Monday, November 4, 2024 - Sunday, November 17, 2024
Nepal,
International,
Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, also known as Annapurna Sanctuary trek, is one of the premier treks in the Himalaya. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin surrounded by eleven of Nepal's major peaks and is accessed by a deep gorge that carves through this mountain fortress. It is referred to as the Annapurna "Sanctuary" because of the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses - Annapurna (Goddess for nourishment) and Gangapurna (Hindu Goddess of Ganges River Water). At 8,091 m (26,545 ft), Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world and the surrounding mountains are equally daunting and create magnificent panoramas. To reach the base camps of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains, the hiking trail goes through an alpine amphitheater overshadowed by these majestic ice pinnacles. Our adventure will start and end in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, at 1300 m (4,265 ft). Kathmandu is famous for its religious monuments and various temples, monasteries, and stupas that adorn the city's landscape. We will have the opportunity to visit some of these historic landmarks before traveling to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara by van. Enroute to Pokhara we will stop for lunch before reaching our destination of Phewa Lake Pokhara. There we will take a one hour guided wooden boat ride around the lake. We will have views of the mountains and the Tal Barahi temple located in the middle crystal clear lake. We will stay the night in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara, before embarking on our 9-day trek. A 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara takes us through lush subtropical forests and traditional farming villages to the trek starting point in Nayapul. The trek takes us through a wide variety of terrain from lowland pastures and small villages to high mountain glaciers and stunning snow covered peaks. Along the trek we pass through mountain villages where we will enjoy genuine Nepali cuisine and stay in small guest houses, referred to as tea houses. We will intimately experience the Nepali culture and witness the everyday lives of the Nepali people, in the backdrop of the high peaks of the Himalaya. Following in part the traditional route of the Tibetan traders, we will trek for 5 to 7 hours daily, covering an average of 11 km (6.8 mi) per day , passing through terraced fields and bamboo forests, remote villages, and into the heart of the vast mountainous amphitheater of the Annapurna Base Camp. Lodging during the trek will be in simple lodges or tea houses where we will enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine.
