It’s important to understand the best time to trek North Annapurna Base Camp when planning for this journey. Whether you’ll have a successful trip or worse, it depends on the season you’re going to.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this trek offers a spectacular view of the peak in the Annapurna Ranges, mainly Annapurna I (the world’s 10th highest peak), rising at 8,091 m (26,545 ft) and other nearby peaks, such as Nilgiri South (6,842 m/22,448 ft) and Tilicho (7,135 m/23,409 ft). Besides mountains, you’ll also enjoy the company of the beautiful Miristi River, Phutphute Waterfalls, and Panchakunda Lake.
It’s guaranteed that disappointment doesn’t stand a chance on this adventure. You’ll be amazed by whatever your eyes witness during the journey.
The trek is considered off-the-beaten path and is situated in the Myagdi District, Gandaki Province, western Nepal. It’s also known as the Annapurna I Base Camp Trek, Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, North ABC Trek, and Maurice Herzog Trail.
It’s a short and easy journey, suitable for those who want to step into the world of wilderness. But if you aren’t thoroughly aware of the ideal season and go at the wrong time of year, there’s a higher chance of facing challenges, even though it’s moderate in difficulty.
Therefore, you’re currently in the right place, I say. You’ll know when to go trekking to the North Annapurna Base Camp to enjoy it to the fullest here today. Through this blog, we’ll share the best seasons, temperatures, and a complete packing guide.
What is the Best Time to Trek North Annapurna Base Camp?
Spring and Autumn are the best times for the North ABC Trek. Regarding months, March, April, and May fall in spring, while September, October, and November fall in autumn.
Both seasons are ideal for trekking. They both offer beauty in their own way. Anyway, comparing them, autumn is considered the peak trekking season for this trek or any other in Nepal, as it receives a bit more tourists.
But spring gives you different vibes and experiences. It varies depending on you, which season you’d like most for a nature walk far away from your home.
The other two remaining seasons: winter (December, January, and February) and monsoon (June, July, and August) are considered the off-season for trekking. It’s wise to hike during these times of the year, especially in the monsoon.
Below is the breakdown of the pros and cons of trekking in peak and off-seasons:
Winter Trekking To North ABC
Pros
- Quieter trail, meaning a peaceful hiking experience.
- Stunning and real mountain views when the sun is bright.
- No problem in finding space in the tent houses along the trail.
Cons
- Frigid temperatures at night and cold even in the day.
- Need to carry more clothes, making the backpack heavier than usual.
- Heavy snowfall makes it hard to walk and may also sometimes block the way.
- Cold weather often reduces your thirst, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
- The risk of suffering from frostbite is also high.
Spring Trekking To North ABC
Pros
- Pleasant weather, making the skies clear, resulting in good mountain views.
- Blooming wildflowers add colour to the route, village, and valleys.
- Mild temperatures, warm in the day and cool at night.
- Dry trail makes comfortable trekking conditions.
- Offers a chance to experience some local festivals: Holi (festival of colors), Nepali New Year, and Buddha Jayanti (birthday of Lord Buddha).
Cons
- A little rainfall often occurs anytime after 12 P.M. in May, which can make the trail muddy and slippery.
- Although it’s currently the least explored trekking route, it still receives crowds, and the tent houses get packed sometimes.
Monsoon Trekking To North ABC
Pros
- Lush and green landscapes when there’s no rainfall.
- An increase in water level in rivers, lakes, and waterfalls makes them look more beautiful.
- Fewer people on the trail.
Cons
- The risk of injury is high due to the muddy and slippery path.
- Natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, and avalanches, are most likely to happen at any time.
- Leeches and other wild insects bite in grassy areas, making the journey disturbing.
Autumn Trekking To North ABC
Pros
- No dust and haze, lush green landscapes everywhere, and cloudless skies due to monsoon rain, providing spectacular mountain views.
- Stable weather. Days are warm, but nights are cold yet manageable.
- Tent houses along the route are fully operational.
- Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, create a joyful atmosphere and let you immerse yourself in the celebration with the locals during the trek.
Cons
- Likely to experience heavy rainfall in September, causing muddy and slippery trails and the danger of leeches in grassy areas.
- Trail is expected to get crowded more than spring, which sometimes causes the tent houses to be full.
When To Trek North ABC
You’ve already learned the best times for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, which are spring and autumn. Both are peak trekking seasons.
So, now, it’s up to you. Whichever you choose among these two seasons, you’ll be grateful for nature. Both offer almost the same things, such as stable weather, mild temperatures, clear skies, and great mountain views.
One might cause you trouble, and that’s the tent houses along the route getting fully packed sometimes. However, the accommodation on this trek isn’t like that on other popular trails, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek. On these treks, it’s difficult to find a room if you don’t pre-book during spring and autumn.
But the Maurice Herzog Trail is lesser-known right now, mainly among foreigners. Therefore, the tent hotels along the way don’t usually fill up.
Anyway, the number of hikers is increasing on this route gradually. Thus, sometimes the tent hotels get packed, and you should keep this in mind.
Note: Even during the ideal spring and autumn seasons, Himalayan weather is unpredictable. Always check forecasts while planning and continue monitoring conditions throughout your entire trek.
