When Is the Best Time
The best time for the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal is in autumn (October/November) and spring (April/May), because of the weather and the best views. However, autumn is also peak season.
March – May
The second best time for trekking here at Annapurna. April often provides clear blue skies and spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. It’s mildly warm, wild flora blooming especially rhododendron but sometimes haze can obscure the mountains in May.
June – August
Heavy rainfall, monsoon season: Some tour operators offer guided trips at this time of the year. It’s the low season, few hikers trek here but trails are slippery, leeches are in abundance along the trails. Due to the enormous amount of precipitation, you may be forced to rest for days.
Mid-September – November/Mid-December
Definitely the best time and the most popular trekking season with stunning mountain views, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. The downside is that during peak season, especially in October and November, flights and hotels are sometimes fully booked and rates are the highest. The trails can be busier as well. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Trekkers in October often report that they didn’t have any problems getting beds at the guesthouses without reservations.
December – February
Clear skies, but mornings can be foggy. Also, snow is possible at higher altitudes, and it’s getting freezing cold at night. Recommended for trekking at lower elevations only. The advantage: More solitude, as only very few others, are on the trails.
Unpredictable Weather
Please keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable as the Himalayas create their own climate, regardless of the season.
Recommended Annapurna Guided-Treks
For Annapurna Trekking guide with experience, knowledge and good language skills is a must. We highly recommend the following tour from Pokhara (the right one: 10 Day Tour), and additionally, we selected non-trekking tours you might like (check the tours below). You might also read our article about the best time to hike (season and time of day), with many unique tips.
Pokhara Accommodations
The base town for Annapurna activities is Pokhara. Check hotel deals via booking.com here (Tip: bookmark the results link to save time and money later). Book well in advance:
The Annapurna Base Camp is situated 4.130 meters above the sea. Annapurna itself is the 10th highest mountain with an elevation of 8.091 meters. It is said that the Annapurna mountain is one of the most dangerous ones for climbing. Annapurna Sanctuary is a great place between mountains below and above 8.000 meters high.
The Most Popular Treks
- The Annapurna Base Camp Trek usually takes 7-12 days.
- The Annapurna Circuit takes 8 to unbelievable 25 days.
Why is the difference so significant? There are many influences for this once in a lifetime experience. First of all, it’s your own fitness and how you can handle the acclimatization. Another reason is the group size and their pace. It’s also crucial if resting for days is necessary and how the weather is. And it depends on the planned side trips.
Photos by Stefan Bonne