Why Trek to Annapurna Base Camp in April?
Weather Benefits
The peak seasons like spring and autumn, are well known for their climate favorability for enjoying epic Himalayan quests. This beautiful month of the spring season has the best weather aspects for a seamless experience.
April has the most stable weather conditions as it is mid period of the spring season. This month is also farther from the lingering post-winter cold. So, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable journey in the most appropriate window frame if you choose trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April.
Incredible Natural Allure
Spring season brings the best out of the natural beauty of the Himalayas. April, which is in the core period of this nature’s peak season, does justice to the vibrant beauty of the region.
During your trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April, you will have the opportunity to witness the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes decorated with dotted rhododendrons and other flowers.
The colorful vibrance of the landscape while exploring the majesty of the Himalayas will make your journey even more exciting.
Clear Mountain Views
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is known to reward the trekkers with the most stunning views of central Himalayan mountains such as Annapurna, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Himalchuli, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gandharca Chuli and other surrounding peaks.
Thus, during you exploration in the month of April when the sky is clear, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking panorama of these Himalayan peaks. The unobstructed views of the pristine peaks across the vibrant landscape will truly be a magical experience.
Wildlife Encounters
During this central Himalayan exploration you will move across Annapurna Conservation Area. This protected Himalayan area is home to a delicate ecosystem and some of the rarest species of flora and fauna found on the planet.
What makes trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April is that you will have the chance to experience the prime period of these exotic wildlife and birdlife. This largest conservation area of Nepal, spread across an area of 7,629 sq. km., is home to endangered species such as red panda, musk deer, lynx, Himalayan brown bear, impeyan pheasant, cheer pheasant, and many more.
So, during your trek in this month, you will have a high chance of encountering these rare Himalayan flora and fauna species.
Accessible and Comfortable Trails
April is part of one of the peak season for trekking and mountaineering adventures in the Himalayas. Thus, in this post-winter season, the trails are well maintained.
You will be able to comfortably trek across the accessible and marked routes without any issues. The trails are generally drier and safer in this month, your trek across this classical Himalayan route in this month will be seamless as well as enjoyable.
Trekking Route and Itinerary
NMA Nepal’s 11 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows the standard trekking route of this classical Himalayan adventure. This is one of our best seller packages for Himalayan trekking adventures and will handle all the itinerary plans for your trip,
After your arrival in Kathmandu (1,360m), you will drive to Pokhara (820m) via a tourist bus. Then, from Pokhara, your journey will begin toward Ghandruk (1,940m), a popular Gurung village in the region.
You will begin your adventure on the trekking route from Ghandruk and head toward Chhomrong (2,170m). Moving to the next part of the trail, you will traverse across the gradually inclining route toward Himalaya (2,920m) to reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
After completing the exploration of the Annapurna Base Camp, you will then trek down to Bamboo (2,130m) and head toward Jhinu Danda (1,780m). Then, drive back to Pokhara, which will conclude your Himalayan journey.
After that, you will get back to Kathmandu and depart for your home country the next day. Although this is our standard package for ABC Trek, we also do offer customization options for a more personalized experience.
We also offer a shorter variant of the trip if you are constrained by time. You can enjoy our Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, which has a 6-day itinerary and is a rewarding experience.
Challenges and Tips for April Trekking
Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered a moderately difficult journey. Although there aren’t any majorly challenging segments or technical sections along the route, the high altitude nature of the trip and the mountain trail can be a challenging aspect of the overall journey.
Yes, April’s trekking conditions are favorable; however, trekkers need to make sufficient preparations to deal with the ascending mountain route. You will reach the highest point of the trail at Annapurna Base Camp, which is located at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet).
Similarly, the total trekking distance of the adventure is around 115 km (71 miles). So, you will need to trek for around 5 to 6 hours on average per day during the trekking period. Moreover, the overall mountain trail and remoteness can be other challenging aspects of the journey.
But, if you train and prepare adequately, trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April will be a piece of cake. As it is a beginner-friendly trek, just a good amount of preparation will guarantee a seamless experience.
Weather Variability
The weather conditions in the higher part of the Himalayas are not always stable. Even doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April will be the most favorable period of the autumn season, as the weather can take an unexpected turn without any warning.