Annapurna North Base Camp Weather And Temperature
Below are the two tables showing the weather and temperature during spring and autumn:
During Winter
|
Month |
Approx. Temperatures in Lower Altitude (800-2000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in Mid Altitude (2,000-3,000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in High Altitude (4,000-4,300 m) |
Weather |
|
December |
5 to 10°C in the day and 0 to -5°C at night |
0 to 5°C in the day and -5 to 0°C at night |
-10 to 0°C in the day and -15 to -5°C at night |
Frigid Temperatures at night and in the early morning. |
|
January |
5 to 10°C in the day and 0 to -5°C at night |
0 to 5°C in the day and -5 to 0°C at night |
-15 to -5°C in the day and -20 to -10°C at night |
Snowfall is certain. In the day, if the sun is bright, it’s warm. However, at night, it’s frigid. |
|
February |
5 to 10°C in the day and 0 to -5°C at night |
0 to 5°C in the day and -5 to 0°C at night |
-15 to -5°C in the day and -20 to -10°C at night |
Snowfall occurs in these months as well. But after the second week, the cold slowly starts to decrease. |
During Spring
|
Month |
Approx. Temperatures in Lower Altitude (800-2000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in Mid Altitude (2,000-3,000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in High Altitude (4,000-4,300 m) |
Weather |
|
March |
10 to 15°C in the day and 0 to 5°C at night |
5 to 12°C in the day and -5 to 0°C at night |
-5 to 0°C in the day and -10 to -5°C at night |
A bit of a winter cold. |
|
April |
12 to 20°C in the day and 5 to 10°C at night |
10 to 18°C in the day and 0 to 5°C at night |
-5 to 0°C in the day and -5 to -2°C at night |
Suitable weather, neither too cold nor too hot |
|
May |
15 to 25°C in the day and 5 to 12°C at night |
8 to 16°C in the day and 0 to 5°C at night |
-2 to 5°C in the day and -5 to 0°C at night |
Experience rainfall sometimes, as the monsoon is closer. |
During Monsoon
|
Month |
Approx. Temperatures in Lower Altitude (800-2000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in Mid Altitude (2,000-3,000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in High Altitude (4,000-4,300 m) |
Weather |
|
June |
20 to 25°C in the day and 15 to 20°C at night |
18 to 22°C in the day and 10 to 15°C at night |
5 to 15°C in the day and 3 to 7°C at night |
Rainfall starts gradually. |
|
July |
23 to 26°C in the day and 15 to 20°C at night |
18 to 22°C in the day and 10 to 15°C at night |
5 to 15°C in the day and 5 to 8°C at night |
Heavy Rainfall is sure. However, also provides lush and green scenery when the sky is clear. |
|
August |
22 to 25°C in the day and 15 to 18°C at night |
18 to 22°C in the day and 10 to 15°C at night |
5 to 12°C in the day and 3 to 5°C at night |
Heavy Rainfall is sure. However, also provides lush and green scenery when the sky is clear. |
During Autumn
|
Month |
Approx. Temperatures in Lower Altitude (800-2000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in Mid Altitude (2,000-3,000 m) |
Approx. Temperatures in High Altitude (4,000-4,300 m) |
Weather |
|
September |
10 to 20°C in the day and 5 to 10°C at night |
5 to 15°C in the day and 0 to 5°C at night |
-5 to 0°C in the day and -5 to -2°C at night |
Experience heavy rain sometimes. |
|
October |
8 to 18°C in the day and 5 to 10°C at night |
5 to 15°C in the day and 0 to 5°C at night |
-8 to -3°C in the day and -12 to -5°C at night |
Warm in the day and cold at night, but not extreme. Also, rainfall may occur sometimes. |
|
November |
5 to 15°C in the day and 2 to 7°C at night |
0 to 10°C in the day and -2 to 2°C at night |
-12 to -5°C in the day and -15 to 8°C at night |
Winter is closer. So, frigid at night, while it’s warm in the day. |
What To Pack For the North ABC Trek
Whichever season you plan to go trekking to Annapurna North Base Camp, the gear and equipment are almost the same. However, during the cold and rainy season, you need to pack more warm clothes and a raincoat.
Here are some basic gear and equipment you’re required to pack for this journey:
Important Documents
- Valid passport
- Nepal visa
- Travel Insurance
- Cash and credit cards
Headwear
- Sun cap or brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Neck gaiter
- Balaclava
- Bandana or headscarf
Clothing Gear
- Lightweight Thermal tops and bottoms
- Long or short-sleeve shirt
- a fleece pullover or jacket
- Wind/waterproof jacket
- Down jacket **
- Trekking pants
- Fleece pants
- Light thermal trousers
- Underwear
- Hiking shorts (optional)
Handwear
- Lightweight fleece or wool gloves
- Heavyweight gloves
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Hiking socks
- Trekking sandals
- Cotton socks
- Gaiters (optional)
- Running shoes (optional)
Trekking Accessories
- Duffle bag**
- Trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag**
- Trekking poles**
- Trekking Map**
- Water bottle
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Raincoat
- Face mask
- Crampons (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Daypack cover (optional)
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal first aid kit
- A small bar or soap bottle
- Dry shampoo
- Quick-drying towel
- Deodorants
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wet wipes or baby wipes
- Water purification tablets or water filters
- Altitude sickness drugs (diamox)**
- Hairbrush
- Hand and face moisturising cream
- Sunscreen cream with high SPF
- Toilet paper
- Antibiotics and painkillers
- Skin blister repair kit
**Please consult with your guide before using any medication.
Miscellaneous Items
- Solar charger
- Garbage bag
- Book/diary/card games
- Solar power bank
- Camera (optional)
Extras (for men)
- Small mirror
- Razor and shaving cream
- Pee bottle (optional)
Extras (for women)
- Feminine wipes
- Sanitary napkins
- Nail brush and clippers
- Tweezer
