Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranks first position among the best treks in Nepal. Located in the Gandaki Province, it is the major highlight of the Annapurna Region Trek. The well-maintained trails are more comfortable than the other trekking routes in Nepal. Thus, almost one-third of Nepal's trekkers do Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Officially beginning from Nayapul of Pokhara, Annapurna Trek moves through deep forests and ethnic villages. The rhododendron, oak, pine, fir, and birch trees of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) shelter various birds and animals. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes you through the largest rhododendron forests in the world. Also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek serves the best sunrise view of the towering Himalayas in the world.
From the elevation of 3,210 m, the dazzling view of the Annapurna (8,091 m), the Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m) is just amazing! Other Himalayas seen during the 15-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek are Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Kangsar Kang (7,454 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m). In a single trip, you will reach the base camps of two mountains: Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Both the base camps are recognized for the heavenly views of the soaring peaks and mountain valleys around them.
The birds and animals of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek are the added beauties of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 15-day itinerary. You will see many high-altitude animals and rare birds while traversing through the ACAP. The natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda is another highlight of this Trek. Taking a bath at this hot spring heals your muscle pains and other minor injuries. Therefore, international trekkers should spend a night at Jhinu Danda.
Cultural Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The cultural aspects of the Gurung and Magar people beautify Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Most of the male members of the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities serve in the British and Indian Armies and Police Forces. Thus, they are also known as the Brave Gurkhas. While visiting this beautiful region, you will meet some Gurkhas, who might share their war experiences with you, too. Ulleri Village is the largest Magar settlement area of the Annapurna Region. This village is known for its 3,000+ stone-paved staircases, well-maintained trails, clean surroundings, and slate-roofed houses. The Magar culture, tradition, and lifestyle can be experienced here from very close.
Ghandruk Village is another attraction for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (4,13 m). Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna Region. Here, you can get first-hand information about the Gurung culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Moreover, you can visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the traditional tools and technologies.
Likewise, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Deurali are also beautiful villages. The majority people of these villages are the Gurungs; however, people of other ethnic groups are also living here. You can find a paradigm of harmonious relationships among the people maintained since time immemorial.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Height
It starts from Nayapul (1,070 m) and then gradually moves along the ethnic and cultural villages of the Annapurna Region. It stops at the base camp of Mount Annapurna (8,091 m) for a night.
The height of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route increases when you move to Tikhedhunga and then, Ghorepani. After that, the Nepal trekking trail height ranges around 2,500 m for two days in Tadapani and Sinuwa. When you move towards Deurali from Sinuwa, the height of the trail goes higher than 3,000 m. The height of MBC (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is higher than 3,500 m.
As there is a rise and fall in ABC Trek height, there is less probability of altitude sickness. Moreover, you get to take enough rest in the middle of the trek as well.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking Route
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route moves gradually uphill and downhill through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Observing the birds and animals playing hide-and-seek in the rhododendron forests, you continue toward the destination.
Starting from Nayapul near Pokhara, the ABC Trek Route moves along the Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, and Brahmin villages. You will follow the trail by leaving villages such as Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, and Deurali. After Deurali, it enters into the Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by the snow-covered mountains and Tibetan Plateau.
After spending a memorable night on the lap of the mighty Himalayas, you begin the retreat journey. The return trek also follows the same route as Annapurna Base Camp Trek descending leisurely through mountainous villages.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route introduces you to the biodiversity, amazing mountain scenery, and culture. Due to the precious rewards, you won’t even know how fast the trek ends!
How Difficult Is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As a first-time trekker in Nepal, you need to know about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty. Knowing the trek difficulty helps you prepare accordingly because well-prepared is half done! There are a few important factors that answer the question: “How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?” Altitude, daily trekking hours, tea houses, food, and accommodation determine the difficulty level of a trek.
The highest altitude to reach during ABC Trek's 15-day itinerary is ABC (4,130 m). There is little chance of altitude sickness that begins as soon as you reach above 2,500 m. However, you can minimize the risk of altitude sickness by following the preventive measures.
Per day, you have to walk around 5-6 hours along the well-defined trekking trails. The communities of the region are proactive in promoting the tourism industry in the Annapurna Region. ABC Trek is entirely a tea house trekking in Nepal. So, you need not worry about finding food and accommodation services while traversing this region.
Sometimes weather, especially in monsoon and winter seasons, can be a bit challenging. As it rains heavily in monsoon, the trails may be muddy and slippery. Doing ABC Trek in winter might prevent you from enjoying the wonderful views of the Himalayas and deep valleys due to poor visibility. The best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is spring (March-May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the entire ACAP is beautified by 8 different types of rhododendrons and other flowering plants. In autumn, you can taste the organic juicy fruit and observe the feasts and festivals of Nepal. Autumn is the best time for a festival trek in the Annapurna Region.
