Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March

For beginner trekkers, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March can be ideal in Nepal. Given the easy grade of this trek, the gentle temperature, cheerful weather, and beautiful mountain panorama in March make this trek the best. Furthermore, vibrant rhododendron blossoms, lush bamboo forests, and serene lowland terrace farmlands can elevate your trek experience.

This blog includes everything you should know before planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March 2024. We’ve briefly discussed weather, temperature, rainfall, snowfall, trekker’s volume, and major attractions in March.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March- Highlights

• The surreal close prospect of snow-capped Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Tharpu Chuli, Singu Chuli, Machhapuchhre, and many other peaks from the base camp.
• Vivid landscapes of the lower region, covered by rhododendrons, and the upper alpine area, covered in snow.
• Mild temperature and rain-free days for unobstructed viewing and a sweat-less hike.
• Comfortable overnights at tea houses with the best meals and hospitality.
• Comparatively less crowd in early Spring, in March, for a peaceful hike.

Why Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March?

The first thing you’ve to be clear about is why to plan Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March.

The temperature averages around 4 degrees in the daytime and drops to -16 degrees at night. The snow on the trekking trail becomes slippery and often makes the hike challenging. But some trekkers love to do this even under these conditions.

Snow capped Annapurna mountains

Everyone loves to see mountains that are significantly above 8,000 meters and blanketed with snow. And for this, Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March, in early Spring month, is the ideal time. The thick winter snowfall on Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world, at 8,091 meters, is best seen from the base camp, at 4,130 meters. 

Not only Annapurna I, but you’ll also enjoy the 360-degree panoramic glimpses of Annapurna South, at 7,291 meters, Singu Chuli, at 6,051 meters, Tharpu Chuli, at 5,663 meters, and Fishtail, at 6,993 meters from the base camp of Annapurna.

The best part of being at the base camp in early Spring is that you’ll not only enjoy the snowfall but also can experience the walk to nearby glaciers.

Diverse vegetations of Annapurna Conservation Area

Whether you start Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill or from Nayapul to Jhinu, the affluent vegetation and landscapes here surrounds and keep you in awe throughout. 

The terrace farming of Birethanti, Jhinu, and Chhomrong are the first aesthetes that work as an appetizer to your Annapurna trek appetite.

The rhododendron and magnolia forest that starts from Sinuwa till Deurali with a beautiful bamboo forest of Bamboo and Dovan makes your hike serene. On top, the elegant Machhapuchhre plays hide and seek with you on your third day on Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Besides bamboo and rhododendron, you’ll hike through the evergreen Oak forest till Dovan. Past Dovan and almost to Deurali, you’ll walk through the Brown Oak forest mixed with others like Fir and Hemlock. On top, the new leaves, buds, and fresh outlook soothe the weary legs.

And past Deurali till ABC via Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you’ll hike on an alpine landscape covered with snow.

Annapurna Base Camp Weather in March

The weather at Annapurna Base Camp in March remains stable, with relatively colder days with complete visibility. The winter rain and snowfall wash away all the dust and make the viewing unobstructed.

The days in March are also rain-free days with precipitation of just 39. But you can expect some snowfall at higher altitudes like Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, including the Annapurna Base Camp area.

Snowfall in march

March, mainly, isn’t a month for snowfall. However, in recent years, the snowfall in the mountains has been delayed.

There’s a high probability that it’ll snow at Annapurna Base Camp in March 2024. Last year, the heavy snowfall started only after the last week of February and continued till mid-March. This year, in 2024, till the first week of February, there has been little fall at the base camps and places over 3500 meters altitude.

Hence, plan the trek here in early March if you want to experience the snowfall at Annapurna Base Camp. You’ll get to experience the snowfall in the mountains.

Rainfall in March

March is an entirely rain-free month. Hence, it won’t rain at the base camp and lower regions. However, low-altitude areas like Jhinu and Chhomrong may experience fleeting afternoon drizzles.

As it often snows at higher altitudes in March, we recommend carrying a rainproof jacket and poncho for snow showers.

Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in March

March is the first month of Spring, and it remains cold throughout. The lower regions en route to Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March start getting warmer, but the base camp remains around freezing temperature.

It’s essential to know the temperature to pack your backpack accordingly—even the daytime temperature around base camp averages around 4 ˚C, which is near freezing. The maximum daytime temperature you can expect around base camp, past Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, is 7 ˚C.

The evening and night become even colder, with the temperature dropping to -10 ˚C. For warm sleep, we recommend you carry a sleeping bag. Also, for warm day hikes against the wind, you must wear warm thermal layering and a down jacket.

This is what Annapurna Base Camp Temperature in March looks like.

Crowd and Accommodation

You’ll find it easy to get the tea houses for accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp during March, as many trekkers don’t plan this hike due to cold temperatures. March remains cold; hence, only a few trekkers plan the ABC trek this month. Otherwise, as they flood with trekkers, you’ll barely get a room in the tea houses in April and May.

Even in the cold March, the accommodations at tea houses will be warm. You’ll get comfortable beds with mattresses, clean blankets, and pillows. You’ll also get attached bathrooms at most tea houses.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March- Recommended Routes

Annapurna region blooms in Spring, from early March till the end of May. Everything becomes magical with the greenery, vibrant landscape, rhododendron blossom, terrace farms, hamlets, and hilltops. Thus, instead of just trekking to base camp from Jhinu, planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March with longer itineraries would be best. Visiting places like Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill offers a pleasing cultural, natural, and panoramic walk before leaving for the base camp.

The most popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek 10 days take you to beautiful Gurung hamlet Ghandruk, the Chhomrong, and the base camp. Other popular trek routes include Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill, and some courses are via Tadapani.

Or, if you want a short trek, you can join our Annapurna Base Camp Trek 5 days from Pokhara. Also, if you want to trek more after returning from base camp, you can trek to Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and return to Pokhara.