Trek

The Name “Annapurna” came after the Mount. Annapurna, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Annapurna is a series of peaks in the Himalaya, a 55-km-long Massif whose highest point, Annapurna I, stands at 8,091 m (26,538 ft). It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the most famous river, Kali Gandaki and which separates it from the Mount Dhaulagiri. Annapurna is a Sanskrit name which is translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture. The Region, Annapurna is surrounded by many Himalayan ranges which include the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre - the famous fish-tail mountain that dominates the skyline above Pokhara. In addition these areas possess the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge. The Region Annapurna is famous for its trekking. In this region there are three major trekking routes, Jomsom Muktinath, Annapurna Sanctuary which is also called Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. About two-thirds of the trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The area is easily accessible, hotels in the hills are plentiful, and treks here offer good scenery of both high mountains and lowland villages. In this Region there is one project known as ACAP (Annapurna conservation Area Project) ACAP was established in 1986 under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. The project covers the whole Annapurna range, more than 7600 sq km. In an inventive advance to environmental protection, it was declared a "conservation area" instead of a national park. A large number of people live within the protected region.

Annapurna Conservation Area offers varieties of flora and fauna form sub tropical to pine and you will grace by the heart touching blossoming rhododendron on your way. This region is also the home to copious wildlife like pika, blue sheep, snow leopards, tigers and Himalayan thar. Multiplicity of birds including multi –colored Impheyan, koklas and blood pheasants, offer you their natural beauty. In this region you will encounter with the Gurungs and Thakali people whose unique culture and religion makes you surprise. You will experience how friendly and open hearted these people are, and you can get a taste of their lifestyle by staying in their house and knowing their way of living and their culture and tradition.

Lately there have been many reports of problems caused in and around the Annapurna Base Camp trek by Maoist rebels, who took over areas that are a part of the trek. In general, the rebels are not interested in harming tourists, but they charge a "tax" from people who walk the trek. The Nepalese army has reinforced its presence in the area, which might lead to clashes between the parties.

The treks in the Annapurna area are the most popular and famous of Nepal's treks. Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done in about 8 days (depend on your walking pace). The way up to the base camp is also the way back down. The trek is not easy, and the adjustment to high altitudes may be difficult, and altitude sickness is very common. On the other hand, anyone with a reasonable level of physical fitness can walk the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads to a natural amphitheater that is used as the base camp from which climbers start on their way to conquer the Annapurna Mountaintop. The mountain reaches 8091 meters above sea level, and the base camp's altitude is 4130 meters above sea level.

Preparations before the trek:

• Trekking permit

There is no need to issue a trekking permit to go on treks in the Annapurna area as it was in the past.

• Food and water There is no need to take food and water to the trek. Everything can be bought in the restaurants and guest houses along the way. As the trail goes up, so does the water prices increase. Therefore, as long as you are at the beginning of the trek it is worthwhile buying mineral-water bottles. Later on the way it is possible to use water purification tablets.
• Sleeping equipment
  There are many guest houses along the trek (don't expect too much...). Bring a good and warm sleeping bag with you, that will protect you from the cold (there is no heating).
• Equipment
  Map of the trek, big backpack and a rain cover for it, small backpack, sleeping bag, water purification tablets, toilet paper, toiletries, sandals for the shower, towel, flashlight, spare batteries, reading book, first-aid kit, sunglasses, laundry rope, washing powder, sun-screen, fleece coat, rain coat, water proof nylon bag, travel clothes, warm clothes, laundry bag, camera.
• Toilets and showers
  In the beginning of the trek you may find running water, but as you climb, they will become more and more scarce. If you want to take a shower further on the trek, you will have to take a bucket showers (sometimes with hot water).
• Porters
  It is highly recommended to hire a porter (carrier and guide) that will carry your heavy big bag with the equipment, and leave you with the small bag. The porter will also be your guide (no need for an additional guide). It is recommended to hire a porter through an agency to reduce the chance that the porter will disappear with you bag. You can use one porter for two persons, but avoid overloading him. Try to meet with your porter before leaving for the trek to get to know him.

