8 essential tips to know before taking the Annapurna Base Camp trek

1. 8 essential tips to know before taking the Annapurna Base Camp trek Located at an elevation of 13,500 ft, Annapurna base camp is one of the most beautiful destinations of the world. The Himalayas are filled with stunning scenic beauty and equally breathtaking range of flora and fauna. The Annapurna Base camp trek is maybe a very tiring and long journey, but the sheer beauty of the Annapurna Massif from the final viewpoint of the base camp is an incomparable achievement. However, it is essential to know a few facts before you start your journey. Below is the list of 8 most essential tips to know before taking the ABC Trek 1.Choosing the right time to go. Nepal is comparatively a country with mild weather all year round. However, the mountains and higher elevations can have shallow temperatures. Though February to June and October to December 1st week is the best time to take up the ABC trek, many often do opt to take up the trek in between winter months of December and January. 2.Include workout routines in your lifestyle at least a few months before the trek. Any Himalayan trek is bound to be a journey uphill into higher elevations. Higher the altitude, more are the chances of lower oxygen saturation. Increasing endurance and strength will only ensure that you do not tire out quickly. The opportunity of breathlessness is also significantly reduced if you work out regularly at least for a few months before the journey. 3.Permits and documents are the first essentials to take care of. Without permits trekking anywhere near Annapurna is considered an offence and illegal. The two most essential grants one needs to have before even starting the trek are Annapurna Conservation Area permit and Trekkers Information Management System card. Besides that, it is also a safe and convenient decision to have enough photocopies of all the relevant official verifications and photographs in hand. 4.Have lots of Nepalese currency in hand. The trek to the Annapurna Base camp is through numerous small villages and forests. The chances of finding a bank or ATM is not much. It is best to carry sufficient cash, preferably local Nepalese currency in hand for everyday expenses like food and lodging. Most of the homestays and teahouses on the route do not have any electronic currency transfer facility or foreign currency exchange options. 5.Choose quality over price while packing gears.

2. Gears like a backpack, warm clothing, gloves, head caps and footwear are essential components of the ABC trek. The journey is a treacherous one, so it is always a safe bet to choose every gear that is of the finest and most sturdy quality. After all, you do not want a torn of shoe buckle or a jacket that is not able to withstand the wind chills. More people face danger due to low-quality gear than anything else while trekking through the Himalayas. 6.Learn about the ethics and culture of the place beforehand. It is best to know about the culture and ethical principles of the people if you do not want to disrespect them accidentally. Though Nepalese people are very warm and welcoming, they love to abide by their cultural principal. Instead of a handshake, they would rather prefer bowing down with folded hands. Similarly eating with hands and leaving footwear outside the main door is also a part of their culture. 7.Don’t shy away from exploring local cuisine. Nepal is the home to some of the best kitchens ever. From simple Daal Bhaat to Momos, Yemari, Sel roti, Bara and much more, Nepalese cuisine is a delight for the soul and body. Influenced by India and China, they have a very unique and refreshing flavor that’s just unforgetful. 8.Hydration and energy should not be neglected. Lack of hydration and energy will only make you fall prey to altitude sickness, nausea, breathlessness and much more. It is essential to have enough water and protein stacked up in your backpack to last the entire journey and more. Constant replenishment of water and energy is critical to complete the trek to Annapurna base camp Short Trek and back.