Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an outstanding journey. What makes it so amazing is the fact that it’s meant for everyone. No matter what part of the world you’re from; whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone who’s trying it for the first time; a lover of nature, or history and culture, you will definitely love this trek. A lot of times, people don’t consider going on trekking journeys because they believe that it’s too tough for them. Now, there is a little bit of toughness in Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, but it’s mellowed down up to an extent that anyone can go on this journey. It’s one of the prominent reasons why tourists, no matter their age group or level of expertise, tend to go for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek for a simple reason that the journey unfolds in the Annapurna Sanctuary. The area is also known as Annapurna Conservation Area, and it is not just the largest protected area in Nepal but also one of the richest, when it comes to the number of flora, fauna, natural and cultural spectacles that are a part of the area. Annapurna Sanctuary trek allows you to explore all this and many more in one go. One should definitely try this trek.
Check Out: Annapurna Base Camp Trek package
When it comes to trekking in Nepal, what makes it so popular are the numerous mountains that the trekkers get to explore during their journey. Annapurna Base Camp trek is an ideal example of trekking in Nepal, as it has everything that a good trekking journey does. One of the most crucial things that you come across during your Annapurna Base Camp trek is the human elements. The entire region is said to be the home of around 100,000 people. They live in the numerous villages scattered throughout the route. As you cover these settlement areas, you get to know more about them. You get to know more about the way they live, the food they eat, their history, and so much more. Now, there are quite a few hotels available throughout the route. However, some trekkers choose to live with the families here that offer homestay services, just to get a deeper insight into the lives of these people. You will be fascinated by their behavior towards you. They make sure to treat the people around them with the utmost care and respect. It is one of the reasons why you would prefer to come back time and again to Nepal and the region.
One of the best aspects of this trek is the mountain views. Throughout the journey, you will come across numerous viewpoints offering outstanding views of the snow-laden peaks. Some of these peaks include Machapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu, and so many others. Needless to say that the further north you go, the mountains appear bigger and better. As you reach the Annapurna Base Camp, you get the closest possible view of these peaks, and mainly that of Annapurna. The side of the mountain that will be standing nearest to you is Annapurna South Face. You will be forced to believe that the Annapurna South Face is a giant wall and not the side of the mountain. All this information about the journey does nothing but excites you. It is crucial to uncover all these details because these help you stay prepared and have realistic expectations about the trip. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a journey that you should definitely try as your first trekking trip in Nepal. You are sure to be astounded by the things that are offered to you. The knowledge offered here is nothing but the tip of an iceberg. You’ll love it.
Why Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
There are so many reasons to go for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, and one of the most important ones is a natural beauty. Annapurna region is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. It is full of natural spectacles that make you feel as if you’re in heaven. During Annapurna trekking, you make your way through lush green forests, and if the season is right, these jungles are covered in red and yellow flowers. There is no way for you to not feel ecstatic and amazed. There are so many other things that add to this beauty, and those are the mountains. Annapurna region is home to a few of the prominent mountains in Nepal. Their looks are unparalleled. No matter where you are during Annapurna trekking, you will get to enjoy their outstanding views. Now, it goes without saying that whenever you are in an environment as such, the moment calls for picture clicks. And lucky for you, there are so many Annapurna pictures that you can click during the trip. Annapurna pictures don’t just stand for the images of Mt. Annapurna, but also that of other natural spectacles that you will come across during the journey. Some of them include lakes and rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and icefalls, and so many more. Provided that you’re lucky, you will also be able to spot the numerous animals and birds that call the park their home. A lot of times, among the trekkers, aren’t just the trekking enthusiasts, but also these wildlife lovers and photographers. These are a few of the reasons to go for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Further, Annapurna Trek Nepal allows you to explore the life of the people living in the region. There are so many people who live in the villages on and around the Annapurna trek route. Most of these people belong to indigenous tribes local to Nepal, and they have been living here for decades. They have their own unique cultures and traditions, and since they are so unique and interesting, it’s an absolute fun trying to experience them or be a part of them altogether. Annapurna Nepal is filled with stories and legends. You will find these tales, especially around historical places. Some of these are accurate, however, others are just made up and passed on from one generation to another. You will definitely get to hear a few of them during Annapurna trek Nepal. However, to do so, you have to try and befriend a few locals during the trip. You don’t have to worry. A lot of times, they are the ones to come and approach you. And if no one does, you could always talk to the guide and the services providers that you come across during the journey. You will realize that the people in Annapurna Nepal are quite friendly. You are sure to anticipate them when you go from one settlement area to another. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the reasons why someone should go trekking Annapurna.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
Quite like any other journey, Annapurna Base Camp trek cost depends on factors such as the length of the journey, the quality of food and accommodation, the level of luxury offered, and so on. However, what really makes a difference is the travel agency. The trekking partner that you’ve chosen for your journey has a major role when it comes to the package cost. Generally, the international travel agencies that offer you the itinerary, do it at a considerably high cost in comparison to local travel agencies. The difference in the price could range between a few hundred dollars to a thousand. Experienced trekkers who have traveled to Nepal through these companies don’t tend to find much difference in the quality of services. International travel agencies tend to use their brand image to charge the tourists high prices. It is recommended that travelers choose local travel companies to serve them during their trek to Nepal.
