Annapurna Base Camp Trek during Spring

Spring brings the Annapurna Base Camp Trek back to life after winter. The lower hills turn green, rhododendrons begin to flower along the forest trails, and the Annapurna Sanctuary becomes more accessible as the snow starts to ease.

Higher up, the trees give way to an open mountain valley. The final walk brings you beneath the south face of Annapurna I, with snow-covered peaks rising around base camp.

From March to May, spring combines this mountain experience with flowering forests, warmer walking days and longer daylight. Spring trekking offers plenty to enjoy throughout the journey, from village paths to the first morning light at ABC.

In this article, we will look at each spring month in detail, along with the route, accommodation, and preparation for reaching Annapurna Base Camp.

Why Trek to Annapurna Base Camp During Spring?

Spring is one of the best times to trek to Annapurna Base Camp because it combines flowering forests, warmer walking days, and longer daylight with the high-mountain scenery of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The lower valleys become green, the forests gain colour, and the trail towards Base Camp becomes easier to walk as winter eases.

• Blooming Rhododendron Forests

Rhododendrons begin flowering on the lower slopes from late March, with the main display usually appearing between 2,000 and 3,500 metres in mid- to late April. The forested sections around Ghorepani, Tadapani and Chhomrong are especially good places to see the changing colours, though the bloom varies with altitude and weather.

• Warmer Days for Trekking

Spring makes the lower Annapurna valley more comfortable for walking. Daytime temperatures in the lower sections can reach 12–20°C, while the higher areas remain cool and cold, especially at night. The contrast means you can enjoy warmer walking days without losing the mountain atmosphere.

Settlement	Altitude (m)	Day Temp	Night Temp
Ghandruk	1,940	12°C–20°C	5°C–10°C
Chhomrong	2,170	10°C–18°C	3°C–8°C
Bamboo / Dovan	2,310 / 2,600	8°C–16°C	2°C–6°C
Deurali	3,200	5°C–14°C	0°C–4°C
Machapuchare Base Camp	3,700	2°C–12°C	-2°C–2°C
Annapurna Base Camp	4,130	0°C–10°C	-5°C–0°C

• Mountain Views from Poon Hill to ABC

Clear spring mornings often give good views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare and Dhaulagiri. The best visibility is usually early in the day, before clouds build in the afternoon; Poon Hill, Chhomrong and the approach to Base Camp are among the places where the scenery opens up.

• Longer Daylight for Exploring

Longer spring days give you more time to complete the daily stages without rushing. They also make it easier to explore places such as Poon Hill, the hot springs at Jhinu Danda or the trail towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp during the trek.

• Green Valleys Beneath Snow-Covered Peaks

Spring creates a striking contrast between the green valleys below and the snow-covered peaks above. The lower Modi Khola corridor becomes lush, while the higher Annapurna Sanctuary remains alpine and rugged.

• Village Life and Local Culture

Spring brings more life to the Gurung and Magar villages along the route. Places such as Ghandruk, Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda feel more active as trekkers, locals and families move through the valley.

• Jhinu Danda’s Natural Hot Springs

Jhinu Danda is one of the most rewarding stops on the return route. Its natural hot springs sit beside the river and give trekkers a chance to relax after days of walking. Spring makes this stop more comfortable, with warmer days and greener surroundings.

Which Spring Month Is Best for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

April is a great choice for flowering forests and comfortable walking days, with plenty to enjoy on either side of it too. March brings the first spring blooms and snowy scenery higher up, while May offers greener valleys, warmer days and longer daylight. Each month shows you a different side of spring on the ABC trail.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March

March lets you catch the start of spring on the ABC trail. Rhododendrons begin flowering on the warmer slopes, adding red and pink to the forests around Ghorepani later in the month. Cooler days make the climbs around Ulleri and Chhomrong more comfortable, while snow higher up gives the journey a different feel.

The change from flowering hills to the snowy Sanctuary is part of March’s appeal.

• Best for: Trekkers who prefer quieter trails and are comfortable with colder conditions.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in April

April is a month for enjoying the forest walks as much as the mountain viewpoints. The Ghorepani–Tadapani approach takes you beneath flowering rhododendrons, while the shorter route also offers colourful woodland beyond Chhomrong.

Warmer walking days and clear morning views make the journey into the Sanctuary especially rewarding. You can enjoy flowers in the lower forests and snow-covered peaks around base camp within the same trip. April’s popularity makes advance room arrangements worthwhile, particularly at Deurali, MBC and ABC.

• Best for: Trekkers who want the best balance of weather, scenery and flowers.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in May

May brings a greener, warmer walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Fresh growth fills the Modi Khola Valley, and the longer days leave more daylight to enjoy the forest paths, village stops and mountain scenery. Nights at the higher lodges are generally milder than in March.

