Complete Guide To Astonishing Himalayas | Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • Kishwor Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Nov 2, 2023

What makes a trek in the Himalayas the trek in the Himalayas? Is it the chilling wind that hits your face and makes you want to stop? Or is it the steep path that nearly resembles a vertical wall that makes you want to go back? It’s actually the astonishing mountains that give you the feeling that you’re in a different world altogether. Walking on the hills, getting closer to the mountains with every step you take, and a feeling inside you that you’ll be there, soon! There’s no sentiment that can beat this emotion, and with the Annapurna Base Camp trek you get a similar sensation.

    It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the Annapurna Base Camp trek carries the essence of trekking in Nepal, or to be more specific, trekking in the Annapurna region. It offers you all the fun that you can possibly imagine, with just the right amount of adventure and challenge that can be handled by anyone. If you’re thinking of trekking for the first time in Nepal or trekking for the first time altogether, then you should definitely trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s only for the beginners. As mentioned earlier, it is for everyone, so even the most hardcore of trekkers would find this trek exciting enough. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a beauty in its own right.

    Table of Contents

    annapurna base camp trek

    Features Of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

    Before going on the Annapurna Base Camp trek it’s absolutely crucial that you know about it completely. Knowing about the trek will not just ensure that you have the best out of your journey but will also help you stay prepared for all the obstacles. There are so many portals online that can help you with all the information that you’ll need to go for the trek. If you need more reliable information, write to the trekking company whom you’ve chosen as your travel partner.

    1) Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

    Annapurna Base Camp trek is a journey that includes 9 days of core trekking. The length of the route is around 115 km, which starts from Nayapul, takes the trekkers up to the Annapurna Base Camp, and brings them back to Nayapul. The lowest elevation of the trek is 1600 m, which is that of Nayapul, and the highest altitude is 4130 m, which is Annapurna Base Camp elevation. Going from the lowest to the highest point, Annapurna Base Camp trek elevation jumps by around 2500 m.

    The trekkers come across so many villages and settlement areas throughout the trek. Few of the major ones include Ulleri, Sinuwa, Jhinu Danda, Deurali, and so on. All these villages are populated with the local indigenous people who have been living here for centuries. They are known for their own unique culture and lifestyle, which you’d surely get to explore during the trek.

    The most attractive aspect of the trek are the astonishing Himalayas, and you’d get to have the up-close views of so many of them. Few of these Himalayan wonders include the peaks of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Barasikha, and so on. If you’re here in the right season, which is from mid-September to mid-December, you’d get to have the clearest of views, and the most amazing thing is that you’d feel as if these peaks are glistening with the rays of the sun. An absolute marvel of a view!

    2) Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

    Anapurna Base Camp trek difficulty is moderate level and so, anyone who has the slightest of zeal for trekking can go for the trip. However, it is recommended that you go to your doctor first, and get that slip of approval from him, before going for the trek. Knowing the Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty level will prepare you for the trek so that you’re able to handle the challenges really well.

    You should do this especially if you’ve had a history with heart and breathing related problems. Though the elevation is comparatively lower than others treks in the country, you might still suffer from altitude sickness. And if you have conditions as the ones mentioned above, you could find Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty level beyond challenging.

    3) Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

    Annapurna Base Camp trek cost is fairly moderate considering the cost of other trekking routes in the country, and also the fact that the trek has so many things to offer to you. Even if you find the package cost quite high before you sign up, by the end of the trek, you’d realize that it’s all worth it.

    Now, whatever the cost may be, whether you find it high or low, the fact cannot be denied that whenever you go for a journey, of any kind, you need to plan your budget. And Annapurna Base Camp trek budget is no different. Planning your Annapurna Base Camp trek budget will not just prevent you from overspending, but will also help you take the right decision in terms of spending your money.

    In Kathmandu and Pokhara, or during your trek, you might come across a lot of things that you may want to buy. And let’s face it, quite a lot of them could be of little importance to you. Planning your budget would influence you to buy only the things that would be of use to you; things that wouldn’t just lie around littering your house, and that’s why it’s so important.

