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ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKS IN NEPAL Nepal is blessed with a lot of natural beauty ranging from lakes, forests, wildlife, mountain ranges and other. Thus it is not surprising to know the presence of multiple base camp treks attracting thousands of tourists every year. One of the popular base camp trek is Annapurna base camp trek. Trekking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It is one of the refreshing activities that people prefer to engage to get rid of stress and monotonous life.
ABOUT THE BASE CAMP Annapurna base camp is the most popular base camp trek in Annapurna region which provides the trekkers with an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal through the means of terraced paddy fields, alluring rhododendron, breathtaking mountain ranges, the deepest gorge Kali Gandaki and others.
Annapurna Himalayan Range Located at an altitude of 4130m, Annapurna base camp provides the trekkers with majestic feeling as it is surrounded by enticing peaks of Annapurna(8091m), Hiunchuli(6441m), Machapuchhre(6993m) and Annapurna South(7219m). Depending upon the pace of trekkers, Annapurna base camp trek can be completed within 7 to 12 days.
ROUTE TO BASE CAMP The route to Annapurna base camp trek is easy, safe and short in comparison to other high altitude base camp. There is no fixed route for reaching the base camp. We can reach Annapurna base camp following 2-3 routes. Depending upon the routes we chose, we miss out different places like Gandruk and Ghorepani Poon hill which is ideal viewpoint for enjoying the sunrise and sunset.
The Annapurna base camp starts at Pokhara which can be travelled from Kathmandu by bus or by flight. In Pokhara, we drive to Nayapul which takes about 1.5 hours and start our trekking. We begin our adventurous trekking journey to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri which takes about 6 to 7 hours. The trail is filled with beautiful scenery of paddy fields and terraces. After reaching the destination point, we end the day and rest to replenish the energy for another exciting day. Next day, we trek from Tikhedhunga or Ulleri to Ghorepani which takes about 5 to 6 hours. At Ghorepani, we can explore the village and learn about lifestyle, culture and tradition of that place. The following day, we trek to Poon Hill which takes about 6 hours. The Poon hill is vantage point to view the sunrise and sunset. Then we follow the itinerary from Poon hill to Tadapani then to Chomrong to Dova, to the Machapuchhre base camp and finally Annapurna Base camp in seventh day. At Chomrong we can enjoy hot springs which will help to relax our muscles ache and refresh our body and mind. To return from the base camp we can take different routes from Chomrong to Pothana through Landruk to Kande and then to Pokhara. Then we can return to Kathmandu from Pokhara at 12th day after a hectic and entertaining trek.
BEST TIME TO TREK ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP The best time to trek to Annapurna base camp depends on the intention of trekkers and condition of weather. The Annapurna base camp trek consists of multiple beautiful scenery, rich flora and fauna, hot springs, others. Thus people visit Annapurna base camp for different purposes such as biologists visit to study the wildlife and plants, normal people come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mountaineers visit to scale different mountain ranges.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Since all of these activities are possible at different weather and times of the year, time favorable for one will not be favorable for the other. Monsoon season in Nepal is characterized by heavy rainfall, cloudy sky, windy. Thus if you are trekking to Annapurna base camp to visit the seducing scenery, then this is not the right time. This is also the time when mosquitoes,leeches are active, landslides keeps taking place, roads are slippery, wild animals are active. So this is an appropriate time for biologists to study the animals. For enjoying clear view of nature, autumn is the best season. In this season, the sky is clear and the temperature is moderate. However the problem of avalanche still prevails. The avalanche may occur any time in a year in the route between Deurali and Machapuchhre base camp. Thus one should be careful to prevent oneselves from facing it by following news, consulting the locals and so on. Winter is also a good season for trekking as it provides dry air and clear sky. However, one should be ready for cold and snowy weather. In the spring, the trail to Annapurna base camp is decorated with beautiful flowers such as red and white Rhododendron, Magnolias, Orchids, Lavender and Blue Irises. Thus it is a good season to enjoy the view and to study the different flowers.
TRIP ATTRACTION 1. SPECTACULAR AND CLOSE VIEW OF ANNAPURNA, MACHHAPUCHHRE AND DHAULAGIRI
Annapurna base camp trek provides us close look at beautiful farmlands and snowy mountain ranges. While ascending and descending the mountain, the trail welcomes and bids goodbye through its ethereal natural beauty. A closer look at the different ranges surrounding the Annapurna base camp is also a lifetime opportunity.
2. HOT SPRINGS On the way to Annapurna base camp, the nature itself rewards us for our efforts by helping us relax our tired mind and body at the hot springs. The hot springs are located in Chomsong which cannot be missed whichever route we take.
