Trekking to the trails of Annapurna Base Camp offers different scenarios during different seasons of the year. Every season has its own beauty with many challenges. While the best time for ABC trek is Spring and Autumn.
During these times, the weather remains stable and you will be able to enjoy clearer scenic views. There will be lesser obstacles in terms of weather, flight and accommodation facilities.
The Himalayas still have a lot to offer you during the rest of the year as well. Therefore, it can be somehow confusing to decide the best time as a whole since you can trek all year long.
Here, we have listed out the favorable times of the year when you can trek through trails of the Annapurna Base Camp. It is best to decide the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp depending on your convenience.
Seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring
Spring in Nepal lasts for three months. It starts from March and runs through May. It is the most beautiful season in Nepal. You will witness rare flowers blooming at every step and enjoy the mildly warm and moderate temperatures at ABC.
The clear weather offers you a breathtaking colorful view as the wildflowers and vegetations cover the hills. The rhododendron forests will melt your heart as they compliment the snow-capped mountains and vice versa.
It is the second most popular season to trek in Nepal.
Early spring can be a bit chilly with an average mid-low temperature (about 10-degree Celsius) in the daytime at the lower elevations. It gets colder with the increasing altitudes and can be freezing cold at above 4000 meters.
The lower altitudes of the Annapurna range can be warm in May. Therefore, you would want to keep yourself well hydrated. It can be around 20°C during the daytime and 5°C at night.
It is quite comfortable to trek in this season as the weather will be a very good companion throughout.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in spring
- Favorable and a quite stable weather
- Clear and mesmerizing views
- Fewer trekkers in comparison to Autumn season, which means you can have the chance to explore the remote parts of the Himalayas peacefully.
Do you have any question or Confusion?
Tell us about your trip and we will help you design comfortable itinerary to meet your needs.Monsoon
From late June to August, monsoon in the Himalayan trails is naturally mesmerizing. The weather can be hot and humid but the rain settles the temperature.
The aftermath of the rain is a pleasure to the eyes and heart.
It usually rains during in the late evenings or nights. As the day arrives, the weather starts to clear up. But early mornings can be a bit cloudy and misty. However, this clears up as the day proceeds.
Monsoon offers a majestic view of the mountains, hills and the lush vegetations.
A perk of trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp during monsoon is that you’ll come across lesser crowds. This means you can trek at your own pace and not worry about accommodations and other services.
The best part about trekking in Summer is the fresh air. The rain settles the dust and pollution down, giving you a breath of the fresh weather.
Likewise, you can pack light and trek in lighter clothes.
Highlights of trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp in the Monsoon
- The rain makes the environment fresh and dust free
- Fewer trekkers than other times of the year. This gives you the chance to enjoy the adventure at your own pace and in solitude.
- A wide range of flora and fauna
Autumn
Autumn in Nepal is technically the best in terms of weather.
You will get to witness the best views and scenarios and face the least weather difficulties. The monsoon rain will have settled all the dust and pollution from the atmosphere.
The weather of autumn is very clear which is why a lot of trekkers choose to make their way during autumn.
The temperature of this season is normally mild warm during days, around 15°C, and cool breezy in the nights. However, the higher altitudes can be freezing cold at nights.
The views of the hills and the mountain range in this season will be crystal clear. The rain pour is very low and the days are sunny and perfect for hikes. The night sky of autumn is also breathtaking.
As December is just around the corner, the temperature begins to drop gradually. You might feel the chill during the mornings and nights at higher altitudes. November can be a bit cold. Thus, you would need warm layered clothing and a 4-season sleeping bag.
Autumn in Nepal lasts from mid-September to November, and you can explore a lot while you are here in this season.
The major festivals of Nepal fall in Autumn. Dashain, Tihar and other festivals will add a traditional flavor to your visit here. However, you can only enjoy these festivals if you are in Kathmandu during October.
Highlights of trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp during autumn
- Clear and stable weather, with moderate temperature
- Opportunity to explore the traditional and cultural aspects through festivals
- Safe and comfortable trails
Winter
Winter starts from December and lasts till February here. It is the coldest weather period in the Annapurna region. The weather can tremendously vary according to altitudes.
