Annapurna region plays a dominant role in the trekking in Nepal. With the presence of several big and small peaks along with one eight-thousander about two-thirds of all trekkers in Nepal visit Annapurna region. In addition to the mountains, trekking in the Annapurna region offers remarkably diverse scenery from spectacular view of snow-capped mountains to lowland distinctive villages of indigenous groups.

Jomsom trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, and Annapurna Base Camp trek are the major trekking routes in Annapurna region. Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you along the mesmerizing mountain region quenching the thirst of many people seeking an adventure. The exquisite view of Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Machhapuchhre (6,997 meters), Annapurna South (7,291 meters), Gangapurna (7,455 meters), Hiunchuli (6,441 meters) and other majestic peaks will leave you mesmerized.

Attractions of Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp is one of the popular and much-favored treks of Nepal, and the camp in itself is the one main attraction. The delightful panoramic view of mountains from the camp and the amazing experience one musters throughout the trek has lured many trekkers to Annapurna Base Camp from around the world.

Machhapuchare Base Camp

Although it is a trek to Annapurna Base Camp, we will trek via Machhapuchare Base Camp, so it will be like “killing two birds with one stone.” Just like the Annapurna Base Camp, the base camp of Machhapuchare also offers a mesmerizing and majestic view of Himalayas.

Distinctive villages and their culture and tradition

Annapurna Base Camp trek goes along the several characteristic villages like Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Tadapani. Passing through these villages, you will witness the exotic beauty as well discover their authentic culture and lifestyle. Gurung, Magar, Thakali and Loba are some indigenous group residing en route to camp. Also, the verdant forest of rhododendron and pine, gliding farmlands and terrace will make you feel more elated.

Sunrise and sunset view

Poonhill is a very popular vantage point from where a stunning view of sunrise and sunset can be witnessed. We know you want to explore more, so our Annapurna Base Camp trek goes along the Poonhill. Situated at 3,210 meters, Poon hill is a well-known place where tourists (national as well international) make their way to have the moment.

Poon hill in itself is a very famous short trek destination. Dhaulagiri ranges, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Manaslu ranges, and Hiunchuli can be viewed from Poon Hill. Along with the sunrise and Himalayas view, you will get pass the delightful villages of Gurungs and Magars.

Difficulty, Best time to visit and Permits

Annapurna Base Camp has a moderate level of difficulty which can be accomplished with no prior trekking experience. However, good fitness level and health always help. Also, it is perfect destination for family trek, so pack your bag and run along to Nepal with your family.

Another thing you need to know before going on for a trek is when is the best time to visit there? For Annapurna Base Camp, autumn (mid-September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the best time. However, monsoon and winter will also be good if you are careful enough. In winter, the temperature in higher region is below freezing level at morning and night, so you have to take extra warm clothes. In monsoon, you will get heavy rainfall but gets clear sometimes. So, autumn and spring will be the best choice when days are clear and warm offering you clear view of Himalayas.

For Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will need two things, TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area permit. You can obtain the card and permit from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu.

Way to Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp trek starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara. Traveling along the scenic highway through the foothills of Himalayas, we will arrive at Pokhara in about 5-6 hours from Kathmandu. Once we arrive at Pokhara, we will take a stroll around.

The next day, we will make our way to Tikhedhunga. Today we will drive all the way to Nayapul while passing along the several villages of Naudanda, Kanre, and Lumle. From Nayapul, we will begin our walk and follow Modi river upstream to Birethanti and follow Bhurungdi river. We will see some beautiful waterfall scenery and high forest while following the delightful trail. Then arriving at Tikhedhunga, we will take a stop and stay overnight.

After Tikhedhunga we will trek towards Ghorepani and the day starts with steeply ascending trail on long steps to Ulleri village with the surrounding of terraced landscape and Annapurna Himalaya. From Ulleri path gets gradual and we will walk through cool shade of forest. Then, we will finally reach Ghorepani. The next day is going to be the busy day because we will trek to Poon hill, be back to Ghorepani and trek to Tadapani. We will hike to Poon hill early in the morning to catch a glimpse of mesmerizing sunrise view. After viewing the breathing scene, we will return to Ghorepani and move towards Tadapani.

It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Chhomrong from Tadapani. Chhomrong is an excellent village at the base of Hiunchuli. The next day, we will pave our way to the Himalaya hotel, where we will stay overnight. Moving on, first, we will walk on a rocky trail through forest then up a steep-ravine to Hinko. Walking along the rivers, cliffs, moraine, stream, and several interesting encounters we’ll arrive at Machhapuchare Base Camp from where a panoramic view of Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, III, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchare can be seen.

Now, from the base camp of Machhapuchare, we will head towards Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is uphill for few hours and continues on a grassy path. We will keep on getting the excellent view of mountains all along.

Now, after exploring the base camp, we will make our return journey and descend to Dovan via Machhapuchare Base Camp. The route pass along a few roofless shepherds hut alongside a moraine. We will reach Deurali and continue towards Dovan. After Dovan, our next stop is Jhinu. While trekking to Jhinu, we will descend all the way to the bridge and continue uphill to Chhomrong. The trail gets quite steep till we reach village on the ridge.

Now, we are almost at an end our trek. From Jhinu it takes about 5-6 hours to reach Nayapul. We will follow the Modi river and arrive at Landruk village. The trail leads us back to the Modi River, and after reaching Syauli Bazaar, the walk gets pleasant most of the way. From Nayapul, we will drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.