The Annapurna Base Camp trek (or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as it’s also known) was the
first commercial trekking route in Nepal and outdoor enthusiasts from all over
the world have been flocking to the region for over 50 years to see what it’s
all about. The trek owes its popularity primarily to the incredible Himalayan
views, but its well-marked trails, frequent lodges along the way, a long
trekking season and easy access to trail heads starting just an hour or two away
in Pokhara, has done a lot to bolster its reputation as one of the best places
for trekking in Nepal. If you’re visiting the Annapurna Conversation Area this
trekking season, here are two major highlights not to miss along the trail:
This trek is amongst the easiest trek that takes you
to the heights with no possibility of altitude sickness and lets you enjoy the
close up views of mountains in Annapurna region at its best. Hike to Poon Hill
is the major attraction of this trek. Wake up early in the morning and walk up
to a popular vantage point –Poon Hill to behold the glory of golden sun rise
amidst the towering peaks of Annapurna! That tantalizing moment in a peaceful
environment with the birds chirping is a refreshing moment that will make you
say – Yes! You made a good decision choosing Annapurna Panorama Trek for your
vacation.
This trekking lies in the central part of Nepal.
This is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions for
trekking. It opened for tourism in 1980 and since then the Annapurna region
trekking has been recognized as one of the world's best trekking trails
according to a recent survey by Modern Maturity (USA). The trek takes you
through Rhododendron forests and over the foothills of the Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri mountains. The Annapurna trail provides you with fantastic views of
the following Himalayan peaks Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri (the
spectacular ice pyramid), Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail), including others. During
the trek you will not only experience great trekking but also visit natural hot
springs, see the world's deepest Gorge named the Kali Gandaki gorge, visit the
world's highest altitude lake (Tilicho Lake), see many varying landscapes and
stunning waterfalls.
A hard one to miss, Annapurna Base Camp is the
obvious holy grail of this trek. At 4,130 m, trekkers are surrounded on all
sides by spectacular snow-capped peaks, like the supreme Annapurna I (8,091m)
and its sisters Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III. You will also
have good views of Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Tent Peak and the
iconic Machapuchare, also known as Fishtail Mountain. Our favorite way to
approach the final stages of the ABC trek is to spend the night at Machapuchare
Base Camp, get up early the next morning and trek the last 2-3 hours up to
Annapurna Base Camp in time to watch the sun rise over the Annapurna mountain
range.