The implying cost isn’t just more affordable, but also, the amount that you pay helps support the local businesses and service providers. Now, whether you choose an international travel company or a local one to offer you the services, you have to properly plan your Annapurna Base Camp trek budget before doing so. In no circumstances, you should compromise with your budget. Remember, just paying for the package is not enough, you might have other incurring costs during the journey. A properly planned Annapurna Base Camp trek budget helps you keep everything under control and prevents you from overspending. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost could range between $1200 to $2200 per person. Annapurna Base Camp trek budget should be planned wisely before the journey. Even when you consider all this, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most affordable journeys to go for in Nepal. Considering what you get to experience on the trip, you should try it.
How Many Days Does It Take To Trek To Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a mid-level trek when it comes to the time it takes to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. Before signing up for the journey, it’s crucial to find the answer to the questions like how many days does it take to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Answer questions like these help you do the necessary preparations. Apart from this, it’s also crucial to know the itinerary for the journey. When you know about the different places and attractions that you will get to cover during the journey, along with the challenges, it makes you more excited.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Altogether, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 13 days long journey, and during this time, you get to visit places such as Tikhedhunga, Sihuwai, Jhinu Danda, Bamboo, Himalaya Hotel, Chomrong, and Tadapani. Most of these places are villages, however, the others are the settlement areas that got established only after the tourists started visiting the region. Their sole purpose is to serve the trekkers and the other visitors who come for a trek in the area. Now, despite the fact that the trek is 13 days long, you only for a duration of 8 days altogether.
The rest of your time is spent in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, on the road, and acclimatizing on the route. Needless to say that the main attraction of the journey is the Annapurna Base Camp. Before you reach that place, you tend to cross Machapuchhre Base Camp. While the former one serves only as a viewpoint, the latter one also serves as a rest spot. The tourists generally make a camp at the Machapuchhre Base Camp and take a few hours a long day trip to the Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary is quite an interesting one.
During the journey, you will get the opportunity to visit the villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk. These are two of the most beautiful and popular villages in the region. Quite near to the villages is Poon Hill. The hill with a height of 3210 m serves as an excellent viewpoint. All these three elements make up the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Now, if you want to make your Annapurna Base Camp trek short, you could totally ignore these places and take an alternative route. You will miss out on these amazing places, but it will cut your journey down by 2 to 3 days overall.
The villages that you will come across during the trek don’t just offer you accommodation and food services, but also excellent views of the hills and mountains beyond them. One other thing that you will love about these places is the lovely people who call this region their home. They are friendly and always ready to cater to your needs. After living for so many years in a setting like this, they have learned to peacefully coexist with nature. There is a lot that you will get to learn from their lifestyle. You will absolutely fall in love with the places that you will cover.
Best Season For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
When it comes to visiting Nepal, you can come here at any time of the year. Every season has one or the other thing to offer to the tourists. Even when it’s raining heavily, you can stay indoors inside your hotel room, sip on hot beverages, and enjoy the views of the hills. Nepal is gifted not just natural, but culturally as well. And so, there are so many things to explore here, which you can do at any time of the year. Now, when it comes to certain activities like trekking. There are certain times when it’s best to go for the journey, however, then, there are times when you shouldn’t. When you trek in the right season, you get to enjoy the best of it. The process of walking gets easier; the chances of you falling sick or getting hurt reduces; you’re able to have the most amazing mountain views, and so on. Trekking is not just about struggling against nature and feeling the adventure, it’s also about having an amazing time. All these things tend to make sense especially when it comes to Annapurna Base Camp trek. It’s a mellowed down trek, power-packed with natural goodness. You should go for this one during the right season.
The best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is between the months of September and November. This time of the year is also known as autumn. The best thing about this season is that it’s neither too cold nor it’s too hot. In the same way, because of the recent rainfall, there are almost no clouds in the skies. This ensures that you’re able to have the most amazing mountain views from any part of the route. Everything seems fresh, and there is an amazing smell in the air. Now, Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you through one of the most scenic routes in the country. So, going to the region in a season like this is the best thing that you can do. There is, however, one downside to trekking during this time. Since it is the best season for Annapurna Base Camp trek, during this time, the routes and the villages in it are jam-packed with tourists.
If you like quiet time and are willing to have peaceful trekking experience, you can do that between the months of March and April. This time of the year is marked as Spring. From the perspective of natural beauty, this is the best time to go on a trek in the Annapurna region. As you make your way through the forests, you will notice magnificent rhododendron and magnolia flowers blooming. The entire landscape appears to have been colored by the flowers. Now, there is one drawback to going on a trek during this time. The views of the mountains may not be that clear. The skies at this part of the year are usually cloudy, which prevents you from enjoying the mountain views from long distances. From the perspective of the weather as well, it is a great time to go for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is balanced, neither too hot nor too cold
Annapurna Base Camp Weather depends on the season. Annapurna Weather is at its worst during winter. Now, though it is marketed that trekkers can go for Annapurna Base Camp trek during this time of the year, it is advised not to do so. Annapurna Base Camp Weather is extremely cold and unstable during this time of the year. Annapurna Weather is excruciating with snowfall and high-velocity wind between the months of December and January. Now, there have been trekkers who have trekked during this time of the year, but their experience hasn’t been that pleasing overall. During this part of the year, even the locals living in certain settlements at high altitudes tend to drop down to lower altitude places to live in warmth and comfort. So, chances are, you won’t find accommodation and food services during this time.
