Annapurna Base Camp is a good first Himalayan trek if you want to go above 4,000 m. It is still a real challenge: you walk most of every day, often on steep stone steps, and you finish at 4,130 m.
The hard parts
- Stone staircases. The trail around Chhomrong drops steeply to the Chhomrong Khola river and climbs back up the far side, on thousands of uneven stone steps. You pass this way twice.
- The climb into the Sanctuary. From Deurali the trail gains height steadily past Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Altitude. You sleep one night at 4,130 m. Most fit walkers manage it with a gradual climb, but altitude sickness doesn’t depend on fitness.
How to train
- Walk hills or stairs two or three times a week for six to eight weeks before you go.
- Do at least a few long walks with the pack you’ll carry, back to back on consecutive days.
- Practise descents too. Going down hundreds of steps is hard on your knees; trekking poles help.
Who it suits
If you can walk for five or six hours with breaks and feel fine the next morning, you can train for this. If you have heart, lung or joint problems, talk to your doctor first.
