Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September

Good vibe adventureDec 25th 2023

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region. Better yet, with September starting the buzz of the trek is quite big. September brings the trek a new twist, a new beginning with the end of the monsoon season.

Reaching an altitude of 4130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp trek in September is an ecstatic journey. The leaves start changing their colors and the wind blows the leaves all over the place covering the paths with bright vibrant leaves as if it was to welcome you.

September brings about the Autumn season which is known as the peak season for trekking in this region. Why is autumn the best season? Well, it has the best temperature and weather for trekking. It makes the most difficult treks feel more at ease.

September is not only a month of autumn though. It is a mixture of two seasons. In Nepal, the monsoon season drags out a bit. It's more like the monsoon season showers a bit more before ending. So the early September is more likely to receive a little rain here and there. However, the mid and late September provides you with no rain and beautiful views throughout your journey.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September takes you through the journey of a lifetime with the clear skies allowing you to enjoy the views of everything that your eyes could see without any obstructions.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has two major routes. You can choose from the 11 day short trek or the 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill.

With the 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary you get to enjoy the sunrise view from the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill. This is the only difference between the two treks so why not choose to stay a few more days and enjoy the next best thing.

The 14 days trek Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara which can be done by bus or flight. You can choose the option and the journey will be as your request.

After reaching Pokhara you will be driving your way to Nayapul then finally begin your trek to Tikhedhunga. The trek slowly progresses one day at a time to Ghorepani and finally reaches Poon Hill. Today you will witness the ultimate sight of mesmerizing beauty as the sun rays hit the mountains covered in snow.

Planning this trip? We are always happy to answer your inquiries, contact us.

From Poon Hill, we will set to Tadapani. With a steady walk of 5-6 hours a day, we will finally reach Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp. this will be the highest point of your trek at the altitude of 4130 meters.

After enjoying your accomplishment, you will then trek back to Bamboo for 7-8 hours. We will then retrace our steps back downhill. From Bamboo, we will leave for Jhinu Danda and then to Nayapul. From Nayapul we will drive back to Pokhara. This is the last day of our actual trek where we explore the surrounding by walking.

As we fly back to Kathmandu, we will bid farewell to the beautiful region and all the love it has shown to us. Upon reaching Kathmandu you will enjoy your dinner and rest all the fatigue away.

On the very last day of the trek, we will provide you with a traditional farewell dinner with Nepalese traditional food and cultural performance if possible. We shall commemorate this day and hope for many more to come.

With this, our time together will end as you board on your flight back to your country. Or if you have time you can explore Kathmandu city and find more gems to explore.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights in September

  • Clear skies with great views of the mountains
  • Jhinu Danda hot springs
  • Exposure to the culture and lifestyle of the locals
  • Great festivities and celebrations
  • Exotic flora and fauna
  • Poon Hill Sunrise Viewpoint

The weather of Annapurna Base Camp in September

What season does September mean in Annapurna Base Camp? Well, September is the beginning of the Autumn season. So it is the beginning of the peak season of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Autumn season is considered the best for trekking as the skies are clear and the views are spectacular. However, autumn is just beginning in September. Autumn does not fully take over until the end of September. So September has a mix of seasons.

As the monsoon season is still ending, the month of September is a mix of light monsoon rain and the beautiful Autumn season. This blend of seasons also makes this month a special one.

Early September still faces a little monsoon rain here and there. It is not as rainy as the month before but the monsoon showers may show up here and there. So, this time of the month requires you to carry some waterproof gears like raincoats and waterproof jackets and trousers.

Mid-September brings about the Autumn season. The leaves start changing their colours to a vibrant red and fall on the ground. The cool breeze rustles these leaves all around your path.

The Mid and Late September is the most popular time for trekking in the Annapurna Region.

The monsoon will have subsided by mid-September which means you will have clear skies providing you clear views of the mountains and the landscapes. The weather of the mid to late September has clear skies with extremely low chances of rainfall.

The weather is clear and suitable for trekking in the Annapurna Region. There are chances of cold breezes from the mountains and it gets colder at night but with some proper clothing and packing, you can easily accomplish this feat without any complications.

The temperature of Annapurna Base Camp in September

September is one of the most favourable times for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. with favourable temperatures throughout the month, trekking the Annapurna Region in this month is very exciting and comfortable.

With the average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the temperature of the Annapurna Region during September is the favourable one. The temperature is not too hot and dry or cold like the winter.