Make sure to start early to enjoy cooler air on the climbs and mountain views before afternoon clouds build. Early May offers an appealing mix of warmth and spring scenery. Later in the month, showers and thunderstorms become more frequent.

• Best for: Trekkers who prefer warmer days and want to enjoy the hot springs at Jhinu Danda.

Annapurna Base Camp Route Overview for Spring

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows the same route through the Annapurna region, but spring changes the experience along the way. The lower forests around Ghorepani and Tadapani gain colour, the higher trail becomes clearer as winter eases, and the Annapurna Sanctuary feels more alive with trekkers and seasonal growth.

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Bamboo → Himalaya → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp → Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Pokhara → Kathmandu

The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a road journey to Tikhedhunga.

From there, the trail climbs through Ulleri and Ghorepani before reaching Poon Hill, Tadapani and Chhomrong.

The final stages lead through Bamboo, Himalaya and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.

What Are the Upper ABC Trail Conditions Like in Spring?

The trail from Chhomrong to Bamboo is mostly forested and sheltered, with warmer daytime temperatures and more comfortable walking conditions. Rhododendrons and bamboo are most visible in this section, especially in April.

• Colder Conditions Above Deurali

Above Deurali, the landscape becomes more open, and the air feels thinner. Nights at Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp can drop below freezing, and wind can make the daytime walk feel colder than the temperature suggests.

• Snow, Ice and Changing Visibility on the Upper Trail

Snow and ice can remain on the upper trail early in spring, especially around Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Afternoon clouds can also build quickly, so start early for the best views and safest walking conditions.

How Difficult Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring?

The ABC trek is moderately challenging. The main demands are repeated climbs and descents, several consecutive walking days, and the final ascent to 4,130 m. Many stages involve around four to seven hours on foot, with longer days possible depending on the route and overnight stops.

The stone steps are a major part of the effort. The descent from Chhomrong to the river is followed by another climb towards Sinuwa, and you repeat this section on the return. A Poon Hill approach adds further climbing around Ulleri and the sunrise viewpoint.

Spring makes the lower stages warmer and gives you more daylight, while snow and ice add care to the upper approach. Fitness helps with the walking; allowing time to adjust to altitude addresses a separate part of the challenge.

Beginners can complete the trek with regular hill-walking preparation, a suitable schedule, and an experienced licensed guide. Make sure to choose the number of days around the walking and altitude gains you can manage comfortably.

Villages and Local Culture Along the ABC Route

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is as much a cultural journey as a mountain trek. The trail moves through Gurung and Magar villages, Buddhist and Hindu shrines, and high-altitude settlements where prayer wheels, mani walls, and chortens are part of daily life.

Ghandruk, Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda are the main cultural stops. These villages offer a chance to see local life, stone houses, terraced fields and traditional hospitality.

Spring also brings a festive side to the trip:

• Holi: Usually celebrated in March, this festival fills places such as Pokhara with colour and lively celebrations. It can be an enjoyable addition to time in the city before or after the trek.

• Nepali New Year: Mid-April brings family gatherings and local festivities, giving village and town visits an extra sense of occasion.

• Buddha Jayanti: Celebrated in April or May, this festival offers opportunities to observe prayers and religious traditions among Buddhist communities.

Make sure to enjoy these occasions respectfully, following local customs at shrines and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.

Flora and Fauna on the ABC Trek During Spring

Spring brings new growth to the lower forests and a noticeable change in the landscape as you climb. The trail moves from subtropical forest and terraced fields into pine, oak and rhododendron woodland, then into juniper, birch and alpine terrain.

• Spring Flora: Rhododendrons and Changing Vegetation

Rhododendrons are the main spring attraction, flowering mainly between 2,000 and 3,500 metres from late March into April. The forests around Ghorepani, Tadapani and Chhomrong are good places to see them.

Beyond the forests, the vegetation changes quickly. Bamboo and oak give way to pine, juniper and alpine scrub as the trail climbs towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

• Spring Fauna: Birds and Wildlife Along the Trail

Spring brings more activity to the forests and valleys. The Annapurna region is home to species such as the Himalayan monal, musk deer, Himalayan tahr and pheasants, though sightings depend on luck, time of day, and how quietly you walk.

Langurs and other forest wildlife can be seen in the lower and middle sections, especially around Chhomrong and the river valleys. Make sure to Keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.

What Are Teahouses and Facilities Like in Spring?

Teahouses on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are simple, family-run lodges. Facilities are more developed in the lower villages and become more basic as you climb towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

• Accommodation During the Busy Spring Season

In spring, most teahouses are open and operating normally. Lower villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani and Chhomrong have more choice and better access to supplies, while higher villages such as Himalaya, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp have fewer facilities and simpler rooms.

Ghorepani and Chhomrong offer some of the better accommodation on the route, with rooms that may include attached bathrooms. At Himalaya, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, accommodation is more basic and involve shared bathrooms or dormitory-style rooms.

• Meals, Drinking Water and Facilities at Higher Stops

Teahouses serve filling meals suited to a day on the trail. Common choices include dal bhat, noodles, soup, potatoes, eggs and porridge, though menus usually become shorter at higher elevations. Availability depends on the lodge and the season. Hot tea and other drinks are generally available; carry snacks from Pokhara if you have specific preferences.

Seasonal fruits are also available at lower stops, especially around Pokhara and Nayapul, but they become harder to find higher up. Bananas and apples are some of the practical choices to carry. For late-May departures, you can look for new-season litchi in the markets, as Nepal’s lowland harvest begins during the second half of May.

Hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi are available in some places, but they are not guaranteed at higher elevations and cost extra. Make sure to carry a power bank, water treatment and any personal items you will need in the trek.

• Spring Crowds and Advance Booking

Spring brings more trekkers to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, especially in April. Popular stops such as Ghorepani, Chhomrong and Annapurna Base Camp can have full teahouses, particularly later in the day.

Booking through a registered trekking agency helps arrange accommodation from the first day to the last, while the trail is already being monitored by local staff.

How to Prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Spring?

Preparation matters more than fitness alone. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is demanding because of its altitude, remote setting and changing weather, so a gradual itinerary and proper gear are important.

• Build Endurance for Steps, Ascents and Descents

Build up your walking fitness before the trek, with regular long walks, stairs and uphill training. The trail is more about endurance than speed, so focus on steady pacing and comfortable footwear.

• Choose a Suitable Pace and Allow Time to Acclimatise

Walk at a steady pace and avoid rushing the upper ascent from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp. Plan your overnight stops with your guide before the trek, allowing extra nights where needed to gain altitude more gradually.

• Pack for Warm Lower Trails and Freezing Nights

Pack for a cold night and a demanding walk, even if the weather feels mild in Pokhara. Bring a warm mid-layer, a down jacket, windproof and waterproof outerwear, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles.

• Prepare for Rain, Snow and Slippery Ground

Spring can bring rain in the lower valleys and snow higher up. Carry a waterproof jacket, trekking poles and footwear with good grip. A headtorch, water treatment, power bank, personal medicine and a few snacks are useful because services are limited.

• Arrange Suitable Insurance and Keep Some Flexibility

Arrange travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Keep a few spare days in your schedule in case weather or trail conditions change.

• Choose a Reliable Trekking Agency to Handle the Arrangements

A trekking agency can help with permits, transport, accommodation, guides and route planning. This is useful on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek because the route passes through a conservation area, and local knowledge matters for weather, trail conditions and safety.

Which Permits Are Required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The route enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ABC trek requires a conservation-area entry permit and a Trekkers’ Information Management System card, alongside a licensed trekking guide under Nepal’s published TIMS rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spring brings flowering rhododendrons, warmer walking days and snow-covered peaks to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Green valleys and Gurung villages add to the experience before you reach the Sanctuary. If you’re planning an ABC trek and want to enjoy the forests, local culture and mountains in one journey, spring is one of the best times to go.

FAQs

Is Spring or Autumn Better for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Spring suits trekkers who want rhododendron flowers, green forests and warmer walking days. Autumn is a strong choice for clear mountain views after the monsoon. Both are main trekking seasons; choose spring if flowering woodland is a priority.

How Cold Is Annapurna Base Camp During Spring?

ABC nights are often below freezing in early spring, with March temperatures around −8°C or lower during cold spells. April becomes milder, and May nights are nearer freezing.

Is Late May Still Suitable for the Trek?

Yes. Late May offers warm walking days and green valleys on the ABC route. Afternoon showers, thunderstorms and cloud become more frequent. Make sure to start early, carry waterproof clothing and allow flexibility for weather changes on the upper approach.

Do You Need Microspikes for ABC During Spring?

Microspikes are useful when snow has become compacted and icy, especially in March or after fresh snowfall. They are not needed on every spring departure. Arrange them before the trek when upper-trail conditions require extra grip, alongside suitable boots.

Can You See Rhododendrons without Including Poon Hill?

Yes. The main approach beyond Chhomrong and Sinuwa includes rhododendron woodland, so a direct ABC trek also offers spring flowers. Ghorepani and Tadapani add longer forest sections. Late March and April are particularly rewarding, with flowering progressing uphill through spring.

Is the Spring ABC Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, but it is better suited to trekkers with good fitness, proper preparation and a willingness to follow a gradual acclimatisation plan. The trek is challenging because of its length, altitude and changing weather.

Should You Stay Overnight at ABC or Machhapuchhre Base Camp?

ABC places you close to the mountains for sunrise, while MBC offers a lower sleeping altitude and the option of a morning walk to ABC. Choose the overnight stop around acclimatisation, weather and room availability. Ascend only when feeling well.