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Thinking of trekking to Annapurna base camp during your next vacation in Nepal? Do you know at what elevation does Annapurna base camp lies? Are you curious about what safety measures you need for this amazing trek? If you wish to know more about Annapurna base camp, the elevation gain during the trek, weather conditions, altitude sickness and more, keep on reading this article!
One of the most famous trekking trails in the world, Annapurna base camp offers you an amazing opportunity to experience majestic landscapes, breathtaking views of the mountains, alluring Himalayan vistas, forests. Additionally, the journey blesses you with vibrant rivers, cascading waterfalls and warm hospitality of the locals. The journey leads you to the foot of Mountain Machhapuchhre and Mountain Annapurna.
One of the most exhilarating experiences in life is hiking along a scenic trail surrounded by breathtaking views, such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek. However, this adventure comes with the potential risk of altitude sickness, as the trek involves several days of traveling at high altitudes, with elevations exceeding 3,000 meters. Beginning from Pokhara at an elevation of 820 meters, the Annapurna Base Camp trail gradually ascends to the final destination of Annapurna Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4,130 meters.
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Annapurna Base Camp Elevation Gain
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Most of the Annapurna base camp trekking itinerary starts from Pokhara, a city 200 km far from the capital city Kathmandu. Therefore, from Pokhara you will ascend to the Annapurna base camp which is situated at an elevation of 4,130 meters. Therefore, the overall elevation gain is around 4000 meters (13000-14700 feet). Your journey to Annapurna base camp is a complex combination of steep hills, challenging climbs, and magnificent scenery. Let’s learn one by one night stops and their elevation with a sample itinerary.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
After you reach Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel and then you drive to Pokhara. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Pokhara is situated at an elevation of 820 meters.
Day 2: Nayapul to Ulleri
You will drive to Nayapul and start your trekking journey to Ulleri. Nayapul’s altitude is 1070 meters, and you will spend the night at an elevation of 2020 meters at Ulleri. Walking around 4-5 hours, you will reach Tikhedhunga (1577 meters), where you will have your lunch. From Tikhedhunga, you will again walk around 3 hours to reach Ulleri.
Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani
Your stop for today is Ghorepani which is a 4-5 hour hike from Ulleri. Starting your trek at an altitude of 2020 meters, you take steep steps passing through some beautiful rhododendron and oak trees. A total elevation gain of around 800 meters takes you to Ghorepani (2820 meters) letting you observe impressive views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre.
Day 4: Ghorepani to Poonhill-Tadapani
On this day, this Annapurna base camp trek will take you to an elevation of 3210 meters. Early in the morning, you walk for around 1-2 hours from Ghorepani (2820 meters) to Poonhill (3210 meters). You get to witness the amazing sunrise over the beautiful snow-clad mountains. After spending an hour there, you descend back to Ghorepani, get a great breakfast, and begin walking towards Tadapani (2610 meters) where you are going to spend your night. The trek takes you through Deurali’s pass (3200m) and then descends to Tadapani from Deurali (2960 m).
Day 5: Tadapani to Chhomrong
Walking for around 5-6 hours, the destination for today is Chhomrong (2140 meters). The trail is a blend of steep descent up to 700 meters and mounting uphill until you reach the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong. The trail from Tadapani to Chhomrong is relatively easy and enjoyable making you pass through lush green forests, local villages, and beautiful suspension bridges along with towering peaks.
Day 6: Chhomrong to Dovan
A trek of around 5-6 hours takes you from Chhomrong to Dovan (2500 meters) which is going to be the stop for today. Your journey from Chhomrong begins with a descending steep trail up to Chhomrong Khola taking you over a suspension bridge. You now ascend to Sinuwa village through a forested area filled with rhododendron flowers. Encountering a village named Bamboo at the banks of the Modi Khola River, the trail takes you to a small settlement named Dovan, which is situated at an elevation of 2600 meters.
Day 7: Dovan to Machhapuchre Base Camp
Covering a distance of around 7 kilometers, you now trek for around 4-5 hours to reach Machhapuchre base camp (3700 meters) from Dovan. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and traditional settlements ascending through the dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo trees.
Day 8: Machhapuchre base camp to Annapurna base Camp
Your wait to be at your destination ends today. The journey from Machapuchre base camp to Annapurna base camp (4130 meters) takes you around 2-3 hours of walking. It begins through a rocky terrain offering you panoramic views of surrounding mountain peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, and Gangapurna.
Day 9: Annapurna base camp to Bamboo
Today, you descend down to bamboo (2300m) from Annapurna base camp (4130 m) after having a great breakfast at the base camp. A hike of around 6 hours takes you to Bamboo.
Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu
Today you are going to hike for around 5-6 hours from bamboo to Jhinu (1780 m). You can rejuvenate yourself at Jhinu Dada, a natural hot spring, and find yourself a space to spend the night.
Day 11: Jhinu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu
Today you walk back to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
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Annapurna Base Camp Elevation-Weather Conditions
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Just like the amazing natural beauty it serves, the Annapurna base camp trek is equally prominent for the erratic weather, making your journey even more uncomfortable and difficult. The weather in this region can vary highly depending on the season you are traveling in.
In general, the region experiences a subtropical climate at lower elevations with warm and humid summers and mild winters. However, with the increase in elevation, the weather can become extremely snowy, cold, and windy.