In September, the days are warm and breezy. This is the best condition for trekking. However, the temperature drops at night to 5 degree celsius. So you should carry something warm for the nights. Also with the temperature drop at night, sleeping bags are a must.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Routes and Itinerary

Short 11 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu. (1350m)

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara By Bus/Flight.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk Village (1870 m)

Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong (1940/6360 ft): 4 to 5 hours trek.

Day 5: Chhomrong to Himalaya (2900m/9483ft): 5 - 6hours.

Day 6: Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft): 5- 6 hours.

Day 7: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours.

Day 8: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Day 9: Trek to Siwai then drive to Pokhara: 4hours trek, 2 to 3 hour drive

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 11: Final Departure.

Planning this trip? We are always happy to answer your inquiries, contact us.

14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu 

Max Altitude: 1300 m

Day 2: Fly/Drive to Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 1300 m

Flight Hours: 30 minutes

Drive hours: 7 hours

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga

Max Altitude: 2070 m

Drive hours: 1-2 hours

Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani

Max Altitude: 2840m

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hours

Day 5: Hike up to Poon Hill sunrise and trek to Tadapani

Max Altitude: 3210m

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hours

Day 6: Trek to Chhomrong

Max Altitude: 2170m

Trekking Hours: 5 - 6 hours

Day 7: Trek to Bamboo

Max Altitude: 2310m

Trekking Hours: 4 - 5 hours

Day 8: Trek to Deurali

Max Altitude: 3230m

Trekking Hours: 3 - 4 hours

Day 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Max Altitude: 4130m

Trekking Hours: 5- 6 hours

Day 10: Trek to Bamboo:

Max Altitude: 4130m

Trekking Hours: 7 – 8 hours

Day 11: Trek down to Jhinu Danda

Max Altitude:1760m

Trekking Hours: 5 - 6 hours

Day 12: Trek to Naya Pul and drive to Pokhara: trek, drive

Max Altitude: 2070 m

Trekking Hours: 6 hours

Drive Hours: 1 hour

Day 13: Fly/Drive back to Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1330 m

Flight Hours: 30 minutes

Ride hours: 7 hours

Day 14: Final Departure

Why Choose Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September?

Favourable temperature

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September is pure bliss based on the temperature aspect. As the summer is too hot and humid and the winter being too freezing cold, the temperature in Autumn is the best. With the average temperature being around 25 degrees celsius, the trek will be easily and comfortably completed without any heat stokes or other cold problems.

Also, with September just ending the monsoon and starting the autumn season, the temperature is still a little warm with less chilly nights.

Fewer crowds

September may start the peak season but the Annapurna Region only gets crowded in the late September. Being the peak season and all the region is packed with trekkers in late September. However, due to chances of rain in the early September, the trails are comparatively empty in the early to mid-September. So you can enjoy walking the trails looking at the beautiful views instead of hordes of people.

Clear views of the mountains

September means clear skies and no more clouds to block the views or your plans for the day. With clear skies, you can easily see the glorious mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, etc standing tall looking over you. The mountain views are glorifying. Not just the mountains but the September season is also free of fog or rain making the valleys on the trails look mesmerizing from a height. Also, the vibrant leaves paving your way is another great scene to see.

Autumn season

As we have talked about this a lot before, the autumn season, the peak trekking season of the Annapurna reason starts from September. This means beautiful paths paved with vibrant leaves rustling from the cool breeze. The beautiful sceneries, the landscapes and the trekking friendly weather all are provided by this beautiful season of Autumn.

Festive season

Apart from just being a beautiful season with the best weather and temperature for trekking in the Annapurna Region, September has another importance in the Nepalese calendar. September is the month when most of the major Nepalese festivals are celebrated. The major festivals of the Nepalese people like Dashain and Tihar along with Indra Jatra lie in this month. Celebrating the festivals with the locals will be a unique and memorable experience for you all.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Food in September

Wondering what kind of food you can find on your Annapurna Base Camp trek in September? Well, it's the basic food that you can find on the route on any other month.

In the city of Kathmandu and Pokhara, food is of abundance. The variety of food in the city ranges from Nepalese traditional dishes to different cuisines.

As you start your trek the food choices get limited. You can still get junk food as the altitude rises but the price gets very high. In the teahouses, you can get pizzas and bread and other food but they are expensive as well. So, mostly you will be having the Nepalese traditional dish like Dal Bhat with pickles and seasoned vegetables which is a delight as well.

