Planning for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December and in still confused then ABC Trekking in December is doable. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December: right after the autumn overs and winter.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the popular trekking routes among travelers around the globe. ABC trek can be done within 10 Nights 11 Days comfortably. Annapurna Trek takes you through the valley and ridges and ends in the base camp of Mt Annapurna.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December is quite challenging but it’s another experience you can do in this trail. December is the time where snowfall starts in the mountain region. You can enjoy the fresh snowfall in December on the trail.
Trekking in Annapurna is not an easy job in snowfalls heavily. But the light snowfall doesn’t affect your path and the surrounding will be awesome. You will pass through different landscapes, dense forest, uphill and downhill along with rhododendrons forest in the trekking route.
The perfect time for Annapurna Base Camp trek is September, October, November, March, April, and May. Rainfall in this time is low and the weather often remains clam. Having said that, other months are not bad for trekking but the trek preparation and experienced guide make your trek safe and successful.
You can enjoy the magnificent view of mountains during the trek and one you are in Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp offers 360 views of different mountains like Mt Hiunchuli, Mt Fishtail, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Tent Peak.
Besides the mountain view, the hospitality of locals in the trekking route makes your trek memorable. Eating organic local food from the backyard of the hotel, loyal and humble locals, less crowded people are some of the reasons why you should trek in Annapurna Base Camp in December.
Table of Contents
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December Highlights
- Snowfall in the route
- Less crowded trekking routes
- Magnificent mountain views of Sunrise from Base camp
- Gurung village
- Pleasant day temperature
- Celebration festival in the lap of Himalayas
- Picturesque landscapes
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December: Weather and Temperature
Annapurna Base Camp receives less rainfall in December. December is quite dry months in terms of rain in Annapurna Base Camp. However, snowfall starts from the mid of December in Annapurna Region.
Weather often remains stable in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. Having said that, we cannot guarantee the weather of the mountain region so you need to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario too during the trek.
The temperature of Annapurna Base Camp goes into -5 in December so packing warm clothes for the trek is highly recommended. Sunny and clear days motivate you to hike in December in the Annapurna region.
Surrounding the mountains and ground with fresh snow in the lovely part of this December trek in the Annapurna region.
Kindly check the pack list section of the recommended pack list for the mid-winter trek in Annapurna Base Camp.
Trekking Place |
Elevation |
Min Temp(°C) |
Max Temp(°C) |
Pokhara |
1400 m |
4 |
14 |
Ghorepani |
2750 m |
0 |
10 |
Chhomrong |
2340 m |
-2 |
8 |
Dobhan |
2600 m |
-4 |
5 |
Annapurna Base Camp |
4130 m |
-10 |
0 |
Accommodation: Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of trekking route which can be done route the year. Half of the lodge and tea houses are closed in the winter due to weather conditions.
Like in the past, few tea hours and lodges are in operation in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. You will receive good hospitality than in October in December. Fewer trekkers are found on the route in the month of December.
You can get the best room, good service, and discounted price in the meal during the trek which is the best of off-season trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the base station of Mt Annapurna so everything here needs to take from Pokhara. So, in December, they offer you the limited items menu and offer locally grown items.
You can enjoy the night in the dining hall and enjoy the campfire with hotel staff in December which is another best part. In the peak seasons, the dining hall is also crowded with trekking to sleep.
Previously, the trekking lodge and tea houses used to close during off-seasons but these days, they use rotation systems and open the lodge 365 days a year.
Food: Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Food is the major energy charger during the trek. Either it is altitude sickness or body stamina, you need to recharge your body with rest and meals.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December is the start of off-seasons so hotel in the higher altitude doesn’t import from Kathmandu and Pokhara. They offer some of the common food like Dal, Bhat, Thuppa, Soup and so on items for the main course.
December is the pre-winter seasons so we suggest you take Garlic soup once a day during this trek. It avoids high altitude sickness and also helps you to keep your body warm.
Attractions of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Beautiful Sunrise in Mt Annapurna: You can enjoy the jaw-dropping sunrise view the backdrop of Mt Annapurna and other mountains from the base camp. Snow-covered peaks and the golden rays of the sun are an amazing combination. Just like the artist painting the mountain with a brush.
Fresh Snow everywhere: From the mid of December, snowfall starts to fall above 3500 Meters so this is a good time for the trekking who wants to play with snow and do the trek. Before this, Annapurna Base Camp also doesn’t have snow but after this snowfall, the snow carpet makes the surroundings awesome.