That’s why it will be best if you are prepared for whatever conditions the mountain throws your way. Don’t be afraid of the light rain or snowfall and make sure to have a few contingency days if flexibility during the trip is necessary.
Altitude Sickness
You will get started on the trekking trail from beautiful Ghandruk Village which is at an elevation of 1,940 meters (6,364 feet). Then, gradually pushing across the high altitude points, you will reach the maximum elevation at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/ 13,550ft).
Thus, the total elevation gain in this classical trekking route is about 2,190 meters (7,185 feet). Although this is not a significant altitude gain compared to the Himalayan trekking adventures standard, you will still need to follow a proper acclimatization schedule to prevent the risk of altitude sickness.
In general, trekkers start to show the symptoms of altitude sickness after climbing over the altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) if they don’t properly acclimatize to the rising altitude. However, while trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April with NMA Nepal, you don’t have to stress yourself about the risk factors of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Our itinerary plans have been designed by industry-leading experts and veteran guides. Following our well-crafted itinerary plans will not strain physically and you will follow a steady pace. Similarly, we also provide enough breaks and acclimatizing periods for you to truly enjoy your journey without worrying about anything.
Managing Spring Crowds
April is a peak trekking month in the Nepali Himalayas, so you can expect more foot traffic on the trail. Similarly, booking accommodation can also be a hassle on your own if you are not familiar with the region and level of services the teahouses offer.
That’s why it will be more convenient for you to do the trekking with a registered trekking company like NMA Nepal. We will take care of all your logistic details and trip plans, so you take it easy during your journey.
As for the mainstream crowd on the route, you can set strategic timing for your trek. Starting early in the morning can give you a headstart and you can avoid the afternoon crowd. Similarly, taking alternative hikes to equally beautiful villages and viewpoints does secure a more serene experience.
Preparing for the April Trek
Clothing and Gear
For trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April, you will need to pack proper layers. The lower region of the trail does have warmed climate in this core period of the spring season. But beneath the towering icy peaks, the climatic conditions are still cold.
So, for your April trek, pack light layers that are comfortable for the lower regions and bring an insulated or down jacket to keep yourself warm at the alpine altitudes. As for the trekking gear, backpack, duffle bag and wastage bag will keep you organized.
You also shouldn’t miss the sleeping bag to keep yourself comfy regardless of the accommodating facilities at the teahouses. Similarly, other equipment like trekking boots, gaiters, water bottles, trekking poles, torc or headlamp, map and compass, etc, can add further convenience to your trip.
Also, you should pack your personal hygiene time and toiletries adequately. Moreover, add a general first aid kit to the list, as falling sick on the mountain can be quite expensive, you need to take good care of your health.
Note: Buy snacks, drinks and energy bars in the city areas, i.e., Kathmandu or Pokhara; their cost can be quite fluctuating in the mountain areas.
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Acclimatization Tips
As the highest point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek stretches across the alpine altitude, there is a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on this trip. However, make note of the fact that AMS is a major form of altitude sickness and is mild in nature.
Even if it is not that dangerous conditions, following proper acclimatization methods, will help you enjoy a hassle-free journey. Here are some acclimatization tips that you can follow during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April.
Acclimatization Tips for ABC Trek
- Follow a gradual ascent and don’t climb too fast while traversing to higher altitudes
- Stick with a scheduled acclimatization period and get enough rest
- Stay hydrated through the trek (a minimum 3 to 4 liters of water is recommended per day)
- Eat a well-balanced diet and be mindful of the nutrient intake
- Don’t over-exhaust yourself and take short breaks along the trekking trails
- Listen to your body and pay attention to the symptoms of altitude sickness
- Train properly before the trek and engage in acclimatization hikes
- Consider taking altitude sickness medication like Diamox if necessary
Physical Preparation
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate level of trekking journey in the Himalayas. As it is not as challenging as mountaineering or high-pass trekking, basic fitness will be adequate to take on this classical Himalayan journey.
However, to make the best out of this adventure and enjoy a seamless experience, you will need a good level of physical preparation. You can schedule your preparation period for 3 to 8 weeks, depending on your fitness level and how much physically active you are on a general scale.