As for the drinks, you get to buy mineral water in the teashops or other stops of your trek., however, it is wiser to bring water bottles and carry some water purifiers. Also, you can carry some tea bags with you at all times for some spontaneous tea on the spot.

Accommodations in September

During your 11 day Annapurna Base Camp Trek or your 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September, you will have a lot of places to stay in the city. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are many places for you to spend your nights comfortably ranging from motels or guesthouses to 5 star hotels. Although the choice of your stay will determine the cost of your trek.

However, as you begin your trek, you will have to be complacent with the teahouses and the lodges as per our stops on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary. The accommodations throughout the trek are mostly standard quality twin sharing rooms with clean rooms with attached bathroom. You can share the room with one of the other trekkers.

The room comes with hot showers if you pay extra for the showers. Also, if you are someone who doesn’t like sharing rooms with others, you can find single rooms during off season or if there isn't much of a crowd. The single rooms are expensive. In early September, it is less crowded so you can get single rooms till you reach a higher altitude. As soon as you get higher altitude, you will have to compromise a little by sharing rooms.

The rooms may get easily booked and packed during the mid and late September so it is wise to pre book the rooms. This helps prevent any issues of not having enough rooms.

Essential Requirements and Preparations

Being a blend of two seasons: Autumn and monsoon, you must be wondering what to expect and what to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September. Worry not as we will tell you all about the requirements and the preparations needed for this trek.

Physical Preparation

Being a moderate level trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is not as difficult as other treks in the region. However, with September coming up with some difficulties like light rain showers may cause some issues. So it is important to properly prepare yourself. Physical preparation like some cardio or other exercises to improve your stamina helps a lot. Also, taking short hikes with similar terrain also helps with the adventure ahead of yours.

Mental Preparation

Apart from preparing your body for the climbs and the walks, you should also prepare yourself mentally. Like I said earlier, the food and accommodation facilities are kind of lacking as you get higher up in the altitude. So make sure you prepare yourself to endure the harsh terrain along with the unavailability of certain services on your trek.

Packing Essentials

Now that you are mentally and physically prepared for the journey ahead of you, there is only one thing left to do. The last step for the preparation for the trek is packing the essentials that will be needed in your trek and help make your trek a lot easier. Packing does not necessarily only include your clothing. Proper clothing as per the climate and temperature is important but there are other things you should not miss out on.

Clothing

  • Quick dry lightweight clothes
  • As the nights are cold carry some warm clothes
  • Windproof jackets and trousers for the windy days
  • Raincoat and waterproof trousers for unexpected weather changes
  • Change of undergarments (not too many as you can find laundry services)

Footwear

  • Quality trekking boots
  • Waterproof boots
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Hiking boots

Major Essentials and Miscellaneous

  • Whistle
  • First Aid Kit with emergency medicines like altitude sickness medicine and cold medicines for starters
  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries or power banks

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost in September

The Annapurna Base Camp trek cost in September depends on the routes you take along with the number of days the trek will last. The cost of the 11 days Annapurna base camp trek ranges from USD 605 while the 14 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon hill ranges from USD 745. This involves a variety of costs including your food and accommodation and various other facilities.

Annapurna Base Camp trek cost includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop to hotel and airport
  • Tourist bus round trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Private vehicles for all ground transportation during the trek
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 nights in a two star hotel which can be customized as per your request.
  • Pokhara stay in 2 star hotel for 2 nights
  • Trekking lodges and teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
  • Three square meals throughout the trek including breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • A professional guide with fluent English
  • A porter shared among two trekkers
  • Salary and insurance along with food and accommodation for the staff
  • Good Vibe Adventure's shirt along with completion certificate
  • Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement paid by your travel insurance
  • Trekking permits like the time card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Taxes and other services charges
  • Medical Kit
  • Farewell dinner

Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost excludes:

  • International flight charges
  • Your travel insurance
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu along with the sightseeing permit charges in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Nepal Visa fees
  • Tips for the guides which should be around 10 percent of the charge
  • Personal expenses during the trek including hot showers, charging electronics, etc.
  • Any alcoholic drinks or desserts or any other drinks

Annapurna Base camp Trek Difficulties in September

Light showers

As stated earlier, September may be the beginning of the best time to trek but it is a blend of seasons. And what better blend between seasons than the best one and the not so preferred one. Being a blend between the monsoon season and the autumn season, September receives monsoon showers here and there during the early September. So, if you are trekking the region in the early September this may pose to be a difficulty for you. With the wet trails, there are chances of slipping and other difficulties so be careful on your way.

