Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Know The Tales From The Trails (A Real-Life Story And The Most Beautiful Journey)
As promised, I am here to tell you tales of my father’s Annapurna Base Camp trek. It was late autumn of 2000, and during the Durga Puja vacation, he decided to set in for one of the most internationally acclaimed treks in the Himalayas.
With the highest altitude of 4,130 m, this trekking route was more difficult to conquer 24 years ago. However, the stories he shared and the pictures he took were nothing short of miracles or divine interventions for the believers.
Now, let’s get started with the story. However, along with the story, you will also find a detailed account of what you can expect throughout the journey.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC): Up Close And Personal
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), officially a moderate hiking trail, can give a tough time to even the most seasoned trekkers.
My father was already on the 6th day of his trekking, and he was trekking from Macchapuchhre (Mount Fish Tail) Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. (A detailed itinerary is in the next section.)
The temperature was dropping, and then, in his late thirties, my father suffered a little with breathing. Anyway, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is infamous for the devouring snowstorms.
When my father narrated his encounter and survival in the face of snowstorms, the stories seemed unreal. However, 14 years down the line, this trek route experienced one of the most devastating trekking accidents due to snowstorms. More than 30 people lost their lives in a snowstorm on the Annapurna Circuit in 2014😔.
In The Face Of A Blizzard
Due to his breathing struggles, my father was a little behind his group, and suddenly, a blizzard happened, leaving him separated from others. Due to his prior trekking experience, he knew that he had to keep moving his body. However, he could not walk or trek as there could be false tracks, which are like death traps.
He lost count of time, and kept shaking his body within the stiff passage of two cliffs side by side.
Suddenly, he discovered a rat in the snow that almost looked like a squirrel. Now, my father knew he could definitely trust this little fellow as it would not take false tracks. We were surprised at how rats there could be at such a high altitude.
Trust me! As the blizzard stopped, my father allowed the rat to be his guide. As they moved, my father discovered some fresh footprints in the snow throughout the maze. He was relieved. After one hour or so, my father could see his friends waiting for him in the camps.
Exhausted by the journey and a near-death experience, he had a catharsis there, and he kept crying and sitting on his knees. He was even unable to pick up or carry his backpack.
A local boy helped, and my father was already struggling to breathe then. Then, an Australian passenger came to his rescue with CPR. After a good ten minutes, my father was stable, and he rested a while before starting for the next lap of the trek.
However, he found every bit of this arduous journey worth it when he saw the Sun rising and bathing the Annapurna Mountain with golden rays.
Brief Itinerary Of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Based on the weather conditions, skills, and specific challenges, the Annapurna Base Camp trek can be 8 to 11 days long. It took 8 days for my father to complete the trek from Pokhara.
He reached Pokhara from Kolkata via Siliguri. I can share the details later if you want to know. Today, this journey itself is an amazing experience for bikers.
However, for now, let’s focus on the itinerary from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp.
| Day 1 | You arrive in Pokhara, and my father insists on visiting the Seti Gandaki and Trishuli rivers when you are in Pokhara. For an immersive experience, you can also visit the Tal Barahi Temple, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and other religious places. | |
| Day 2 | • Take a Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. • Start Trekking from Nayapul and reach Ghandruk. | The total elevation of this route is more than 10000 feet. From Pokhara to Nayapul, it is 3,812 feet, and from Nayapul to Ghandruk, it is 6571 feet. ** |
| Day 3 | Trek to Lower Sinuwa from Ghandruk. | The elevation in this route is 7,414 feet. |
| Day 4 | Reach Deurali from Lower Sinuwa. | Here, the elevation is 10,400 feet. |
| Day 5 | Trek to Machhapuchhre or Mount Fish Tail Fish Base Camp from Deurali. | Trek for 12,070 feet. |
| Day 6 | Trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Bamboo. | Here, you will have to cross more than 20000 feet. The Annapurna Base Camp is situated at 13,451 feet altitude, and Bamboo is at 7,582 feet height. |
| Day 7 | Reach Jhinu to Bamboo. | The altitude of Jhinu is 5,659 feet. |
| Day 8 | Trek back to Nayapul from Jhinu Danda and then drive to Pokhara. | The distance from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul is 13.1 kms. From Nayapul to Pokhara, the distance is around 40 kms. |
** To reach Ghandruk from Nayapul, you will have to go via Birethanti. Situated at the Modi Khola and Bhurungdi Khola river confluence, Birethanti has a checkpoint.
