you through different climates, diverse landscapes, and culturally enriching villages. From the Annapurna Base Camp, you can witness the stunning views of Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Pisang, and Pungda Danda, in addition to numerous other peaks. Along the way, you will be visiting the famous Poon Hill viewpoint and relaxing in the natural hot water pool at Jhinu Danda. While going to Annapurna base camp Trek you should always understand and study the risk factors. The local weather and climate are the key factors. Depending upon the region and the season, weather and temperature in Nepal vary drastically. And as you go higher, it gets unpredictable. So it`s best to be prepared accordingly before you make your decision.

The stunning view of the Himalayas, pristine culture and traditions of the Gurung villages are the major highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Every trekker dream about being on the Base Camp of the 10^th highest peak, Mt. Annapurna (8,091m). Being a demanding trek, you might face many barriers on the trekking route, but with good health conditions and courage, this trek is doable by any type of trekker. The mountain ranges included in this tour bring you through Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, and lush green rice fields engraved with a diamond-like carpet of snow amidst majestic slopes of misty valleys. Since the Annapurna Base Camp Trek happens around a vast area of the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will be walking across the Modi river and discovering some of the massive peaks of 7000-8000 meters. Thousands of Tourists visit Nepal to trek to the mountains every year. There are a lot of trekking destinations in Nepal and it has grown popular over the past decades.

The mountain ranges included in this tour bring you through Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, and lush green rice fields engraved with a diamond-like carpet of snow amidst majestic slopes of misty valleys. Since the Annapurna Base Camp Trek happens around a vast area of Annapurna Conservation Area. You will be walking across the Modi river and discover some of the massive peaks of 7000-8000 meters. Thousands of Tourists visit Nepal to trek to the mountains every year. There are a lot of trekking destinations in Nepal and it has grown popular over the past decades. Among many famous trekking routes, Annapurna Base Camp Trek has become every trekker’s dream vacation when it comes to trekking in Nepal. It is an easier trail compared to the Everest Base Camp.

Trekking in Annapurna Base Camp during October and November

October and November will have the best weather in Annapurna Base Camp, just the way trekkers sought for. It is one of the unbelievable time periods of the year to trek in Nepal. There will be no rain clouds all around the sky. October and November month will have better visibility in Annapurna Base Camp Trek because of the sun and bluish skies.

November falls under autumn which is the peak season for trekking in this Annapurna region. The blue skies and the snow-clad mountains make this fantastic high-altitude trek in November a great adventure. You can take as many pictures as you want and create memories of a lifetime. November is known for its bright and sunny days ideal for trekking. You will also get to explore the cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of the local community. The Annapurna region has a lively atmosphere in November as hundreds of trekkers come for various adventures including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Mountains seem to be sunbathing and glittering on sunny days. You will get to look at the mountains as long as you want. There will be no hindrance around the view like during the rainy season. But you might get Sunburn easily so always have a hat and sunscreen in your backpack. There will not be any immediate and sudden snowfall throughout the October season.

The temperature during Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October and November

The temperature remains stable and unwavering during October and November. Days are mostly sunny and warm so you should expect a pleasant temperature. Though the temperature of the Annapurna region is different during the day and night hours. The average daytime temperature of the Annapurna region is around 20 to 25 degrees. And during night and morning hours when the sun is not out in the sky, the average temperature rotates around 10 to 15 degrees or even lower.

As you trek higher, the temperature will start to get lower. Annapurna Base Camp is the coldest point of this trek even in the ideal month like October and November. The temperature of the Base Camp can fall up to -1 degree or even lower during the dark hours. Early morning and evening are colder but you can tackle the cold with proper packing. Overall, the temperature during October and November in the Annapurna Base Camp area is stable and easily bearable. You will have trouble-less trekking during these months.

The attraction of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in October and November

Trek into the lush forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project
Low amount of precipitation and clear skies
Walking in the foothills of two gigantic peaks, namely, Mt. Annapurna and Macchapuchhare
Breath-taking views of snow-capped mountain peaks of the Annapurna range including Annapurna South, Annapurna1, Himchuli, Macchapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and others.
Pleasant trek to the various picturesque villages along the way
Exploring the culture and tradition of the Magar and Gurung community
Relaxing at Jhinu Danda hot water springs
Great hospitality of the local people and tasting delicious foods

Difficulties during Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Though Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not a difficult trek, there are some challenges during the trek. But, this doesn’t mean that you cannot complete or do the trek. Factors like duration and distance of the trip, altitude sickness, preparedness, trekking season, and so on affect your trekking journey. The hikers must be moderately fit as you are trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. Before embarking on the journey, you need to know about the Annapurna Base Camp trekking difficulty and the prevention tips to deal with all those difficulties.

Some of the challenges you need to know during the trek are as follows:

1: Distance and Duration of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Distance is the major determining factor of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trek covers 115km in total where you will be walking 10 to 20 km each day. The distance covered by this trek is short as compared to other long distance treks like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, and many other treks. Annapurna Base Camp Trek usually takes 11 to 14 days complete, but if you are short on time and want to do it within a short time, you can complete this trek in 8 to 9 days. On average, you have to walk for 5 to 6 hours daily.

The best duration to choose during the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 11 to 14 days itinerary as this will give you more days so that you can complete the trek even if you walk at a slow pace. If you choose an 8 to 9 days itinerary you need to walk a long time a day which might lead you to anxiety and other various problems.

