Annapurna Base Camp Trek for Beginners

Nowadays, people around the globe are becoming more and more interested in hiking, trekking, and even peak climbing. Nepalese people are not immune from this new "trekking fever" and are finding time to undertake the world-class treks throughout Nepal. Whether it is for fitness and exercise, to reconnect with nature, or simply for the Instagram views, trekking is rapidly growing in popularity. After completing their first trek, many people become hooked for life; the question isn't whether they'll trek again, but which trek they should do next. The first trek will always be the most memorable and really sets the tone for the rest of one's trekking days, so choosing the right trek is really important.

An important, but truthfully often overlooked question is what constitutes a suitable trekking route for one's first trek. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong first trek can leave a bad first impression, which might cause a person to lose their interest in trekking. This blogger has been working in the Nepalese trekking industry for more than 15 years and has been on countless different treks throughout the country. As a result, this blogger has a wealth of experience and first hand knowledge about most of the treks people undertake in Nepal. Having given careful thought to the question of what constitutes a great first trek and having considered lots of different treks in Nepal, it is this blogger's opinion that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a great choice for a first trek in Nepal. 

Why the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for Beginners is ideal?

There are lots of things to consider before choosing a suitable trekking route for beginners. If we are considering the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for beginners, then we must ensure the various factors like trekking difficulty, best season, attractions, and logistics availability. All these factors contribute to form a momentous trekking holiday for beginners. It is crucial to make sure that the first trekking trip must become memorable. In fact, while doing so the chances of future trekking trips become higher.

Now, let’s talk in brief about the various factors that make the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for beginners ideal.

Trekking Difficulty

The distance between two overnight camps in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is relatively short. Some sections are steep uphill which is mixed with Nepalese flat surface. The maximum altitude gain in this journey is 4130 m. Therefore, the difficulty level can be classed as moderate. The risk of altitude sickness is comparatively lower in this journey. If you are doing regular exercises and have a fit body, then you can comfortably complete this trekking trip. However, as a beginner you must heed the instructions of trekking guide and follow the correct way of trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp: Foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain

The most interesting factor to consider the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for beginners is the gravity of the destination. As a beginner, reaching the base camp of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain is always a dream. Therefore, the chances of creating a travel tale worthy to be shared with friends and families proudly can surely be the pulling factor. The walking journey to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) is comparatively easier than the journey to the Everest Base Camp (5364 m). Therefore, ABC Trek can be a perfect route for beginners.

3  Diverse Landscapes, Himalayas, & Diverse Vegetation

Throughout the journey of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal, trekkers can feel the change in scenery every day. Therefore, the route is an ideal choice for beginners to enjoy the surrounding environment more forgetting all the tiredness while walking. In fact, you forget all the tiredness of the trek if your mind is occupied by the breathtaking scenery of mountains. The route starts from the temperate deciduous forests and reach the alpine meadows via sub – alpine forests. It is truly the rich trekking route in terms of vegetation.

The valleys, rivers, waterfalls, terraced farmlands, grassy meadows, moraines, lakes, and glaciers contribute greatly to create the diverse landscapes in this route. Furthermore, the trail is an ideal place to behold more than a dozen mountains from the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and Annapurna Himalayan range. Major mountains that you can see in this journey are Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, South, II, IV, III, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Dhampus, etc.

4  Multi – Ethnic Cultural Communities

The biggest factor to travel is to meet new people. Yes, traveling helps to know about traditions and culture of different people than us. The best thing about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is that the trail traverses through multi – ethnic villages. People like Magar, Gurung, Brahmins, Chhetris, Dalits, Tibetan, etc. live harmoniously in this trekking route. Therefore, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for beginners is great chance to immerse into the culture of these people. It’s always fascinating to meet new people and make friends. Remember that Nepalese people are always welcoming and they are among the friendliest people in the world.

5  Availability of Accommodation, Meals, & Travel Amenities

Do you know that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the commercial trekking routes of Nepal? The trail to the foothill of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain is a commercial route alongside the likes of the Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about lodging and eateries. Mobile network runs smoothly up to the base camp which makes it easier for proper communication. Travelers can get cozy and warm room to spend overnight. Meals options are diverse and you can get food from different parts of the world including local dishes. Electricity is not a problem but you may have to pay extra for battery charge, hot showers, and internet.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek for Senior Citizens

What are the essential things required for senior citizen trek? You should always make sure that the overnight camps are in short distance, lesser walking hours, healthy diet, personalized care, lesser threat of altitude sickness, and proper lodging facilities. All these factors are present in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. The best tip to the senior citizens or to beginners is that hire a trekking guide and buy the trekking package.

I hope that you begin the trekking journey by choosing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If not, there are many trekking routes where you can trek in Nepal. Suitable trekking routes for beginners to trek in Nepal are as follows:

1. 1.      Mardi HimalTrek
2. 2.     Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
3. 3.     Annapurna Circuit Trek
4. 4.     Everest View Trek
5. 5.     Khopra Ridge Trek
6. 6.     LangtangValley Trek
7. 7.     Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Make sure that you have open mind and you are willing to customize the trek according to the inputs of travel experts. Choose right travel company and hire a trekking guide for safety and momentous travel experiences.