The route

Every walking day starts around 07:00 (your porter will wake you up), stops for lunch around noon and ends at around 14:00 with the arrival to the guest house. An average walking day is about 7 hours.

Summary
The Annapurna Sanctuary is the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking. A classic trek into the heart of the mighty Himal with unsurpassed views - an unbeatable medium length trek.

Trip Description

This trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and for good reason. ABC is surrounded by a cirque of awe-inspiring peaks, including the awesome south face of Annapurna I (8,091m), in a natural amphitheatre which is quite simply mind-blowing.

Our trek starts from Pokhara with a short drive to the road head. We ascend well-trodden trails through terraced farmland and traditional villages. As we climb through ancient oak and rhododendron forest, across sparkling streams and past waterfalls, the world of snow and ice starts to unfold above us. This combination of pretty villages and terraced fields of millet and rice, coupled by the majestic splendour of Machapuchare (6,993m), Annapurna I and Hiunchuli (6,441m) make this an extremely rewarding trek.

Climbing up the Modi Khola valley towards the sanctuary we are teased with views of towering peaks and dizzyingly high rock walls with waterfalls tumbling down into the roar of the river below.

As the gorge widens, we ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) on the lateral moraine of Annapurana South glacier. The steady climb up to ABC reveals the full splendour of this natural amphitheatre. When we reach our destination, we are spoilt with 360??q views of Himalayan peaks.

We walk out along a different route to our approach and enjoy the views of Annapurna I from a different angle. A short diversion up to Poon Hill (3,190m) before leaving the Annapurna Conservation Area offers us a chance to obtain great views of another Himalayan giant - Dhaulagiri (8,167m). The sunrise views from here are legendary.

Upon our return to Pokhara, we relax in our luxurious hotel, well satisfied with our journey into the 'Throne of the Mountain Gods'.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1	Arrive KTM. Check into Marsayangdi Hotel
Day 2	Kathmandu culture tour am. At leisure pm.
Day 3	Flight to Pokhara. Commence trek. Trek to Dhampus (1,650m)
Day 4	Trek to Landruk (1,565m)
Day 5	Descend to Newbridge (1,340m) and then climb to Chromrong (2,170m)
Day 6	Trek to Doban (2,506m)
Day 7	Ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m)
Day 8	Ascend from MBC to ABC (4,130m). Afternoon exploring the Sanctuary
Day 9	Descend to Himalaya Lodge (2,920m)
Day 10	Descend to Chromrong (2,170m)
Day 11	Climb through forest to Bantanti (2,520m)
Day 12	Ascend to Ghorepani (2,750m).
Day 13	Sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,190m). Descend 3000 stone steps to Ulleri
Day 14	Walk to road head and drive back to Pokhara. Check into hotel
Day 15	Fly to Kathamndu
Day 16	Fly Home

Annapurna base camp trek is famous for trekkers. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge fully 12,000 ft. deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region to the west.

In spite of the great heights of the surrounding peaks and ice walls, the valley floor between 12,000 and 14,000 ft. can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate nature trek that starts at Phedi, a short drive of about 45 minutes from Pokhara, which takes you to the foot [Base Camp, 4130m] of Mt. Annapurna, one of the most magnificent peaks in the world. The trail takes you through fascinating traditional villages of Nepal’s ethnic communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali who will greet you very warmly if you cared to stop for a conversation. The hike continues through dense rhododendron forest with towering snowy peaks in the background. The return walk is even more interesting as the trek winds around different ridges towards Ghorepani, where you witness breathtaking views of an early morning sunrise where a red halo seeps through glistening gaps over the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains. The sceneries seen throughout this trek grace the landscape of the Himalayas where imagination defines the beauty of nature as an experience that can never be forgotten.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek will be even more interesting in spring as the whole forest along the trail turns red, pink and white with rhododendron flowers. This wonder trip can be done anytime of the year except during the monsoons.