Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an altitude of an approximately 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). It is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region, which located in the western part of Nepal. It offers panoramic views of glorious mountain peaks, comprising Annapurna and Machapuchare. It is best opportunity to experience the natural enriches, culture and traditions of Gurung and Magar, Himalayan magnificence and warm hospitality of the local villagers. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a remarkable, awe-inspiring adventure that rewards trekkers a lifetime experience with beautiful memories.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek usually starts from Somrang near the city of Pokhara. Somrang, situated at an altitude of around 2100 meters (6,890 feet), in Kaski district. It is the common starting point for ABC trek in Annapurna region of Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp as well as Ghorepani Poon Hill. You will drive through Pokhara to Somrang. After that you will begin your journey gradually by foot, after several hours (5-6 hours) of hike you will reach Chhomrong, situated at an altitude of around 2,170 meters (7120 feet), in Kaski district. During this hike, the trail consists of both uphill and downhill sections, with some step ascends and some descends. You will pass through small villages, scenic forests during this hike. In Chhomrong there are several facilities of guest houses, tea houses, shops and other services.

It is primarily inhabited by the Gurung community, known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, terraced fields and tortoise waterfalls. To continue your journey, you have to hike several hours by descending a series of stone steps from Chhomrong down to the Modi Khola (river). From there, you will cross the river over suspension bridges and hike through lush forests with ups and downs steps to reach Bamboo. Bamboo is situated at an altitude of around 2,310 meters (7,580 feet), a popular stop along the ABC Trek. This village offers a peaceful environment, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. There are bamboo forests in the area, so because of its forests the village also gets known as Bamboo Village. This makes the village unique and charming, with rich biodiversity. It is also a village for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and sometimes there are even rare species like red panda and musk deer. As you continue your trek from bamboo village, gradually ascend to follow a well marked path along the Modi Khola (river).

The trails take through lush forests and rhododendron groves, after several hours of almost 3-4 hours of hike you will reach Deurali. Deurali is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,230 meters (10,597 feet). Along the trail, there are several tea houses and lodges where you can rest and have your meal and breakfast. These tea houses offer you basic amenities and local hospitality. The trail gradually ascends to high altitudes, so you have to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness. As the trail gradually ascends to the destination, you have to hike approximately 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level of walk. After several hours of walking you reached Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

The trail from Deurali to ABC follows a well identified path, ascending through glacial forests, rocky glacial mounds, and even suspension bridges. As you get closer to ABC the trail becomes increasingly more rugged and challenging as you ascend higher altitude. After that finally you have reached Annapurna Base Camp, where the camp is surrounded by the magnificent peak and snow capped mountains. The ABC offers stunning views of deep gorges, pouring waterfalls, and glacial meadows. To begin your trek in the ABC region you need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS) card. This type of permit is issued by a licensed holder of a trekking agency or immigration of Kathmandu. While the licensed holder guide is not necessary but it is about your safety and provide assistance, so you must have required a licensed holder guide for trek.

ABC trek is a physically challenging and mentally strong required trek, where the trekkers must have to be fit and fine. The base camp itself is a natural ambition and provides you with beautiful memories, with the view of towering mountains and peaks as well as awe-inspiring panorama views. Some trekkers may have high altitude sickness, so it’s important to know how to prevent the sickness altitude. Also, before the trekking starts, you must have proper preparation about the high altitude sickness and carry the necessary things which are important for the trek. The trails take through ascending and descending narrow paths, you must be careful in the journey of the ABC trek. The condition, temperatures of the ABC region are typically cold. Whereas the best time to trek to ABC is during Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to November). In these months, it offers unchanging weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making the trek amazing.