The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a journey of dreams for mountain climbers. The journey to reach the towering Annapurna peak starts at a location known as Annapurna Base Camp. But Annapurna Base Camp itself is a destination for trekkers. A remarkable adventure into the glacial heart of the western Himalayas is the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. You will get up close and personal with Mt. Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world at 8091 meters. In addition, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Pisang, Pungda Danda, and many other peaks are breathtakingly visible from Annapurna Base Camp. One of the most well-liked treks in the world is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or ABC. It is located at an elevation of 4130m and offers an experience of a lifetime.
Annapurna Base Camp is nestled amidst the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range. In this otherworldly landscape, the golden rays of the sun touch the summit of Annapurna early in the morning. Here, as the night’s frost melts in the morning sun and flows down the slopes of the Himalayas, it meets the Modi River with a musical sound. There nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, are a few hotels that blend seamlessly with the Himalayan surroundings. They offer traveler’s smiles, tales of friendship, and the sentiments of beautiful journeys. Annapurna Base Camp is defined not only as a place but also as an expression of emotions that rise above the definition of a location.
This article provides you with every detail of the trail, including the place, location, and things to see around. It delves into the stories behind the place names like Bamboo and the ancient tales of Ponjyem Nyembra Temple, Hinku Cave, etc. After learning about them, you'll be inspired to experience these places firsthand, capturing each detail with your own eyes in real time. For more details on the itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Leaving behind the bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, in a private vehicle, the hustle and bustle gradually fade away as you reach Thankot and enter the Prithivi Highway. If you wish to enjoy the views along the roadside, you can reach Pokhara by driving. Alternatively, the next option is to take a domestic flight, which will get you to Pokhara in just 30 minutes by air.
On the first day, our destination is the city of lakes, Pokhara. Despite being only 250 km from the road, it takes travelers an entire day to reach Pokhara due to poor road management. The road, serving as a major gateway to tourism, lacks proper maintenance, causing inconvenience for both Nepali citizens and tourists. The hope is that in the future, the waiting period will bring us an opportunity for happiness.
Nepal offers an endless expanse to explore. As you traverse the terraced hillsides, you'll observe rice fields and small ponds filled with rainwater, creating a captivating sight. Waterfalls and lush green forested hills will accompany you on the way. Some villages seem to possess a distinct cultural ambiance.
The lakeside of Pokhara boasts numerous hotels with a pleasant ambiance where you can spend your days. Pokhara is also a major hub for tourists, offering a variety of activities. There are numerous shops where you can buy your trekking equipment and do some shopping. If you wish to extend your stay in Pokhara, we can customize the itinerary for you.
It's advisable to back up your files at night during your trip. Be prepared for tomorrow and hope for good weather so that you can catch a glimpse of the mountains.
Marking Jhinu as the destination, begin packing your essentials and enjoy a breakfast that will provide you with the energy needed for the day of exploration ahead We leave Lakeside with memories of Pokhara. Not long after departing from Lakeside, we travel down the beautiful Pokhara-Baglung Highway. The Pokhara-Baglung Highway spans 72 km, starting approximately at zero kilometers from Pokhara and concluding at Baglung Municipality. The highway includes several places like Kusma Bazaar, Nayapul, Dimuwa Bazaar, Mal Dhunga, Purano Jar, Amadi, and Chamarke, forming a section of the Pushpalal Highway. Known for its well-organized and accessible construction over the years, this road has facilitated the journey to places like Kusma and Mustang, making it easier for both tourists and the general public.
As we travel, the road gradually leads towards Lumle, creating a scenic route. After a 2-hour drive from Pokhara, we reach Nayapul. We have to cross big streams in a Jeep. From Nayapul, it takes 1 to 2 hours to reach Jhinu. Alongside the road from the hills, there is a small waterfall cascading down the slopes called Hungtu Waterfall. We encounter small streams running along the road before reaching Jhinu.
In Jhinu, your hiking day begins. The suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River, known as the Jholunge Pul, is captivating yet intimidating for travelers due to its swaying nature. Walking in the middle of the bridge and looking down can be thrilling and somewhat scary, as the river appears distant below. After crossing this thrilling suspension bridge, you have to climb stairs to reach Jhinu Hot Spring. After a 15-minute walk from the suspension bridge, you reach Jhinu. Situated at an altitude of around 1700 meters above sea level, Jhinu lies amidst the hills, offering a unique perspective of life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although the view of the Himalayas isn’t visible due to the terrain, we get an opportunity to get a closer look at the local way of life.
You can visit the hot springs and other good locations in Jhinu. It is said that sitting in naturally grown hot water brings many benefits to the body, with healing properties for skin diseases and body pains. Your fatigue will disappear in a moment by sitting in the natural hot spring. Stay overnight at Jhinu in teahouses, and we will start our trek in the morning.