Winter is a great time to visit other parts of the country even when you don’t go for the trek. However, there is one season that is even worse than winter, especially when it comes to outing related activities. The rainfall, which generally occurs between the months of June and August, can make your trekking experience really bad, should you choose to go for it during this time. The hills of Nepal receive a very high amount of rainfall. Chances are that you could be stuck for days inside your hotel room in between your trek. Also, since the routes aren’t well maintained, you will find them to be muddy and slippery during this time of the year. This will definitely make it hard for you to walk and complete your day’s target. You could come to Nepal and visit other places, however, trekking during this time of the year is not recommended at all.
How Difficult Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
One of the things that you should definitely research about before going on Annapurna Base camp trek is how difficult is Annapurna Base Camp trek. Finding answers to questions like these helps you better prepare for the journey. Knowing the Annapurna Base camp trek difficulty also lets you have realistic expectations about the journey. Now, there are lots of factors that contribute to making a trek difficult, for instance, altitude and duration, and considering all of them, it can be said that Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty level can be masked at moderate.
The length of the journey is a crucial factor that makes the trek tough. On average, the trekkers are required to walk for a minimum of 6 hours every day. Now, they might feel excited for the first few days, however, as time passes, it starts feeling more like a punishment. The longer the trekking journey is, the tougher it gets. Now, considering the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the core trekking days on the trip are only 7 to 8 days which makes it quite a short journey. The trekkers are able to complete the journey with a relative amount of ease and comfort.
Another feature that makes a trek difficult is the higher altitude. When you go to high altitude places, the density of oxygen in the air lessens which makes it hard for the trekkers to breathe. Also, as you cross 3000 m, the chances of the trekkers to suffer from altitude sickness increases. If you happen to fall sick, whether due to altitude sickness or common flu, your trekking journey will definitely get ruined. Annapurna Base Camp trek keeps you at a safe elevation most of the time, which makes it a moderate trek from the perspective of difficulty.
The kind of walk that you do at home is quite different than the one you do on a trekking route. Generally, trekking is performed on a track that is not uniform. Most trekking routes are not even, and often involve paths going uphill and downhill. A lot of times, the trekkers are also forced to make their way through steep slopes. These route related features contribute to making the journey quite tough. When it comes to Annapurna Base Camp trek, the routes are often beautiful and even. You do need to walk on slopes, but they aren’t that difficult in nature.
One of the demerits of walking through high altitude places is that you have no option other than facing extreme cold and unstable weather. The higher you go, the colder it gets. Making your way through the route gets quite difficult when the environment is chilly. Things get even worse when there is sudden rainfall or high-velocity wind blowing, which is quite a common phenomenon in the hills and mountains of Nepal. As you don’t cover too many high altitude places during the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you don’t face all these extreme conditions.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map
One of the things that you need to have in your possession during the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the Annapurna Base Camp trek map. As a matter of fact, you should get your hands on Annapurna Base Camp trek map way before the journey. With the help of the Annapurna trek map, you’re able to study the route, the different attractions on it, the challenges, the places, and so on, even before the journey starts. A lot of trekkers tend to buy the Annapurna trek map first, even before booking their trip, because it helps them decide whether the journey is the right one for them or not. You can find out the digitized versions of the map on the internet as well, so, in case you’re not able to get your hands on the physical copies, you don’t need to worry. For trusted digitized maps, you can always contact your travel and tour operator in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp trek map tells you all that you need to know about the Annapurna Base Camp trek route which is a good thing, as it makes you independent. You’re able to find your own way from one settlement area to another. If you happen to get separated from the group, the chances of which are highly unlikely, you can look into the map and make your way to the next destination. Annapurna Base Camp trek is full of surprises and spectacles. To cover all of them, you often need to take side treks. Now, provided that you’re confident with the map, you can cover these places of attraction on your own, without having to depend on guides or anyone else from your team. Make sure to get your hands on the trek map, whether you do it before booking your trekking journey, or you do it before going for the trip. You need to have it with you.
Annapurna Base Camp Elevation
In comparison to other treks in the Annapurna region, Annapurna Base Camp Trek doesn’t take you as high. The highest altitude that you will cover during the journey is 4130 m, which is Annapurna Base Camp Elevation. Despite the fact that Annapurna Base Camp altitude is quite high, you don’t really need to worry. Trekkers generally tend to take day trips to Annapurna Base Camp, so, the maximum time that you’ll spend here is only a couple of hours. In comparison to Machapuchhre Base Camp, where the trekkers tend to stay overnight, Annapurna Base Camp altitude isn’t that high. The elevation of Machapuchhre Base Camp is 3700 m. Generally, when you go above the altitude of 3000 m, the risk of you suffering from the symptoms of altitude sickness increases. And so, generally, the treks that are limited to the altitude of 3000 m to 3500 m are considered as easy treks. Now, despite the fact that you cross this limitation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you tend to spend a very little amount of time at such an altitude, from 2 to 3 days at max. Because of this, environmental conditions don’t get enough time to negatively impact your physiology. It is because of the same reason that Annapurna Base Camp trek isn’t considered as a very challenging trek, at least from the perspective of elevation. Because of the altitude-related ease, it is often related by the first-timers or the senior citizens. There is a very little chance for someone to fall sick during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you’re someone who loves trekking but doesn’t generally prefer it because of altitude-related issues, well, this one can prove to be the ideal trek for you. Of course, it isn’t the only thing that makes Annapurna Base Camp Trek special, just one of them.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Mode
Before you decide to go on Annapurna Base Camp Trek, keep in mind that there are two modes of trekking available for you. You can go for Annapurna Base Camp trek solo, or you can go for the journey with an Annapurna Base Camp trek guide. Now, both modes have their own pros and cons. What you should understand is that it depends on the trekker rather than the company, which mode they are more comfortable with. For the few, trekking makes sense only when they do it on their own, however, for the others, it’s about having fun with the loved ones.
