- 9D/8N
- Pokhara
- 9D/8N
- Pokhara
About the Annapurna:
The host to not one, not two but six massive peaks of the Himalayas – The Annapurna Massif lies in the northern region of Nepal and Annapurna Base Camp trek is a stunning opportunity to relish the giant. While the peaks themselves stretch over 55km, the Annapurna base camp trek brings you within breath-taking distance of the 7,000m high ranges after a trek of few days from Pokhara. Few mountains can boast of the raw beauty that the base camp of Annapurna possesses! It brings you through oak, pine, rhododendron and merrily dancing rice fields to a silvery carpet of snow and capricious slopes of lush valleys. Annapurna range satiates your thirst for adventure with the unending peaks of the mountains right from Pokhara and before the start of the trek itself, you will be able to gain the picturesque beauty of all the mountain peaks. When you reach Ghandruk, the distinct views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and other peaks will be possibly seen.
Machapuchare, an important peak in the range is also known as the fish-tailed mountain and protected highly and tourists arrive here in plenty for its exquisite beauty. Natives believe that it is an abode of Lord Shiva. From the base camp of Machapuchare, one can capture the views of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Moreover, the Annapurna Base Camp is considered to hold a small cluster of lodges that offer the mystical sights of the Annapurna Glacier situated on the opposite side alongside the towering glaciers called Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare.
On Annapurna Base Camp trek, you have a wide range of landscapes to be covered and the tricky, long trails that go through the variety of forests filled with rhododendron, fern and bamboo trees. After Sinuwa, while you enter Annapurna Sanctuary, nature becomes dense with seamless forests and greenery. There, oak trees become dominant. The forests coming your way until you reach the Machapuchare Base Camp will have tall grass and tall trees along with some flowering ones as well to make your trails filled with happy smiles.
About the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
The trail that progresses towards the Annapurna Base Camp is bedecked with scenery and sights of every kind imaginable. Steady and gradual climbs through its dense forests and fertile terrace fields bring us to be amazed by the majestic and upright peaks of the Annapurna Mountains. Nayapul, Ghandruk, Sinuwa, Deurali and the base camp are the spots you will stay overnight during the trek.
Traversing the scenic vistas, over course of nine days you will be engaging yourselves trekking through carpeted ridges and ravines to arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp (3700m) and finally towards the destination of this epic journey, Annapurna Base Camp, and then back to Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights:
- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp is classified as a classic tea house trekking expedition since you will be staying in lodges that can accommodate around 25 people and are run by locals.
- This trek is a great opportunity to interact with the local people and know the Buddhist culture prevailing in the villages and taste the local dishes.
- Since the trekking happens around a vast area of Annapurna Conservation Area, you will be able to spot much rare flora and fauna as it is home to 1226 species of plants, 102 mammals, 474 birds, 22 amphibians and so on.
- This is a trek attempted by hundreds of foreigners as well as natives and when it is October, the views become outstanding and the roads will be filled with so many people from all over the world. Experience diversities gets unified by this amazing trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather Conditions:
Most routes leading to the base camp have little danger by the snow cover but you must be cautious in the spring. At the lower elevations, spring brings joy with multiple flowers but at the top, it will be filled with snow. It is a great time to do trekking during the months of the spring season. Also, since it is located at a great height, weather conditions are really fluctuating but autumn season experience quite a steady weather. Hence it is considered to be the most suitable time to do trekking.
At Pokhara, the day temperature will be between 15°C to20°C in October. Night temperatures will be 0 to 5°C. It will fall to 0°C at Machapuchare Basecamp and Annapurna Base camp. Snow cover will not be there to hinder you in October but if you choose April, then you will likely witness snow near to Machapuchare Base Camp and near ABC.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a moderate difficulty as it is located at an elevation of 4,130m above sea level with a total trek distance of 115 KM. Which makes up to 10-20 KM per day but it is still very much attainable. If you have never done a high altitude trek then you must prepare beforehand by watching your diet, exercise. If you have done trekking but not as high as this one then you should work on your determination because it would be more difficult than other treks. And if you are a regular trekker then this should not be as challenging for you as it could be.
Annapurna Base Camp Weather:
Spring: Starting from March to May, spring season has a slightly warmer temperature ranging from 17 °C to 20 °C. But it is still the best time to trek after Autumn as the forests come to life with blooming flowers and green trees. The air is filled with the fragrance of the flowers and the clear sky gives an uninterrupted view of mountains.
Summer: Starting from June to August, the summer season is also known as the rainy season with daily temperature from 18 °C to 25 °C. It is also known as ‘off-season’ as the rain leads to landslides in the lower region and avalanches in the higher reason making it very less preferable season. Though you can still trek in the season if you would have prepared accordingly. Having muddy and slippery routes with unclear sky you will find lesser crowd.
Autumn: September to November is the best season to plan a trek. The temperature starts from 15 °C to 17 °C with rain or snowfall. As the sky will be clear, sunrise and sunsets could be seen perfectly. Though you will find the trail very crowded but the trek is worth doing.
Winter: Starting from December and lasting till February, winter days have temperature from 9 °C to 12 °C, whereas the temperature at night could fall down till -15 °C to -20 °C with foggy morning and unclear sky. Although lower regions are dry but upper regions are covered with a thick layer of snow which requires crampons to hike upon and winter clothes are a must.
Quick Facts:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Duration: 9D/8N
Annapurna Base Camp Temperature: Day: 15°C to 20 °C and Night: 0°C to 5°C
Annapurna Base Camp Altitude: 13,550 ft
Meal Types: Veg Meals
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Starting and Ending Point: The trek starts and ends at Pokhara.
