Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring

Embarking Annapurna Base Camp Trek in the spring (March, April, and May) is the perfect choice from various points; crystal skies, magnificent views, stable weather conditions, longer days, mind temperature are some of them. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the base of Annapurna lies, comes to life during these months. Trekking and touring around here are pleasant, and the forests along the surrounding hills look gorgeously green. 

Pass the lustrous forests of rhododendron, cascading rivers, dazzling waterfalls to land on the foothills of Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri makes your journey something special. Do not worry about heavy backpacks or rain gears as winter is already ended and summer is far. Just enjoy your entire trip having the most spectacular views of the mountains and colorful landscapes without fearing to drench in the rain and slipping off in the snow.

Walking in spring is possible with the light clothes passing the pleasing typical Nepali settlements of Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ulleri, and so forth under the foothills Annapurna massifs, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurana, and their neighboring peaks. The smiling faces and the warm hospitality of the locals en route make the journey to Annapurna more special.

The journey commences from a relatively lower elevation around 900m and gradually reaches 4120m making the highest point- Annapurna Base Camp. Walking gradually having acclimatization reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness. Trekking in the Annapurna region is possible with or without a guide or porter. However, hiring the guide and porter makes the journey safe, stress-free, and enjoyable.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Highlights

• Spectacular first rays of the sun over glittering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri section of Nepal.
• Rhododendron and other spring flowers throughout the trek
• 360 panoramic views standing at different vantage points
• Celebrate Nepali New Year with the locals of diverse ethnic groups
• Unobscured views of the white snow-capped Mountain ranges
• Pass agricultural terraced fields, stone stairs, diverse flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation area, cascade waterways, dazzling waterfalls, and lustrous greeneries.
•   Soak in the splendid natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda
• Enjoy exploring tourist hub- Pokhara, ancient city- Kathmandu, and artistic city- Patan and Bhaktapur.
• Meet fellow trekkers, interact with locals and visit the houses of brave soldiers- the Gurkhas.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Weather conditions

Spring is one of the most demanded seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekking this season, one can get pleasantness everywhere. Trekkers can walk freely in mild weather without being worried about the precipitation, cold, and snow. The crystal skies offer sunlight from early, making the days warmer.

On these sustained climatic conditions, one gets to sightsee around you dazzling at their best. The cloudless skies and surroundings serve the perfect visibility. The mountains seem scenic and ever-smiling every time.

During this season, on sunny days, the temperature in the Annapurna region remains 16-22 degrees Celsius, in the lower elevations remaining 8-10 degrees Celsius at night. In the Base Camp, the temperature witnesses 8-10 degrees Celsius in the daytime and decreases to -8 degrees Celsius at night.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Accommodations and Crowds

Expect to stay in the local teahouses with the basic room and eateries in the uppermost parts of the journey. However, in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, one can get standard hotels with full facilities, and numerous options are available. According to your budget and interest, you can choose the hotels and eateries.

During the trek, decorated teahouses run by the local family having basic amenities are available. Up to Chhomrong village, one can get cozy rooms with attached bathrooms, and a hot shower is accessible. Upper from there, you shall have a shared bathroom, and the amenities become more basic.

Hundreds of tourists head towards Annapurna Base Camp during these months. The cost of accommodation and food may increase with the elevation, and you may need to share the room with another trekker due to the lack of sufficient teahouses in the elevated parts.

During the trek, beautiful teahouses run by the local families are available. The rooms are cozy with attached bathrooms and hot shower facilities up to Chhomrong. As you go higher, only teahouses with basic facilities and shared bathrooms are available.

The alluring weather of March and April attracts hundreds of tourists to the Annapurna Base Camp every year. The costs of lodging, as well as meals subsequently, increase with elevation. You have to get your reservations done well in advance to secure your accommodation in decent teahouses.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Trek difficulty

A moderately difficult journey to Annapurna Base Camp leads via lustrous forests, spectacular settlements passing the rocky trail, and stone stairs somewhere. This trek is doable for anyone having good health and eagerness.

