Annapurna Base Camp is an enigmatic destination where visitors can sightsee abundant of flora, fauna, beautiful landscapes and breathtaking snowcapped Himalayas. Among the various trekking destinations scattered all over Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp is another tourist attraction for adventure enthusiasts for people all over the world.

Trekking Route

Taking Pokhara as a getaway and following the trails of Kali Gandaki Gorge lying on the central northern region of Nepal with Marshyangdi in the east, trek to Annapurna Base Camp. A 45-minute drive from the beautiful city Pokhara takes to Phedi. Moving along the path through Phedi finally takes to the majestic lap of Annapurna.

In a circular periphery measuring about 10 meters in diameter, there are bunch of pinnacles standing tall with beauty. Hiuunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Ganagpurna and Machhapuchhre lie in an amazing pattern and the view of all those peaks and landscapes is all set to take one’s breath away. If one can witness the view of those high mountains smiling when warm sunrays kiss them, it will be cherry on the cake for the viewers for sure.

After Mt. Everest, the next popular name of mountain that everyone recite is Mt. Annapurna. Words become powerless to define the enigmatic beauty of the sublime scenery, fascinating trails and spectacular views of peaks that are seen on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.

As the name Annapurna suggests goddess of plenty in Sanskrit, in actual point too, there are total number of four peaks that comprise Mt. Annapurna we know about.

On the way …….

Trekkers have highly recommended trek to ABC and has described the experience as one of the most enigmatic trekking one can ever have in life. With terraced hillsides, dense jungles, bamboo clamps, eerie woodlands and ever-glittering mountains, the path to ABC is exciting as well as mysterious. One need to get across lowland villages and rice terraces to reach to the base of Annapurna.

Climbing uphill, view of Hiuunchuli and Annapurna South slowly comes under sight. Moving further ahead, there are pastures and cultivated land and thick forests covered with oak, Rhododendron and bamboo. Crossing this section of the trekking trail, there are beautiful peaceful villages inhabited by Thakali, Magar and Gurung communities.

As pleasant the ambience is, more pleasant is the way the villagers welcome and treat their guests with love and hospitality. If you have some time to spare, make sure you stay with the villagers and enjoy their talk and food offered. It will be a revealing experience to learn the way of living and cultural traditions followed as nothing is amusing as to learning the way of life in the places which are only seen in pictures.

Further ahead of the villages, lie moraines that lead to Annapurna sanctuary. From this spot, one can see 360 degree view of the spellbinding Annapurna Mountain range. The beauty surrounding the place is something that words cannot express. It is like the place is taken straight from an enticing Van Gough painting. Everywhere you look, all you see is beauty, and even more beauty that you cannot resist taking pictures of every moment.

This monumental place has always been a tourist attraction. Spring is the best time to go trekking in Annapurna Base Camp. During this season, the forests are covered by red Rhododendrons, and temperature is just right.

The nature of trekking is not as extensive as trek to Everest Base Camp so one can also trek to ABC in February, March, April and November. As you will be trekking till an altitude of 4120 meters, it is recommended trekkers take warm hiclothes and comfortable walking shoes. If you visit this area during one of those winter days, make sure you have enough jackets and boots to shield yourself from the winter cold.

While on the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, one must visit the world’s deepest Kaligandaki gorge and take bath in natural hot springs of Tatopani and Jhinu In addition, cultural feasts of Gurung, Magar and Thakali communities.

Also there is Annapurna Conservation Area in the trekking trial that homes different species of wild animals, birds and plants. From peaks, flora and fauna, natural hot springs to harmonious local communities, trek to ABC is a complete package that takes you away from daily small affairs to a world unknown yet so enticing and magical.

ABC Trek Preparations

Probably because of such beguiling experience, the first time trekkers to Annapurna Base Camp want to increase the number of visit to ABC every possible time they can. There are some trekkers who simply come to Nepal every year just to trek to Annapurna Base Camp and gain the same trekking experience. As per them, trek to ABC always make one feel as if it’s their first time to the location. No matter how often you trek to ABC, it always, is a mysterious, enchanting and thrilling experience.

Unlike other extreme trekking destinations that require previous trekking experience and better physical status of trekker, Annapurna Base Camp trekking does not need to meet these requirements. So, trekking to ABC is open for all trekkers. A normal 7 day trek to ABC trek generally costs in between 525-700 US dollars which may vary as per the duration, packages and schemes provided by travel agencies.

The trek is graded as moderate in terms of difficulty and is commended to visit during March-May and September- November time of the year.