2: Altitude Sickness

As you are trekking to a high-altitude region, there is always a possibility of being hit by altitude sickness. The Annapurna Base Camp starts from Kathmandu, situated at an altitude of 1300 meters and this journey ends at the Annapurna region, situated at an altitude of 4130 meters. So the oxygen level is at lower to higher altitudes which might be hard for your body to adjust to the new environment. Once you cross 3,000 meters you may start to feel uncomfortable and get the symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and so on. This might make your trip difficult. High altitude can create serious problems for some trekkers.

If you are noticing any of the altitude symptoms it is better to return to a lower altitude region. Ignoring the symptoms will worsen the situation.

3: Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Trail

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trail is not as hard as other mountainous trails. Though there are many twists and turns, ups and downs, rocky boulders, and steep stone steps, which might add difficulty to the trek. This trek doesn’t require any fitness level, but you should at least be in good shape and possess good stamina to pass through the moderate difficulty hiking trail. To minimize the risks associated with trekking trails, you should always be aware of your physical strength.

Keep the slow pace and always have someone by your side like a guide who can provide guidelines about ways to walk safely even in a difficult route.

4: Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

While trekking in this region, you must make sure that you have a proper packing list for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Packing a bag with essential items for around 2weeks can be demanding itself. One thing to remember is that you will not be able to buy anything that you require for the trek on the Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail. Thus, packing the necessary essentials during this trek is a must. Reliable and qualitative clothing and shoes are the most important thing as your whole journey entirely depends upon them. If you avoid excess packing and focus on the right clothing, then you can enjoy a comfortable trip.

Since the weather at Annapurna Base Camp is unpredictable, it is always best to pack both light and warm clothes and thick woolen clothes. The right shoes are key to increasing the success rate of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Make your backpack as light as possible by including only the essential items.

6: Annapurna Base Camp Trek without Guide

Most of the trekkers plan for the Annapurna Base Camp trek without a guide. But, trekking is fun only when you get to know more about each destination, village, and the local people and their cultures. If you visit this region on your own, there will be no one to elaborate on the historical sites, narrate stories or translate the local language. Likewise, you can’t get to the best viewpoint of the Annapurna region without the help of a guide. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with a guide helps to boost the local economy and break the language barrier.

There are no restrictions regarding solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp but hiring a guide for Annapurna Base Camp trek is always the best option for both safety and exploration purposes. Annapurna Base Camp difficulties can be minimized if you are with an experienced and qualified guide.

Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp during October and November

Trekking pants and jackets
Insulating jackets
Trekking boots
Lightweight Sweaters
Woolen caps
Short-sleeved trekking shirts
Pairs of Gloves
Shampoos
Toilet paper
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Band-aids

Documents Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For trekking in Annapurna Base Camp, there are some important permits without which you are not allowed to trek in this region. As you will be entering the Annapurna Base Camp, you will need a permit. TIM’s cards along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are important for entering this region as proof that you are here for trekking purposes and mean no harm to the locals and the natural resources of the region.

Before getting all these permits, you will need your passport with the Nepal entry visa stamp. The passport needs a six months validity and also you need two passport-size photos.

Best Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking in winter

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

Namaste!!! Welcome to the country of the Himalayas, Nepal. You will be warmly welcomed by the Well Nepal Travel representative upon your arrival at Tribhuban International Airport, Kathmandu, and shift to the hotel our representative described the itinerary of the tour, overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu.

Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ghandruk

Early morning pickup from Hotel and shift to Tribhuban Airport, fly to Pokhara, which takes 25minutes to reach. Then drive to Nayapul in a private car which is approximately one hour drive. Trek to Ulleri, overnight at Ghandruk.

Day 3: Ghandruk to Chhomrang

After breakfast, you will trek to Chhomrang and along its trail, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount. Annapurna south (7219m) and Himchuli (6441m) and places like Banthali and Tanfethati from where Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), the highest of Annapurna region looks stunning, overnight at Lodge, Chhomrang.

Day 4: Trek Chhomrang to Devan to Deurali

After breakfast, you climb up trails to Dovan, you cross the small village of Sinuwa Dada, and making through beautiful thick Rhododendron forest, Khuldighar, and a rocky cliff of bamboo you will find yourself at Dovan. Then headed for Deurali. Along the way, you will be enjoying the silent jungle and visiting a temple within the same jungle. Enjoying some waterfalls and a lake called Hinku you reach Deurali, overnight at Lodge, Deurali.

Day 5: Trek Deurali to Macchapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp

After breakfast you trail down through the rugged path, a bit dangerous for avalanches, you will find yourself in Macchapuchhare Base Camp with few lodges. From here you will keep walking up through grassy land for two hours and you are at Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight at Lodge, Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 6: Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Chhomrang

After breakfast, you will enjoy the beautiful Annapurna Mountains and others from a close distance with beautiful natural scenery and vegetation you head back the same route to Chhomrang. Overnight at Lodge, Chhomrang.

Day 7: Chhomrang to Jhinu to Kyumi

After breakfast, you trek from Chhomrang to Kyumi and Jhinu. Jhinu is located at an altitude of 1,690 meters above sea level. Overnight stay at Lodge.

Day 8: Kyumi to Nayapul to Pokhara

After breakfast, you trek from Kyumi to Nayapul. From there you will drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara, Hotel.

Day 9: Final Day (Fly back to Kathmandu)

Today is the last day of the trek. Transfer to Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu.