Experience the thrill of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May

The best time for an Annapurna Base Camp Trek is in May, the spring season. From the beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks to the deep cultural experiences in the local villages, this trip is not to be missed. So, it is possible to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May.

This challenging but worthwhile trip will take you to the base camp of the world’s tenth-highest mountain, and May is the best time to go. When you go on this great adventure, you’ll have the best time possible because the weather will be nice and the trail will be in good shape. Take advantage of this chance to see the Annapurna Base Camp in May.

Let’s look below in detail at what to expect in Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May and how it differs from trekking in other spring months, i.e., March and April.

Experience the thrill of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May

May is one of the best months to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal, as the weather is generally clear and calm. The days are bright and sunny, with temperatures varying between 4°C and 13°C at the lower elevations and dipping below freezing in the higher elevations. Because the nights might be cool, you need to bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag that can handle cold weather.

When it’s clear in May, it’s easy to see everything, which is perfect for seeing the stunning mountain views that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is known for. Flying into and out of Pokhara is easier with the clear skies. The country of the Himalayas can be prone to flight delays and cancellations due to bad weather if you travel in the off-season.

In addition, May is an excellent month for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek because the rainy season has yet to come. The monsoon season in Nepal, which lasts from June to August, can make the paths muddy and slippery and make trekking more challenging.

In general, the month of May is best for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal, as the weather is generally clear and stable, the trails are less busy, and the monsoon season has yet to begin.

The temperature in Annapurna Base Camp Route during May

Note: The above temperature chart is based on the past forecast data collected from the Annapurna region.

Best Reasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May

May is the season when Nepal’s natural beauty is at its best. The snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and colorful wildflowers create a stunning visual experience for trekkers.

May at Annapurna Base Camp is comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. This also makes it an ideal time to trek, as the weather is not too hot or cold.

Along with the helpful tips, we have listed the best reasons for trekking to Annapurna in May as the best idea:

Lighter backpacks and clothing

If you trek to Annapurna in May, you do not need heavy clothes and gear. The weather will be generally warm and dry. You can carry the usual gear and lightweight clothes.

However, the temperature can vary significantly at the end of May. You may experience little chance of rainfall at a lower altitude, so some waterproof gear may be necessary.

Witness the Best Himalayan Views

The May season at Annapurna Base Camp showcases the best views of the Himalayas during the trek. The sky will be clearer, and the views will be clearer than ever. These million dollars worth of views make your trek memorable.

Along the trek, the complete Annapurna Massif consists of 13 peaks above 7,000 m and no less than 16 peaks above 6,000 m. Some of the panoramic paradise ranges are Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and many others.

An ideal blend of Spring and Summer

May is the transitional month between the spring and summer months. May lies in the post-spring month, so you will be rewarded with the sheer beauty of the landscape.

You will witness the beauty of dense forests, settlements, cascading waterfalls, and blue-hued peaks. Also, feast your eye with a pleasing sunrise and sunset over the white peaks, which form a golden color.

Meet with people of all kinds

As you travel to the peak season, many travelers from all over the world will also come to trek the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It will be the best opportunity to meet with different people and strengthen bonds.

You can also witness the day-to-day lifestyle of local communities and add value to the traveler’s perspective of the journey’s duration. Make your travels more memorable by knowing the ethnic culture and traditions of local people.

Low chance of flight cancellations

Because of the landscape and mountainous region, your flight to Pokhara has a high chance of being canceled or delayed most of the time. It needs clear weather and low wind speeds to operate smoothly.

The May season has all its characters, so there is a low chance of flight cancellations. It’s not only about flight cancellations but also trips to Pokhara in May that provide the best views of the Annapurna Himalayas and the beauty of this region from the air.

Other Best Trekking Routes for Visiting the Annapurna Region in May

Not only ABC trek, but you have an endless choice of places to visit in the Annapurna Region in the May season. The pleasant weather in May is suitable for traveling all over the Annapurna Region.

You can also combine other trekking routes with the ABC Trek to maximize your time in the best season. We have listed some of the best destinations in the Annapurna Region to trek in May.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Mardi Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Mardi Himal Trek mix two destinations into a single trip. This trek takes you around 14 to 17 days.

The only difference from other trekking in Nepal is that you will be in the lap of uncountable mountains. You will also find two different tastes in single hiking.

This high-altitude trek provides magnificent views of peaks including Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Tent Peak, Mt. Hiunchuli, and many others. You will also experience the adventure and understand the day-to-day lifestyle of the local people.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill Trek

The trek to ABC Trek via Poon Hil is one of the best combinations that add value to your trip. The path passes through the Annapurna existence and Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek begins at Nayapul and proceeds along the main Annapurna trail, passing through base camp and Poon Hill.

You will also get the chance to grab the opportunity to experience the Nepali people and their ethnic backgrounds. The breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail, as well as local ethnicities like Gurung, Thakali, and Magar, are some of the major highlights of the tour.

