Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Nepal) From India
Annapurna Base Camp Trek has two windows per year: autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April). Outside these windows the trail is either monsoon-flooded with leeches (June to August), or snow-blocked at the upper camps (December to February). October is the most popular season with clear mountain views; March has the spring blooms but more variable weather.
Go in
October, November, March, April
Skip
June, July, August
Month by month: weather, events, crowds
| Month | Weather | Events | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold dry minus 5 to 12C high camps, ABC closed possible | Off season | 2/5 |
| February | Still cold minus 4 to 14C, late winter | Off season | 2/5 |
| March | Warming 0 to 18C, blossoms start | Spring trekking season opens | 5/5 |
| April | Mild 4 to 20C, rhododendron blooms peak | Trekking season peak spring | 5/5 |
| May | Pre-monsoon 8 to 22C, building humidity | Trekking season ending | 3/5 |
| June | Monsoon 10 to 22C, leeches, frequent cloud | Off season, trail closures | 1/5 |
| July | Heavy monsoon, dangerous landslides on roads | Off season | 1/5 |
| August | Continuing monsoon, late-month clearing | Off season | 1/5 |
| September | Tail monsoon 8 to 20C, transitioning | Trekking season opens mid-month | 3/5 |
| October | Ideal 0 to 18C, clear blue skies | Trekking season peak | 5/5 |
| November | Cooler minus 2 to 14C, clear mountains | Late autumn trekking | 5/5 |
| December | Cold minus 6 to 10C, snow at upper camps | Trekking season ending | 2/5 |
India-specific timing notes
Direct flights from BLR, BOM, DEL, CCU to Kathmandu on IndiGo, Air India, Nepal Airlines. Flight time 2 to 4 hours. Average fare INR 10K to 22K return. Indians need no visa or stamp for Nepal; carry a valid passport or voter ID. Most Indians spend INR 60K to 1L for an 11-day ABC trek including flights and Pokhara transit. OJ's ABC trip runs 6 days, from Rs 45,000.
Frequently asked
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek doable for beginners?
Yes with the right preparation. ABC is rated moderate. It demands 7 to 8 days of 5 to 7 hour walks at altitudes between 1,000 and 4,130 metres. Most people who can hike for 5 hours a day on flat terrain can complete ABC with 8 weeks of pre-trek prep. Better as a first Himalayan trek than Kashmir Great Lakes (which is more difficult). OJ provides a structured pre-trek prep plan.
How fit do I need to be for ABC?
Moderate cardio fitness. You should be able to walk 5 hours at a normal pace without exhaustion, or run 5 km in under 40 minutes. Strength fitness (climbing stairs with 5 kg backpack) helps. Six weeks of pre-trek prep is the minimum for someone starting from sedentary. The trek profile builds gradually, the steepest days are days 6 and 7.
What about altitude sickness on the ABC trek?
Real risk. Max altitude at Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 metres. Altitude sickness can start above about 2,500 metres, and AMS is common at 4,130 metres. Most trekkers feel mild altitude effects (slight headache, mild breathlessness) above 3,500 metres. OJ trip includes acclimatization buffer days. The trip coordinator carries pulse oximeter and Diamox. Severe altitude sickness on this trek is rare.
When is the best time for clear mountain views on ABC?
October to mid-November. Clear blue skies, low humidity, perfect mountain visibility of Annapurna 1, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli. March to April has the rhododendron blooms but slightly more cloud variability. Avoid June to August (monsoon clouds block all views). December has clear views but the upper camps are cold and possibly closed.
What does the OJ Annapurna Base Camp trek include?
OJ's Annapurna Base Camp trip runs 6 days, 15 to 21 Nov, from Rs 45,000 per person. See the trip page for the day-by-day route and what is included.