Annapurna Base Camp trek solo is the mode that is preferred by individuals who like to explore the region on their own. Needless to say that during the journey, the trekker gets to experience peace in its truest form. The solo trekker is more independent, which allows him to reach places that normally groups don’t cover. Of course, these are only a few of the many benefits of going on solo trekking. Now, while the activity might seem quite interesting, there are also a few downsides to it. A solo trekker is on his own, so no matter what problem he faces during the trip, he has to take care of it himself. Things can get riskier especially in situations where he falls sick and there’s no one to take care of him. Also, one of the biggest problems in rural areas as such is language. Not everyone is an expert at speaking English. If the trekker gets stuck with people who don’t understand him, well, things can get quite inconvenient for him. The trekker needs to be quite experienced to be able to trek solo. A lot of times, the trekkers are not given the permit to trek solo, as the natural factors can work against them, causing them harm.
Now, generally, it is recommended that the trekker hire at least one guide to join him on the trek, and needless to say, there are countless benefits of having an Annapurna Base Camp trek guide by your side. One of the main reasons why you’d want to have a guide with you is because he will act as your translator, and help you better understand the region, the people, and the attractions. A lot of times when the tourists trek on the route, they are clueless about what spectacles surround them. A guide keeps you well informed. If you’re someone who likes communicating with people, a guide can help you do that. The guide is an expert when it comes to trekking. So, he will give you all the possible information and pieces of advice that you make your trekking journey a pleasing experience. Needless to say that one of the major duties of a guide is to keep you on track. So, you can rest assured about being on the right track with an expert beside you. A guide also motivates you to continue with the journey, especially at times when you’re tired and feel like giving up. A guide is here simply to help you have a better trek.
What To Pack For Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Your Annapurna Base Camp trek packing list needs to be short. A long Annapurna Base Camp trek packing list will reflect on the size of the luggage. Needless to say that it’s always beneficial during any kind of trip to carry small luggage. Small baggage isn’t just easier to handle, but also, it is cheaper on your pocket. Before you decide what to pack for Annapurna Base Camp trek, you should carefully study your itinerary. There will be times when you’ll be staying in luxurious hotels, and then there might be times when you stay in camps on the route. You need to pack your bags in a way that you have all the essential items needed for this trip, and at the same time, your luggage is as light as possible. It is crucial to think about questions like what to pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek way ahead of your journey. It doesn’t just let you do the packing in a more organized way, but during the journey, it will save you from all the luggage related discomfort. Also, consider that during the trek you might need to carry your luggage. Though, you will have the option to hire a porter to carry all your things to the top.
When you make your packing list, make sure to carefully divide it into four sections. The first section needs to include all your clothing items. Carefully decide how many pieces of clothes you would be needing throughout the journey. You need to consider the activities that you’d be doing during the vacation, the places you’d be visiting, and most importantly, the season. The second section needs to include all your cosmetics, ointments, medicines, toiletries, and other hygiene items. If you are under some sort of medication, make sure to take enough of it for the holidays. Refrain yourselves from buying all these things in Nepal because the quality of items here may not suit you as much as it suits the locals, especially when it comes to medicines and cosmetics. The third section would include all the equipment, specifically the trekking equipment that you’d be using during the journey. You could take this equipment all the way from home to Nepal as well, or if you want, you could buy them in the country itself. When you do so, keep in mind that you might need to compromise with the product quality, and pay a really high price.
The fourth section would include all your official documents, electronics, and miscellaneous items that you would need during the journey. One thing that a lot of tourists don’t do is make use of the consultation services offered by the travel partners. If, at any point in time, you’re not sure what to include in your packing list, make sure to contact your travel agency. Some of them even have a specific list of things that you need to bring for the journey of Annapurna Base Camp trek. You could use that as a guideline to pack your bag. Now, one of the tips that you could consider to make your bags lighter is avoiding bringing the equipment. These days, there are a lot of companies in Nepal that offer trekking equipment on rent. All you need to do is pay them nominal fees, and you’re all good to go. Considering all the troubles that you might need to go through while handling that extra bag, this one is a much better option. You can find these companies online and talk to them about it. If you’re facing problems, you can obviously contact your trekking agency and ask them to help you out. A lot of times, even the trekking agencies offer these services to their clients. Try to book a trekking company that offers both the services. No need to take the extra load.
