Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Annapurna base camp is the most beautiful place on the lap of Annapurna range. The mesmerizing beauty of Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna and Annapurna III form ABC is unique and the best place to explore the Himalayan beauty. Annapurna base camp trekking is the best trekking in Nepal that is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. 

Annapurna base camp trekking beings from Nayapul. The trekking duration varies on trek route. There are two trekking routes to reach Annapurna base camp:

• Annapurna base camp trek via Poonhill, 14 days
• Short Annapurna base camp trek, 7 days

Annapurna base camp trek via Poonhill

Annapurna base camp trek via Poonhill is 14 days trekking from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. It covers two trekking routes, i. e. Ghorepani poonhill trekking route and short Annapurna base camp trek route. Thus, it is combination of Poonhill and ABC trek. 

The trekking to ABC via Poonhill starts from Nayapul and continues to Hille, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, Deurali before reaching base camp. The uphills and downhills, villages, bank of river and forest trail are the major landmarks of ABC trail. There are tea houses supporting the accommodation for trekkers, guides and porters. Annapurna base camp trekking is moderately difficult trek that comprises steep ascends and descends. We should walk for 6,7 hours per day during the trek. 

Attractions of Annapurna base camp trekking

• Mountain view: Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare,
• Sunrise view from Poonhill
• Diverse landscape
• Local culture
• Machhapuchhre base camp
• Hot springs
• Rododendron forest

Mountain view

Annapurna sanctuary offers majestic view of Annapurna I, Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna from different locations. Poonhill is one of the best viewpoints for great view of mountains of Annapurna region. The sunrise and sunset view behind the mountain is incredible. We can have breathtaking views of mountains from Annapurna base camp as well.

Sunrise view from Poonhill

Ghorepani Poonhill is one of the popular trekking destinations that enroute Annapurna base camp. It takes two days to reach Poonhill from Nayapul. The amazing view Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak, Annapurna II, III, and IV. Gurja Himal. Poonhill is the best viewpoint of the world to enjoy the numerous 7000 m and 8000 m peaks at once.

Diverse landscape

Annapurna base camp trekking route passes through terrace farmland, rocky terrains, forest and alpine pasture representing diverse landscape. We can explore Rhododendron Forest, bamboo groves, rare fauna like Himalayan thar, snow leopard and pheasants from the ABC trek route. 

Local culture

We can enjoy the local Gurung and Magar culture in Annapurna sanctuary trek. The Tibeto-Burman language and colourful clothes reflect Buddhism and Hinduism. Ghatu and Khema dances are the local dance of Gurung and Magar community which is performed in special occasions. They celebrate Maghe Sankranti and Baishak Purnima as major festivals. We can also enjoy the festival celebration. 

Machhapuchhare base camp

Machhapuchhare base camp is one of the attraction of Annapurna base camp trekking. It is located at 3700m above see level. It is one of the major stop before reaching ABC. It is best destination for panoramic view of Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, Annapurna south, Gangapurna and many more peaks of Annapurna region. 

Hot springs

The hot spring water 30 minutes below Jhinu danda is one of the popular destination in Annapurna base camp trekking route. It is located in the bank of Modi Khola.  It is natural hot spring that gives relief from body pain after taking bath in it. Most of the trekkers visit this hot springs after returning from ABC. We can enjoy the hot water bath based on the trekking plan. The water falls from corners of hills and amazing river and rivulets attracts each passersby. 

Rhododendron forest

The Rhododendron forest are widespread in the route to Annapurna base camp. We can enjoy the view of colorful rhododendron while passing the forest trail from Ulleri to Gorepani & Tadapani, Chhomrong to Deurali and Ghorepani to Chhomrong. The Rhododendron blooms in spring season. Thus, trekkers who planned their trekking from March to May can enjoy the pleasant beauty of the rhododendron forest.

Short Annapurna base camp trekking Itinerary

Short Annapurna base camp trekking itinerary includes eight days plan from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

• Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
• Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
• Day 3: Drive to Jhinu danda and trek to Sinuwa
• Day 4: Trek to Deurali
• Day 4: Trek to Annapurna base camp
• Day 5: Trek to Bamboo
• Day 6: Trek to Jhinu – danda via Chomrong and Drive to Pokhara
• Day 7: Drive to Kathmandu
• Day 8: Final departure

ABC trekking – 12 days itinerary

Annapurna base camp trek with Ghorepani Poonhill is 12 days plan that includes trekking from Nayapul to Poon hill to Annapurna base camp. 

• Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
• Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
• Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Hile
• Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani
• Day 5: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani
• Day 6: Trek to Sinuwa
• Day 7: Trek to Deurali
• Day 8: Trek to Annapurna base camp (ABC)
• Day 9: Trek to Bamboo
• Day 10: Trek to Jhinu Danda and drive to Pokhara
• Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
• Day 12: Final departure

Best time for Annapurna base camp trekking

The best time for Annapurna base camp trekking is March, April, May, September, October and November. Mid-March to mid – May and mid-September to mid – November is the perfect timing for trekking and exploring the mountains and valleys in Nepal. The moderate temperature during spring and autumn is suitable for altitude trek. The clear sky during this time is best for mountain views as well.

Annapurna base camp trekking difficulties

Annapurna base camp trek is a moderate trek that is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Generally, altitude sickness, long trekking trail with continuous ascends and descends, limited tea houses are the difficulties of Annapurna base camp.

Altitude sickness

The major difficulty of trekking in Mountain is altitude sickness. After crossing 2500 m elevation, some of the trekkers feel difficulty in breathing due to low atmospheric pressure. We should be careful with symptoms of altitude sickness. 

The major symptoms of altitude sickness are: 

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath
• Mild swelling of face, hands or feet

If we experienced a few symptoms of altitude sickness, we should rest or descend to a lower elevation. If conditions get worse, then we should evacuate to the hospital. It is not safe to stay in mountains with chronic illness and low oxygen level in the body. We may lose our lives if we become careless in such situations. We should follow preventive measures of altitude sickness to be safe from it.

Preventive measures of altitude sickness

• Drinking sufficient water
• Ascend slowly with acclimatization
• Avoid alcohol
• Using Dimox tablet form low altitude
• Eating hygenic food

Long trekking trail

The Annapurna base camp trekking route is around 115 km from Nayapul to ABC via Poon Hill. Similarly, the distance from Nayapul to ABC directly through Jhinu Danda is 70 km. We should cover 12-15 km per day during the trek. The long ascending and descending trail from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Sinuwa is challenging. The trekking is moderately difficult with the uphills and downhills along the Annapurna conservation. 

Limited tea houses

There are limited tea houses on the Annapurna trekking route. Most of the teahouses are normal on the ABC trekking route, so we cannot expect luxurious accommodation in the Annapurna conservation area. The teahouses are small and provide basic facilities like food, charging, and rooms. We can contact the teahouses of ABC trekking to book the rooms before starting the trek to get the rooms easily in peak season. 

   Click here: The contact details of Annapurna base camp trekking route 

 Conclusion: Annapurna base camp trekking

Annapurna base camp trekking is the best trekking in the Annapurna conservation area. It is moderately difficult trekking that is suitable for beginners as well. We can get the best view of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare, and many more peaks of the Annapurna region. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for trekking to ABC. Despite some difficulties, we can make a lifetime memory in ABC trekking.