Difficulties of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the popular trekking destination in Nepal. The daunting mountain peaks seen during the trek are simply spellbinding. With such large flock of trekkers, you might wonder “How difficult is it to trek Annapurna Base Camp”.

Well! Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty is graded as a moderate trek!

It means with average fitness and passion, you can conquer the Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna is 10^th tallest peaks in world with an elevation of 8,091m. However, its base camp lies in a relatively low altitude of 4,130m. 4,130m is itself a moderate altitude when compared to other high altitude treks in Nepal.

Besides elevation, there are several other factors that determines the difficulty of Annapurna Base Camp. The factors comprises the trip duration, range of altitude, geography, climatic condition and remoteness of trail.

Here’s the quick snapshot of factors that determines that difficulty of Annapurna Base camp Trek:

Duration of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

One of the significant component that determines the difficulty of ABC trek is its duration. Typically, the trek lasts for 9 – 13 days – depending on the route you take. You will walk for 5 – 7 hours a day covering 10 – 15 km per day. If you are seasoned trekker, the duration might not bother you but if your novice, we suggest you to prepare your body. Hit gym or hike on nearby hills or engage on cardio-vascular exercise, few weeks prior the trek.

Range of Altitude and Geography

One of the challenging part of the ABC trek is the range of altitude you will be covering. Starting from Nayapul (1,000m) above sea level, you will conquer 4,130m with series of ups and downs on remote mountain terrain. Sometimes the trail is easy with flat terrain and sometimes it becomes steep and narrow. The Chhomrong trail and the Macchapuchhre to Annapurna Base Camp are the toughest part of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But it is nothing when we compare this with other treks like Manaslu Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek.

Make sure you have lots of break in between and walk slow to avoid altitude sickness issues. As you are likely to become the victim of altitude sickness once you reach 2,500m elevation.

Altitude Sickness

The high mountain region has low atmospheric pressure and oxygen compared to sea level. When your body is unable to get oxygen supplies, the symptoms of altitude sickness is seen in the form of exhaustion and tiredness.

The Annapurna Base Camp trail is developed in such manner that your body gets acclimatize in course of walking. However, you cannot rule out the possibility of altitude sickness during the trek. Here are symptoms of altitude sickness:

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Dizziness and poor sleep

·         Hangover

·         Short breathiness

·         Cough

·         Unclear vision

·         Confusion

·         Difficult in walking

If you see such symptoms on you or your fellow trekkers, the best cure is to drop to lower elevation as quickly as possible.

Here’s the altitude of various places along the way to ABC trek:

Places                                   Altitude 

Nayapul                               1027

Ghorepani                          2,874m

Tadapani                              2630m

Himalaya Hotel                  2920m

MBC                                      2920m

ABC                                        4,130m

Distance

Annapurna Base Camp Trek distance varies from 115km – 130km depending on the route you take. On average, you will cover 10 – 15 km each day during the ABC trek.

The trek tails to Annapurna Base Camp are well-managed so it is quite easy to walk on. But there are some steep sections which really tests your endurance and strength.

Despite the trekking trails are easy to cover, the season of winter and summer make the trail quite tricky and challenging.