ATM: Pokhara
Visit Old Bazaar
Highlights: Shop for some fruits vegetables, fruits, spices and stunning wares made of brass, copper and bronze. You can also view some temples and shrines which is likely to make Old Bazaar worth a visit.
Best months to visit: October to March.
Price: Entry Free
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Tibetan Refugee Camp
Highlights: You can also enjoy some cultural fests which are held in the Pokhara street during 28th Dec to 1st Jan.
Best time to visit: January and February as it is the time of Tibetan New year.
Prices: Entry Free
Temple of Tal Varahi
Highlights: Surrounding lake adds a lot of grace to this most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara. Built in the 18th century it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation. The temple has been comprehensively renovated over the years and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Prices: Entry is free.
Location: 10 minutes drive from Pokhara, located on an island in the middle of phew lake, it can be reached by a boat from Varahi ghat.
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Visit Rupa Tal Lake
Location: It lies towards the south-east of Pokhara valley. The freshwater lake in Nepal is Rupa Tal which is also the third largest lake in Pokhara valley.
Highlights: It provides boating opportunity for all the tourists which makes Rupa Tal an important Nepal tourist place to visit.
Prices: Entry is free.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Visit Begnas Tal Lake
Since it is visited comparatively less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing human population is forcing conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.
Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake. Not far from the maddening crowd but extremely clean and quiet.
Highlights: Boating, fishing and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.
Price: Entry is free.
Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.
Best time to visit: October
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Visit Sarangkot
Highlights: The scenic beauty of the place is what makes the village an obvious pick for most of the tourists. It is also an important location for most of the paragliders.
Prices: Free.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Best time to visit: October
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Pokhara Shanti Stupa
Highlights: This trek allows you to have a full view of Phewa Lake and some of the most gigantic mountains too.
Best time to visit: September to November.
Difficulty Level: Easy, even the children can do this trek.
Prices: Entry is free.
You may also like: Once in a Lifetime Experience of Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal 2019
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Visit Phewa Lake
The second largest lake in the country, it is extremely famous for the natural beauty, the Barahi Temple which is based on an island in the lake, and the mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre in its waters.
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International Mountain Museum
Highlights: You can check out the records of several mountaineers like Mr Herzog. It is however one of the must visit place when you are in Pokhara.
Price: Rs 250
Best time to visit: October.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
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Visit Barahi Temple
You can absorb in beautiful scenery which will make you feel that Nepal has a lot to offer. Just soak yourself in the extreme quietness of the place. You can hire your own boat and reach this temple too.
Best time to visit: February, October, November and December.
Location: It is located in Pokhara , Pincode - 33700.
Price: Rs 510.
Difficulty Level: Easy
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Gurkha Memorial Museum
Highlights: You can also view the service Khukri which is the traditional Gurkha knife used during the war times and the museum is only open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Price: Rs 100-200 and an extra of Rs20 for the camera.
Best time to visit: October is the best month to visit the place.
Location: Pokhara Nepal.
Visit Bindhyabasini Temple
Highlights: It is one of the foremost Shaktipiths of western Nepal and all the rituals are strictly followed as per the Hindu culture. If you are lucky enough you can get a chance to witness a nice Nepalese wedding.
Location: Pokhara-Baglung Highway.
Price: Entry is free.
Best months to visit: October
Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
Amidst the regular hustle and bustle of the city, it is a good place to spend some peaceful time. If you planning to visit this place it will be advisable for you to carry a torch along as it is usually dark.
Highlights: The Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave is a combination of Devi’s fall in the upstream and the cave in the downstream, one has to climb down the metal stairs to have a real look. Although it is a bit scary but its definitely worth a watch.
Price: Rs.50 to Rs.100.
Location: Chhorepatan. Pokhara.
Visit Seti Gandaki
Highlights: You can enjoy the scenic view of the village of Jhijirka where you will also find a small guest house under construction. The Seti Gandaki joins the Trisuli river which will give you an opportunity for hiking.
Location: It is 5 hours from Kathmandu by tourist bus.
Best time to visit – September to December and February to June.
Prices: If you are planning to raft to this place, ideally you will be charged 3180 per person.
Visit Devi's Fall
Prices: Rs 30.
Difficulty Level: High, reaching the fall is however tough.
Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit.
Annapurna Butterfly Museum
Highlights: Don’t forget to see Corman Birdming which is the largest butterfly of Nepal.
Prices: Entry is free.
Best time to visit: Post monsoon is the best time.
Location: Prithvi Narayan Campus at Bagartole.
Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery
Highlights: A specialized form of chanting by the monks which allows them to produce multiple pitches.
Prices: Entry is free.
Best time to visit: October.
Location:
Visit Mahendra Cave
Highlights: You cn also visit the Bat Cave which lies on a ten minutes walking distance from this cave and is also an important tourist attraction.
Location: Kaski district close to river Seti in Pokhara.
Best time to visit: Avoid visiting this cave during monsoons, however it will be best if it could be done during October.
Prices: Free of cost
Trek To Ghorepani Hill
Highlights: The trek usually takes 2-5 days, depending on the tour you decide to go with. The energizing fresh mountains and the enthralling natural beauty of dramatic Annapurna range will cast an impression on your mind.
The leisurely trip will also involve a cultural exchange, giving travellers the opportunity to meet and greet people from Nepali. The trek usually begins from Poon Hill and provides you with a chance to discover the Lake City of Pokhara.
Location: Poon Hill.
Things to keep in mind: For this trek, don’t forget to take trekking boots and hiking socks with you. The temperatures can drop sometimes and therefore, carry a fleece jacket, with a wind-protector is an ideal option.
