Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most popular and trekked routes. Second, only to the Everest region in terms of popularity, the ABC Trek which in the Annapurna region is the most diverse and versatile region in Nepal as it houses the wettest, driest, and windiest places in the country. The trekking trail passes through beautiful and culturally rich Nepalese hamlets as we trek through cascading waterfalls, terraced farms, mystical rhododendron forests, and lush grasslands to reach the base of the regal Annapurna Massif. Located in northwestern Nepal, the 55-kilometer-long Annapurna Massif consists of one peak above an elevation of 8,000m, 13 peaks above 7,000m elevation, and over 16 peaks above 6,000m elevation. The Annapurna Base Camp trekking and Pun Hill trekking offer ample time to rejoice in the close company of the mountains.
The trek will be extremely gratifying as we will witness majestic peaks like Annapurna 1, 2, and 3, Gangapurna, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre amongst equally alluring satellite peaks. The trek is also often described as the best of both worlds because alongside the Himalayan beauty and experience it offers to trekkers, it also opens the doors to the rich civilizations of the Gurungs and the Puns residing in the sub-alpine regions of western Nepal. As we pass through the diverse vegetation, elevations, and civilization, the Annapurna Base Camp trek and Pun Hill trekking offer the journey to explore the unexploited nature and culture waiting for you in Nepal.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek and Poon Hill Trekkingbegin with a scenic 6-hour-long bus ride from Kathmandu to the Lake City, Pokhara. A tourist marvel in itself, Pokhara is also the gateway to most of the trekking regions of Western Nepal. From Pokhara, we will commence our trekking towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill – famous villages and viewpoints of the trail within the Annapurna Conservation Area. After savoring the splendid views of the western mountains and indulging in the rich traditions of the natives with a visit to the local museum, we will continue our trek northwards. After proper acclimatization, we will trek towards the sub-alpine, arid landscape with the views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre looming in the backdrop.
After exiting Ghorepani and Poon Hill trekking, we will trek through the magical forests of rhododendron, birch, fir, and pine to trek towards our main destination – Annapurna Base Camp trekking. In the jungles, we might see musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan Thar.
We will trek through Chomrong, Dovan, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp to finally reach the base of Mt. Annapurna. From here, we can have 360-degree views of the soaring silver peaks, and colossal Annapurna and Gangapurna glaciers which originate from the massif. Since the Annapurna Base camp trek route goes clockwise, we will not be returning from the same route. We will trek down to Jhinu Danda from Bamboo, where we can take a bath in hot springs. From there, we will trek down to Pokhara through Potana and Kande. The trek is of moderate difficulty even though it comprises higher elevations. Anyone in good physical health and previous trekking experience is a good candidate for the trek.
