How High Is Annapurna Base Camp?

Trekkers are curious about the height of Annapurna Base Camp, and that’s fantastic! Knowing how high it is helps in planning the trek and ensures it’s the perfect adventure for everyone. Let’s get prepared for a tremendous journey!

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular destinations in Nepal. Its scenic trek routes, gorgeous mountain panoramas, vibrant culture, and biodiversity attract trekkers, nature lovers, and biologists worldwide. Moreover, the Annapurna Trek is suitable for any novice or seasoned trekker.

The trek usually begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. The trek covers a distance of 115 km. Your Himalayan trek starts at a lower altitude and gradually climbs to higher elevations to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The trekking trails lie inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and go through dense forests, traditional villages, suspension bridges, rivers, glaciers, and waterfalls. En route, you will cross the Machapuchare Base Camp. The standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes around 12 days to complete.

The base camp is 4130 meters (13,549 feet) above sea level and is also the highest point on the trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers gorgeous mountain panorama views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Machapuchre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Himchuli, Dhaulagiri, and more. However, the trek’s high elevation makes it a challenging trek. So, how high is Annapurna Base Camp compared to the other base camps?

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. So, make sure you read to the end!

Highlights Of Annapurna Base Camp

Take a look at the highlight of My Everest Trip’s 12 days at Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Embark on the beautiful journey to the Annapurna region.
Traverse from subtropical dense verdant to highland meadows.
Explore the rich biodiversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint (3210 meters) and observe a breathtaking sunrise view.
Explore the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 meters) in Annapurna Sanctuary.
Witness the spectacular views of the Annapurna ranges, Macchhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and more.
Dip in the natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda.
Experience the rich culture and tradition of Gurung and Magar ethnic communities.

The Annapurna Base Camp is right below Mount Annapurna, the world’s tenth-highest mountain, at 4130 meters above sea level. The base camp offers majestic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machapuchre, and Gangapurna.

Often, many confuse the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. But the trek takes you to a relatively lower elevation than the Annapurna Circuit, as the trek doesn’t circle the Annapurna massif. Meanwhile, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek have the same height.

To give you an idea of how high the Annapurna Base Camp is, we will compare it with some other popular mountain base camps:

The world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest’s base camp, is 5364 meters above sea level. The Everest Base Camp is 1234 meters higher than the Annapurna Base Camp’s height.
Mount K2 is the world’s second tallest mountain, and its base camp is 5150 meters above sea level. It is 1020 meters higher than Annapurna Base Camp’s altitude.
Mount Kanchenjunga’s base camp is the world’s third tallest mountain, at 5143 meters. In its comparison, the Annapurna Base Camp lies at a relatively lower elevation of 1013 meters.
En route to the Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers will cross the Machhapuchhare Base Camp at 3700 meters. The base camp lies beneath Mount Machhapuchhare (6993 meters), famous for its fishtail shape.

I had the best adventure with my friends doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. When the manager from My Everest Trip picked us up at the airport, we were so excited about Nepal and our trek. We had a few days in Kathmandu before our tour, and Puru was very helpful in ensuring the taxi drivers would not cheat us, showing us good places to eat and shop, and helping with everything we needed. Before the trek, he made sure we had an excellent briefing, and we were amazed to hear he would guide the tour himself and his assistant…
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I had the best adventure with my friends doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

When the manager from My Everest Trip picked us up at the airport, we were so excited about Nepal and our trek. We had a few days in Kathmandu before our tour, and Puru was very helpful in ensuring the taxi drivers would not cheat us, showing us good places to eat and shop, and helping with everything we needed. Before the trek, he made sure we had an excellent briefing, and we were amazed to hear he would guide the tour himself and his assistant guide Ratna.

The trek was hard work and great fun. All the staff joining in on tour was passionate about their work. Some of the porters did not speak much English, but we communicated the best we could and laughed a lot because one of my friends is a bit of an actor and always tried to act out what she wanted to tell them. Puru was the whole trek present and kind, not only to us but to everybody we met; one day, we walked with a group from another company, and Puru noticed that one of the girls was struggling a bit and without a word, he just took her backpack so she could walk more accessible.

I do not doubt that the people at My Everest Trip, led by Puru, represent modern Nepal with deep roots in tradition, culture, and humility. They are modest people with excellent knowledge of their country.