The trekking routes to the Annapurna Base Camp are well maintained, and they are dry in the spring months. Therefore there is less possibility of road accidents. The melodious sound of birds makes you forget all the tiredness and fatigue caused by walking uphill and downhill along the thousands of staircases en route. Trekkers will be safe from the heavy precipitation and harsh cold, making the journey more special and enjoyable.

As the chiliad of the trekkers moves towards the base of the 10th tallest peak of the peak- Mt. Annapurna in spring months, the teahouses along the routes and trekking destinations may get crowded. However, in case you pre-book for the rooms, you shall have fewer problems during the trek. Food will be served in the same teahouse where you accommodate.

Carry right trekking gears, maintain your own pace, don’t get panic, drink plenty of water, acclimatize time and again, trek high, sleep low, and follow your guide’s instructions. This way, you will beat each difficulty during the journey of Annapurna Base Camp in spring.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Brief itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu (1338m/4390ft)

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690ft)

Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m/5051ft)

Day 05: Trek from Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2860m/9380ft)

Day 06: Trek from Ghorepani to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft) and descend to Tadapani (2,630m/8626ft)

Day 07: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft)

Day 08: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m/6190ft)

Day 09: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200m/10500ft)

Day 10: Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft)

Day 11: Trek from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13545ft)

Day 12: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7576ft)

Day 13: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m/5840ft)

Day 14: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara

Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 16: Airport drop and international departure from Kathmandu

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Permits & Regulations

While trekking in the Annapurna Region, you need to purchase two sorts of permits; Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The cost of TIMS is NPR 1000 (approx. USD 10) each if you trek in a group and NPR 2000 (approx. USD 20) in case you walk alone. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs NPR 2000 (approx. USD 20) per person. There will be a checkpoint at the beginning of your trek where you'll have to display both permits.

Annapurna Base Camp trek in spring: Useful tips

Acclimatization is the Key

Walking above 3000m above sea level, anyone can be affected by elevation-related hazards. Acclimatization is one of the major solutions for this. You need to be adjusted in the lower oxygenated lands of the Himalayan foothills. The process of acclimatization slowly increases the oxygen level in your body and helps to ascend the desired destination easily.

Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.

Walking in the higher elevations, your body dehydrates easily. To rehydrate your body, you need to drink plenty of water time and again. Dehydration is the main cause of several problems as lack of oxygen in your body, altitude sickness, fatigue, and more. Therefore, you need to carry at least 2 bottles of refillable water bottles and be refilled at teahouses and water taps along the journey. Also, do not forget to carry a water purification system or tablets that help to make refilled water drinkable.
Book in advance
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most demanded trekking destinations in the spring months. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your place for trekking. Booking secures your accommodation and eateries on the way. Trekkers may find it hard to get rooms in the lodges and teahouses in the higher elevations of the journeying as only limited teahouses are established.

Be well prepared in advance.

Both physical and mental preparation is crucial before commencing the journey to Annapurna. You need to have some prior hiking experience or some cardiovascular exercises to make the journey more comfortable—practice walking, joining gyms, cycling, and swimming before the trip help to be prepared.

Carry local currency

Apart from major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, the teahouses and lodges may not accept your currencies. On the way, it lacks the exchanging counters. So, it is recommended to carry Nepali currency from Kathmandu or Pokhara. There are several ATM lounges and exchange counters in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can obtain Nepali currencies.

Start your trek in early.

It is wise to start the journey early morning while trekking in the early spring month (March) as the days are shorter. As you need to walk 6-8 hours a day, you would finish early and rest afterward. Beginning early, you can walk slowly with the regular break to reach the desired destination.

Final Say

An important season for Trekking in Nepal, spring welcomes everyone to explore the Himalayan foothills of this tiny nation. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring (March, April, and May) offers the best view of the snowy mountains, fabulous views of the surrounding environment. Perfect weather, clear blue skies with the wildflower, and greenery provide a pleasant trekking experience.