Annapurna Base Camp Trek January

What do you look for an epic holiday? For some the answer may be comfort but for some the answer may be beyond comfort especially if they are on trekking holiday! Yes, leisurely tours holidays are completely different from trekking holidays. Even more fascinating and on top notch level is the trekking holiday in Nepal. This may be a small country but it is blessed by over 1900 snowy mountains. Trek in Himalayas can be the most epic wilderness adventure holiday! So, in today’s blog we are delving deeper into finding out about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek January!

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not an ordinary walking activity! It is the daring journey into the sanctuary of mountains to the foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna (8091 m). Every year thousands of trekkers visit this famous trekking trail. In fact, the trail has become the major trekking route of Nepal alongside the likes of the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek, and the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Today’s blog is to make sure that you are well prepared for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp even during the off season in Nepal.

Before getting into the Annapurna Base Camp Trek January, let’s find out the major reasons behind the popularity of this trek!

What makes Annapurna Base Camp Trek popular?

The mere fact that the trek is to the base camp of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain makes it popular among travelers. However, there are many other reasons that make the Annapurna Base Camp Trek popular. From vegetation to people and from mountains to valleys; the trail is full of amazing wonders of Mother Nature and grandeur of people’s culture.

Diverse vegetation, multi – ethnic communities, wildlife, diverse landscapes (mountains, valleys, glaciers, grassy meadows, and terraced farmlands), and possibility of different itineraries fuel its popularity. In addition, the trail is well trodden and well maintained with quality accommodation and meals facilities.

Best Months for ABC Trek in Nepal

The best months for the ABC Trek in Nepal are March to May and September to November. During this time of the year, the trail can be experienced in a better way in terms of cultural experiences and vegetation. The skies are clear which offers unparallel scenery of mountains and hills. The purpose of trekking has always been the chance to get closer and perfect view of mountains. Therefore, the purpose is better fulfilled in the months of spring and autumn season.

So, is there any chance that trekkers can do trek in other months of the year. Yes, there are many ways to do the trek in off season. Therefore, today’s blog is about doing the winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Our blog “Annapurna Base Camp Trek January” can help you to plan for the off season trekking especially during the winter season in the Annapurna Region.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek January

January is the month of winter season in Nepal. From December to February, Nepal experiences winter season with heavy snowfall in the higher elevation places. Therefore, lots of people try to avoid the winter trekking. The high – altitude places may become less safe compared to spring and autumn season. However, following an expertly planned itinerary and hiring an experienced trekking guide with correct set of tools and equipment can make it possible.

Temperature can go below minus 10 degree during the night and stay around 0 to 3 degree during the day time. Suprisingly, visibility can be clear skies unless it snows.

How to do safe winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek route?

Winter season is characterized by heavy snowfall and occasional snowstorms in higher elevation places. Therefore, people may not call this time of the year right time to do trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek January tells you ways to do the trek safely even during winter season. There are different itineraries that you can customize for this trip according to the weather conditions. An experienced trekking guide can predict the snowfall and difficult places in the trail during the trek. Therefore, association with the experienced trekking company and support crew members can be crucial for successful trek.

You must consider things to know before winter trekking in Annapurna. Now, let’s dig deeper into these important things that make the winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek safe.

Things to know before winter trekking in Annapurna

Availability of lodging and eateries

All the tea houses and eateries may not open during January but the less number of trekkers means that you can get warm place to spend overnight and eat healthy delicious meal. Don’t worry about the availability of lodging and eateries even during the winter season in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route.

Visibility and Temperature

As mentioned above, the visibility may not be an issue even if you are trekking in the winter season. You may get outstanding scenery better than the months of spring and autumn season. All the hills are covered by snow which can be enticing sight to behold. However, the temperature can be a hurdle. Night time temperature is very low which can go down up to minus 10 degree. Interestingly, daytime temperature can be manageable to trek.

Trekking Trail Condition

The lower section of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is dry and well maintained to walk. However, higher elevation experiences snowfall which can cover the trekking trail. Melting snow and fresh snow can make it hard for trekkers to comfortably walk on the trail. Therefore, you need to have an experienced trekking guide who can navigate you and also proper gear.

Essential Packing list and equipment

If you are doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek January, then you must be meticulous while packing essentials and choosing gear. Warm layered clothes, hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves, goggles, cap, etc. are regulars. Besides all these, you must have cleats or crampons. These crampons can be attached easily on trekking shoes which help trekkers to walk comfortably in snow.

Trekking Guide and Porter

Don’t try to trek solo or independently during the winter season especially in the month of January. Please note that this month is the core winter time. Trails can be covered by snow and you may have to endure snowstorm and wilderness. Therefore, it is wise to hire an experienced trekking guide and strong porter for the winter trekking.

Allocate more days than usual (Reserve Days)

The unpredictable weather patterns especially in the high – altitude places means that you may have to face lots of hassles and halts during the trek. Similarly, you may have to walk more hours to reach the next overnight destination than usual. If you are traveling on a crunch or tight schedule, then you may not successfully complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek January.

Always keep at least 2 to 3 days as reserve days to make sure you are not in rush to meet the final departure. In some extreme cases, you may have to spend two nights in the same place. For example, if it snows heavily while you are in Deurali, the trek ahead can be more dangerous. Therefore, you may have to stay one more night to make sure that the risk subsides and you continue the trek.

Prepare your body physically and mentally

The physical demand during the winter trekking is way more than during the trek in spring and autumn season. Prepare mentally too. Continuous snowfall and high – altitude places can easily break you down mentally. Therefore, perform activities like meditation and yoga for mental preparation. Contact the travel planners of the trekking company for more information about the trail. Build up your cardio – vascular abilities by doing stuffs like running, walking, cycling, and swimming every day for months. Fitness level must be in top notch condition for the successful winter trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m). Frequent counseling with the travel planners and physical preparation are essential to avoid any kinds of mishaps during the trek.

Where can I trek in Nepal during winter besides the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Well, there are some interesting trekking routes in Nepal which are possible to trek during winter season. Welcome the New Year by trekking in the enticing trekking trails of Nepal. There are spectacular trekking trails in different trekking regions of Nepal.

Popular winter trekking routes of Nepal besides Annapurna Base Camp Trek are as follows:

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
2. Mardi Himal Trek
3. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
4. Langtang Valley Trek
5. Pikey Peak Trek
6. Everest Panoramic Trek
7. Community Home Stay Trek
8. Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

Wherever you go, make sure that you are accompanied by a trekking guide and associated with the trekking company.

Embark on the amazing Annapurna Base camp Trek January. Experience tranquility, there are less numbers of trekkers during this time of the year. Think outside the box! Contact reliable and experienced trekking company like the Everest Trekking Routes for safe winter Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal.