The reason behind why to hike Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is because this is the only trek in Nepal to offer you the entire Annapurna massif.
You can see the mountains with an elevation of above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) the iced-capped Himalayas where the Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) is ranked 10th out of the world's top 14 Himalayas.
The Annapurna Sanctuary boasts awe-inspiring and high Himalayas in its regions like Annapurna (7,937 m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m).
Starting from the lowland, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to an elevation of 4,130m. Additionally, this Annapurna Hike rewards with the view of the Annapurna Himalaya from the button to the top.
The trail to the Annapurna Base Camp Hike is directly made through the villages of the Annapurna region. It includes villages like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali, which will directly allow you to engage with the locals (the Gurung Community) and know their way of life.
Also, the trek trail includes another Base Camp i.e. Machapuchhre Base Camp (Mount Fish Tail). This mountain attracts the eye-balls of every traveler because of its unique shape.
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Why to hike Annapurna Base Camp?
The Annapurna Base Camp Hike takes you through diverse terrain, the traditional highland culture of the Gurung Community, and varying climates. You will also have stunning views of the Annapurna range, Macchapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.
The Annapurna Trek lies in Annapurna Sanctuary also known as Annapurna Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna. About 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians are protected.
Additionally, mesmerizing cultural villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk are home to indigenous Gurungs and the Magars community.
With affordable cost, basic health fitness, and a moderately challenging route, hiking Annapurna Base Camp is perfect for good reasons. Among all the hiking routes in Nepal, the ABC hike is very easy and can be reached in a few days with local immersion.
These are the reasons behind the question "Why to hike Annapurna Base Camp". Now you may have some ideas about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, let's learn about the trek in detail before you choose this trek for your next traveling destination.
Photo By: Christoffer Voss
About Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As mentioned earlier, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a beginner-friendly trek and can be customized according to your preference. You can have a variety of itineraries ranging from 5 Days to 12 Days (includingGhorepani Poon Hill).
Here is some detailed information about the trek that one should know before you book your trip to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Note: These information are based on some personal experience of our local guides (Sherpas) and the travelers who have already been there.
Highlights of the ABC Trek
Best sunrise views of Annapurna ranges including Dhaulagiri I (8,167m / 26,795ft), Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545m), Nilgiri (7,061m / 23,166ft) from the Poon Hill viewpoint
Ghandruk is a perfect village for the entire view of the Annapurna range and to experience the hospitality of the local communities (Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan).
Enhance your experience with the massive waterfalls at Deurali
Cover two different base camps, Annapurna Base Camp (4,310m) and Machapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
Nature portrait of Lord Buddha on the high cliff on the way to Machapuchhre Base Camp
Glaciers and Glacier Cave
Pure and clear natural hot spring at Jhinu
Normally people have queries like how or why to hike Annapurna Base Camp so, here's the complete 9-day itinerary (Customizable) which will help you to provide some idea about the trail of Annapurna Base Camp Hike.
Way For Trek / Path
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows the two different routes. It depends on you which route to travel and explore the region as it is. The routes get separated from Phedi and join at Chhomrong.
There is a junction at Phedi (1,050m), the South and the East. If you take the south route which will lead you first to Nayapul, then Ghorepani, Chhomrong. Following the trails, you will reach the Himalaya Hotel, Machapuchhre Base Camp, and finally Annapurna Base Camp.
However, if you choose the East route, then it will take you first to Pothana, then Ghardruk, Chhomrong. Following the trail, you will reach the Himalaya Hotel, Machapuchhre Base Camp, and finally Annapurna Base Camp.
What I recommend you, choose the south route which will be more engaging and allow you to explore much more. Moreover, the sunrise views from the Poonhill viewpoint will keep you so mesmerized.
Reaching the Trailhead and the Trail
Nayapul is the starting point of the trek. Which is easily accessible by taking a direct flight to Pokhara and a 2-hour drive from Pokhara.
From Nayapul, your trek will physically start. As mentioned above, if you choose the South trail which gives you to explore you a lot and your itinerary goes like this:
From Nayapul: Day1: Hike to Ulleri (1,540m) Day 2: Hike to Ghorepani (2,860m) Day 3: Hike to Ghandruk (1,950m) Day 4: Hike to Chhomrong(2,040m) Day 5: Hike to Hotel Himalaya Hotel (2,920m) Day 6: Hike to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) Via Machapuchhre Base Camp (2,350m) Day 7: Descend to Bamboo (2,310m) Day 8: Descend to Jhinu Danda (1,750m) via Jhinu Natural Hot Spring Day 9: Descend to Phedi and drive to Pokhara
This is a normal 9-day trek of Annapurna Base Camp. Each day 6 hours of walk and explore.
The route to the village Deurali which is just below the Machapuchhre Base Camp is well-made. The trail is just ascent and descent through the stone stairs however the trail from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp is different.
From Deurali, it is totally off-road and includes views of iced-capped mountains, and glaciers.
The trek covers about 230 Km walking distance from Nayapul. It includes several quaint Gurung and Magars villages, waterfalls, 7 suspension bridges, pine and bamboo forests, and a clear natural hot spring.
Food and Accommodation during the Trek
During your entire trek, you will find several comfortable and cozy tea houses and lodges. Each of them is available at every stop-over point.
The accommodation facilities are not very costly. They all serve good, healthy, and tasty food. Especially, they serve daal bhaat, hot drinks, typical Nepali snacks (Momo, chatpate, and chowmin), and Italian dishes like Spaghetti, Pizza, Macaroni, and spring rolls.
As you go to higher elevations stopover points from Chhomrong you do have to pay an extra cost for wifi, charging points, RO water, hot showers, and phone calls. This is because the area depends upon solar power only.
Note for travelers: Once you reach the Annapurna Conservation area, you cannot carry animal items such as chicken, beef, or pork.
Permits For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
For the Annapurna Base Camp hike, you can need to get two major permits.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP)
Trekker’s Information Management Systems (TIMS) card
The cost for the ACAP is $10 (NPR 1,000) for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals and $40 (NPR 4,000) for Other nationals.
You can easily get these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Kathmandu.
Best Season For the Annapurna Hike
Well, to hike in Annapurna Base Camp, spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best seasons. During this time you will have a clear view of the region.
Additionally, during spring the rhododendrons and other flowers bloom the trail and the region. So it is the time that will enhance your experiences and provide you the stunning views.
However, I recommend you to travel in Autumn. Because it is the time right after the monsoon and the area appears totally green and natural. Also, you will feel the cold and fresh air of the region.
The trek should be avoided in Winter and Monsoon. Because the rain in monsoon makes really difficult to hike. Also, the trails get obstructed due to floods and landslides.
Additionally, in winter the area receives maximum snowfall which can result in low visibility. Maximum teahouses and lodges of the stopover point get closed.
Difficulty Level Of ABC Trek
The ABC trek is considered a moderate-difficult trek. It is not so much challenging. However, you have to reach the highest point at 4,310m above sea level.
With simple and moderate physical fitness, you can accomplish this wonderful trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered the most easier than other Himalayas trek in Nepal.
Risk of Altitude sickness for the Trek
When you gain altitude, especially from Machapuchhre onwards, people sometimes descend with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
It generally happens when you gain too much altitude within a short period of time. The common symptoms of AMS are:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid pulse (heart rate)
Shortness of breath with exertion
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Difficulty sleeping
The best way to prevent AMS is to have a good amount of sleep and drink water. You can also have DIAMOX in every 12 hours.
In case of hazardous situations, helicopter rescue can be operated or can descend on the horse.
