An adventurous trek to the Himalayas is definitely up your alley if you like gazing at the snow-covered mountains, wandering around forested trails, and interacting with the local communities. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most beautiful trekking destinations in the world and should be on your bucket list as well. Well, if you are reading this blog, that means you already have plans to do this trek, specifically in this or the coming month of April.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is just perfect for just about anyone. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker who has been to other destinations or you're someone who has just started their trekking journey, April welcomes you with breathtaking views and an adventurous journey.
April is when the spring reaches its peak and allows the trekkers to experience amazing views of the Annapurna Range under the clear sky, stable weather, moderate temperatures, stunning landscapes, and of course, forests flooming with rhododendrons.
There is always something special about the spring season. And April is when it reaches its peak. The nights are shorter, days are longer, skies are clearer, and the atmosphere is overall more pleasant. It is the best possible month to plan your trek to the Annapurna Base Camp.
The month of April has the optimal weather for trekking in the Annapurna region. As winter has long ended and summer is a month away, it offers the perfect weather with a clear sky. This means you can enjoy your trek without having to worry about the constant weather changes with rain or snow. Of course, the weather in the mountains can be pretty unpredictable, but April, for the most part, has the most stable and clear weather, making your daily hikes on the trail of the Annapurna Base Camp a very memorable experience.
With good weather come mild temperatures. To state the obvious, the temperature in the mountains can get very cold; we’re talking about freezing cold that gets below negative numbers during the winter season, but in spring the temperature starts becoming warmer and just the right amount for a pleasant trek. It will still be cold in the base camp but nothing your puffy down jacket cannot handle!
The temperature in April in the parts of the Annapurna region can range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day and can drop to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at night; it gets colder as you ascend higher. So, the temperature in April is very favorable to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
April is not only the month with pleasant weather and moderate temperatures but it is also the peak time where the buds bloom into the beautiful flower. Where there are many wildflowers that bloom in spring, one flower in particular is the most prominent and that is the national flower of Nepal, known as the rhododendron. It's one thing when you see a tree or two with the blooming rhododendrons but a different experience when the entirety of the forest is full of them.
From the moment you begin your trek till you lose the tree line, you will get to see the views that seem like the replication of heaven itself. No other season will offer you such a view of blooming rhododendrons and April is the peak month.
As we have already established, April has the most optimal weather and moderate temperature to do the trek. It means that you will have the best opportunity to get the clearest views of the mountains and landscapes. In contrast to June or July, where the heavy rain and clouds block the views of the mountains, April gives the highest visibility.
Grab the golden opportunity to view the Annapurna Ranges, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), the tenth tallest peak in the world, Machapuchare (Fishtail) (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and other equally stunning peaks.
While most people are only aware of the mighty peaks you can see during the ABC Trek, there is much more that meets the eye. Did you know there is actually a naturally formed hotspring? Yes, you can get the chance to soak in the hot water after you are done with the trek, as it is located in Jhinu Danda.
And not only that, on the way you will also get to see one of nature’s best works, a waterfall. And what makes this experience a special one is that it's not just one waterfall but multiple ones that are side by side, falling from the top of the high cliff. Also get a religious experience by making rounds of the Shiva temple.
Happy New Year! You must be confused. Why the sudden wish when it's already April? While that might be true, the Nepali New Year is actually in April—14th April, to be exact. Nepal follows its own calendar, which is known as Bikram Sambat (BS), which is different from the English Gregorian calendar. And a fun fact: the Nepali calendar is 57 years ahead of the English calendar.
So when you plan a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp in April, make sure you plan around the Nepali New Year if you want to have a cultural experience of the celebration. This is something you will not get to experience at any other time of the year.
There are many other trekking destinations in Nepal that are very challenging and not friendly to beginners, but the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not only easy to moderate but can also be done in under 5-8 days. With the right plan and preparations, you can smooth sail this trek and have the time of your life with unforgettable memories. Here’s how you can optimize your ABC Trek!
Going in without any preparations to trek to the Himalayas is not recommended. No matter how easier the trek is, doing your research and preparing accordingly will make a world of difference in your overall experience. And most of all, you will need to know what to pack for the trek, so making a packing list is the best way to navigate through this.
