Trek Overview
Adventurous, Bold and Challenging- The ABC's of Annapurna Base Camp
The colossal Annapurna massif is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Despite being one of the most treacherous trails with the largest number of fatalities in the 7,000 to 8,000-metre mountain ranges, Annapurna Base camp (ABC) holds a magnetic charm that pulls trekkers to its terrain. It is on the wish list of every trekker. ABC is one of the few treks that journey along with such diverse landscapes and brings you close to the 7,000 to 8,000-metre mountain ranges in such a short period. The trek journey traverses through banana plantations, terraced rice fields, lush rhododendron vegetation, and staggering mountain peaks. The trek route to this popular destination commences at Pokhara, which is at a distance of 200 km from the capital city of Kathmandu.
Beautifully nestled between the mountain peaks of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Huinchuli peaks, Annapurna Base Camp simply takes your breath away.
A quick glance to some facts
- Region- Nepal Himalayas
- Altitude- 13,545 feet
- Trek level- Moderate to Difficult
- Distance- 160 km round trip
- Duration- 9 days, trek of 10-12 km every day
- Start point- Pokhara
- Endpoint- Pokhara
- Best Season- April and October
- How to reach-
- By road- You can reach Pokhara by bus from Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours to complete this 200 km journey. To reach Kathmandu take a local bus from Gorakhpur till Sunauli (3 hours), which is next to the Indian border. It costs around 120 rupees. Get your exit stamp at the Indian passport office in Sunauli. Cross the border to reach the Nepal immigration office and get a Nepalese visa for USD 25. From here you can take an overnight air-conditioned bus to Kathmandu which leaves around 6 p.m. and reaches Kathmandu around 6:00 a.m. It costs around 740 Nepalese rupees.
- By flight- Pokhara has a small airport. It is best to reach Kathmandu by flight and take a connecting flight to Pokhara. It takes around 1 hour by flight to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. From Delhi, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu by flight.
Note- Meal facility (no snacks) is provided when camping in our tents. You pay for your own snacks and meals when staying in a hotel, teahouse or lodge.
Weather at Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp trek can journey during any season. It treats you to an amazing panorama which is distinct to each season. However, the best season to undertake the trek is the fall and the spring season. The weather is warm and cool in the spring season with temperatures ranging from 17 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Early mornings and nights are slightly cooler. The skies are clear and the landscape looks lush green with beautiful flowers blooming along the trail.
The summer season from June to August witnesses a lot of rainfall, thunder, and humidity. Some of the hiking trails of the ABC trek are unaffected by the rains. With the right preparation and equipment, you can even undertake the ABC trek during the summer season. The fall season from September to November is the most favorable season to do the ABC trek. The weather is fresh and clear to enjoy the beautiful views of mountain peaks and scenic Nepalese landscape. The temperatures range between 15 to 17 degrees Celsius in the daytime and 5 to 7 degrees Celsius in early mornings and nights.
The winter months of December and January bestow upon you a snowy landscape which is nothing short of a Winter-Wonderland. The temperatures fall under zero and you need layered winter clothing and proper equipment to be able to undertake the trek. The trails become treacherous and you may require some mountain climbing experience to undertake the trek during winters.
Amazing facts of Annapurna Base Camp
- Scintillating views of staggering mountain peaks- It is one of the few treks of the Himalayan region that treats you to grandiose mountain views even before you start your trek. These mountain peaks are your constant companion throughout the trek. If Ghandruk gives you distinct views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Huinchuli, Deurali presents before you the view of Machapuchare in its full glory. Machapuchare, also known as the ?fishtail mountain? is the sacred mountain for Nepalese. Believed to be one of the abodes of Lord Shiva, it has officially never been summited. As you reach the ABC just opposite the Annapurna Glacier, you are welcomed by a sight that remains with you throughout your life. Annapurna 1, 3 and South, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare gaze at you with such command that you are swept off your feet and want to get into a tight embrace with these majestic mountains.
- Lush and diverse vegetation- You are treated to rhododendron, fern and bamboo vegetation in the initial lap of the trek. As you cross Sinuwa and enter the Annapurna sanctuary, the forest becomes dense and lush green. Annapurna sanctuary houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The mesmerizing view of this oval-shaped sanctuary encompassed in the Annapurna mountain range can be seen from the height of 4,000 metres. You see a lot of tall oak trees here. In the higher altitude towards Deurali, thick forests pave way for tall grass. Here you also find trees with thick bark called Daphne. These are used by local people to make paper. As you reach Machapuchare base camp (MBC) the vegetation becomes more Alpine. Patches of grass amidst boulders and flowering plants line the trekking trail. There are three sections of the trekking trail, one that starts near Chomrung and extends till New Bridge. This goes through a very dense forest. The second trail passes from Sinuwa with river Modi Khola streaming very close to you. Trees are so dense that you can?t see the river. III trail is after Bamboo and extends till Dovan.
- Amazing variety of flora and fauna- Annapurna Conservation Area is spread in the sprawling area of 7,629 square kilometres. With 1,226 species of flowering plants, 102 mammals, 474 Birds, 33 reptiles and 22 amphibians residing here, this area is an absolute delight for animal lovers.
- A glimpse into the Nepalese culture and the world culture as a whole- Nepalese lodges are called tea houses that can accommodate 20 to 25 people at a time. Nepalese style food is served in the tea houses and has flavour quite similar to Indian cuisine. Talking to waiters and helpers give you a sneak peek into the distinct Nepalese culture. Staying in these tea houses brings you close to many cultures as you find travellers from all over the world discussing and exchanging notes with friends and strangers alike. You get to hear languages from all over the world, this kind of cultural diversity is the unique feature of Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Itinerary
What's Included
Inclusions
Exclusions
Health and Safety
- For any Himalayan Trek, Ideal BMI for a trekker should be 18.5 to 24.9
- To keep a check of this please calculate BMI here
- Below given Safety checks should be done to get prepared for any Himalayan Trek.
- Balance : As well said a balanced mind and body gives out best in every condition and that too works in Himalayan treks as well.
- Legs Strength : Body and Legs Strength is required to carry body weight as well as the backpack while trekking in uneven multi terrains. Generally, a good strength on legs works out good in any Trek. One can gain legs strength by doing simple Squats.
- Muscle Flexibility : While trekking in Trans Himalayan region with a flexible body one can easily achieve full range of movement and this can be really helpful for trekkers as well as trek leads. A good flexible will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Flexibility can be achieved by simple stretching, yoga etc.
- Cardiovascular Endurance : Cardiovascular endurance is defined as the ability of lungs and heart to transmit oxygen to the body muscles. All Himalayan treks are basically ascending descending the slopes and for this trekkers should be having a good cardiovascular endurance. Anyone planning for a Himalayan trek can attain this capacity by doing any cardio exercise like running, swimming, cycling etc.
