Trekking is the best way to disperse your monotonous daily life. So, the best place to trek is Nepal. Nepal is a paradise for trekkers worldwide, especially those who love exploring nature and want to experience the Himalayan adventure. There are many trekking regions in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc. Everest and Annapurna Base Camp are more popular and commercial treks among these trek destinations. In this blog, we will discuss five reasons to trek at Annapurna Base Camp and what makes it so popular among other treks.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is extraordinary, especially for those who haven’t experienced any kind of trekking so far. If you are a beginner, there is no need to worry as ABC is not extremely hard and is impossible to complete. However, there are some challenges that beginners and even expert trekkers face. So here are five reasons to trek ABC.
5 Reasons For Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Explore Ghandruk Village
If you have ever considered reaching the Annapurna region, visit Ghandruk Village. The primary inhabitants of the Ghandruk village are Gurungs, who have helped serve and preserve the place for so long. Ghandruk village is the prime trekker and tourist hub for those visiting the Annapurna region for the base camp trek. The unique attraction of the Ghandruk Village is the majestic views of the mountains, which are visible from here. You can view Mount Annapurna, Dhaualgiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, etc. Ghandruk village is relatively small, with only 300 people inhabiting it; they are very friendly, welcoming, and willing to teach their culture and tradition.
Cultural Immersion
Another reason to choose the Annapurna Base Camp trek is to immerse in different cultures and traditions. During your ABC trek, you will come across various types of castes like Brahmin, Chettri, Gurungs, Magars, and even Sherpas in the high-altitude. Different castes in this region have their language, culture, social status, and traditions. Each caste also has art, architecture, dance forms, plays and dramas, and festivals that attract visitors. The major festival of the Gurung caste is Tamu Lhosar, which people from other castes also celebrate. Similarly, other castes celebrate their festivals collectively, promoting social harmony and reflecting the diverse Nepali culture. Each caste has its unique traditional attire, which they wear while performing different dances like Gurung Ghatu.
Natural Hot Springs
When you are trekking the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will come across Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is the home of natural hot springs, where you can rest and relax. In this area, natural hot springs are not connected to any heater or currents. This hot spring is naturally hot due to the environment and the flowing river. The natural hot springs are exceptionally natural and safe to submerge in and relax. Many local people believe the hot springs of the Jhinu Danda cure your body of fatigue and take you in a complete state of relaxation. Furthermore, some spiritual experts believe spring water is sacred and can cure skin diseases and bone aching.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the major attractions of the Annapurna region. As the name suggests, the conservation area protects and conserves rare and endangered species. In the Annapurna Sanctuary, the ring of eight mountains is formed in a ring over 7000m. They are Annapurna South (7,273m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454m), and Fang (7,647m), and Machhapuchhare. Annapurna Sanctuary is the home of over 1200 plant species, has 22 forests, and conserves 101 species of mammals, including endangered species like muskie deer, snow leopard, red pandas, Tibetan wolves, argali, etc.
Teahouse trek
In Nepal, the treks are generally teahouse to teahouse, which means you will stay at a teahouse in one village and then trek the entire day to reach the teahouse of another town. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a famous region for the teahouse to teahouse trek, and due to its commercialization, these teahouses are also equally developed. In these teahouses, you will get food and the beds to rest. The rooms are small but comprehensive, and there will be twin beds, which you have to share with other trekkers, especially in the peak seasons of Spring and August.
Hence, these are the five reasons for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. ABC Trek is for everyone, from beginners to trekking experts. There are several attractions you will enjoy in the Annapurna region, and you will meet local people who follow new cultures and traditions that may be new to you.
In this blog, we have provided five essential reasons that might attract you to try the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you have not decided to trek the Annapurna region, then book your trek today, but make sure you book in advance if you plan to hike in the peak season since the trails and teahouses are overcrowded.
FAQs
1. Do you need permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You only need one permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, since you will be trekking through the sanctuary to reach the base camp.
2. How long does it take to hike Annapurna Base Camp?
Annapurna Base Camp is a moderate-duration trek lasting 12 to 15 days. You can add additional treks, like Circuit Trek, to increase the duration of the ABC trek.
3. Which month is best for Annapurna Base Camp?
The best month for Annapurna Base Camp is between April and October. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region; among those seasons, the peak months are October and April.
4. Do I need a guide or porter for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is among the easy to moderate level treks, so you may not necessarily need a guide and porter. Still, they will always help you navigate to your destination and make your trek more accessible and fun.
5. What is the accommodation like on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
During the Annapurna Base Camp climb, guests usually stay in simple, locally owned guesthouses or teahouses that provide basic comforts like beds, blankets, and electricity. These accommodations are typically located in the communities along the path and offer shared dining spaces and restrooms.
