With well over 1,00,000 visitors a year, the Annapurna Himal has been long the most popular region among trekkers, and for good reason. The mountain views are exceptional, the villages you pass offer an exotic slice of Nepali and Tibetan culture. Similarly, the area is easily accessible, with excellent food and accommodation just about whenever you need it. The city of Pokhara, with its relaxed traveler hub of Lake Side on the shore of Phewa Tal, makes an excellent base for all the treks in the Annapurna region. And most of all, you are acquainted with the lively environment of Annapurna any time you choose to explore the region. Nevertheless, being prepared about the best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek for your distinguished taste is also important. After all, to capture the best moment you have to be in there at the right time.
Hence, in this blog, we are outlining what different seasons of Nepal offers for the visitors planning to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek. And if you are still not decided about when is an ideal time to go hiking in the ABC, then learn what different seasons offer. And choose the one season that suits you the most as per your preference. So without any delay, let’s find out what ABC looks like in each season.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek during autumn
Autumn in Nepal is post-monsoon and falls in September, October, and November. It is also a pre-winter season. The weather around autumn is one of the best times among other seasons. As it is both post-monsoon and pre-winter season, trekkers do not have to fear the monsoon rain and biting cold of winter. The weather remains moderate- perfectly warm during days and chilly in the morning and night. The skies stay clear throughout the day offering amazing vistas of Annapurna range. The temperature around this time ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius on average in the daytime.
Whereas during the night it drops to negative 3-4 Degree Celsius on average. It is a harvesting season too, so you will get to meet farmers working on the field tending their crops. All in all, the only demerit of traveling in this season would be the crowd that this trail gets. The trails are filled with trekkers so if you are a people person then you will frequently meet at least two or three trekkers in a 1-hour difference. But if you are not a people person, then you will not find the crowded teahouse fun. Overall, weather-wise, it is one of the best times to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek during winter
Winter in Nepal is after autumn hence it falls from December to February sequentially. Trekking Annapurna Base Camp during winter is a tough task as the extreme weather can hinder your experience. Nonetheless, demerits of weather for some turns out to be a plus point as the trail stays empty of trekkers. So trekkers who like to have the trail to themselves, it certainly is one of the best times to hike in the Annapurna Himalayas. Other than that, you will get to choose the teahouses of your choice. Similarly, the views of the mountains are much simply magnificent. The mountain shines brighter than ever during winter. The temperature around winter ranges 0- 5 degrees during day time on average. And it drops to negative 10-15 degrees Celsius at night time.
Since days are warm, you will see many farmers working in the field preparing for their next crop plantation. However, one should be ready to face the harsh weather condition that this season throws. Furthermore, the season is beautiful to see the crystal clear mountain views but with crucial weather conditions, some dangers are surrounding this season. For instance, the trails get covered in snow making it difficult to walk. Likewise, the chances of avalanche falling are also pretty high. Henceforth, we do not suggest trekking to ABC much during winter.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek during spring
Spring in Nepal falls in March, April, and May, and trekking in Annapurna Base Camp, during these months are filled with the remarkable encounter with Mother Nature. Spring is an ideal time to do ABC trek after autumn. It is similarly warm during days and cold during morning and night. It is pre-monsoon/summer season so you will experience days warmer than winter days.
Moreover, it is flower sprouting season so you will find the trails colorful and lively. The forest becomes deep shades of green and rhododendron flowers are blooming everywhere. Therefore the mix of green, red, and pink is what you will experience while ABC trek. On a similar note, the temperature around this season ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius in the day on average. And it falls to negative 2-3 degree Celsius during the evening time. The only bad aspect of trekking during spring is its heavy traffic. Like autumn, it also invites a large number of trekkers all over the world.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek during monsoon/summer
Monsoon and summer season coincides in Nepal. It falls in June, July, and August. The temperature around this time ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to negative 1-2 degrees Celsius around night time. Hot days will make you uncomfortable but the monsoon rain will give you relief from the scorching sun. Similarly, monsoon brings leeches and landslides to the trails making it difficult for many trekkers. However, when rain stops and the sky gets clear, the ambiance truly becomes phenomenal and splendid. And not to mention the vistas of the mountain after rain is simply breathtaking.
Trekking in monsoon/summer is possible however, one has to have a clear concise about the rain, the muddy trails, and frequent obstructions of mountain views due to gloomy clouds. Similarly, flight delays and cancellation are common during monsoon in Nepal. This obstruction for many is a problem that is unmanageable if they are traveling in a scheduled budget.
Conclusion
In general, you can choose any time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek despite what challenges it might throw to you. Trekking around the Annapurna massif savoring the perfect views and town is a constant pleasure that one can find while on the voyage. It does not matter if you would like to visit the Annapurna Sanctuary while the trail is wet and moist or while it is dry. What matters the most is what time will make you the happiest and your journey unforgettable.
So choose your time and plan a schedule for your next adventure wisely. Because choosing the best time for Annapurna Base Camp trek should be one of the highest priorities from others.
