Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Nothing in the world can beat the experience like in Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Sanctuary, truly a mesmerizing trekking in the Annapurna region.  Annapurna Base Camp trek, one of the World’s most beautiful trekking, here in Nepal. It offers the vigorous geological diversity starting from the lowland of 800 m at Pokhara city to the alpine region of 4130 m in the base camp of Annapurna.

The trek is widely renowned by the Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking. It is a high glacial bowllike structure situated approximately 40 km north of Pokhara city. A ring of snowcapped peaks surrounds the area, most of them towering above 7,000 meters. A narrow valley between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre acts as a beautiful entrance to the Annapurna Base Camp. Due to the vigorous geographical change, it offers the astonishing diversity in its ecosystem. Dense rhododendron and bamboo forests cover the south facing regions from the sanctuary (where the trekking trail lies), while the north facing parts remain in rain shadow.

Trekking Trail:

Gossiping about the trail of Annapurna Base Camp, the surface we can say that the trail passes through lush rhododendron, bamboo, and alpine forests, delightful ethnic villages of Gurung and Magars with amazing landscapes throughout the journey till we reach the Annapurna Base Camp(4130 m).

In the beginning, the trail passes through the bank of Burundi river crossing the traditional villages. Then, it follows the steep upstairs up to Ulleri and passes through the beautiful and lush forests of rhododendron and oak trees till we reach the stunning place of Ghorepani. Then, the trail starts descending and passes through corn and potato terraced farmlands followed by the suspension bridge at Kimrungriver. Following the mixture of forests and farmlands, the trail then ascends up to Chhomrong. Then the descend walk continues passing through the assorted forests of rhododendron, ferns, and orchids to reach Bamboo. The trail becomes comparatively less steep and the valley starts widening after we reach Deurali. The trail then starts offering the close mountain views throughout the journey to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

View from Poonhill and ABC

The Annapurna Base Camp along with Ghorepani Poon Hill is renowned for the magnificent view after that of the Everest Base Camp Trek. The two major viewpoints of Annapurna region lies in this region and are as follows:

• Poon Hill: The most popular viewpoint of Annapurna region situated at an altitude of 3210 m. It is well-known for its hypnotic sunrise view. It offers a golden opportunity to visualize the various snowcapped peaks of Annapurna Himalayan range including Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Machhapuchhre(6993 m), Hiunchuli(6441 m) and Gangapurna(7455 m).
• Annapurna Base Camp: Another world-class viewpoint, situated at an elevation of 4130 meters above sea level, achieves great fame. It offers 360 degrees of panoramic mountain views from Hiunchuli(6441 m), past Annapurna South(7219 m) to Annapurna I (8,091m) and Khangsar Kang(7485 m), Gangapurna(7455 m), Annapurna III (7555 m) and Machhapuchhre(6993 m) as well.

When to Trek Annapurna Base Camp?

Generally, Autumn season (September, October, and November) and Spring season (March, April, and May) are regarded as the perfect time to visit the spellbinding Annapurna Base Camp with Annapurna Poon Hill. The weather becomes warm and crystal clear with spectacular Mountain View during these seasons.  One gets a maximum of Annapurna Base Camp trek at this time. But, if anyone wants to enjoy this trek by escaping the crowd then, we highly recommend the trek during the winter season(i.e. December, January, and February) with ample winter clothes.

While summer (June, July, August) brings the only window not recommended for Annapurna Base Camp treks due to wet, slippery trails, it becomes the perfect season for botanists to explore the region.

Acute Mountain Sickness:

Acclimatization is one of the most important factors related to the term “Trekking”. If the days are not well managed according to their elevation gaps, one may become the victim of High altitude sickness. Ascending higher altitude too fast can cause a serious medical condition and may even lead to demise as well. So, the Luxury Holiday Trek team meticulously plans every detail with the highest awareness of Acute Mountain Sickness. The safe trek with sufficient acclimatization is only possible by the planning of the perfect itinerary required for the trekking. The trekking packages of Luxury Holiday Trek are highly designed to avoid the risks of AMS.

Fitness Label:

The Annapurna Base Camp’s elevation below 5000 meters qualifies it as a moderate trek in Nepal. A person who can hike at least 5-6 hours a day with a light backpack, taking sufficient breaks in between, is considered fit enough to trek the Annapurna Base Camp.

But if anyone is suffering from either ankle/ knee problems or heart/ lungs diseases, it is a bit hard for them to conquer the base camp of Annapurna.

Not only the physical fitness but the self-confidence, strong determination and positive attitude towards the trek are also regarded as the important key factors to accomplish the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking successfully.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive to Pokhara (800m) 6-7 hours and transfer to Hotel

Day 02: Drive to Nayapooland trek to Ulleri (1950m) 2 hours drive&  6-7 hours walk

Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani (2800m) 5-7 hours walk

Day 04: Hike Poon Hill/3210m and trek to Tadapani (2570m) 5-6 hours walk

Day 05: Trek to Sinuwa (2300m) 5-6 hours walk

Day 06: Trek to Himalaya (2900m) about 5-6 hours walk

Day 07: Trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) 4130m, 5-6 hours of walk

Day 08: Trek down to Dovan – Bamboo (2310m) 6-7 hrs walk

Day 09: Trek to Jhinu (1780m), 6-7 hrs walk

Day 10: Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara by local bus/  jeep and transfer to Hotel

Accommodation:

All accommodations during the trek will be provided on the best possible teahouses/ lodges which are on the way to Annapurna Base Camp trek. All accommodations will be on the twin-sharing basis. Single rooms will be provided as per the request but only on the teahouses/ lodges at lower elevations. At higher elevation, it may not be possible. The attached bathroom may or may not be available as well. But whilst on Pokhara, the accommodation will be provided on 3-star category hotel which will be in twin sharing basis as well. Single supplements will be provided at an additional cost of 100 USD.

Food and Meals:

Since Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a Teahouse/ Lodge based trekking, the trekker can enjoy the authentic Nepali cuisine during the trek. In some teahouses/ lodges, one may also get the chance to enjoy not the varieties but some common international (Tibetan, Indian, Italian, etc) cuisine as well. Moreover, The teahouse/lodge provides a food menu and will serve meals based on your selections. In other words, the breakfast and dinner will be served by the teahouse/ lodge where trekker spends the night. The lunch for the trekker will be provided by the teahouse/ lodge on the way to the next destination. All three meals will be provided during the trekking but whilst on Pokhara, one can enjoy the delicious lunch and dinner by themselves (only breakfast will be provided).

List of Trekking Gears for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking:

• Backpack
• Hiking boots
• Wool socks
• Trekking shorts
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Underwear
• T-Shirts (lightweight wool is great)
• Long underwear/Wool thermals
• Cap
• Sweater
• Fleece
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Heavy down jacket (can be rented in Kathmandu)
• Winter hat
• Winter gloves
• Water purification pump/ tablets
• Water bottles
• Hiking poles
• Sunglasses
• Heavy-duty duffle bag (preferred by porters)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Camera with extra batteries
• Biodegradable bar soap
• Face/body wipes
• Biodegradable washing liquid
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Throat lozenges, lip balm

Also Read: Manaslu Circuit Trekking