Hiking to Annapurna Base Camp will offer you the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most spectacular views. From the snow-capped peaks to the traditional village life, this trek will leave you enchanted.
It’s a moderate trek that can be done by anyone with sound physical fitness. You’ll get to see stunning mountain and glacier views, rhododendron forests, and traditional Gurung villages.
1. Views of the Himalayas
If you are looking to experience the best of the Himalayas, then you should go Hike to Annapurna Base Camp. This trek offers the perfect opportunity to view a wide variety of flora and fauna, mighty peaks, rare wildlife and natural hot springs in a week-long trip.
It starts with a one-day drive to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination, and then continues trekking alongside terraced farm fields and local villages until you reach Ghorepani. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the central Himalayas like Annapurna I, Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri, and Fishtail.
You can also explore the rhododendron forests on this trail, which are home to a number of animals including snow leopards and musk deer. In addition, you can witness the beautiful sunset and sunrise over the Himalayas.
2. Village Life
While hiking to Annapurna Base Camp you will visit several villages. These villages have a lot to offer to tourists and you can get to experience the life of people from different communities.
These villages are inhabited by ethnic groups like Sherpa, Magar and Gurung. The locals of these villages are extremely friendly and they will be happy to show you around their homes, temples and other places of interest.
The villages that you will stay at while hiking to Annapurna Base Camp are quaint and picturesque. They have tea houses and lodges where you can stay overnight.
These houses provide basic facilities for food and accommodation, including rooms with two separate beds and a warm blanket. The prices vary depending on the season and region. You can also book rooms in advance before you travel to Nepal so that you do not have to share a room with other trekkers.
3. Natural Beauty
As you walk through the pristine Annapurna Base Camp, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Soaring Himalayan peaks, forests of rhododendron, and pine trees will surround you.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate trekking option with an elevation of 5,500 meters. It is a good choice for fit and experienced trekkers as well as for beginners who want to experience the adventure of walking in the Himalayas.
Aside from being a breathtaking trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek offers you an opportunity to learn more about the Nepali culture and lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to walk alongside terraced rice paddies and rhododendron forest and see beautiful villages filled with friendly local people.
Start the trek from Pokhara and drive to Nayapul before hiking through Ghandruk, Sinuwa, Deurali and finally reaching Annapurna Base Camp. On the way, you will have an opportunity to visit Jhinu Danda hot spring and enjoy a refreshing bath.
4. Culture
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek offers a wealth of opportunities for exploring the culture and lifestyle of the region’s diverse ethnic groups. It is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking routes, and every year, thousands of people visit the region.
The area’s rich mountain ranges, terraced rice fields, Magar and Gurung villages, and a wide variety of flora and fauna make this trek an incredibly beautiful experience. Additionally, the trek rewards you with 360-degree stunning views of Mount Annapurna and the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp trek is available in tea houses, which are independently run. Typically, rooms have two single beds and a private bathroom with a squat toilet. It is not easy to book these rooms in advance, so it is best to arrive at a location and decide where you want to stay based on your preferences and availability.