After having breakfast in Jhinu, we will start walking. From Jhinu to Chomrong, there is a steep stone-printed staircase. Your first walking day is very steep. After 45 minutes of walking, you will reach Upper Jhinu, and it takes 35 to 45 minutes to reach Chomrong from there. After crossing Taulung Danda at an elevation of 2160 meters above sea level, we reach Chhomrong. After Taulung Danda, Chhomrong comes, and then we will have our lunch in Lower Sinuwa. After lunch, we will go to Upper Sinuwa and reach Bamboo. We will reach Chhomrong, which is similar to Thamel in Kathmandu city. Both are tourist hubs. From pizzas to fancy coffees, everything is available there, including a basketball court too. We have to enlist our names and numbers in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpost, where ACAP has tried its best to preserve this place.
To reach Sinuwa from Chhomrong, one must first descend a steep uphill; following that, another steep ascent is required before descending once again. The uphill climb can be quite challenging, especially for those who find it difficult to tolerate high altitudes. This path can be quite arduous for such individuals.
The Annapurna Base Camp trail has gained popularity among many trekkers worldwide. This route has made a significant contribution to the country’s tourism sector by attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists every year. We will have lunch in Sinuwa and head towards Upper Sinuwa. When we start climbing after having our meals, it will become the beginning of the second half of the day. The steep way will not leave you alone, even from the previous day. In terms of height, Chhomrong is 2710 meters above sea level, and Sinuwa is only 2100 meters above sea level, but it takes a long time to reach the top of Sinuwa because you have to go downhill first and then climb up again.
From Upper Sinuwa, you will see greenery as well as panoramic mountain views to spice things up. You will see Machhapuchre Mountain standing with a ridge connected to the mountain. The elusive fishtail with a head like a fishtail looks more attractive on its upper side. Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli, and Himchuli show their presence from behind the mountain wall. A glimpse of the mountains will bring a smile to your tired face.
Descending from there, the steep way, the downhill, and the straightway will all come in turn. The chirping of birds in the forest and the sound of the rivers will heal you from inside. Dustbins are all over the trek, so please don’t throw waste anywhere else than in a dustbin. We will reach Bamboo after some hours of walking. It is said that a Rai person from Darjeeling had named this place. Since there are many bamboo shoots available in the area, and the people there primarily make products like Mandro, Gundri, and Bhakari from these bamboo shoots, he named the place Bamboo. Over time, “Byambu” transformed into “Bamboo” due to Nepali influence. Currently, there are seven hotels in this area. Stay overnight at Bamboo.
After having breakfast in Bamboo, we will move towards Dovan, which is 2505 meters above sea level. It takes one hour to reach Dovan from Bamboo. Dovan serves as a well-equipped resting place for tourists. With good arrangements for food and accommodation, this spot attracts thousands of tourists every year during the tourism season. We will get some rest in Dovan, and nearby, you will see the waterfalls from the hills flowing rapidly, which get mixed with Modi Khola. It reminds us of the destination, and remembering the destination, we move forward again. When we reach Lower Dovan, we will leave behind the large waterfalls. There are several places along the way where the path is made easier, and a wooden bridge is laid across the rocky stream. The sound of those intense waterfalls and cascades is so loud that you can't even hear each other speak, let alone listen to someone else. However, even in the loud noise, there is a sense of tranquility.
In the sequence of the journey, you will reach the Ponjyem Nyembra Temple. Situated beside a waterfall, the temple has a waterfall with 108 cascades. It is said that initially, there used to be sheepfolds in this area. One day the people bringing the sheep shed littered this place, and soon the whole place was covered with fog. Those who brought the sheep didn't even know where the sheep had gone. After that, milk was seen flowing in the side waterfalls. And after the clouds slowly disappeared, the waterfall turned into water again. Then the people who brought sheepfolds started worshipping it as a place of deity because there was divine power there. At present, the Ponjyem Nyembra temple has been established at that place.
Himalaya is situated at 2920m above sea level. This place used to be called Lichuwi. In Gurung culture, Lichuwi means a green land where animals are seen. We couldn't see any Himalayas because the place is between the hills. If the weather is clear, the neighboring Mardi footpath can be seen on the opposite side of the Himalayas. At present, 3 lodges in this place have good food and accommodation. This place has also become somewhat convenient due to the easy connection of the network. Stay overnight in the Himalayas.
From the Himalayas, we move towards Deurali. When highlighting some of the special features of the Annapurna trail, the locality boards here cannot be missed. Road signs and all the necessary information are available in every teahouse or any lost place along the way.
This trail is very suitable for people who cannot walk much, as teahouses are also located near other trails. The road from the Himalayas to Deurali is considered a bit risky in this region. It can be observed that we are traveling at the foot of a big mountain, and the rock-falling zone boards are placed on this side. It is advisable to travel with caution in this area.