Yet another very important thing to consider is that in your handbag, always make sure to carry a fresh pair of clothes. A lot of times, what happens is that the luggage either arrives a bit late or it gets misplaced. All you can do is wait at the airport with the same old pair of clothes that you put on before the flight. In a situation like that, it helps a lot if you can get freshened up and into a fresh pair of clothes. If nothing, it at least helps you maintain your calm. Now, this is just a preventive measure, and it doesn’t mean that something troublesome will happen to you, but it always pays well to be prepared for any situation. Now, though it is recommended to not shop for items as such in Nepal, you could do it provided that there is no other option. There are few shops that offer the quality that they promise and are genuine enough to charge fairly. And in order to spot them, you could either take the help of Google’s services, or you could ask your travel operator. You will be surprised by the number and variety of items offered in these stores.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit
It is essential for any trekker to get his hand on the trekking permit before he goes for trekking in Nepal. No matter what part of Nepal you’re going to trek in, you need to have a permit in your hands. There are different kinds of permits, and they differ as per the trekking route. Firstly, there is a general activity permit, and then, there is the general entry permit. Now, there are certain areas in Nepal where the tourists are not allowed to enter. You can explore the region, however, before doing so, you need to get your hands on the restricted area entry permit.
When it comes to the Annapurna Base Camp trek permit, you need to get your hands on two of these. The first one is the trekking permit, and the second one is the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit. The cost of the trekking permit is only $10 per person, however, the ACAP entry fee is around $30 per person. You can get these permits either in Kathmandu or Pokhara in the offices of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). It is a swift process and so, in no amount of time you would be handed over these permits.
Now, in order to get these permits for Annapurna Base Camp trek, you need to submit a couple of documents, for instance, a copy of your passport, photographs, and VISA, and so on. All these formalities are required to be fulfilled as it helps the Nepal government to keep a record of the tourists entering the region. In case there is a mishap during the trek, their credentials would prove to be helpful in the rescue process. If you’re trekking in Nepal with a trekking agency, generally, they tend to take care of all these needs. All you need to do is book their services, and you don’t have to worry about it.
You need to keep in mind to keep your permits in your possession throughout the time. These passes also function as your official ID cards. Losing them will cause you a lot of trouble, and you also need to pay a fine to get a second copy. Now, if you have a trekking agency backing you up, you won’t have to worry about anything. There are various checkpoints throughout the route and the guide will take care of the registration in these points, and also keep your documents safe. However, if you’re traveling on your own, you have to handle all these things.
Study carefully the nature of the permit before you get them. There are few that you acquire by making a one-time payment, and no renewal is needed. However, there are few that you might need to renew in the same way you renew your VISA. So, consider how long you’ll be staying in the trekking region, before getting the permit. Overstaying can get you in trouble. Remember, you have to present your permits at the check post during entry and during the exit of Annapurna Base Camp trek. When you take the rules seriously, your trekking journey in Nepal becomes comfortable, relaxing, and full of fun.
Side Treks Of Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the many trekking journeys that are carried out in the Annapurna region. Quite like Annapurna Base Camp trek, these trekking journeys also pack within themselves quite an amount of fun and adventure. Some of these are simpler and shorter than this trek, whereas, there are few that are quite extreme. Some of them are meant only to be tried by experienced trekkers, unlike Annapurna Base Camp trek which is meant for everyone. When you’re done with this trek, you’re sure to look for a more challenging and exciting venture, it is at times like these that you choose one of these trekking journeys. Now, most of these treks are carried out on their own, however, there are few that you can do in a combined manner with this trek. For instance, you can do Annapurna Base Camp trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek together. In the same way, you can do Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek together. But one thing needs to be considered while merging itineraries as such, and that is, the resulting journey should be something that the trekker is able to handle. These treks are some of the most beautiful ones.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit trek is probably one of the most popular treks in Nepal. What makes this trek special is the fact that it allows the trekker to explore the entire Annapurna region in one go. It is the longest trek in the Annapurna region, and because of the same reason, the trekkers going for this one get to witness the most number of natural spectacles. It is recommended that before you go for Annapurna Circuit trek, you must get your hands on the Annapurna Circuit Trek map. With the help of a map, you can explore all the important tourist destinations in the region.
Before going for the Annapurna Circuit trek, it is crucial that you consider the Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Having all these questions answered helps you better prepare for the trek. Altogether, the Annapurna Circuit Itinerary consists of 22 days. During the trek, you get to visit places such as Manang, Chame, Dharapani, and so many others. There is also a shorter version of the trek available which can be completed in 13 days. Needless to say that choosing this one will cause you to miss out on a lot of interesting places of tourist attraction, and exciting opportunities.
Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty level is marked as tough for a simple reason that it has all the aspects that make a trekking journey strenuous. From high altitude places and rough terrains to extreme and unstable weather. Also, since the journey is long, the trek is recommended to only the experienced trekkers. During the trek, you will get to cross Thorung La. It is a high altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5416 m. It is one of the most dangerous and difficult to cross passes in Nepal. It’s elements like these that make the journey quite exciting and fun.
Provided that you think that Annapurna Base Camp trek is too easy for you, you could go for Annapurna Circuit trek. You get to experience the Annapurna region in detail, and many more. During the trek, you also get to explore Muktinath temple, which is a pilgrimage site regarded highly by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. When you consider all that you get to explore on this trip, Annapurna Circuit costs appear like nothing. However, depending on the travel agency, Annapurna Circuit costs can range between $2500 and $3500.
