Autumn is the best time to trek in Nepal which falls from late September to November. The season attracts thousands of trek enthusiasts for all around the world. Trekking amidst the high mountains and scenic beauty is enhanced by the perfect season. So let’s read more to find out the perks of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in autumn.

Here are the 5 reasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp in autumn

1. Clear blue sky

As the monsoon clouds cease away autumn arrives. In this season, you will get to enjoy the clear blue sky with few harmless clouds. Unlike spring, you will least be worrying about rain or hail showers. The high visibility makes sunrises and sunsets over the high snow-capped mountains one of the most scenic views to cherish. Star-gazing at night under the clear sky is one of the highlights of trekking in autumn to Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary. Millions of stars will be shining with all its might.

2. The weather of autumn

Weather is one of the important aspects while planning a trek and can make a trek pleasant or dreadful. The autumn season has a moderate temperature; neither too hot nor too cold which attract lots of trekkers from different parts of the globe to Annapurna Base Camp. The pleasant weather of autumn is accompanied by mild wind. From mid-September you can enjoy long warm days and cool nights but as late-November starts the mornings and nights become cold as winter approaches in Nepal. The trails are neither too wet nor too slippery making it ideal for the trek.

3. Nature at its best

Monsoon would have just passed so you will see greenery all around. You will see verdant hills and blooms of wildflowers in the forest. Moreover, you will be passing through dense or lush forest. In the lower region, you will see, the golden rice fields swaying with the wind and beautifully structured terraced farmland with crops. Monsoon erodes dust from the trees, bushes and other plants enhancing the greenery along the trail for the trekkers of autumn.

4. Water bodies

Most of the water bodies are dependent on monsoon rain. Since you will be trekking after the monsoon, you will see rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and gorge flowing with a good level of water which are filled by monsoon rains.

5. Autumn is a peak time for Annapurna Base Camp!

Since autumn is the best season to trek in Nepal, it attracts many trekkers to Nepal. You can expect a high flow of trekkers in this season. Also, you will get to interact with people from all around the world sharing a common love for trekking amidst high in the mountains. You will be sharing the trail with novice and experienced trekkers. Trekking in the wilderness has the reputation of turning strangers into friends and sometimes building an association of a lifetime to treasure.

Best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp: all seasons summed up

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp and each has its own unique features. So let’s get started!

Spring season (March to May)

Spring is the start of warmer weather from cold winter months. The weather is neither too cold nor too hot for trekking but as you ascend to a higher altitude the temperature will drop. During this season you can expect the temperature to rise above 25 degrees during the day and drop as low as 6 degrees at night for the most part at an altitude of 2000 meters. The highest point of Annapurna Base Camp trek is 4,130 meters. 

Spring mostly has stable weather conditions but it could get hazy, disturbing the views of spectacular mountains. The trails will not have snow from winter to add difficulty to the trek. You will be walking above the cloud while trekking higher than 3800 meters. These months could have rainfall so carry a light raincoat with you!

While trekking in spring, you will see flowers in its full bloom along with lush hills. You will feel welcomed while walking through the forest decorated with rhododendron flower. The entire tree will be covered with red, yellow, pink, or white rhododendrons only leaving a few traces of green leaves visible. The sight is a joy to behold!

Autumn season (late September to November)

Autumn is the season with the highest inflow of trekkers. The weather will become pleasant for trekking after rainfalls of monsoon. The temperature may rise above 24 degrees during the day and dip around 7 degree Celsius in most parts at the height of around 2000 meters. You will be trekking as high as 4,130 meters so the temperature will drop as you gain altitude. 

As monsoon ceases away the sky will be clear and the visibility of the mountains will be at its peak. You will get to enjoy the views of lush hills and astounding mountains. 

Since it’s the best time of the year to enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains; the trail will be crowded.  If you want to avoid the crowd then spring is a better alternative.