Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the moderately difficult trekkings in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. The major attractions of the 10 days trek to ABC are the alluring view of various highest mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli, walks through the typical mountainous villages and through the forest covered with flowers and diverse flora and fauna and also getting the opportunity to taste the local cuisines prevailing among the mountainous people in Nepal. Throughout the journey to the Annapurna Base Camp, you will gain an altitude everyday and help you experience the diversity in the nature of landscapes, flora and fauna, lifestyles of people and temperature conditions at different altitudes of Nepal.
The journey begins from Kathmandu and takes you to Pokhara with a bus ride for about 7 hours. The road passes through countryside, sometimes along the ridge, along the river and sometimes leads though the beautiful forests. You will see several local markets and villages along the road and you will get to stop at various places for tea and foods.
Pokhara is one of the beautiful cities of Nepal with several lakes and places of tourist attractions. On the second day of ABC Trek a public jeep takes you from Pokhara towards Nayapul, from where the hiking begins. The trails are very easy to walk and pass through beautiful villages and forests, cross suspension bridges at different places and you will get to see people engaged in their agricultural fields.
Upon reaching Ghandruk, your excitement would be doubled. Ghandruk is a well known traditional village of Gurung community and has Gurung museums where you can enjoy excursions to understand the civilization, culture, tradition and lifestyle of the Gurung community. The most exciting part of the Ghandruk is the alluring view of Mount Annapurna South, Mount Annapurna III, Mount Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
On the third day, the route then takes you towards Chomrong, one of the beautiful villages situated in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This village will offer you the view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Likewise on the fourth day of Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, the hike goes through beautiful trails crossing several forests and villages and enjoying the picture perfect views alongside throughout the day unless reaching Bamboo village for a night stay. ABC Trek provides a picturesque setting of the views of himalayas and peaceful environment around the Bamboo Village, which is located at the bank of Madi Khola. Bamboo is famous for sunrise views and also for the view of the nearby mountains.
Coming to the fifth day of the trek to Annapurna Region, you will ascend towards Deurali through bamboo and rhododendron forests.
The next day will reward you with Annapurna Base Camp which is at an altitude of 4,130 meters from the mean sea level. The trails towards ABC are surrounded with massive and grand mountains and the hiking is very exciting. The view of mountains, snow and glaciers from the Base Camp is simply astonishing and hypnotizing.
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is breathtaking with beautiful flowers and mountains. The amalgamation of stunning views, culturally rich villages, remoteness of the area and high altitude achievement make the journey to ABC memorable. The taste of local foods like dal bhat, dhindo, local breads, momo, noodles, and pastas add another experience in your life. The accommodations are simple with comfortable bedding and shared toilets. Route to ABC Trek is found to be relatively crowded during the Spring and Autumn Season.
It is essential that you pack your baggage wisely before hitting the road. The necessary clothing, personal items and regular medications, if any, are to be packed and also not to forget to get copies of your passport along with your throughout your journey. It will be safe with all aspects throughout your journey. Experience trekking guides will be assisting your trek to Annapurna Region and also you will be provided with porters for carrying your luggages in a group.
Trek to ABC is quite challenging but rewarding too. The trek begins with the walk through the stone paved steps offering the view of villages, woods, streams and stupas. As the hike elevates, you will walk through steep and narrow routes stepping downwards and upwards at several places. Carefree walks on high Himalayas not only accelerate your excitement but also broadens your mind.
Major highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 10 day trek.
- ABC is a moderately difficult trek in the mountainous region of Nepal.
- Walking among the highest mountains in the world.
- Trekking in Annapurna Region offers jaw-breaking views of several highest mountains like Annapurna ranges, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
- ABC Trek is a walk through several typical Nepali villages on the initial days of the trekking and on the final day, it is walking through the rocky and rugged trails covered with snow and the view of snow capped mountains at every possible visible angle.
- Availability of several local shops and tea houses along the trail road and the cost might be comparatively as those materials are to be shipped from distant markets with the use of porters and donkeys.
- Depending upon the interest of the trekkers, you will get several natural water streams and developed ponds where you can break your walk for a while and take a natural bath and swim.
- A typical hotel room consists of two normal beds and a table. Very few hotels may provide rooms with attached toilets.
- You will get to eat local foods like dal bhat, dhindo, local breads, drinks like beer and wines, cokes, momo, noodle, boiled eggs and omelets.
- Wifi connectivity may or may not be available depending upon the topography of the area of your hotel and you have to pay additional money for using the internet connection.
- You will be provided with hot water to drink and to clear your face.
- Throughout the journey, you will be offered with picture perfect views of small villages, streams, agricultural and grazing lands, stunning highest mountains, varieties of wildlife and flowers on the way.
- Chances of altitude sickness at higher elevation with the symptoms like headache, difficulty in breathing and walking and this can be overcomed through acclimatization, slower walk with enough rest, drinking plenty of water and eating enough food.
Best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
With over more than a decade of experience in organizing and leading trekking around Annapurna Region, we found February, March, April, May, October, November and December as the best months to hit the road towards ABC Trek. It is advised not to travel during the monsoon seasons on the grounds that the path becomes slippery due to rainfall and also the trekking may not become exciting due to poor visibility around the trekking routes and also from the Annapurna Base Camp.
It is crucial to choose the timing depending upon the nature that you want to dwell with. If you are keenly interested to walk during the time with no rainfall and with the mesmerizing views of new flowers blooming around your trekking trails, it is wise to choose months like February and March. Likewise, if you wish to hike during the months with probable snow falls around the Annapurna Region, then November and December would be the best time for Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna Base Camp is always covered with clear snow.
Also, it is highly probable that snow is deposited on the trekking routes throughout the year. This implies the need for warm clothing for your trip to Annapurna Base Camp.
