Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s best and most popular trekking destinations. Today, we provide the ten best reasons to do It.
Other than Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek attracts trekkers from all over the world. What makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek so unique is the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and mix it with the culture. During this trek, you will pass through different terrains, from rivers, waterfalls, streams, bridges, jungles, and valleys to snowy mountains.
Although some veteran trekkers might consider it easy, it can be much more challenging for others. Attitude, distance, duration, and rough terrain make the trek to Annapurna Base Camp difficult, especially for beginners. But there are many reasons for trekking in this magnificent Annapurna region, and all these difficulties are worth it.
Table of Contents
This guide, Glorious Himalaya Trekking, will give you the top reasons to visit this spectacular trekking destination in Nepal.
Top 10 Reasons to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek
1. Explore the 10th Highest Mountain in the world
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most critical places in the Annapurna region. It is simply because it takes you close to the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna. When you reach Annapurna Base Camp, you will witness majestic mountain vistas towering against you. The backdrop of such vistas usually fills trekkers’ hearts with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
2. The Amazing Local People and Their Culture.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is not just about trekking through beautiful views and clicking photos but also about learning new cultures and traditions. Along the way, you will meet new people who follow the Gurung and Magar culture and are the primary inhabitants of the Annapurna region. They have been living in the area for a long time and protecting their culture and tradition.
This group boasts a vibrant culture and history, with a way of life deeply rooted in the land. Their warm hospitality is second to none, and their trekking, guiding, and mountaineering skills are renowned far and wide.
They are happy protecting their rich tradition and culture and have a natural connection with their home. The best part about these unique people is they welcome everyone to their house and society. Learning new rituals, culture, and how to live in peace and harmony can be the
You will also see the traditional clothing the Gurung people wore, typically made of hand-woven fabrics and adorned with intricate embroidery. The Magar people are one of the largest ethnic groups in this region as well. They have a rich culture and history and are known for their traditional customs and festivals. The trek is an opportunity to understand the ethnic cultures and experience how they live harmoniously with nature.
3. Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
Jhinu Danda is a small ridgetop on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route known for its natural hot springs. The hot springs are located next to the Modi River, about a 2-hour hike from the village of Chomrong. The local people even use the hot springs for medicinal purposes. They believe bathing in the hot springs can cure skin disease and joint problems.
4. Easy Accessibility
Other than the Trek to Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is probably the most easily accessible trek from Kathmandu. You can easily reach Annapurna Base Camp by road or flight, which only takes 30 minutes. However, the trek via Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni, etc., is the best route to visit and enjoy the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
- The Annapurna region is located in central Nepal and is easily accessible by road and air. The trek starts in Pokhara, a famous tourist town and starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region.
- Plenty of teahouses and lodges along the trail provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. The trek also passes through several villages, providing opportunities to buy food and supplies.
- The trek is easy to follow as it is well-marked with flags, chortens, and mani flags. After 2023, trekkers are also hiring guides and porters for easy accessibility of the trek.
Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is popular and easily accessible and offers an excellent opportunity to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and culture.
5. Chance to explore many flora and fauna
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is mostly popular for its biodiversity of various ecosystems. You will be able to see various endangered floras and faunas that are being kept under protection. These include alpine meadows, subtropical forests, snowy cony pine jungles, and rhododendron blooms. In terms of animals, there are also varieties of endangered species like snow leopard, musk deer, and the Himalayan black bear.
6. Moderate difficulty trek
The ABC trek is around 56 km long, and the highest point reached is at the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130m. The trek is considered moderate because it is not a technical climb and does not require any specialized equipment. However, the distance and altitude gain do require a moderate level of physical fitness and preparation.
The trail is partly easy and challenging, with stairs in some parts and steep ascents in others. It is also well-beaten and maintained, making it easy to follow. As there are more options for accommodation, like tea houses and lodges, the difficulty level decreases. Trekkers can find basic accommodations and meals at these places. In conclusion, those with good physical fitness, proper preparation, and adequate acclimatization can successfully reach The Annapurna Base Camp.
7. Typical and comfortable teahouses
Teahouses are the predominant form of lodging, specifically in the outlying areas of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. They offer an excellent opportunity to meet new people and immerse oneself in diverse cultures and traditions. The burgeoning tourism industry in the Annapurna area has enabled these teahouses to enhance their services for the future.
Teahouses are a unique aspect of the Annapurna Base Camp trek and provide an excellent opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the local people. The National Trust manages the Annapurna region’s tea houses to maintain and protect the natural environment.
They provide a comfortable and convenient way for trekkers to rest, eat, and sleep during the trek. Most teahouses have basic facilities, such as twin-sharing rooms with mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Some teahouses also have electricity, but it may be limited and only available at certain times of the day. Teahouses also provide meals, which are typically traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, momos, and chowmein. The teahouses are also a great place to meet other trekkers and share stories and experiences. Many trekkers spend an extra day or two at the teahouses to rest, acclimate, or explore the surrounding villages.
8. 360° Panoramic view from Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads you to Mount Annapurna’s base, which is 4130 meters. You can see the magnificent Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks, which are over 6000 meters tall. The view from the base camp is breathtaking and is one of the main reasons why many trekkers choose to do the ABC trek. The 360° panoramic view of Annapurna Mountain is truly awe-inspiring and allows one to see the peak up close and personal.
The view is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset when the peaks are bathed in a warm, golden light. Aside from the spectacular view from the Annapurna Base Camp, the trek provides various other opportunities to admire the mountains. Poon Hill, for instance, is a well-known viewpoint for watching the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp trek provides a comprehensive and unforgettable mountain viewing experience and offers a panoramic view in all directions.
9. Machhapuchhre Base Camp
During the ABC trek, you will also have the opportunity to visit Macchapuchhre Base Camp. Just before reaching your destination, you’ll have to stop for a brief moment in another base camp, which is just below the towering Mount Macchapuchhre. Macchapucchre base camp lies at an altitude of 3700m, so you still have to trek a few ways before you reach Annapurna Base Camp.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva lives in the mountains, considered sacred pilgrimage places. The Annapurna peaks have not been climbed, making them one of the rarest in the region. The base camp is a popular spot among trekkers and offers a chance to view the mountain from a closer distance. Trekkers can see the mountain in all its glory, with the snow-capped peaks looming over the surrounding landscape.
10. Explore Pokhara Valley – The city of lakes
Pokhara is the initial point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Pokhara alone is a major attraction for tourists and trekkers. In fact, it is even more popular than Kathmandu regarding tourist visitation. Pokhara has plenty of lakes, such as Phewa Lake, Mahendra Lake, Begnas Lake, etc., which is why it is called the City of Lakes.
They offer a serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Pokhara is also known for its adventure activities like paragliding, Kayaking, and rafting, which offer an exciting way to explore the area. The town also offers a variety of options for accommodation, food, and shopping, making it an excellent base for trekkers. In summary, Pokhara is a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and culture, making it one of the best hill towns to visit in Nepal.
Conclusion
Hence, these are the top 10 reasons to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekking ABC is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel a sense of adventure and immersion in a new culture and tradition. Along the journey, you will see different kinds of temples, monasteries, rhumbas, etc., and meet several new people who are living peacefully and in harmony.