As you will be taking on the steep and rugged mountain terrains during your journey, the major focus of your training should be on developing your strength and endurance level. Focus on core strength to keep balance and leg muscles as it will be strained most during the trek.
Furthermore, the stamina and cardiovascular training add extra perks to your trip as they will make long hours of walking easier and also help you acclimatize at the rising altitudes. Stair climbing and practice hikes are other effective training methods to understand and easily cope with the mountain route.
Note: For creating an efficient training program, you can consult with experienced trekkers, guides, or even consult a professional trainer for satisfying results.
Accommodation and Food on the ABC Trek
Lodging Options
As all the establishments across this classical trekking route will be operating in full-throttle mode during your trekking at Annapurna Base Camp in April, you can expect a good level of facilities. Primarily, there are two modes of accommodation facilities available on this route: teahouse accommodation and lodges.
The teahouse accommodations are the standard lodging facilities while trekking any mountain route. These establishments are run by the locals and you can expect a great level of cultural experience as you will be staying in a homely environment.
As for the lodges, they are premium accommodation mode on this major trekking route in Nepal. If you are looking for more premium touches and personalized experiences, then this is your cup of tea.
Beyond these two accommodation options, there is also an option for camping. However, as carrying equipment can be costly, trekkers normally don’t go for this outdoor experience. NMA Nepal will arrange the accommodation service you prefer without any issues during your April exploration.
Food and Drink
Annapurna region is one of the major travel and trekking hubs in Nepal. So, you can enjoy a good level of food and drink options during your trek. Although traditional meal options like Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Chowmin, Momo, Gurung Bread, Shyphale, Dhido, Tsampa, etc, are major highlights, you will also have abundant international menus to choose from.
You will be able to enjoy the delightful Westner delicacies such as Pizza, Burger, Pasta, Spaghetti, Sandwiches, Fries, Steak, Pancake, etc, with the touch of Nepali species and herbs. Even if you are a vegan or a vegetarian, there are a load of options that you can choose from.
As for the drinks, the teahouses serve every kind of beverage, from popular cold drink options to high-end branded whiskeys. But, do be mindful about the alcohol intake as it can affect the acclimatization process.
Similarly, for water, you can buy bottled water bottles or boiled water at the teahouses. If you want to go for the cost-free option, there are clean water stations across the route where you can fill your bottles. But make sure to purify the water before consuming it.
Cost and Budget Considerations
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the budget-friendly endeavors in the Himalayas. The general cost of this exciting Himalayan trekking adventure can range somewhere between US$ 700 to US$ 1,500.
The price of the overall trekking package depends on the length of the trip, transport mode, quality of services, route taken, side detours, etc. NMA Nepal delivers the most iconic experience for this Annapurna Base Camp exploration at just US$ 785 per person.
Your trekking package with us will cover all the standard expenses, such as food, accommodation, transport, permits, guide, porter, first aid kit, government tax and our services charges. We also provide trekking equipment like sleeping bag, duffle bag, down jacket, trekking poles, etc for trekkers who need it (they should be returned after the trek).
While trekking Annapurna Base Camp in April with NMA Nepal, beyond the package cost, you will just have to focus on the personal natured expenses. The expenses like using the internet, charging, hot showers, drinks, snack, tips, etc which are categorized as personal expenses, are not covered by the trek package.
You can set around US$ 30 to US$ 60 as daily personal expenses for your trek, depending on your spending habits.
Note: Bring cash for personal expenses; cards are not widely accepted and there aren’t reliable ATMs along the trekking route.
Safety and Precautions
While doing a completely guided trip with us, we will handle and take care of all the safety and security factors of your trip. Our proficient crew will professionally handle all the details of your trip, from safety and security to your health and well-being.
The experienced guide leading your team will do a thorough risk assessment before moving along with the itinerary plans. Similarly, they will also properly monitor your health conditions and comfort level throughout the trek.
Even when things go south, we have properly coordinated teams that can take swift action immediately in every kind of emergencies. So, there isn’t anything you need to worry about while doing this classical base camp adventure with us.
However, make sure to get travel insurance, particularly for the trek. The insurance plan that covers upto 6,000 meters and also has helicopter rescue operations will be the ideal choice for this high-altitude journey.