Check out: Annapurna Circuit Trek Package
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is a journey that allows you to cover the mysterious land of Upper Mustang. Decades ago, the land existed as a separate kingdom. Its capital was Lo Manthang. What’s unique about this city was that it was surrounded by a wall on all sides. It hasn’t been long that the kingdom became a part of Nepal. Now, it is a part of the Mustang district. Upper Mustang is also known as the land beyond the Himalayas. It is for the reason that you need to cross the Himalayan Range to reach this place. It’s an amazing destination to be at.
The trek lasts for 14 days, and during this time, you get to explore quite a few Mustang Village. Some of these Mustang Village are Chele, Tsarang, Syangboche, and so on. One of the best ways to get to know about these places is to get your hands on the Mustang Nepal Map. Mustang Nepal map will guide you through the region, and allow you to witness the numerous attractions. Upper Mustang is drier in comparison to lower. As you enter the region, you will realize the number of vegetation going down and the land becomes deserted at a rapid rate.
Before going for Upper Mustang Trek, it is recommended that you get your hands on information like the best time to visit Mustang Nepal, about Mustang weather, and Upper Mustang trek cost. All this information helps you better prepare for the journey. The best time to visit Mustang Nepal is between the months of September and November. Provided that you’re not able to make it during that time, you can also visit the region between the months of March and May. In the same way, Mustang weather is something that is quite hard to explain. The entire region is dry and sandy, with the least amount of vegetation. During the day, it’s quite hot, whereas, during the night, it gets quite chilly. In the afternoon, strong winds blow, making it almost impossible for you to walk normally on the streets. Mustang weather is at its best in the said months. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to visit Upper Mustang. No matter the amount that they pay, tourists are generally quite content with the attractions here. Still, Upper Mustang Trek cost can range between $1700 and $3500, depending on the travel agency offering the trekking services.
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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The journey is one of the shortest and sweetest one in Nepal. It also happens to be one of the most popular treks in the country. The three main attractions of the trip are Ghorepani, Ghandruk, and Poon Hill. The first two are ancient villages, whereas the latter one is a viewpoint. These three attractions are also featured in the Annapurna Base Camp trek. So, you could cover them as a part of the base camp trek, or independently. The two other places that you will get to visit during the trek are Tadapani and Nayapul. Both of them are naturally gifted villages.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers you so many attractions and things to explore that you will surely feel that this journey is priceless. Doesn’t matter what you pay for it, when you’re all set and done with the trek, you’ll definitely feel that it was all worth it. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek cost can range between $1200 and $2200 per person. The difference is Ghorepani Poon Hill trek cost is the result of different factors, but mainly the travel agency that offers you the services.
When it comes to the toughness of the journey, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek difficulty level is too low. The trek is merely 4 to 5 days long; it doesn’t take you to an altitude above 3000 m; the weather here, including the Poon Hill weather, is quite pleasant. There is nothing really in this journey that contributes to making it a tough trek. The highest point on the trip is 3210 m, which is the altitude of the viewpoint on the top of Poon Hill. Because of its difficulty level mainly, it is the ideal trek for you if you love solo trekking. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek solo is an activity that is tried not just by the trekkers from abroad but also the ones from different parts of the country.
Considering the fact that Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short trek, you need to make sure that your Poon hill trek packing list needs to be brief. There is no point in taking all that luggage to the trek. A lot of trekkers tend to finish the journey with only as much as a handbag, as there is only a little that you need. The trip is as simple as it can get and so, it is also quite an ideal one for the first time trekkers. If you’ve never tried trekking, and are looking to suit your needs, you should definitely go for this one. All you need to do is manage 4 to 5 days, and you’re all set.
Also, Check-Out: Ghorepani Poon Hill trek package
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley trek takes you to the amazing Nar Phu Valley situated north from the Annapurna Circuit trek route. This trek can be considered as a side trek to Annapurna Circuit trek, and by adding only a couple of days to your itinerary, you can cover the places covered in this journey. You can go for this trek as an independent one as well, but keep in mind that by doing so, you will not be able to explore the entire Annapurna Circuit. Altogether, Nar Phu Valley trek is a 19 days long journey, and during this time, you will cover places such as Koto, Meta, Jagat, and so on. Two of the main attractions of the trek are the villages of Nar and Phu. In order to go from one village to another, you’ll have to cross two passes that also go by the name Nar and Phu. You will also have to cross a tough pass, Kang La, which is situated at an altitude of 5322 m. Solely because of this pass, the trek is sometimes also referred to as Kang La Pass trek. During the trek, you will realize that there is a deep influence of Buddhism in the Nar Phu Valley. You will also find a monastery here that is regarded highly by the locals who live in the region.
Nar Phu Valley trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Annapurna region. Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary allows you to cover some of the most wonderful places here. As mentioned earlier, one of the best things about the Nar Phu Valley trek itinerary is that it can be modified to meet the needs of the tourists who wish to explore the region. Considering all these factors, it can be said that this journey is priceless. However, there is a price associated with it. Nar Phu Valley trek cost can range between $2200 and $3300 per person. The difference in cost can be due to many reasons, but one of the most prominent ones is the travel agency that is offering you the services. So, do proper research and don’t compromise with your budget to book a package. Since the journey is associated with the Annapurna region, you are entitled to some of the most beautiful views of that of the mountains and other spectacles of nature. Now, there have been trekkers who have tried the Nar Phu Valley trek solo and emerged successfully. So, if there is someone who’s willing to do the same, there seems to be an open window. It’s a good trek.