Even though the summers in the Annapurna region are warm with a temperature of around 10-15˚C during the day and 0-5˚C during the night, it is accompanied by frequent rainfall. Likewise, during the winters, the temperature drops can be as low as -20˚C with periodic snowfalls.
Additionally, the peak trekking seasons, autumn and winter are known for the busiest trails however the weather during this time of the year is considered ideal for trekking. The temperature at this time is around 10-20˚C during the day and drops down to 5-10˚C during the night.
Trekking Difficulties Due To Annapurna Base Camp Elevation
Annapurna base camp trekking is a dream come true for most adventure enthusiasts and this journey takes you close to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, stunning landscapes, and the local culture of Nepalese people. However, every journey comes with its own set of difficulties and so is the Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek. Some of the risks involved with trekking to Annapurna base camp are listed below:
Altitude sickness:
Altitude sickness is one of the most common difficulties that you may face while ascending to ABC. It is due to the high elevation of Annapurna Base Camp, where the oxygen levels lower making it harder for your body to adjust to changing conditions. Altitude sickness can come in different forms: acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high altitude cerebral edema.
- Acute mountain sickness is a mild form of altitude sickness, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and insomnia.
- High altitude pulmonary edema affects the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, increased heart rate, and bluish discoloration of the lips, nails, and tongue, along with symptoms similar to acute mountain sickness.
- High altitude cerebral edema is the most severe form of altitude sickness, resulting in fluid accumulation in the brain and symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, exhaustion, fuzzy vision, confusion, and difficulty walking straight.
Steep and rugged terrain:
The trek to Annapurna base camp takes you through some narrow bridges, rough roads, and frequent and steep inclines and declines. This requires you to be in the good physical condition and have prior trekking experience to tackle the challenging terrain.
Unpredictable Weather:
The weather at the Annapurna base camp can be very erratic and severe. Thus you need to be very well prepared and bring appropriate clothing and gears essential.
Language and cultural barriers:
Being home to diverse ethnic groups, the Annapurna region has its own culture and language. You as a trekker should be very mindful of local culture and customs. The language barrier can sometimes be a problem, thus be prepared in case you need any help or be with a guide who can help you during emergencies.
Food Preferences at high altitudes:
Not every type of food you eat at lower elevations is digested while high altitude trekking. This is why we suggest you eat only healthy and fresh Annapurna cuisines that don’t affect your digestive system.
Accommodation and facilities:
Being a popular trekking destination, Annapurna base camp trails are filled with enough tea houses and lodges. However, not all of them have great services and during the peak season, it’s almost difficult to even find better accommodation at a reasonable price. Thus, make sure you plan beforehand if you wish to camp on your own or do tea house trekking.
Despite varied trekking challenges, Annapurna base camp is still loved by trekkers for its spectacular natural beauty and cultural richness. To make the journey even more memorable and unforgettable, do not forget to analyze the challenges and risks associated with high-altitude trekking and come prepared.
Safety Measures Required for Trekking Annapurna Base Camp
Although the Annapurna base camp trek is considered easier compared to other trekking trails in Nepal, it still requires you to take certain safety measures for a successful journey. The first and foremost thing you need is a healthy physical and mental setup. Your body needs to be in a good physical condition so that you can walk 7-8 hours in a day.
Additionally, the Annapurna base camp trek takes you to an elevation of 4130 meters. Most trekkers are likely to suffer from altitude sickness that can cause conditions like difficulty breathing, vomiting, fatigue, and even fatal forms like pulmonary and cerebral edema. Thus, you are suggested to not ascend too quickly at higher altitudes. The best way to get rid of altitude sickness is acclimatization. Make sure you rest well and take time to adjust at different elevations.
Another thing you should not miss is the proper trekking requirements. The elevation of the Annapurna base camp can result in harsh weather conditions. Thus, warm clothes, water and windproof jackets, durable and comfortable trekking shoes, caps, sunglasses, and gloves are a must-have. Other trekking gears you might require are a map, a headlamp, first aid kits, and a trekking pole.
Last but not the least, make sure to check the weather forecasts and select an ideal season for trekking. If possible, avoid trekking during the rainy season which lasts from June to August.
FAQs of Annapurna Base Camp Elevation
Annapurna base camp is considered one of the moderate treks however it still has its own difficulties. You need to pass through some steep and rough terrain along with climbing uphill and downhill for several hours a day. However, with the right acclimatization and preparation, the trek to the Annapurna base camp is known to be easier than other treks in the Annapurna region.
The Everest base camp trek is considered difficult when compared with the Annapurna base camp due to the longer duration it takes and the higher altitude it covers.
Taking you to the foot of the world’s tenth highest mountain Annapurna I, the highest elevation of the ABC trek is 4130 meters (13,550 feet)
The hiking duration for Annapurna base camp can vary from person to person based on a variety of factors like acclimatization days, walking pace, starting point, and trekking route. However, on average it takes you around 6-12 days to complete the trek in a smooth manner.
One of the hardest and riskiest climbs in the world is the south face of Annapurna, also known as Annapurna south face. With an average gradient of fifty degrees, the Annapurna south face is prominent for the steepest face of any peak higher than 7000 meters in the world.