Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Winter

The foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) is everyone’s dream destination. Therefore, hundreds of trekkers from across the globe choose this as their priority trekking destination. However, there are few considerations that trekkers have to consider from season to difficulty level. Today’s blog is about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter season including the challenges and various issues. This blogger hopes that you will be able to plan for the best off season trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m). Please remember that you off season trekking require meticulous planning and experienced minds.

Trek to Annapurna throughout the year

The idea of trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year is understandable. In today’s corporate world, getting long holidays in the particular months can be out of question. Trekkers may get the holidays during winter season too. Therefore, today’s blog is crucial for those who are planning to visit the Annapurna Base Camp during winter season. Normally, the months of December, January, and February are the winter months here in Nepal. The ideal seasons for trekking in Nepal are during spring and autumn season. March to May is spring season and September to November is autumn season. The blogger strongly advises you to avoid the months of monsoon season (June – August).

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter: What to expect?

Expect snowfall, extreme cold temperature, and less crowded trail during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter season. If you love tranquility and wish to find the solitude, then the winter season is the best. However, you need to cope up with the extreme cold temperature especially in the places above Deurali. The trekking itinerary may get longer. During the heavy snowfall, you may have to halt the trek and stay inside the tea house for weather to clear up. Therefore, you need reserve days in the itinerary. Make sure that you add at least 2 days as extra to meet the international flight schedule.

Are there tea houses and eateries open during winter in ABC Trek route?

Don’t worry about the availability of tea houses and eateries during the winter season in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. Yes, few tea houses and eateries remain closed but most of them are open even during winter season. Lots of tea houses owner left the property and head to Pokhara or their village leaving the establishment to workers. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the availability of tea houses. You can get hearty meal and warm room to spend overnight even during the winter season. In fact, you can get lots of options where you can choose the rooms. Moreover, it is so arduous and challenging to find proper rooms during the peak trekking season.

What are the alternatives to the winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek with snowfall chances?

Well, the Annapurna region of Nepal is known for its natural and cultural diversity. If you couldn’t trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, then you can also choose to do the various alternatives. These alternatives to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter with the chances of snowfall can surely help you quench thirst of trekking in snowy Annapurna region. Similarly, these trekking routes listed below are possible in less than 7 days which can save you time and money. The cost of these alternatives to the winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek with snowfall chances is also lower than the original Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Alternative Treks to Annapurna Base Camp Trek with snowfall chances:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The peak winter season in Poon Hill (3210 m) can be the best time to do this trek with lots of chances of snowfall. The trail is short and altitude sickness risk friendly which allows trekkers to comfortably do the trek. In addition, the trek is possible in just 3 days if you start and end in Pokhara. Therefore, it is also called as the honeymoon trek route suitable for all age group of people. Remember that snowfall takes place in Ghorepani village, Poon Hill, Gurung Hill, and surrounding. The lower elevation places like Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Birethanti may not experience snowfall.

Mardi Himal Trek

The best alternative trekking trip to choose over the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter is definitely the Mardi Himal Trek. The route is slowly becoming the commercial trekking route of Nepal. From Nepalese trekkers to foreigners, the trail is attractions lots of travelers. Snowfall occurs from Low Camp all the way to the Mardi Hiimal Base Camp (4600 m). Walking in the snow and looking at the mesmerizing Himalayan ranges and cascading hills can be the most enticing scene that you ever witnessed.

Khoprak Ridge Trek

Are you looking for quieter and off the beaten trekking trails in the Annapurna region? If yes, the Khoprak Ridge Trek in Nepal is the best option to choose over the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter. Reach the majestic 3660 m vantage point of the Khopra Hill and behold the best mountain ranges of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. In just 4 days, you can complete the magnificent Khopra Trek in Nepal as an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter.

Mohare Danda Trek

Explore the Magar villages of the Annapurna region and reach the magnificent vantage point similar to the Poon Hill. The Mohare Danda Trek is another enticing trail to trek where you can experience snowfall, diverse vegetation, Magar culture, and stupendous Himalayan scenery. Experience the tranquility and the serenity at once while walking in this beautiful trekking route which is adjacent to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route.

How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek during winter season?

It is definitely harder to walk in the winter season than during the spring and autumn season. The trail gets slippery and hard to navigate due to snowfall. However, the lower regions below Bamboo can be okay to trek. The trail is steep uphill in most of the sections. Therefore, you need proper cardio – vascular ability including the best stamina. It is advised for you to do various exercises like running, walking, swimming, hiking, cycling, and gym works for at least a month prior to the trek. Similarly, you need to expect the unexpected especially in the high altitude places. Always clear up your head and steady the mental fortitude before the trek.

Average winter Temperature and visibility in ABC Trek route

The average day time temperature during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter season ranges from 12 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius. The lower elevation places are warm and bearable while trekking. However, higher elevation places like Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp can be extremely cold and windy. The nighttime temperature can drop up to minus 7 to 8 degree Celsius in the higher elevation places whereas the lower elevation places’ night time temperature can range from 2 to minus 2 degree Celsius.

Surprisingly, the visibility in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter season is absolutely beautiful. People think that you may not get best views during the winter season but to their surprise the visibility is no issue. Moreover, the sights of the smaller hills covered in snow can be more enticing sight to behold. Lots of trekking guides and locals say that the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is during the winter season.

The weather pattern is slowly changing due to global warming. Nepal is also experiencing unique phenomenon. Nowadays, the month of September which is the autumn month is experiencing lots of rainfall. Therefore, people are booking the trek for the early weeks of December which is also becoming right time to trek in Nepal.

Why shouldn’t you trek without guide to Annapurna Base Camp in winter season?

Trekking without a trekking guide is not recommended especially for the winter trekking in Nepal. The places above the Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp have high chances of snowstorm and heavy snowfall. Therefore, you need experienced minds to guide you towards safety during emergencies. In addition, winter season can make any commercial trekking routes of the Himalayan region into the off the beaten course. Therefore, you must do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter with trekking guide.

Which is the right travel company for winter trekking in Nepal?

Be aware of the non – registered trekking companies found online for trekking in Nepal. Ask for the credentials and proofs before booking the trekking trips. There are lots of cheaper prices listed online which are not reliable. Therefore, finding the right travel company for winter trekking in Nepal is crucial. The Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is definitely one of the best trekking companies of Nepal. Travel planners, experienced trekking guides, and large options of trekking packages make this company the number one choice for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in winter