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Places to Visit in 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 About Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

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