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Tilicho Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek can also be considered as the side trek to Annapurna Circuit trek quite like Nar Phu valley trek. So, as a trekker, you have the option to either go for the entire Annapurna Circuit trek and add a couple of days to it, so that you’re able to explore Tilicho Lake, or you can take it as an independent trek. Keep in mind that if you land up choosing the latter option, you will not be able to explore the entire Annapurna Circuit trek route. Needless to say that the main attraction of the journey is Tilicho Lake. Now, while there are factions of people who believe that Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world, there are others who think that it isn’t. There are lakes in Tibet that are situated in higher altitudes than this one. Without a doubt, the claim that Tilicho Lake is the highest lake in the world is a disputed one. The lake is still one of the highest ones in the world. Tilicho Lake’s elevation is 4910 m. Altogether, the trek lasts for a duration of 16 days, and during this time, you get to visit places such as Thorung Phedi, Yak Kharka, Tilicho Lake Base Camp, and so on. Provided that you have time and energy, you should try this trek.
An interesting trekking journey that takes you beyond Tilicho Lake is Mesokanto Pass trekking. Mesokanto Pass trekking features Mesokanto Pass, which is one of the prominent passes in the Annapurna region. It is situated at an altitude of 5100 m. Now, you can choose to cross the pass and go further, but this will refrain you from covering important attractions of Annapurna Circuit trek like Muktinath and Thorung La. The route to Mesokanto pass trekking opens a shortcut to Jomsom. Depending on your interests, you can choose the ideal trekking option for you. One very crucial thing to consider is that adding the Tilicho Lake section to your original route makes the journey tougher than it already is. For the ones who love adventures and are quite the experts, this is rather an opportunity, but for the rest, this could land up being a punishment. So, before you think of including such side treks to your journey, it is crucial that you give it a thought. Annapurna region is one of the most beautiful regions out there. The best way to explore its gems is to trek. Trekking gives you the chance to explore its beauty to a full extent.
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Mardi Himal Trek
Though it is not official, a lot of times, Mardi Himal Trek is considered as the twin trek of Annapurna Base Camp trek. There are so many similarities between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Mardi Himal Trek Nepal. A lot of times it’s noticed that the trekkers who have trekked on both the routes haven’t found much difference in the experience. Both the treks occur in the same section of the Annapurna region. Their starting point is the same village. From the angle of difficulty and elevation as well, the treks are almost similar. So, if you’re someone who loved trekking on the Annapurna Base Camp trek route, you should definitely try Mardi Himal trek Nepal route as your next venture. Mardi Himal Trek is a 10 days long journey, and during this time, the trekkers get to cover places such as Phedi, Deurali, Sidhing, and so on. The main attraction of the trek is the Upper Viewpoint. Its altitude is 4250 m, and from here, you’re able to enjoy the most amazing sights of peaks in the Annapurna region such as Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Annapurna, Machapuchhre, and so on. There are also other viewpoints you will come across.
One of the things that you need to make sure to have in your possession is a Mardi Himal Trek Map. Mardi Himal Trek map will ensure that you have all the information that you need to know about the Mardi Himal trek Itinerary. It will make you independent, and offer you a whole lot of other benefits. In case you don’t find a separate map for Mardi Himal trek, you could buy a larger Annapurna Base Camp trek map. This map will also offer you enough information and make you capable enough to go on the trek on your own. One of the best things about the Mardi Himal trek itinerary is that it is quite flexible. You can use this feature as an advantage and make the trek further interesting. You could extend your journey by including other treks in the region to your schedule. The two best trekking routes to experiment with are Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Mardi Himal Trek is such an amazing journey. No matter what price you pay, at the end of the journey, you’re sure to be content. Still, Mardi Himal Trek costs between $1200 to $1700 per person. Now, there are so many aspects that impact the Mardi Himal trek cost. Make sure to do proper research about the trek before signing up.
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Annapurna Mountain
With a height of 8091 m, it is the 10th highest mountain in the world. As a matter of fact, Annapurna is a massif with 6 peaks altogether. These peaks are named Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna. The highest one among them is Annapurna I. When it comes to climbing the mountain, generally the climbers mean getting on the highest peak. Now, the trekkers and the climbers tend to use the term, Annapurna Range. Well, Annapurna Range isn’t used to indicating Annapurna massif. It is actually used to indicate the peaks in the Annapurna region. From a distance, it appears as if they’re lined up together. Climbing Annapurna is a popular activity performed around the peak.
The first team to reach the top of the peak was a French Expedition team, which was led by Maurice Herzog. This is one of the many Annapurna Mountain Facts. Yet another Annapurna Mountain Facts is that it is the deadliest mountain in the world. The death rate of 35% gives it that title. It is because of this reason that only the most experienced alpinists are allowed to try climbing Annapurna. Now, despite the fact that there are so many difficulties surrounding it, it is one of the most photogenic mountains. This means that on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can get some amazing Annapurna mountain pictures. The most amazing thing is that the Annapurna Mountain pictures can be clicked from anywhere on the route. You’ll be fascinated.
