Annapurna Base Camp

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 “ Annapurna, to which we had gone empty-handed, was a treasure on which we should live the rest of our days. With this realization we turn the page: a new life begins.”  (From the classic ‘ANNAPURNA’ by Maurice Herzog, who was the leader of French expedition team, achieved the first successful summit of 8000 meter peak with Louis Lachenal on 3rd June 1950.)

Phewa lake, Pokhara.
The skyline of Ghandruk village enhanced by Annapurna south (left) and Hiunchuli (right).

Encompassed by towering peaks including the 10th  highest giant of the world Annapurna – I (8091m), Annapurna Base Camp (south) is the trezzz kkers wonder-spot in central Nepal. 

The trek route followed through fertile lowland, picturesque hamlets, verdant vegetation along deep gorge of the Modi Khola river, dense mixed forests and breathtaking panorama. The main trail to ABC (south) is combination of gradual ascent and moderate descent, connected to ‘Round Annapurna trek’ route as well. 

Machhapuchare (Fishtail peak) appeared in sight on the way to Chhomrong.
The stair-path led through terraced cultivation approaching to Sinuwa.

The entire Annapurna Sanctuary area about 7200 square-kilometer is enriched by immense biodiversity and comprises the sublime landscape. ABC (south) is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal after the remarkable Everest Base Camp.

view of Anapurna
Marching route from Deorali to Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC).
Annapurna South range from the way heading to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

Trek itinerary

Driving route:- Pokhara (840m) to Birethanti (1050m ) [41 kms / 1.5 hrs]

Day 1:- Birethanti – Seuli bazaar – Ghandruk (1975m) [6 hrs]

Day 2:- Ghandruk – Kymrong – Chhomrong (2160m) [6 hrs]

Day 3: Chhomrong – Sinuwa – Dovan – Hinko – Deorali (3150m) [8 hrs]

Day 4:- Deorali – Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC) – Annapurna Base Camp (ABC –   4145m) [5 hrs]

Day 5:- ABC – MBC – Hinko – Sinuwa (2275m) [6 hrs]

Day 6:- Sinuwa- Chhomrong – Jhinu – Landruk (1680m) [6 hrs]

Day 7:- Landruk – Tolka – Pothana – Dhampus – Phedi (1120m) [7 hrs]

Annapurna South forms the magnificent backdrop of ABC visible in distance
Rays of sinking sun on the north wall of Machhapuchare from ABC.

Driving route:- Phedi to  Pokhara [ 19 km / 45 min ]

(Transportation for driving route :- Public bus / shared jeep / Cabs / reserved car)

From ABC, Annapurna – I is hued by first light of the day.
:- Radiant Annapurna South from ABC.
The view point of ABC.

Trekking Permit:- A ‘TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card’ and a ‘ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit’ for an individual are required to trek in Annapurna sanctuary. A trekker needs to show the permits at few checkpoints on the trail. The permits can be collected from ACAP office, Pokhara (10 AM – 4 PM daily).

South face of Annapurna – I from the view point of ABC.
Annapurna – III from the trail between ABC and MBC.
On the way from Chhomrong to Jhinu.

Accommodation :-  Basic hotels / teahouses at mentioned places along the trail offer food and lodging facility.

Guide / Porter :- Guide is not compulsory as the trekking route is well marked and defined. Porter can be hired from local agency in Pokhara.

Crossing the Modi Khola river near Jhinu.
An octogenarian of Landruk village.
Passing by the forest trail toward Tolka village.

Best season :- Annapurna Base Camp (South) is accessible throughout the year. April – mid May and October – mid November considered most favorable span to trek this region.

Exchange :- INR 1 = 1.6 NPR

Near Pothana, the child is carried by his mother as she hikes to ABC.
Prosperous Dhampus village at foothill of the course.

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