Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is a traveler’s paradise. The base camp is hidden inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is in the western part of Nepal. The 14 days version of Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the second most desired trek option in Nepal after the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek.
However, more people end up doing the ABC Trek because it is relatively easier and no less thrilling than other treks. It has the added advantage of allowing you to visit UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu and the beautiful city of Pokhara.
Major attractions during the Annapurna base camp 14-day trek are Ghorepani, Poon Hill, the village of Chomrong, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, ABC, and Jhinu Hot springs. Poon Hill lies about an hour’s hike from Ghorepani and is revered for its sunrise and sunset views over 12 great Himalayan peaks.
Chhomrong, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Tikhedhunga are settlements of the local Gurung and Magar people. These villages provide a glimpse into the unique heritage and culture of the indigenous people. The hospitality is warm during the trek and the local cuisine is one to die for.
Major rare animals found on the Annapurna base camp trek are Tibetan wolf, black bear, deer, jharal, leopard etc. Plants like Rhododendron, Juniper, Fir, and Pine dominate the terrain that leads to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trekkers explore many snow-covered mountains over eight thousand meters during this trip. Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Himchuli, Annapurna South, Tukuche, and fishtail (Machhapuchhre) are unbelievably near Annapurna Base Camp.
Mt fishtail is a holy mountain and was recently named the 13th most beautiful mountain in the world. We will have to walk past the base camp of mt. Machhapuchhre to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Machhapuchhre is also known as the ‘Matterhorn of Asia’.
The last part of the Annapurna base camp trek, as we move past Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), takes us through the beautiful snow-filled slopes of the mountain. After a few hours of a trek from MBC, we will get to see the first glimpse of the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Should I worry about any other things?
Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 4,130 m. This makes Annapurna Base Camp one of the moderate trekking routes of Nepal. Some Base Camps like Everest are situated way above the 5,000 m mark.
However, this does not mean that you should take things easy. Traveling to the land beyond the mountains can be a challenging affair and 4,000 m plus altitude is not something to be scoffed at. We request you to take extreme care before and during the trek.
Some prior trek experience is required before you embark on a trek towards Annapurna Base Camp. Moreover, if you are traveling in the off-season, particularly during the winter, you must make sure that you have got spikes attached to your shoes. They can be bought at as low as five dollars per piece in Pokhara.
We advise only people who are above the age of 16 and under 60 to embark on this tour. For people who are out of the range of this age group, it is generally not advisable to go on this trip without extensive recent trekking experience.