Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Crowded?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Crowd

The 15 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a crowded destination during the peak season. The Annapurna region lies in the north-central part of Nepal. The region is popular among trekkers for being a gateway to some well-known trekking routes.

The Annapurna region is easily accessible through Pokhara. It takes around 8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by road. You can also travel via air which takes only around 30 minutes. The region has many attractive trekking routes apart along with Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The trekkers can also get access to Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and many other. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most trekking routes. Situated at 4,130 meters elevation, any novice or seasoned trekker can take up the challenge. Likewise, there is also no age restrictions for the trek. 

It has its challenges but it also provides trekkers with an awe-inspiring experience. The route will take trekkers through various scenic landscapes, lush forests, and alpine meadows.

Similarly, they can witness majestic views of mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, etc. The cultural experience and hospitality is one of a kind. These are a few reasons why Annapurna Base Camp Trek is crowded.

Is Annapurna Base Camp Actually Crowded Trek? 

Although we say that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is crowded is it actually a crowded trek? The answer to this question depends on the time of the year. As we mentioned before, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular among trekkers. It is the second most popular trekking route in Nepal. During the peak trekking season, the route is busier. You will pass by other trekkers heading to the same destination. 

Additionally, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek shares the same route as Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and Annapurna Circuit. Similarly, the route is easy to access and offers scenic beauty. It has become popular among trekkers looking to experience Nepal’s natural beauty, mountain views, culture, food, and hospitality.

Furthermore, it is also suitable for beginners. It is one of the safest routes suitable for solo and female trekkers. Therefore, it is inevitable that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is crowded. 

Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The peak season or the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is spring and autumn season. The clear and perfect weather conditions are one of the reasons. Likewise, other factors make these two seasons the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The summer and winter seasons are not so favorable for the trek. Here is an overview of the best times and not so best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:  

Spring Season

The spring season (March to May) falls in pre-monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is mild and warm. However, the nights are still chilly and cold. The best thing about trekking in the spring season is that you can witness the rhododendron forest in full bloom. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek route takes you through the forest. So you will get to experience the trail’s beauty to its fullest. 

Another reason why spring season is the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the mountain views. You can get to witness stunning mountain views like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and many others.

Autumn Season 

The next season is the autumn season (September to November). It falls on the post-monsoon season in Nepal. In addition to the favorable weather conditions, you can witness the stunning mountain views. The temperature is also moderate and warm. The mornings and nights are however bit chilly.

Since the season is post-monsoon, the trail is stable.  The forest trail is vibrant and luscious. The autumn season is also the harvesting season. Therefore, you can witness the villagers harvesting the crops along the trail. It is also the season where the route for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek tends to be crowded. 

Summer and Winter Season 

Other than these seasons, the winter is also good for trekking. The route is less crowded and the accommodations are easily available. However, the temperature can get low and the trail gets more challenging. The trail gets covered with snow and slippery. There can also be avalanches. So winter is a risky season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

Meanwhile, the summer season coincides with the monsoon in Nepal. The trail gets wet and muddy. Likewise, there are high chances of landslides because of rainfall and swollen rivers. The accommodations can also be closed during the off-season. So, we do not recommend summer and winter for trekking. It is best to travel in the suitable season even if the Annapurna Base Camp Trek gets crowded. 

Do you need a porter for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is physically strenuous. Although you do not have to carry heavy equipment for the trek, you have to ascend and descend varied terrains.

Hire Freelance Porter in Nepal

If you are physically fit and comfortable with carrying your backpack, you do not necessarily have to hire a porter. It depends on your physical fitness, the backpack’s weight, and your preference for whether to hire a porter or not. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Trivhuban Internatinal Airport $ Transfer to Hotel
  • Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trip preparation Day
  • Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Hille & Trek to Ulleri 1980m
  • Day 5: Ulleri Trek to Ghorepani 2850m
  • Day 6: Hike Poonhill and Trek to Tadapani 2710m
  • Day 7: Tadapani Trek to Chhomrong 1970m
  • Day 8: Chhomrung Trek to Bamboo 2310m
  • Day 9: Bamboo Trek to Deurili 3200m
  • Day 10: Deurali trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4130m 6 hours
  • Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Back to Bamboo 2310m 7 hours
  • Day 12: Bamboo Trek to Jhinu Danda 1920m 5 hours
  • Day 13: Trek to Nayapul and Drive back to Pohara 950 m
  • Day 14: From Pokhara Drive to Kathmandu 1310m
  • Day 15: Final Departure

Faqs?

What is the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? 

Spring and autumn are the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The spring season (March to May) falls pre-monsoon and the autumn (September to November) falls post-monsoon. Thus, the weather conditions are clear for trekking. Trekkers can also get clear mountain views thanks to the clear weather. The route is also safe during these two seasons. 

Is the Annapurna Base Camp route crowded? 

The Annapurna Base Camp route can get busy during the peak season. Additionally, Annapurna Base Camp is a popular route. It is common for trekkers to choose the best weather and season to get the best experience. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can plan your trek between the peak and off-peak seasons when the weather is still favorable. 

Can beginners join the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? 

The base camp lies at an altitude of 4,130 meters. It is moderately difficult and requires no technical skills. Similarly, there are no age restrictions for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. So, it is suitable for beginners to participate in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

Why is the Annapurna Base Camp trek popular? 

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular for its scenic landscape, natural beauty, and stunning mountain views. Similarly, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunrises with mountain ranges in the backdrop. The trekking route passes through charming villages and tea houses. It is also a safe trekking route ideal for solo and female trekkers. 

Conclusion

We hope we were able to answer is Annapurna Base Camp Trek crowded question. Since the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is popular, it is normal to find it crowded during the peak season. You can enjoy the trekking to the fullest and enjoy the magnificent beauty. Likewise, the peak season is also the safest season for you to trek. 

But it is always a good idea to check the weather before planning your trek. During the peak season the accommodations can get fully booked. So plan and book beforehand. You can get help from your trekking agency. Here at Adventure Walkway, we have the perfect packages to suit your needs. You can check our website or contact us anytime for further information. 

About the author

A writer with a love for books, nature, and trekking. She has passion for storytelling with the spirit of exploration. She wants her readers to embark on journeys through her writing into the diverse, stunning, and majestic great outdoors of Nepal.

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