Why Is Annapurna So Deadly?
The reason why Annapurna is considered so deadly is that it is too technical to climb. The entire route that leads to the top of the mountain is filled with seracs. Also, multiple sections on the peak are made of unstable ice, with huge icicles hanging from the top. At any moment, there is a chance for the climbers to fall, and for the avalanche to occur. Many climbers have fallen prey to these environmental conditions causing the Annapurna death rate to toll really high. One of the other reasons for the high Annapurna Death Rate is the lack of support and guidance available to the climbers willing to scale the peak. In comparison to other more popular peaks like Everest, emergency services by the Sherpas aren’t available. Due to the lack of this feature, Annapurna doesn’t receive as many climbers and is also considered a tough peak to climb.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected area in Nepal. It covers a large part of the hilly and Himalayan regions of Nepal. If there is one thing that Annapurna Conservation Area is known for, it’s the numerous natural spectacles that you get to explore in the region. From tall and shimmering mountains to lush green forests, and many more, tourists absolutely love their stay in and around the Annapurna Conservation Area. Now, there are so many ways that you can opt to explore the area, and the most popular one among them is trekking. You can also travel to many parts of the region on a plane, helicopter, four-wheelers, and bikes. But keep in mind that trekking offers the amount of freedom that no other means does. One of the most crucial elements of the area is the numerous species of animals, birds, and plants that live in the park.
Annapurna Conservation Area is home to around 102 species of mammals and 474 species of birds. There are also numerous species of amphibians and reptiles present in the park. Some of the animals that you might be able to spot here are Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, and so on. The park also consists of around 1200 species of flowering plants. Provided that you visit the area at the right time, you’ll be able to view the flowers from these plants engulfing the entire region. As a trekker, you are benefitted the most as you get to walk through the forests. You will also come across numerous other spectacles like peaks or mini-mountains, glaciers and icefalls, rivers and waterfalls, lakes, and so many more. No matter what section of the area you’re in, you’ll definitely be near one of these spectacles. It’s elements like that that make Annapurna Conservation Area the favorite of the travelers who visit the country.
Annapurna Vs Everest
Annapurna and Everest are the two most popular regions in Nepal, especially when it comes to tourism-related activities like trekking, expedition, and other forms of tours. There are so many things that are common between the two regions, however, there are few that are different as well. No matter the reason why you’re visiting these reasons, there is a guarantee that you’re going to fall in love with them altogether, and adore the time that you have spent. Now, from the perspective of goodness, both of them are such outstanding areas that if there was to be a competition among the two, it would have been tough to decide upon a winner. One of the major elements that make the two regions differ from one another is the main mountains. It’s the mountains that the two regions have been named after. Annapurna region has been named after Mt. Annapurna, and the Everest region has been named after Mt. Everest.
From the perspective of popularity, Everest beats Annapurna. In the field of mountaineering, both peaks are well known, however, to the general public, Everest is a major mountain. A lot of trekkers who come to Nepal, arrive with the purpose of viewing the mountains that Nepal is so fondly known for. Now, it is natural for them to look forward to visiting the Everest region, as the journey takes them close to Everest, and that this mountain is more popular among them than Annapurna. So, naturally, more treks occur in the Everest region that Annapurna, solely because of Mt. Everest. By no means are the treks in the Everest region better than the ones in the Annapurna region. The same thing happens in the context of the expedition as well. Climbers, whether the prospective ones or the professional ones, seem to have a bigger craze of Everest than Annapurna. As a result, more climbers go for Everest Expedition than Annapurna climbing.
If we are to ignore the aspect of the major mountains in the region, well, Annapurna can be considered to be more gifted than Everest. Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a part of the Annapurna region, is the largest protected area in Nepal, and so, it is also believed to be richer than Sagarmatha National Park, which is a part of Everest region. The places in the Annapurna region are more accessible via road than the places in the Everest region. Also, when it comes to the variety in the trekking journeys, there are more options available in the Annapurna than that in Everest. Many tourists, who have trekked in both regions, often believe that the Annapurna region is more beautiful, and so, the treks there are better than that in the Everest region. It depends on the tourist what region they would like to consider for their trip. Needless to say that there are certain aspects in both the regions that make one either superior or inferior to the other one and vice versa. Annapurna vs Everest is a tough struggle.
Himalayan Trails Trekking is one of the best travel and tour operators in Nepal. The company specializes in trekking and expedition, however, if you’re not quite into adventurous activities as such, you could go for luxury tour options such as jungle safari, adventure sports, food and culture tours, helicopter tours, and so on. Their itineraries consist of the most popular and off-the-beat travel destinations in countries like Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. One of the best things about Himalayan Trails Trekking is that they prioritize client satisfaction. They even go up to an extent where they allow the tourists to suggest changes to the itineraries. The modifications are then implied as far as practicable. The company is composed of individuals who have years of experience working in the field. With such travel experts in their team, they are able to offer you the most amazing travel services. If you’re looking for an ideal travel destination for your upcoming holidays, you could contact Himalayan Trails Trekking for free consultation services. Choose them as your travel partner during your visit to these countries, and especially if you want to try these activities. You will absolutely love their services, and that is a guarantee.