You must show your documents and permits at this Annapurna Conservation Area Project checkpoint.
From here, your journey begins on a suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River. It’s just the beginning of your adventure.
The overall Annapurna Base Camp trek cost includes your travel cost to Pokhara (based on the part of the world you are from), the Annapurna Base Camp permit, transportation fare, basic accommodation, food, guide, and porter charges (if applicable).
Why Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek So Popular?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is truly a humbling experience with gigantic mountains around. Annapurna I is the highest mountain here, and you will also meet Annapurna Dakshin and Tharpu Chuli.
As you trek to these mountains, you will be at Ghandruk and many other picturesque villages that also give you an idea of local culture and people. Further, this trekking route is replete with waterfalls and glaciers.
Amidst the snow and rocky surfaces, rhododendron forests and wildlife (especially birds like Himalayan Monal) add a dash of color to the ambiance.
A Vibrant Wildlife Awaits You
It is difficult to imagine vibrant wildlife at such a high altitude. However, you will meet the most vibrant Himalayan pheasants here. For a moment, you can mistake them as peacocks because of their vibrant feathers.
You will also find the Giant honey bees (the largest in the world).
Did you know that a trek to the ABC Base Camp will allow you to meet two endangered species in the world? It is the home to Himalayan Tahr and clouded leopards.
Knowing The Local Culture And People Is A Fascinating Experience
You will meet many communities here practicing Hindu and Buddhist religious beliefs. Living at a high altitude and dealing with the forces of nature have given them a different perspective on life.
The boy who helped my father in the trek was from the Gurung community. These people are hardworking, and they are the quintessence of equality with no caste system in their society.
Other prominent communities here are Tamu and Magar. These people collect honey, raise it, and hunt animals for a living.
Watch The Sunrise And Bathe In Moonlight
The mornings and nights in the Annapurna Mountains offer a surreal experience. Wake up early in the morning. You will see the Sun rising behind the snowy caps and spreading various hues of red in the snow.
At night, you can enjoy the best stargazing experience with the Moonlight bathing the valley. These are spiritual moments, encouraging introspection and finding a path to inner peace.
In addition, you never know how nature will unfold the most amazing things in front of you. In the mountains, especially when you are on the ABC trek route, you will start believing that the universe is about endless possibilities.
Take A Bath In The Hot Water Springs
Jhinu Danda, a prominent ridgetop settlement on the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route, has many natural hot springs nearby.
As you start for Nayapul from Jhinu Danda on your way back, you can take a bath in the springs for rejuvenation. All your fatigue and body aches will get washed in the water.
Many people also consider taking a bath in these hot springs holy.
How Difficult Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The ABC trek route has a moderate difficulty level. However, seasoned trekkers will know this route is filled with crevasses and seracs. The ridges here are sharp, and the trekking passages in most places are like mazes.
Further, there are always risks of heavy snowfall and avalanches. Did you also know that the Annapurna Mountains had one of the highest death rates “amongst Nepali 8000ers?” The Outside says that it has a death rate of 2.99 percent.
Final Words
For me, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is my father’s last expedition. He survived a near-death experience there, but the bounties there, including the mountains, wildlife, glaciers, and people, made him cherish every bit of the journey.
Even the severest frostbite could not deter him from making it to the climax. So, filled with danger, this route will always remain a favorite for trekkers in the Himalayas.
However, prepare well for the journey and work on your physical and mental endurance.
Do you have plans to explore the ABC trek route this season, or have you already been to this heavenly place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQs
The Annapurna base camp trek distance is around 110 kilometers. However, the distance to be covered on foot will depends on the route you take.
On average, you will need 8 to 11 days to complete the ABC trekking. However, weather conditions change here swiftly, and it is always better to stay prepared for a few extra days.
February to May is the most crowded season for the ABC trekking route. However, my father visited the mountains in October. Just after the monsoon, the place was in its full glory with its different flora and fauna.
The temperature in this season is comparatively moderate, with the coldest night registering -4 to 5 degrees Celsius temperature.
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