You will experience lesser cold in the lower elevations while you may witness snowfall with the increasing altitudes. Despite the low temperatures, the weather is generally fair, dry and stable. The degree of coldness definitely depends on the altitude.
It is ideal for those who do not mind cold temperatures as long as they get to witness the best nature has to offer. It is a perfect getaway for those who seek solitude in nature.
You can enjoy your time more as the tea houses in the trails will be less crowded and you will not have to struggle for accommodation.
The mornings can be foggy, yet the afternoons remain very clear. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views as you trek along the Annapurna Base Camp.
Highlights of trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp in Winter
- Clear views and crystal clear skies that are wonderful for stunning photography
- Lesser crowds. This allows you to enjoy the solitude at your own pace
- Spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain ranges
- Best views of the Himalayas
- You can celebrate New Year and Christmas with the local and friendly people
Some Popular Trekking Routes in the Annapurna Region
You can trek in the Himalayas throughout the year and experience the best of what nature has to offer.
Here are some other routes you can opt for in the Annapurna Region if only the Annapurna Base Camp is not the only destination that you want to reach.
Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek
The Annapurna Khopra Ridge Trek is an ideal trail in the Annapurna region that offers an exotic experience throughout the trek.
You can witness the lush green alpine forests and a variety of flora and fauna. You’ll also witness scattered settlements of ethnic groups and the spectacular mountain views.
During the trek, you will witness 360 degrees view of the mountain ranges. Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Nilgiri (7,061 meters), Bharha Shikhar (7647 meters), Annapurna I (8091 meters) are some mountain peaks. The Annapurna South (7219 m), Hiunchuli (6434 m), Fishtail (6997 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna (IV 7525 m), Lamjung Himal (6983 m), are some other famous peaks.
Highlights of the trek
- Lesser crowds
- Diverse wildlife and vegetation
- Stunning mountain views
- Khayer Lake on the foothills of Annapurna
- Safe and well-directed trails (proper signs)
- A close encounter with the local culture
- Rhododendron forests
Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna and Tilicho Lake Trek is one of the most challenging trekking trails of Nepal.
It offers you the stunning views of the mountains standing on different faces. Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak are some of the mountains that you can witness.
Tilicho Lake is the highest Lake in the world (4919m). This trekking trail allows you to explore the ethnic diversity and experience the local cultures.
Highlights of the trek
- Mesmerizing view of the Annapurna Ranges
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Exploration of ethnic variation
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking routes in the world. You encircle the Annapurna range on this trek, starting from Khudi and ending at Tadapani.
The trek is famous for the mesmerizing views of the mountains and the pristine landscape throughout the trail. The trails of the circuit get better with the ascending altitudes.
It is quite a long and challenging trek, but the feeling of achievement when you make through it is unexplainable.
The Thorong La Pass is quite a challenging part of the trek, yet the experience is worth a lifetime. You also get to explore the ethnic and cultural diversity in the villages that you pass through and rest along the way.
Highlights of the trek
- The mesmerizing trail from Dhukurpokhari to Manang
- The beautiful town of Manang.
- Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters.
- The locally grown apples of Marpha.
- Sunrise from Poon Hill.
- The Muktinath Temple
Round Annapurna Short Trek
The Round Annapurna Short Trek is an alternative short trek for the Annapurna Circuit. This trek is specially designed for those who have limited time, yet want to explore the Himalaya beauty of Nepal.
This trek is a complete package where you can experience the wilderness of the Annapurna region and you can do it in all seasons.
The major attraction of the trek is the diverse terrains, cultural diversity and stunning views of the landscapes.
Highlights of the trek
- Scenic views of the snow-capped mountains
- Crossing the world’s highest Thorong La Pass
- Exploring the Manang Valley
- Visiting the Muktinath Temple
- Walking via the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge
Conclusion
Every season in Nepal has distinct features, which is why one can trek through the trails of Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year.
There are various other reasons than weather that you would want to consider while planning your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. You can also consider trekking during festivities.
Likewise, you can witness the Annapurna Jayanti festival in December. The locals celebrate it as the birth anniversary of Goddess Annapurna. The Annapurna region has so much to offer you throughout the year.
Choosing the best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is just a preference. The Himalayas always have something special to serve you during your visit!
If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us.
Do you have any question or Confusion?
Tell us about your trip and we will help you design comfortable itinerary to meet your needs.