After a short walk from the Himalayas, you will reach the Hinku Cave, a resting place for hikers made under the rock on a big hill. Trekkers walking towards the Annapurna Base Camp rest for a while and observe the beauty of the mountain. It takes half an hour to reach Deurali from Hinku Cave. Small bridges made of iron and wood are built so that people can easily cross the rivers.
Heading towards Deurali, we leave behind the river flowing under that bridge. Reaching Deurali at a height of 3200 meters above sea level, a huge waterfall can be seen a few meters above. Looking at it, it seems that the most worthy artist in the world is water, which finds a way in the rocks and flows in such a way that those stones become artistic. From Deurali, it takes 4 hours of walking to reach ABC.
From Deurali, you can see the natural art of Lord Buddha formed on the mountain wall, in Deurali, where there are only 4 hotels, tourists traveling to ABC spend one night and head to the Annapurna base camp the next day. Stay overnight at Deurali.
From Deurali, following the Modi Khola, we continued to meet Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). From MBC, it takes 2 hours of walking to reach ABC (4130m). Machhapuchhre Base Camp is located at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level. There are only 5 lodges in this place in the lap of the 6693 meters high Machhapuchhre Himal. We can see the beautiful view of the Annapurna snow range, including Machhapuchhre Himal, from this place. After climbing up from Machhapuchhre Base Camp, there is a small route, and Annapurna Base Camp can be reached by following it. It will be an epic moment for you to wake up between the Himalayas in the early morning.
Annapurna Base Camp, at a height of 4310 meters above sea level, stands with the beauty of the beautiful Machhapuchhre, Gandarva Chuli, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Bahrashikhar, Annapurna South, and Himchuli. The warm rays of the sun will spread over the mountains and green hills; you will get lost in the beauty that becomes an addiction in itself.
To sum up, Annapurna Base Camp is reachable after 4 days of continuous walking, warmly welcoming thousands of guests every year. The message written on the signboard in Machhapuchhre Base Camp, 'Come as a friend, return as a family,' will feel indeed true when you reach Annapurna Base Camp—you will experience it firsthand.
Standing at Annapurna Base Camp creates memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. The trip to Annapurna Base Camp is very exciting with waterfalls, streams, suspension bridges, the sound of the river, the chirping of birds, the story of Ponjyem Nyembra Temple, the sheepfold, as well as the Hinku cave. Countless waterfalls and mountains become companions on the journey.
If you have any queries related to Annapurna Base Camp and wish to create memories for a lifetime, please join Treklanders Adventures. We have a team of professional guides who will assist you throughout your journey. Share your plans with us, and we are here to make your adventure successful and wonderful. You can contact us via email at info@treklanders.com or through WhatsApp/Viber at +977 9851019683.
👉 The trek to Annapurna Base Camp typically takes 4 days of continuous walking to reach the destination.
👉 Annapurna Base Camp is renowned for being a dream destination for mountain climbers. It offers an extraordinary adventure into the glacial heart of the western Himalayas, providing breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna and other majestic peaks.
👉 The trek encompasses diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, streams, suspension bridges, the sound of the river, the chirping of birds, and significant landmarks like Ponjyem Nyembra Temple, Hinku Cave, and the sheepfold. Countless waterfalls and mountains become companions on the journey.
👉 Yes, Treklanders Adventures offers the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Share your plans with us, and our professional guides will assist you in making your trek successful and wonderful.
👉 Treklanders Adventures is your ideal choice for the trek, providing a team of professional guides to assist you throughout the journey. We prioritize your safety and comfort, ensuring a memorable and successful adventure. Contact us via email at info@treklanders.com or through WhatsApp/Viber at +977 9851019683.
👉 The trail offers various points of interest, including Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, each providing unique perspectives of the surrounding Himalayan beauty.
👉 You can either drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying scenic views along the way, or opt for a domestic flight, reaching Pokhara in just 30 minutes by air.
👉 The journey includes passing through picturesque landscapes, terraced hillsides with rice fields, small ponds, waterfalls, and lush green forested hills. Pokhara serves as a major hub for tourists, offering various activities and shops for trekking equipment.
👉 Yes, you can customize your itinerary to extend your stay in Pokhara. Explore the lakeside and enjoy the ambiance of the numerous hotels available.
👉 This part of the trek involves traveling at the foot of a big mountain, with some areas considered risky due to rock-falling zones. It is advisable to exercise caution in this region.
Feel free to contact Treklanders Adventures for any additional information or specific queries related to your Annapurna Base Camp Trek!
Anshu Thapa is the Managing Director of a Treklanders Adventures Pvt.Ltd. She is a highly experienced and accomplished trekking and mountaineering professional with ex...
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