After the trek, we had plans to stay a few days on our own in Pokhara to relax and do paragliding. Before Puru returned to Kathmandu, he arranged for a nice hotel and our bus ticket back to Kathmandu, where he would meet us and go for dinner.

We are very thankful for the personal service we received; we could not have wished for anything more, except maybe for more time in Nepal, so I think we need to go back and meet all the good and warm-hearted people again.

I give you my warmest recommendation.

Jan

Netherland

Jan

Netherland

My Everest trip is a top professional and highly valued Trekking agency. Due to my work as a teacher on a Danish “Højskole”, I go every second year to Nepal for trekking. I started to work with My Everest Trip 6 years ago and I appreciate the hard work they put into making our stay in Nepal pleasant. I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek twice with different groups of students both times with the guide Yam, who always does a great job connecting with the young people, leading the way, and spreading happiness when they struggle on the trails. Many years…
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My Everest trip is a top professional and highly valued Trekking agency. Due to my work as a teacher on a Danish “Højskole”, I go every second year to Nepal for trekking. I started to work with My Everest Trip 6 years ago and I appreciate the hard work they put into making our stay in Nepal pleasant.

I did the Annapurna Base Camp trek twice with different groups of students both times with the guide Yam, who always does a great job connecting with the young people, leading the way, and spreading happiness when they struggle on the trails.

Many years of experience and good management place this agency among the top trekking agencies in Nepal and I will continue working with this agency in the years to come.

Lars Frandsen

Denmark

Lars Frandsen

Denmark

I highly value the service offered by the staff at My Everest Trip. Friends recommended the agency and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and I understand why. All members of the team are responsible and polite people. I always travel alone to meet new friends, so I specifically asked for a fixed departure where I would be grouped with other people. Ratna, an experienced guide in the Annapurna region, led the group. This shows in the way he manages everything. Before starting the trek, any concern I might have had was blown away the minute I met the guide and…
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I highly value the service offered by the staff at My Everest Trip. Friends recommended the agency and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and I understand why. All members of the team are responsible and polite people.

I always travel alone to meet new friends, so I specifically asked for a fixed departure where I would be grouped with other people.

Ratna, an experienced guide in the Annapurna region, led the group. This shows in the way he manages everything. Before starting the trek, any concern I might have had was blown away the minute I met the guide and the porters. I saw how well the manager treated them, and they were pleased and just as excited to go as I was. After a few days, I spent the evenings playing cards with the porters, who were great fun.

The days in these beautiful surroundings passed so quickly, and I was unfortunate when I had to say goodbye to all my new friends.

I hope to return to Nepal one day and meet all my new friends again.

Thomas

Germany

Thomas

Germany

I had the privilege of spending four weeks in Nepal in the autumn of 2018. I wanted to do a long trek mixed with relaxation and cultural experiences. After my arrival, I aimed to leave Kathmandu as quickly as possible and start the tour. Puru put up a perfect schedule for me. The day after I arrived in Kathmandu, we took off for Pokhara, and on day 3, my trek started. This was a perfect option for me as I needed peace of mind, and this trek and the staff that followed me did a fantastic job. After the trek,…
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I had the privilege of spending four weeks in Nepal in the autumn of 2018. I wanted to do a long trek mixed with relaxation and cultural experiences. After my arrival, I aimed to leave Kathmandu as quickly as possible and start the tour. Puru put up a perfect schedule for me.

The day after I arrived in Kathmandu, we took off for Pokhara, and on day 3, my trek started. This was a perfect option for me as I needed peace of mind, and this trek and the staff that followed me did a fantastic job.

After the trek, I spent a few days in Pokhara, visiting beautiful sights and enjoying life. Then I went by bus to Chitwan, where Puru had booked a room at a lovely resort and arranged for activities like jungle safari and bird watching.

After some quiet days in Chitwan, I was ready to face Kathmandu and spend a few days here visiting all the must-sees and shopping in Thamel.

Puru is an expert in organizing trips and reading his clients’ needs. Customizing this journey down to every little detail, like bus tickets, was just what I needed, and I left Nepal feeling like a new person.
I cannot thank Puru and all his employees enough, and I will return one day.