    4) Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map

    When you carry the Annapurna Base Camp trek map, while on the trek, you can know for sure at which point of the trek you’d get the most amazing views of these peaks. A lot of times, the travelers tend to miss out on them, as they’re so much into the hike. Provided that it’s a detailed well defined map, you can be prepared for the upcoming astonishing Himalayas, stop at the right points, and enjoy them at their best. Isn’t this the reason why you came for the trek!

    Treks In The Annapurna Region

    Annapurna Region is one of the richest region when it comes to trekking routes. It is composed of the most diverse natural and man-made elements that make your trek in the region an absolute treat. Home to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the largest protected area in Nepal, the region gives you the opportunity to explore the rarest species of wildlife that make up the eco system of the region. It’s for a reason that it is the most popular region when it comes to trekking in Nepal.

    1) Annapurna Circuit Trek

    Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the longest, most challenging and adventurous treks in the region. It is also one of the most popular treks in the country, with so many exciting locations to visit, and interesting things to do. It is a 14 days long trek that starts from Chame and ends at Syane.

    The villages that are covered on the trek are probably its most popular attractions. The tourists make their way through the settlements of Dharapani, Pisang, Yak Kharka, Tatopani, Sikha and so on. In these villages, you’ll come across amazing people, delicious food, and beautiful settings.

    Apart from the settlement areas, the other attractions on the route include the views of the mountains in the region. At almost every part of the route, no matter where you are, you’ll be showered with the most exciting mountain views, including that of Kangsha Kang, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna and so on.

    Another attraction on the route is Tilicho Lake, a mountain lake situated at an altitude of 4919 m. To reach the area, the trekkers need to take a couple of hours of side trek from Manang. The hot springs of Tatopani is another element that attracts tourists from around the country. Quite like the Tatopani of Sindhupalchok district, this one is also believed to have medicinal properties, relieving patients off diseases related to bones, joints and muscles.

    annapurna circuit trek

    Things To Consider Before Going To Annapurna Circuit Trek

    One of the things to consider when you go for Annapurna Circuit trek is to carry Annapurna Circuit trek map. Annapurna Circuit trek map will prepare you for what’s coming your way. It’ll help you stay updated about all the attractions and side trips so that you can use your energy in the right way, and explore the region fully. The map also warns you about the challenges that’s on the route so that you can either dodge them, or cross them with ease.

    Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty level is challenging. There are so many things that contribute to making the Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty level tough. The length of the trek, the altitude, the terrain, the cold weather and climate and so on. It’s important that you consider all these aspects of the trek before you embark on this wonderful journey of Annapurna Circuit trek.

    Annapurna Circuit trek guide is a crucial element in the Annapurna Circuit trek. Annapurna Circuit trek guide makes your trek safe, and at the same time full of fun. He will ensure that you reach your destination on time every single day, and understand your surroundings in a better way. He will be your source of knowledge, whenever you’re curious, and as well as motivation, when you’re weak with sickness. You can’t imagine going on the Annapurna Circuit trek without a guide, as doing so will make your trek more challenging, and full of obstacles.

    2) Khopra Trek

    Khopra trek route is one of those paths that is not walked upon as much but still has so much potential. It has so much to offer to the trekkers from the perspective of natural beauty and culture. The trek starts from Nayapul and makes its way to Khopra Ridge.

    One the way, the trekkers come across the villages of Tadapani, Bayeli Kharka, Chistibung, and so on. From Khopra Ridge, the trekkers head back to Nayapul, but to do so, they choose a different route. On the way, they cross the villages of Swanta, Tirkhedhunga, and so on.

    The trek lasts only for a period of 9 days, and in this time it offers you few of the most amazing sceneries and viewpoints of the region. You are presented with the views of mountains like Machapuchhre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, and so on.

    khopra trek

    3) Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

    Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is probably one of the easiest treks in the Annapurna Region. It is a 4 days long trek that starts from Nayapul and ends at Ghandruk. Despite being the simplest, it’s one of the most beautiful treks in the region, offering the best views out there.