Gear and equipment like down jackets, gore tex jackets, trekking poles, fleece jackets, thermal wear, etc. are integral parts of trekking. Even if April has a moderate temperature, the higher altitudes will be colder, which means you need to dress warmly.
Layering is the most optimal way to dress for the trek: base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. Classify your list by clothing (from head to toe), footwear, and gear and accessories. This will make sure you do not forget any essential items. Even if you do forget something, you can do last-minute shopping in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Make sure all your documents are sorted out, from visas to getting local SIM cards. For most nations, visas on arrival are granted, while SAARC countries get a certain amount of discount. You can get more information on the immigration website of Nepal.
And as for trekking permits, you will need two permits for the ABC Trek and they are: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS Card). You can get both cards at the Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, while you can also get ACAP at the entrance point of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Both permits are an essential part of the trek and are a mandatory requirement.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Costs NPR 3,000 (approx. $25 USD)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Costs NPR 2,000 (approx. $15 USD)
While treks can be done without a guide or porter, you will have a much better experience when you have one at your service. Guides are not only there to be a friend with you on the trail but also assist you throughout your journey. Having a guide can elevate your experience. As you take the back seat, the guide will get all the required permits and arrange transportation and accommodations while telling you all about the destinations, from their history to fun facts. It is also considerably safer to have a guide with you.
You can count on your guides to have everything prepared beforehand, from booking vehicles, getting permits, and booking accommodation every day to having breakfast, lunch, and dinner just right on time. You will also have an excellent photographer at your disposal. Porters are the ones who help you carry your heavy backpacks with all your belongings from the beginning of the trek to the end. You can walk more freely without the heavy weight on your back.
Trekking is a physical activity where you will be walking at least a minimum of 5-6 hours per day. Which means you need good stamina to successfully complete this trek. When it comes to being healthy, it does not always mean physical but also mental health. To make sure you reach optimal physical health, it is recommended to do cardiovascular exercises, which can be a lot of help while trekking uphill with elevation gain. You also have to maintain your diet with protein- and fiber-enriched food. Going for a run or short-day hikes is also an excellent way to prepare yourself for the trek. Just make sure to start your training at least one month prior to your official trekking date.
When you are trekking to the high elevations that take you to the heart of the Himalayas, it will certainly test your mental strength as well. Despite the ABC Trek being very beginner-friendly, it is false to assume that it will be a walk in the park. Therefore, despite some challenges, maintaining your mental strength and not giving up is the best way to ensure a smooth experience.
Altitude sickness during the trek is a quite common occurrence than one might think. When trekking to the mountains, the oxygen level gets lower as you ascend higher. Which means your body doesn’t get the appropriate amount of oxygen, resulting in different problems such as headaches, nausea, loss of sleep and appetite, etc. While there are medications you can take to minimize the impact of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be prescribed by your physicians, it is better to do acclimatization instead.
Acclimatization is the process of making your body used to the new environment and in this case, making your body used to the low oxygen levels. When your body gets used to the high altitude, you will have a much better experience overall. People who ignore the symptoms could potentially have to cut their trip short and decent and in more severe cases, require an emergency helicopter rescue. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, however, has a good ascending distance, minimizing your chances of coming down with altitude sickness.
Therefore, slow and gradual ascent is crucial and to aid your acclimatization, having a proper diet and frequent hydration are extremely crucial. Taking your time and listening to your body will bring a good experience rather than rapidly ascending and trying to complete the trek in as few days as possible. Unless you are a very well-versed trekker, it is highly recommended to do treks with an appropriate number of days where your body will get a proper chance to acclimatize.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is already a very compelling destination that takes you into the heart of the mountains. But the ABC trek in April is something even more special. From clear skies, stable weather, and moderate temperatures that give great visibility of the Annapurna Range to rhododendron-filled trails, it's an experience you won’t be able to get any other time. Moreover, also celebrate the Nepali New Year if you make plans in mid-April. Experience the true nature’s paradise. An unforgettable journey to the Annapurna Base Camp awaits. If you are interested in making a plan, then contact us via WhatsApp or email at +977 9851175531 or info@alpineramble.com.