Cecilia

France

Cecilia

France

I understand why this trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and why My Everest is a favored choice among its clients. I enjoyed this trek with the guide Krishna, who did an excellent job. Puru took care of all aspects of the trek well, and I could enjoy every moment of my walk. If I faced an obstacle, Krishna would help me overcome it nicely and politely. This trek has a long daily walk, but in good company with friendly people, it’s not a problem. I would love to do another trek with all my new friends at My…
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I understand why this trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and why My Everest is a favored choice among its clients. I enjoyed this trek with the guide Krishna, who did an excellent job. Puru took care of all aspects of the trek well, and I could enjoy every moment of my walk. If I faced an obstacle, Krishna would help me overcome it nicely and politely. This trek has a long daily walk, but in good company with friendly people, it’s not a problem. I would love to do another trek with all my new friends at My Everest Trip in the future, and I recommend the company to other trekkers who want good value at a reasonable cost.

Sue

Australia

Sue

Australia

This is a trek that should be on everybody’s to-do list. I did this trek with sine friends, Before, during, and after The trek, The team at My Everest Trip did a fantastic job making this an unforgettable trip. The trek is a bit hard but Our guide always makes it The Best way for us. I highly recommend this Company and will Absolutely to here again if I come back to Nepal In The future Thank you everybody at My Everest Trip. Hope we meet again.

Christina

Spain

Best trip in Nepal. Puru is the best guide you could wish for. I went to Nepal alone for a trekking trip and to Anapurna with Puru. I was a little scared about the trip, but when I knew Puru everything relaxed. The best trekking with the best guide. It is recommended!

Sara

Italy

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends Nepal is an incredible country with many different layers and attractions. It’s no wonder this country that’s tucked away in the mountains attracts so many different kinds of people: hippies in hemp clothing with dreadlocks and ukuleles strapped to their hips, old retirees looking for adventure in their moonlight years, adrenaline junkies looking to challenge their selves and conquer some of the world’s most enticing and deadly peaks. Regardless of what sort of person you are when you arrive here, this place will change you! I’ve heard it being said…
Read More

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends Nepal is an incredible country with many different layers and attractions. It’s no wonder this country that’s tucked away in the mountains attracts so many different kinds of people: hippies in hemp clothing with dreadlocks and ukuleles strapped to their hips, old retirees looking for adventure in their moonlight years, adrenaline junkies looking to challenge their selves and conquer some of the world’s most enticing and deadly peaks. Regardless of what sort of person you are when you arrive here, this place will change you! I’ve heard it being said that you do not go to Nepal for a vacation; you go for an adventure. Any adventurer will tell you that if you’re setting out on an experience that’s going to be physically demanding and where you’ll know it will be pushing you to limits you hadn’t come close to yet, it’s essential to have a plan and understand what you’re getting involved with. That, my dear reader, is where my good friend comes to your rescue. Puru is a guide who I met during my first Nepal trek as we climbed up to Poon Hill and then up to Annapurna Base Camp. He was guiding a middle-aged Chinese woman, and our group of three finished our first day off at their heels, talking about the trek and our hopes for the weather. As the girls, he was very kind and patient with us from the beginning, and I asked him various questions about what we were getting ourselves into. Throughout the next week, our two groups were always around each other. Sometimes we stayed in the same lodges in the same towns; other days, we would catch each other on the trails and stop for water breaks. This was all very friendly and kind; Puru was highly knowledgeable about the mountains and willing to help us with whatever questions we had (while still having the self-confidence to laugh if we were asking stupid, redundant questions and would tell us so). It wasn’t until the end of our trek that I realized what a fantastic man Puru is, what sets him aside from the several other guides I had already met. When we were all at the top of Annapurna Base Camp, we were caught in a heavy snowstorm with a mean wind. There was a group of us close to 10 people at the top, and we were all outside laughing and screaming into the wind that threatened our descent. I wrote about this situation in one of my previous blogs. Still, essentially Puru had taken me aside and, knowing that I was familiar with copious amounts of snow and being in the mountains, told me that it was up to the two of us to get the rest of the group down safely. The snowstorm had erased the trail we had used the day before, so we would have to create our new path down the mountain through the avalanche zone. Puru fearlessly leads the way through uncharted territory with enough confidence to make the entire group, including myself, feel just as confident as he. One of our group slipped from the edge of our path and began falling, but Puru instantly jumped from the ledge and caught her from falling too far down the mountain face, me hot on his heels. We weren’t even part of his group, just a crew of tourists he had taken under his wing to ensure that we would enjoy our time and make it through safely. I contacted Puru once we got back to Kathmandu and asked him for advice on planning my hike up to Everest Base Camp. With a great smile and a cup of tea, he welcomed me into his office in the heart of Kathmandu and helped me plan everything I needed for this next adventure of mine. Puru and his team have trekked through all of the areas in Nepal and are apparent experts. He helped me customize my itinerary and helped arrange everything from the flights to what sort of clothing and snacks we should bring. As if that wasn’t enough, after we had booked flights, he could change our flight dates multiple times for us – free of charge. He even arranged for my friend and me to take a helicopter up into the mountains without additional cost – a scarce thing, I’m told! Puru was not just a man looking to expand his business but genuinely wanted to help you have the best time possible in his beautiful country. His company can help arrange any treks you are interested in doing. He is an excellent guide who can take the fittest of the fit and the frailest up these mountains. But most importantly, he is a great human with a kind heart. Over the few weeks that Puru and I came to know each other, I’m honoured to be able to call him a brother. If you ever go to Nepal and are yearning for adventure, look no further than Puru at My Everest Trip for all the help you could ever need. Check out his website for information on how to get a hold of him and what services he provides to his family. https://myeveresttrip.com.