Less Crowded Trekking Route: Most to the hikers skip this month for the trek but the enthusiastic hikers still take advantage of winter and plan for a hike. The trekking route will be less crowded and the guest houses will remain low in occupancy.
Good Accommodation: Due to less traffic of visitors, you can select the lodge and stay in the base camp. You don’t need to share a room with unknown people which used to be the condition in peak seasons.
Natural Hot Pond Bath: You also can enjoy the natural jacuzzi on the way to Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. Either it is before the trek or after the trek, this hot spring helps your body to keep relax in the winter.
Trekking Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Start your Day Early: Days in December are shorter compared to October. The wise decision will be starting your day early in the morning. And plan your camp shot instead of long days trek. Schedule the trek shot so that you can reach your accommodation before sunset.
Comfortable Backpack: Purchase the backpack which is comfortable during the trek. You need to walk for more than a week so the selection of wrong and uncomfortable backpack ruins your trekking.
Warm Clothes: As we have mentioned in our blog earlier, December is the pre-winter seasons so we suggest you select clothes accordingly Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. We request you to pack woolen socks, trekking boots, Down Jacket, Sleeping Bag, Gloves, Woolen Hat are some of the most essential pack lists.
Chances of snowfall are high in December so we don’t suggest regular trekking boos for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. High-quality trekking boots are highly recommended during this trek.
AMS: Risk is always there when you are trekking above 3200 Meters from the sea level. Don’t take any risk if you feel uneasy while trekking. Share your difficulty with your trekking guide so that he can assist you in this situation. We suggest you take plenty of soup in the hotel during your stay.
The easy way to get rid of AMS is to descend to lower places so take a route ASAP. Do not walk in pace during ascending, if you feel Nausea, headache, vomiting then you are getting affected by AMS. Do not push yourself towards altitude if you see these kinds of symptoms during the trek.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water in winter is not an easy job for everyone especially if you are in the mountain region. To maintain your body from not getting dehydrated, drink plenty of water during the trek. It can either be a Tea, Coffee, Soups or fruits which contains water, grab it during the trek.
Keep Weather Record: Keep update in weather during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Mountain region trek is always not safe so check the forecast during the trek and before the trek which helps to hike safely.
Follow the Sign of Trek Route: Take a sing seriously in the trekking route. There are some areas where avalanche falls, rockfall or any other sign.
Trek Preparation of Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp requires an average level of fitness to concur with it. We request you to involve in some cardio and morning walks a couple of weeks before the trek starts.
The trail goes through uphill and downhill in different places to we suggest you go get involved in the exercise which strengths your muscles before a month of the trek.
Knee guard, Trekking Pole, Pain Killer, Bandage, Diamox are some of the common medicines it should be in your backpack. There are the general medicines we recommend for you but if you are taking some regular medicine then consult the doctor before the trek.
Pack list of ABC Trek in December
Here is the essential pack list of Annapurna Base Camp trek below:
- Sleep Bag
- Globes
- Cap
- Trekking Pole
- Trekking Shoes
- Shocks
- Warm T-shirt
- Water bottle
- Sun Screen
- Sun Glass
- Torch
- Trekking Map
- Trekking Trousers
- Down Jacket
- Moisturizer
- Water Purifier Tablet
- Comfortable Trekking Bag
- Raincoat
Documents required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December
You need two types of different permits to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December. One is ACAP and another is TIMS. TIMS permit cost the US $ 10 per person and ACAP permit cost the US $ 20 per person.
These two permits can be obtained from Kathmandu and Pokhara. To get the permit, you need to mention your trekking dates, entry points, 2 passport size picture, and the mentioned cost.
You need to display the permit in different check posts so keep the document safe until your trekking is over. Failed to present the permit in the check post, you will get a penalty from the officials.
Conclusion of ABC Trekking
To conclude about ABC Trekking, if your planning perfect then you can concur with the trek with fun in December. Mentally and Physically fit is essential for off-season trek in Nepal.
Read our packing checklist and rent or purchase the essential equipment for the Base camp trek in December.
December trek to Annapurna Base Camp won’t be as easy as October but you can make this trek a special with your family friends or loved one. You can make the date and enjoy the special occasion like New Year and Christmas in the lap of Himalayas.
On this note, you can enjoy the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in December safely and comfortably.
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