There is no better way to spend our free time than in nature. Spending time outdoors helps us in so many ways, and regardless of whether some are fond of camping, going to some exotic destination, or are more into some sport, the benefits of spending time in nature are vast.
An activity that is gaining more and more popularity every year is hiking, and this is one of the best ways to really get in touch with nature and also to understand better how actually magnificent nature is. One can always opt and hike someplace nearby, but if the goal is to check it out and try yourself out on one of the most popular hiking destinations like Annapurna, this guide should help a lot in picking the best time to hike here.
Pre-Monsoon Season
One of the huge factors when making a decision when to go visit Annapurna base camp and hike is about people, or to be more precise, whether someone wants to avoid crowds or not. Luckily, there are plenty of choices for both, but if you are not that fond of big crowds and you plan hiking in the pre-monsoon season, then you should avoid the month of April, as this is when most people visit Annapurna. This leaves February, March, and May as the best months for hiking here.
On the other hand, if the goal is to have a picturesque sight over the Everest Base Camp and watch hundreds of climbers descend on it, then February is the best month to do so in the pre-monsoon season. You can also get both, a piece and quiet and still visit Annapurna in the middle of the tourist season, as there is the Annapurna Valley and Sanctuary where you can avoid the chaos of the Everest Region.
Post-Monsoon Season
As for the post-monsoon season, those who want to avoid crowds should plan their visit to this Nepal region during September, November, and December, leaving October for those who are more fond of lots of people, noise, and this place being a tourist hub. It’s important to highlight that post-monsoon season is more popular in general, and once you get here, you will understand why. Namely, the nature, greenery, scenic sights that stretch for miles, and the view of the mountains are the best during the post-monsoon season. Also, the heat haze is not something to worry about.
The weather plays a huge role here, which is another reason why planning a hiking trip here during post-monsoon months is probably the best idea. Cloudy weather is not a problem, and the fact it’s a much clearer view during these months grants a much better view over this entire region and gorgeous mountains. Yes, the risk of rain is always present, but that’s understandable considering the height, and that is why before you start hiking, you should cross two main things on your list.
The first one is to be prepared for every weather condition that might occur, and the second and even more important is to pick the best guide and inform yourself about all the important things about this hike, which you can find at https://www.nepalhikingteam.com/package/annapurna-base-camp-trek.
Pick the Right Hiking Track
Some people think hiking is easy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Understandably, it all depends on the trail, how difficult it is, and how in shape and prepared one should be in order to hike without any issues. Yes, every trail has different obstacles, and not every trail is the same, meaning that some of them are easy, while those most famous ones are sometimes even a bit dangerous. That is why before making any decision, and this rule applies to every hiker, be honest with yourself, know how much effort you have placed in hiking, and whether you really are in shape and have been training for such a ‘mission.’
The first thing is to be safe, and the only way to do so is by knowing precisely our limits and being realistic about whether we are ready for a bit tougher hiking challenge such as Annapurna. On the other hand, there are plenty of trails, and one doesn’t need to go all the way and pick the most challenging track. Sometimes, going with a less difficult alternative track is the right path to take. Of course, this is a decision that one should make after consulting the experts, and track guides are the perfect people for that. They know all about the tracks, and after consultation, they can recommend the best one for each individual.
Choose the Right Gear
It’s good to be prepared, especially when the goal is to hike on a challenging track. That is why it’s of vast importance to have the right gear, as it is the only way to be actually sure that you are safe and that the only thing to think about is the track. Also, the only way to enjoy the hiking track has to offer is by staying safe, and above all, once you are safe, you can enjoy various other things that one hiking track offers.
There is a gear that’s considered a must, as it is a basic type of gear such as footwear, protective glasses, gloves, hat, etc., but for more challenging tracks, one needs to take the next step, even gear-wise. Of course, footwear is one of the most important things, as this is something that only those who have gone hiking on more challenging tracks understand. So, if you are unsure about what type of footwear to take for your hiking expedition in Annapurna, set some time aside for research and consulting those who have more hiking experience.
Conclusion
There is no better place to hike than Annapurna, as this is one of those places that leave people speechless. Picking the right month to go hiking here is demanding, but the logic is simple, and regardless of what option you go with, you will not be sorry, on the contrary. The post-monsoon season is the best, but if one prefers avoiding big crowds, then just avoid October. Overall, this is one place where, once you experience it firsthand, you will surely come back again.