3. GURUNG MUSEUM IN GHANDRUK The trek to Annapurna base camp not only lets us enjoy the elegant natural panoramic view but also allows us to get close to ethnic diversities found in this region. One of the sources to get close to the culture diversity and learn about them is Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. This museum showcases the lifestyle, culture, clothing and other attributes of the Gurung community through the help of portraits and sculptures.
4. EXOTIC FLORA AND FAUNA Annapurna base camp is famous for its exotic flora and fauna. All six species of Himalayan Pheasants : Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant and Cheer Pheasant are found in the region. Clouded Leopards, one of the endangered species are also found in this region which is a great source of attraction for researchers and biologists.
Annapurna Base Camp Flora Himalayan Giant Honeybee world’s largest honeybees and Gurung honey hunters are the species of honeybee found in this region. Himalayan Tahrs famous for brutal fighting during breeding season to prove their dominance among other, Tahrs are also a great source of attraction.
5. KALI GANDAKI IS THE DEEPEST GORGE Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, being 5571 m or 18278 ft lower than Annapurna is also a great source of attraction as it satisfies our hunger for natural beauty. The george separates the two major peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. A lot of people also trek to Kali Gandaki.
6. BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE AND SUNSET IN POON HILL The beautiful sunrise and sunset in Poon hill is also one of the attractions of the Annapurna base camp. The sunrise and sunset view in Poon hill is otherworldly. Most of the people prefer the sunrise than sunset in Poon hill. It is not because of the reason sunrise is more alluring than sunset. It is because of a simple reason that the trekker after a long hectic day prefer to rest and sleep early missing the beautiful sunset.
THINGS TO PREPARE FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK As we are ready to trek to Annapurna base camp, there are few things required to be prepared beforehand to be comfortable during the trek.
1. HIKING CLOTHES During hiking, we walk all day. Thus it is natural to sweat. Also the sun is strong in Annapurna base camp trek. Thus it is advisable to wear something light and movable clothes such as light jacket and shirt inside.
2. NON HIKING CLOTHING After the hiking is over at the end of the day, we need to wear other clothes to be comfortable and warm. Most of the teahouse in Annapurna base camp doesn’t contain the heater. So it is recommended to pack down jackets also.
3. HEAD LAMPS Head lambs come in handy when we set out hiking at night or in the early morning. It helps to have a clear vision of the path we are walking.
4. FIRST AIDS During the hiking, it is natural to get blisters and bruises as well as suffer from altitude sickness and headaches. So we should be prepared for these all and pack some bandages, medicine like paracetamol and diamox for the trek.
5. SUNGLASSES During the noon, the sun is very strong. So it is better to use sunglasses to have a clear view and for prevention of eyes burning and itching.
6. WET WIPES At the mountains, after a hectic and sweaty trek, it is desirable to have a good shower. Wet wipes also plays a vital role to keep ourselves clean during trekking if shower is not desirable.
7. GOOD STURDY SHOES Make sure you have waterproof sturdy shoes in case of rain. Break into your shoes first if you bought a new one. You wouldn’t want to be the hikers with blisters all over his/her feet at the end of the trek.
8. MONEY Get enough cash out in Pokhara for all the days you are trekking as they are no way you will be able to get money out along Annapurna Base Camp trek.
9. SLEEPING BAG Bedrooms in tea houses can get really cold at night and there’s nothing worse than not being able to sleep after an 8-hours hike day. I would recommend getting the -10°C one in either Thamel, Kathmandu or Pokhara. I got mine in Pokhara and still using it today (2019).
10. TOILETRIES Wet wipes, tissue papers, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreens, lip balms etc.
11. SNACKS
During and after a tiresome trekking, it is heavenly feeling to have something to eat. Anything tastes better when we are tired and out of energy. So why not make the food more tasty. You can do that by preparing delicious food before the trekking to treat yourself.
12. LARGE BACKPACK Large backpack is highly recommended. Backpacks are life savers which help us to take all the things just mentioned above.
Annapurna Fauna
EARTHQUAKE UPDATE FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP The scary earthquake experienced by Nepal in 2012 on 25 April and 12 May didn’t caused much damage to Annapurana region. The Annapurna Circuit trail was more damaged in comparison to Annapurna base camp. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the route and 3 percent of guest houses were damaged in the earthquake which is comparatively low in comparison to other places where devastation was at peak.
The aftermaths of the earthquake occured in 2012 still make potential tourists unsure about entering Nepal. After fixing the damage suffered in the earthquake, Annapurna base camp is as beautiful as ever. According to assessment of the experts and non experts, it is stated that with proper caution, the trek to Annapurna base camp is safe. However, you should be careful while trekking as there are chances of dangers like rockfall, landslides, avalanche and so on and should remember that you should not totally rely on the above assessment as they are not based on scientific facts.