Spencer Giese

Canada

Spencer Giese

Canada

Importance of Knowing the Height Of ABC

Knowing the height of Annapurna Base Camp is a key factor in understanding the trek’s difficulty and the risk of altitude-related illnesses. As you climb to a higher altitude, the oxygen level and air pressure in the atmosphere decrease. This makes breathing difficult and climbing more strenuous for trekkers.

Trekkers can assess their physical condition and make preparations accordingly. They can also compare the height of the Annapurna Base Camp with other trekking destinations in Nepal to decide whether the trek suits them. Likewise, they can plan their itinerary and schedule acclimatization days that suit them.

Knowing the height of the Annapurna Base Camp also allows trekkers to assess the weather and temperature there. This way, they can prepare proper and adequate clothing and gear for the trek. Proper planning and preparation are required to complete this trek. Hence, trekkers need to know the height of ABC before they decide to take the trek.

Altitude sickness and symptoms

Altitude sickness is common among trekkers who ascend high elevations without proper acclimatization. The elevation, temperature, and humidity changes can cause trekkers to experience various symptoms of altitude-related sickness. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be fatal if taken lightly. The syndromes are of three types:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest syndrome. Its symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, insomnia, swelling, and loss of appetite.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a severe syndrome that occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs due to a lack of oxygen in the body. Its symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, persistent dry cough, rapid heartbeat, and blue or gray lips and fingertips.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a severe syndrome that occurs when fluid accumulates in the brain due to a lack of oxygen in the body. Its symptoms are vomiting, severe headache, lack of coordination, disorientation, and behavioral change.

The most effective way to prevent altitude-related sickness is to acclimate properly. It helps the body adapt to changing altitudes and surroundings. Similarly, it is crucial to stay well-hydrated during the trek. Trekkers must take proper precautions and listen to their bodies to minimize the risk of altitude-related sickness.

Preparation for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp

You need physical and mental preparation for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Despite its moderate difficulty, the trek requires a reasonable level of fitness, stamina, strength, and endurance. Anyone with the mentioned capacity is welcome to join the trek, regardless of age or experience. The trek typically takes 12 days.

While on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, trekkers trek on rough and rocky terrains for 5 to 6 hours daily. The steep ascent and descent make the trek more demanding and require good muscle strength. Many novice trekkers can find the trek quite challenging. To prepare for such challenges, trekkers should undertake exercises and training at least two months before their trek.

Cardio exercises such as running, jogging, hiking, swimming, and cycling help build strength, stamina, and endurance. Yoga is also helpful in boosting breathing techniques. It is beneficial when ascending to higher elevations with lower oxygen levels. You can also hire a trekking guide and porter to make your hike to Annapurna Base Camp more comfortable.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek also requires mental fitness. For mental preparation, trekkers can begin by researching the trek, including its routes and challenges. This gives them an idea of what to expect from the trek and builds mental resilience. The remote trails lack proper infrastructure, and there are no luxurious accommodations available. Trekkers must also prepare to face the changing weather.