    On the trek, the trekkers cross the villages of Ulleri, Tadapani, Deurali, and so on. The mid-point of the trek is Poon Hill. With its peak situated at an altitude of 3210 m, it offers great views of the surrounding hills and the mountains of the region.

    Ghandruk is yet another attraction of the trek. A Gurung village that has existed for centuries offers the tourists the most unique blend of indigenous culture and natural beauty. Many a times, it has been regarded as the most pleasing village of the country.

    4) Nar Phu Valley Trek

    Nar Phu Valley Trek is an amazing hiking option that has the goodness of both Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit. It is a 13 days long trek, with one day assigned for acclimatization. The trek starts from Chame, which is 8-9 hours of drive away from Kathmandu.

    The main attractions of the trek are Nar pass and Phu pass, situated at an altitude of 5400 m and 5050 m respectively. The trekkers pass through the villages of Koto, Meta, Dharapani, and so on, to reach the passes. After crossing them, the travelers walk towards Jomsom.

    Jomsom and Muktinath and the other two main attractions of the trek. To reach there, the trekkers cross the villages of Ngawal, Manang, Yak Kharka, and so on. On this part of the treks, you need to cross another high altitude pass, Thorung La, situated at 5416 m. The trek ends at Jomsom.

    5) Jomsom Muktinath Trek

    Jomsom Muktinath Trek is also known as lower Mustang trek, as it takes you to the lower parts of the serene Mustang district. It includes villages such as Marpha, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and so on. Lasting for a period of only 7 days, the trek starts from Nayapul.

    From Nayapul, the trekkers make their way towards Kagbeni, which is situated towards the north. In terms of reaching the village, they make their way through settlements such as Tirkhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tatopani, and so on.

    From Kagbeni, the route heads east towards Muktinath, and takes a religious turn, as it is one of the most religiously significant pilgrimage sites, especially for the Hindus. From here, the trekkers head towards Jomsom, where the trek comes to an end.

    jomsom-muktinath

    6) Mardi Himal Trek

    Mardi Himal Trek is a short one that lasts for only six days. It is one of those journeys that is slowly gaining popularity among local and foreign tourists alike. The trek starts from Kande, which is a beautiful village situated northwest of Pokhara.

    From here, the trekkers head northeast towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. On their way, they come across settlement areas and pit stops such as Deurali, Forest Camp, High Camp and Low Camp. From Mardi Himal Base Camp, it’s the same way back to Kande where the trek ends.

    On the way back, the trek deviates a little bit. Instead of following the same route, the trekkers have the option of taking the side route to Badal Danda, and then to Sidhing to end their trek. From here, they can drive straight to Pokhara.

    Annapurna Base Camp trek is a trek that is meant for everyone. No matter what age group you belong to, what your fitness level is, what your interests are! If you’re someone who has even a little bit of passion for trekking or traveling in general, then you ought to try Everest Base Camp Trek. You can go for Everest Base Camp trek straight up, or you could customize it to include other major tourist destinations in the region. With every attraction added, your trek is going to be further amazing and adventurous, and who wouldn’t want that in a trip.

    If you’ve already tried Everest Base Camp trek, and are looking for other options, you could go for other treks in the region as well. These treks, whether you go for Annapurna Circuit trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, or Nar Phu Valley Trek, would certainly give you the same amount of pleasure plus added excitement and adventure. Trekking in Annapurna region is one of those things that you need to include in your bucket list, or if you own some other list that includes important things to do. You won’t repent going to this region, and that’s a guarantee.

    Some frequently discussed topics regarding Annapurna trekking are:

    Breeze Adventure offers the most exciting trekking packages at the most affordable price. With so many years of experience in the field, Breeze Adventure is the best choice when it comes to choosing a trekking partner in Nepal. They customize the packages as per the needs of the client, and offer them the fantastic services, altogether prioritizing their satisfaction over everything else. Go for Breeze Adventures for all your trekking needs in the Annapurna, and all other forms of travel packages across Nepal, and neighboring countries like India, Bhutan and Tibet.

    Kishwor Adhikari

    Kishwor Adhikari

    Call us on WhatsApp+977 9851045078OrChat with us