Annapurna base camp trek: a thrilling walking experience to the foothills of the Annapurna Range
Nepal has a myriad of trekking trails famous for their exhilarating sense of adventure. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most popular and legendary treks in Nepal that offers everything an adventurer can dream up. It is an amalgamation of adventure, culture, serene beauty, and spirituality. On this trek, you will pass through thick rhododendron forests, tranquil village settlements, mountain pastures, and several diverse landscapes to make a way up to the base camp lying at an elevation of 4,130m (13546ft).
Annapurna Base Camp trek: Why is it special?
Whether you are searching for a grand adventure or simply want to leave the hectic vibes of urban city areas, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the ideal choice. The trek takes your Himalayan experience to a whole new level with a wealth of action-packed activities available amidst the astounding wilderness and stunning sceneries.
Annapurna Base Camp trek offers you an incredible opportunity to relish deeply enthused views of snow-capped mountains. Peaks such as Annapurna (8,091m), Mt. Macchapucchre ( 6,993m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Huinchuli (6,411m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Manaslu (8163m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), etc. will elevate your trekking experience with their mighty presence.
The majestic Annapurna range is not only the attraction of this multi-day journey. The trekking landscape is infused with indigenous culture and traditions practiced mainly by Gurung and Magar communities. Gurung and Magar are native inhabitants of the area who embrace rich cultural practices and festival ceremonies. The trek offers you a deep insight into their way of life so that you can truly experience local mountain culture.
This adventurous journey is an impeccable blend of nature and culture in a spectacular Annapurna landscape that'll surely bring you a lifetime of memories and experience.
ABC trek: What to expect?
ABC trek touts an extraordinary variety of ecosystems ranging from green hills, dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo, pristine rivers, and magnificent pasturelands to snow-filled peaks. You'll experience a wide range of landscapes in a 13-day Annapurna Base Camp trek journey. On top of that, you'll also transverse some serene Gurung village settlements. You'll sample the warm and sincere hospitality of these ethnic people inhibiting in the Annapurna region.
ABC trek is a moderate trek with a maximum elevation of 4,130m. It's not a very challenging endeavor and doesn't require a high physical fitness level. Having that said, it's always better to prepare yourself for the trek physically and mentally. Those who have done high-altitude treks before will find this trek less tedious and stressful.
Global Adventure Trekking offers you a 13-day ABC trekking package which is carefully designed for less-experienced trekkers. Even if you are performing a high-altitude trek for the first time, our itinerary will make your journey easier with an adequate acclimatization period. Our expertly-designed 13-day trek takes the Ghorepani Poon Hill route to avoid high-altitude sickness.
The trek starts from Nayapul, a one and half-hour drive from Pokhara, and goes gradually up to Ghorepani. Then, the trail makes its way gradually down to the Chumrung on the eastern side before finally making an uphill trek to Macchapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. For your safety, the designed route gives you enough time to acclimatize your body to the surrounding environment. This way, you can avoid developing Acute Mountain Sickness, the illness associated with a high elevation that results from a rapid change in air pressure and oxygen levels.
Apart from the ready-made itinerary, we can also customize the ABC trek to cater to your needs. If you are down to crunch time yet seek to explore the beauty of the Annapurna Region by walking, we can customize the itinerary accordingly. While customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal, we always suggest you best routes to ensure safety.
Annapurna Base Camp trek activities
Poon Hill sunrise
Detouring the Ghorepani trail takes you to the well-known viewpoint of Poon Hill, which overlooks the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri mountain range. This hill station lies on the way to Annapurna Sanctuary at an altitude of 3,210m. Early-morning hike up to Poon Hill viewpoint allows you to witness the stunning views of the Himalayas at sunrise when the first rays of the sun fall on the mountains. From this key viewpoint, you'll get to relish magnificent views of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapucchre, Hiuchuli, Annapurna II, etc.
Natural hot spring bath
Another key activity in the ABC trek is taking a dip in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda. On the way to return, you'll descend to Jhinu Danda which lies on the bank of the Modi river. There is a natural hot spring nearby where you can take a bath to heal your aches and pains. Relax and forget your trekking fatigue with a hot spring bath amid views of cascading waterfalls. Besides this, there is another hot spring at Tatopani which is in the Annapurna circuit trails.
Annapurna Base Camp trek: Important information
ABC trek is a mesmerizing walking activity to the base of the peaks of the Annapurna Range. The classic trekking trail leads you to the 4,130m-situated Annapurna Sanctuary-a high glacial basin surrounded by a ring of 7000m+ mountains. The entire sanctuary holds great religious significance as the home to several Hindu and Buddhist deities.
ABC trekking route is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Established in 1985, Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area stretched across 5 districts. These include Manang, Mustang, Kaski (headquarter-Pokhara), Myagdi, and Lamjung. You'll need an ACAP entry permit to undertake this breathtaking Himalayan journey.
During the ABC trek, you'll embark on the region which is famed for its wide diversity of floras and faunas. The common floras include rhododendron, bamboo, oak, fir, pine, etc. whereas the rare faunas comprise musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, etc.
Trek to the base of mighty Annapurna Mountain: Is this trek for me?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is for anyone who wants an authentic Himalaya experience and seeks to incorporate local mountain culture into their heart. As it is a moderate trek, you can easily be a part of the ABC trek experience with a general stamina level and patience. While adventure lovers will very feel home at here, even novices will be able to complete this trek by staying fit. Get ready to embark on a magical journey full of stunning natural sceneries and cultural richness.