Mohare Danda Trek

Mohare Danda Trek is a short hike that takes you across the Annapurna Himalayas. The highest point you can hike to is the Mohare Danda, at a height of 3300 m. You will be rewarded with the best view of the mountain ranges of the Annapurna region, like the Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

This peaceful trail passes through pristine high-altitude settlements, the bustling Annapurna Conservation Area, and Gurung culture to reach the mighty Annapurna’s core. This trek is famous and replaces the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek uses the same route as the Manaslu Circuit Trek ends. It will then cross the Manang and the mountain, passing by Thorong La. It will then go ahead to Jomsom, Mustang, and end at Pokhara.

The mountain views are spectacular, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Massif, Manaslu Range, Pisang Peak, Thorong Peak, and many more. Similarly, the vibrancy of Manag and Pokhara, the wonderful ambiance of the Gurung ancestral home, the crystal clear Tilicho Lake, and the breathtaking alpine landscape provide a mesmerizing backdrop.

If you are looking for a different trekking route other than base camp with more adventure and fun, the Annapurna Circuit Trek in May will be the best option for you.

Pros of Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in May

Although trekking to Nepal in May is the last month of the spring season in Nepal, you will find many advantages to trekking to ABC in May.

Below, we have listed the advantages of ABC Trek in May.

Forest Wildflowers Blooms

The spring season, i.e., early May, is also the best month to see the colorful forest with wildflowers and rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal. The scenes are like splashing different colors in the green forest. You will be rewarded with other beautiful moments during the trek. The rhododendron can be seen all along the route during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May.

Golden Month For Photography

Crystal clear weather and the splashing color of wildflowers make it a great time to take a photo when traveling. The series of images of the Annapurna Range and surroundings will provide mind-blowing contrast to the images.

Scenic Flight to Pokhara Valley

The one thing you can count on while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in May is that your scenic flight will be unforgettable. You will find a direct flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Canceling the flight might be very rare, as this is a Himalayan country, and the weather is unpredictable.

The 25-minute flight journey offers a birds-eye perspective of the gorgeous Himalayas, green vegetation, and small settlements. Green vegetation, snow-capped mountains, and rivers can be seen on the ground.

Vibrancy in the Surrounding

The spring season’s last month, i.e., May will be more active than waiting for another season after three months. September will be another great season for Annapurna Base Camp. The gap between those three months of the off-season and the monsoon season in Nepal.

The grandeur of the Annapurna Himalayas and the splendors of dense forest and landscape are the synonyms for this month. The weather will be stunning, there will be low precipitation chances and mostly sunny days.

The Crowds are not as Bad

As opposed to the months of October and November, which are considered the prime seasons for trekking in Nepal, May is considered the shoulder season. This implies that fewer people will be on the path during this time. This results in a hiking experience that is calmer and more enjoyable for the traveler.

Exposure To The Local People

You will get an amazing opportunity to witness the day-to-day lifestyle of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people and their culture. Witnessing and experiencing the Magar and Thakali traditions and cultural way of life is an excellent opportunity to study the place and its natural beauty.

So, please take advantage of knowing the local people more closely and studying their lifestyle and natural beauty. Experience the true Himalayan life by trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold does it get at Annapurna Base Camp?
The temperature at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) can vary depending on the time of year you visit. The coldest temperatures of the year occur from the end of December to the beginning of February, with an average temperature of around -17 °C in base camp.

What is the best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp?
It’s best to visit Annapurna Base Camp in March, May, and early September. Late November. You will experience fairly stable weather, good visibility, and temperatures at the base camp, reaching around -3°C on average.

Is it hard to breathe at Annapurna Base Camp?
At an altitude of 4,130 meters, the air at Annapurna Base Camp is thin, which means there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can make breathing difficult for some people, especially when they first arrive at the camp.

Also, everyone’s body responds to altitude differently, so even if you’ve been to high altitudes, you may still have trouble breathing at ABC. To reduce the chance of getting altitude sickness, it’s best to get used to the higher altitude slowly.

Is there always snow at Annapurna Base Camp?
Because ABC is so high, there is usually snow there all year. However, the amount of snow can vary depending on the season and the weather.

Most of the snow at ABC falls in the winter. The snow starts to melt in the spring, and with less snow, the trek is a lot easier. The amount of snow at ABC starts to decrease in the autumn.

How cold is it at Annapurna Base Camp in May?
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) can have different temperatures at different times, but it tends to be warmer in May. Still, the area is high up, so it can get very cold, especially at night.
During the day, the temperature can be between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, but at night, it can drop to -5 and 0 degrees Celsius.

What is the warmest month in Annapurna?
During the summer, the daytime temperature can be anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperature can be anywhere from -1 to 0 degrees Celsius.

The nights can be cool, but the sun is strong enough to keep you warm during the day. During these months, the air is also pretty dry, which can make it feel warmer than it is.