Comparison With Other Base Camp

So, how high is the Annapurna Base Camp compared to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal? In the table below, we have compared the maximum elevation and difficulty of Annapurna Base Camp with other trek destinations.

Destination	Duration	Max altitude	Difficulty level
Annapurna Base Camp Trek	12 days	4130 meters	Moderate
Annapurna Circuit Trek	14 days	5416 meters	Strenuous
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek	6 days	3210 meters	Easy
Mardi Himal Trek	9 days	4500 meters	Moderate
Everest Base Camp Trek	12 days	5545 meters	Moderate
Manaslu Circuit Trek	14 days	5160 meters	Strenuous
Kanchenjunga Trek	24 days	5143 meters	Strenuous

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek

US$725

12 Days in Nepal

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Helicopter Return

6 Days in Nepal

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Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp

Nepal has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The seasons have a huge influence on the weather and temperatures, which in turn significantly impact the trekking experience. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is possible throughout the year. But spring and autumn have ideal weather conditions. It is possible to trek to the base camp in summer and winter, but the extreme weather makes it quite challenging. Here are the briefs of these two seasons:

Spring (March to May)

The spring season is one of the best and most favorable times for the trek. The weather is pleasant and warm, and the days are longer, brighter, and sunnier. Spring is also when the flora and fauna are the most active. The entire rhododendron forest and flower beds are in full bloom. Trekkers are also most likely to encounter rare wildlife like red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan monal, etc.

Aside from the great weather, precipitation is low during spring. Hence, the trails are dry, and there is no risk of landslides or mudslides. The visibility is also excellent. You can witness the gleaming mountain vistas in their full glory. The daytime temperature ranges from 15 to 20°C, while the nighttime temperature can drop up to 8°C.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another fine season for the ABC Trek. The weather is crisp and mild, with clear skies. It is one of the most comfortable trekking seasons in Nepal. There are slight chances of rainfall during early September, but it ceases as the month progresses. The autumn foliage also adds to the beauty of the vibrant landscapes. Since the rainfall in the previous season cleanses the atmosphere and surroundings, the views are brilliant.

It is the best time to witness the stunning view of the Annapurna mountain range. Since autumn is also a harvest season, the biggest Nepalese festivals fall now. Thus, trekkers can enjoy the festive atmosphere while taking in the beautiful scenery. The average daytime temperature ranges between 12 and 20°C. Meanwhile, the nighttime temperature can range between 3 and 4°C.

Conclusion

By now, you should have the answer to the question of how high Annapurna Base Camp is and the importance of knowing its height. You can plan the itinerary for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek that suits you the best. Likewise, you can prepare physically and mentally to tackle any obstacles during the trek. Now that you understand the challenges of the trek, you can start the trek with complete preparation.

My Everest Trip is the ultimate stop if you want to tour or trek in Nepal. We will do our best to provide you with the best trek experience. You can visit our website or get in touch directly today for more information.

FAQs

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek suitable for beginners?

The Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate trek that does not require prior experience or technical skills, so it is ideal for beginners. Similarly, no age restrictions exist, and anyone with reasonable fitness can take the trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best options for beginners.

What is the difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate in difficulty and requires good health and fitness. The trails are physically demanding, as the trek involves steep ascents and descents. Likewise, trekkers must walk 5 to 6 hours daily on varied terrains throughout the trek. It takes around 12 days to complete the trek.

What permits are necessary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry Permit). Trekkers can obtain the permits via a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara. My 12-day Everest Trip’s ABC Trek includes the necessary licenses.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness during Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek journey, you get to an altitude of 4130 meters. Some trekkers can experience the symptoms of altitude sickness due to high altitude. Proper acclimatization is necessary to avoid the risk of altitude-related sickness.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Along the routes of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will usually find tea houses, lodges, guest houses, and homestays. These places offer basic facilities, including beds, blankets, and pillows. You must pay additional costs for other services, such as hot water/shower, internet, and charging devices.

How High Is Annapurna Base Camp

Table of Contents

Highlights Of Annapurna Base Camp