Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular trekking destinations of Nepal which will take you to various landscapes along the majestic mountain views. The trek offers you the wonderful journey to the base camp of the 10th highest peak of the world, Mount Annapurna. The trail of this trek provides the walk through the lush forests of Rhododendron, Terraced of rice paddies and thrilling suspension bridges. In this trek you will see the spectacular views of majestic mountains like Mount Annapurna, Annapurna South, Machapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
The trekking day of your trip depends upon your itinerary and the length of walking days. Generally, Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes about 9 to 12 days. The trek beginn from Nayapul where you can reach through one and half drive from Pokhara and you will be trekking all the way up to the destination point, Annapurna Base Camp. The trail passes through interesting villages where you can experience their lifestyle and culture. You will see beautiful rivers, waterfalls along the way. Following the all-year-round route you can do the trek for the unforgettable memories.
To Reach
Kathmandu to Pokhara
You will be starting your journey from the drive to Pokhara or you can take a flight. Pokhara is one of the famous tourist hubs of Nepal. Many trekking journeys are started through this place. Pokhara has many adventure and scenic things for tourists so it is a better idea to spend a day or two in this exciting city. Boating, paragliding, ziplining, mountain flight, sky driving are some of the adventurous activities that can be done in Pokhara. You can also visit some famous caves like Mahendra Cave and Bat cave. Pokhara is also popular for its nightlife.
Pokhara to Nayapul to Ghandruk
From Pokhara you will be taking a one and half hours drive to Nayapul from where your trekking journey to Annapurna Base Camp begins. You will be trekking through the beautiful landscape to beautiful village Ghandruk where Gurung community is mostly inhabited. You can also visit the Gurung museum to get detailed information about the culture, tradition and lifestyle of Gurung people. Ghandruk is also connected to the route of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It means you can do both ABC and Ghorepani as a combined package.
Ghandruk to Chhomrong
From Ghandruk, you have to ascend for an hour to reach Kamrunag Danda where you can have the spectacular view of mountains like Annapurna south, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Ganggapurna. From there you will be descending for a while to reach Chhomrong. It is a beautiful village that is situated in the lap of the massive Annapurna.
Chhomrong to Bamboo
From Chhomrong you will descend through 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. To reach Bamboo you will climb uphill to Sinxu and pass the beautiful forest of Kuldiha and again walk downhill.
Bamboo to Deurali
From Bamboo you will be passing through a Bamboo forest that is cold and damp. Then you have to ascend steadily in the steep along the view of the glacier river. You will climb this steep up in the drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. in this day you will see an amazing scenic view of the river valley and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. Then you will reach the incredible deurali for the overnight stay.
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
This is the big day of this trek as you will be reaching the ultimate destination of the trek. You will be trekking gently through a river bed and hike over a steep trail and reach to Bagar and then Machhapuchhre Base Camp. on this day you will be visiting in two Base Camps i.e. Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. In Machhapuchhre Base Camp you will see the spectacular views of majestic mountains like Mount Hiuchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna II and Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Gandharvachuli.an you will be heading toward Annapurna Base Camp. There isn’t any vegetation on the way to Annapurna base Camp. From the base camp you will see the 360 degree panorama views of mountains like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and many other peaks.
To return
To return back from the ABC, you can use the same route or you can return to Pokhara from different routes via Tadapani and PoonHill. Following is one route to return from ABC:
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
From ABC you return to Bamboo. You will be trekking downhill which is easier than before. On the way down you will be accompanied by the wonderful landscape and forests.
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
From Bamboo, you will be trekking uphill to Kuldighar and then downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. From Chhomrong Khola you have to climb the stone steps to Chhomrang. After reaching Chhomrong, you will have to descend to Jhinu Danda. You can enjoy the hot springs for relaxation in the downhill walk from Jhinu Danda.
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
You will enjoy the landscape of western Nepal while returning to Nayapul from Jhinu Danda. After reaching Nyapul, you will be returning to Pokhara through a vehicle. It takes about 1 and half hours to reach Pokhara for the overnight stay.
Difficulties of ABC trek
Annapurna Base Camp is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Every year hundreds of trekkers visit Nepal for this trek. This trek can be completed if you are new to the trekking world. This is one of the demanding and challenging treks which need a strong body and determined mindset. This is a moderate level trek which has the highest altitude at 4130, Annapurna Base Camp.
Iin this trek you need to walk uphill and downhill for 6 to 7 hours a day. The total distance of this trek is about 115km which takes about 10 to 11 days which can be compared by the length of walking hour and the itinerary. The less days of trekking causes the more difficult and challenging. Some of the factors that make this trek more difficult and challenging are Climate and temperature, altitude, length of walking per day, budget management, Accommodation and hotel and many more. But with the proper management and determination you can successfully complete this trek.