Rough terrain

As the trek begins, the city region has great roads but as the altitude increases, you have to trek through off the beaten paths. The trails are full of twists and turns and uphills and downhills. Also, during the early September, the wet trails will enhance the difficulty level. So get quality trekking and hiking boots to counter these difficulties.

Altitude sickness

No matter what the season or month, altitude sickness is a difficulty that may arise in this type of high altitude treks. If you are prone to altitude sickness, you should prepare and take altitude sickness medicine beforehand. Also cutting back on eating meat and alcoholic drinks also helps in preventing altitude sickness. The most important thing to remember to avoid altitude sickness is to drink lots of water and give your body a proper acclimatization period throughout the trek.

Food and Accommodation preparation

Food and accommodation is not an issue if you are trekking in early September. The crowds are less so there is plenty of room for all. However, this doesn't seem to be the same for mid and late September. Being the peak time for Annapurna Region Treks, there is a shortage of rooms and the lines for food are insane. So make sure to prepare your food and accommodations beforehand.

Tips for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September

Still, confused about what to do and what not to during your Annapurna Base Camp trek? We have some useful tips for you to help with your smooth journey.

  • Improve your stamina before the trek with exercises
  • Bring your water bottle and water purifier for some savings and portable water
  • Carry tea bags with you
  • The toilets in the high altitude are mostly squat so try squatting beforehand so it isn't too hard on you
  • Carry your sleeping bag for hygiene and quality concerns
  • You can rent the other trekking equipment from the company
  • Take proper acclimatization days

FAQs

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4130 meters. The trail is a lot of uphill climbing from the Machhapuchhre base camp at an altitude of 3700 meters.

How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered a moderate level trek with twists and turns. The trek may not be as difficult as other treks in the region but still, you have to walk around 6-7 hours a day on average on this trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek in September is different from other times. The early September may be difficult due to monsoon rainfalls and sudden showers mixed with the steep roads. You Can complete this adventurous trek with proper plans and proper mental and physical preparations.

Is solo trekking okay in this region?

Solo trekking in Annapurna Region is not encouraged as the routes are remote and the tough terrain may make things worse. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is safe during late September. However, it is not advised in the early to mid September as the trails are remote and not crowded which means without a guide or someone who can help you in need there are chances of you getting stranded without help. So it is better to travel with a professional guide or a group at the very least.

What are the documents required for this trek?

For trekking in the Annapurna Region, there are some important permits without which you are not allowed to trek in this region. TIMS cards along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are important for entering this region. This proves that you are here for trekking purposes and mean no harm to the locals and the natural resources of the region.

But before getting all these permits, you will need your passport with the Nepal entry visa stamp. The passport needs a six months validity and also you need two passport size photos.

Is the trek recommended for beginners?

Being a moderate level trek, beginners can also attempt this trek with proper preparation and precautions. As long as you are physically and mentally prepared, this trek will not be a hard thing. Also, you need a professional guide and a porter to make your trek easy for you. You won't' have to worry about the trails or the food and accommodation arrangements if you are with a company and a guide. Also, you won't have to carry your heavy luggage yourself lifting a heavy burden off you. So you can easily complete the adventurous trek.

What are the emergency rescue protocols and plans?

In case of any emergencies or accidents, you will be rescued by helicopter to the nearest hospital immediately. This charge will be paid by your travel insurance so you need to apply for travel insurance before the trek.

Will I get altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is not inevitable. With proper care and acclimatization, most people do not get altitude sickness. But if you are rushing your trek and gaining altitude rapidly you will catch altitude sickness.

How can I avoid getting altitude sickness?

As described earlier, you can avoid getting altitude sickness by taking proper acclimatization rest days. Also drinking plenty of water helps. It is advised to reduce the consumption of alcohol and meat to avoid altitude sickness.

Lastly, we, at Good Vibe Adventure, would like to wish you a safe journey in the Annapurna Region and hope that there will be many more opportunities for us to join hands and collaborate on making another memory of a lifetime. We hope you enjoyed our services and the information provided to you in this blog. Also, if you want to experience the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September but are not satisfied with the itinerary, you can customize the itinerary after you contact us. Also, you can find other numerous treks in the Annapurna Region just as adventurous and beautiful.

Planning this trip? We are always happy to answer your inquiries, contact us.

Similar Treks in the Annapurna Region:

Tilicho and Mesokanto La TrekkingAnnapurna Circuit TrekkingJomsom Muktinath Trekking

Good vibe adventureDec 25th 2023

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