Nepal comes in the choice of destination for the trekking adventure in the world. Among the trekking routes in the world combined with different landscapes, beautiful sceneries; Nepal brings you close to more than 7000 and 8000 meters of mountains within a short time.

One of Nepal's most popular trekking routes, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), is a popular one that can give you the pleasure to feel the unique experience of trekking. The famous trekking route takes you on a journey through the rhododendron forest, pine forests, rivers, waterfalls, village settings, and farmlands towards the altitude of 4130m. The mesmerizing views of the majestic mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu adds the refreshing moment in your trek.

The trek to ABC is mostly busy during the Time from April to June and September to November. The trek can be possible to access during any season throughout the year. If you plan for Annapurna base camp's trek, the pre-monsoon months(February, March, April) are best for the trek. Even if you are planning after the monsoon, then late September to December is also favorable for the trek.

Also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, ABC covers a total distance of around 115 kilometers. It is like a  round trip starting from Nayapul and reaching the beautiful destinations like Ghorepani, Poonhill and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), Annapurna Base Camp, and back to Nayapul (1020m). Nayapul is also a checkpoint of tourists to submit their TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) Permit.

On reaching Nayapul, the trek towards Annapurna Bas Camp officially starts. From Nayapul, you will trek to Tirkhedhunga (1520m). You are already in Annapurna Conservation Area when you reach Tirkhedhunga. The upcoming destination is Ghorepani (2860m). Before the sun rises the following day, we will hike to Poon Hill (3210m) for an hour and see the beautiful sunrise with the panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and many more.

Poonhill is a beautiful hill station with the best key point overlooking the stunning Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri mountain range around ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) area.

Photo courtesy:Brinda Lingthep

We will return to the lodge in Ghorepani and start another trek to Tadapani (2630m).Reaching  Tadapani in the evening, we have leisure time to loosen up and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the sun set's mesmerizing view.It is a perfect place to enjoy the panoramic mountain views; you have the opportunity to feel and appreciate the beauty of the Annapurna South, Huichuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal.

Pic Source:Brinda Lingthep

Chhomrong is the next destination in our trek.Chomrong is a beautiful village in the Annapurna area of Nepal. It is famous for an overnight stay for the Annapurna sanctuary trek. The path towards Chhomrong is descending as it is in less altitude than Ghorepani.On the midway, we will have lunch at Ghurjung. Ghurjung is famous as the place with no mountain views in the area. Walking for 5-7 hours, we reach our overnight stop, Chhomrong.

Moving from Chhomrong on the next day, we again start our journey towards Dovan (2520m). After a long descend cross in the suspension bridge over the Chhomrong River and dropping down to the river, the trail is more uphill through small farms. Walking through the green oak, hemlock, and rhododendron forest and slowly ascending the rocky trails, you will reach the place called Sinuwa (2342m). Reaching Sinuwa, if you love honey- buy some honey here. Sinuwa is famous for wild honey. Moving on your journey through the bamboo forest, you reach the village called Bamboo (2300m). With the walking of one to two hours, we get to Dovan from the village.

Deurali (3200m) is the last stop point before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. Although it is just 8 kilometers from Dovan to Deurali, it takes around 5 hours walking along the Modi River, enjoying the rich biodiversity to reach Deurali. The trail slowly heads towards the alpine area; the forest becomes thinner as the altitude increases.

Tips:

It is always better to drink water time and again while increasing altitude. Always stay hydrated as the altitude increases and makes you walk more difficult.

Stay Hydrated While Trekking

After the last overnight point in Deurali, our final journey is  Annapurna Base Camp. The following day walk will reach you to Annapurna Base Camp (4230m).Early wake up and start trekking is the best tip for the first-timers. We can spend more time in the base camp. It takes around 4 hours to reach there. Passing through the waterfalls and avalanche-prone area near Deurali, you will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) in a couple of hours. The fantastic view of Modi Khola river valley and snow-capped Mardi Himal and Hiunchuli Peak is a significant highlight of MBC.

Walking the inclining path for a couple of hours, the final destination: Annapurna Base Camp arrives. Being the most popular area in Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): we finally reach Annapurna Base Camp with the wonderful trek of few days. Reaching the base camp, one can witness the stunning views of various mountain ranges, including Annapurna South, Varaha Peak, Annapurna I, Singu Chuli, Tent Peak, Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli, and Machhapuchhre making a circle from the viewpoint. We have enough time to spend on reaching the base camp as we will stay here in the base camp for overnight.

Return from the base camp: we will generally follow the same route as a round trip. Although you can stay indifferent to the one you visited before, the way is almost the same or similar.

Annapurna Base Camp is also said to be the busiest trekking destination of Nepal as it receives trekkers from all over the world throughout the year. Generally, Annapurna Base Camp Trek comes in choosing those who have less time and want to travel less difficult trek. The Annapurna Base Camp trek lasts for 7 to 14 days to complete this trek, depending on the itinerary and walking days.

Frozen at Winter-Pic Source-Brinda Lingthep

Some of the alternatives and treks around this area are:

  1. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
  2. Ghorepani Poonhill & Ghandruk Trek
  3. Dhampus Trek
  4. Khopra Dada Trek
  5. Nar Phu Valley Trek
  6. Upper Mustang Trek
  7. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Best time to visit

Pre-monsoon months(February, March, April) & Late September to December


If you have any queries for Annapurna Trekking,please feel free to contact us.Hope to see you soon!