Trek to Annapurna base camp reviews. New Year's trekking ❄ To the base Annapurna. ABC Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Description and preparation
Our route is thought out to the smallest detail and includes literally all the most interesting things that can be found in these places (and even more :). At the same time, we care about your comfort and safety. Judge for yourself:
Watch the sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp- fully enjoy the grandiose views for which you went on this hike.
See the coolest sunrises at Poon Hill and Tatopani, and, if the group wishes, also at ABC. Sunsets: from the Peace Stupa over Pokhara and Poon Hill.
Ride on boats on Lake Phewa, soak in the healing thermal springs of Ginu Danda, visit the sacred cave of Hunku.
Visit not only the capital of Nepal with the main attractions(Temple of the Monkeys, or Swayambudnath, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Kumari Ghar), but also check out the Kathmandu valley.There are more than 130 monuments of history, architecture and religion,and the entire valley is included in the heritage of mankind by UNESCO. There is something to see here :).
Why are we the best?
- We have the most affordable prices with a 100% guarantee of the trip and the quality of the conduct.
We meet you at the airport and help you get a visa (as well as other documents, of course). We settle only in personally verified comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
We choose loggias from which the most picturesque panoramas of the Himalayas open. We will enjoy the best views with a cup of tea or coffee directly from the terraces. Can you imagine the views at sunset and sunrise?
We do not drive our tourists at a frantic pace, we are always waiting for those who are lagging behind and we are not in a hurry at all - this track is for everyone and is designed accordingly. In addition, we will have a porter, which will significantly lighten the backpacks!
Start: Kathmandu airport. The ending: to Kathmandu
How to pass the track to the foot of Annapurna with us
It's very simple, you only need to follow 4 steps:
- fill out the application right on this page, we will contact you and tell you which tickets are suitable for you for this trip to Nepal;
- buy an air ticket and send us a copy of it to confirm participation in trekking;
- collect everything from the list of necessary things;
- meet our guide at Kathmandu airport
If you have any questions - call the numbers listed on the site, our consultants will be happy to answer.
Trek to Annapurna base camp
You can pay for trekking directly to the instructor after the meeting in Nepal. Payment in US dollars. Additional costs on the track:
- Meals - $25-30 per day (from $350)
- Transfers - 70-80$
- Porter - from $200 + tip (optional; you can take 1 porter for 2-3 tourists)
- Hotel in Kathmandu - $30 for 1 night (2 nights)
- Hotel in Pokhara - 15-20$
- Visa - 50$
- Excursion program in Kathmandu - $30 (optional)
The total amount of additional expenses will be ~$560. If you take a personal porter, add another $200 + obligatory tip. It is good to grab more money for restaurants, cafes, souvenirs for family and friends. If you do not have enough of any of the equipment, you can buy it right on the track - it is very cheap here.
And now let's calculate the total cost of your trip to Nepal:
- Tour payment - 650$
- Additional costs - $560
- Air ticket to Kathmandu - from $500
So, to get to Annapurna Base Camp, you will need about 1800$.
Documents in Nepal
A visa is required to hike to the foot of Annapurna. It is issued directly at Tribhuvan Airport upon arrival. It is issued in electronic terminals or at airport employees in a few minutes. To do this, you only need a passport with a blank page. Photos or other documents are not required.
Important!Before the trip, you must definitely take out travel insurance and send a copy or photo of it to the manager.
Weather on the Annapurna trek in winter
January in Nepal is characterized by stable and clear weather. On this track, almost all days are spent in the rainforest belt. During the day, a comfortable temperature is kept + 14-18C. It is cool at night and in the morning, at an altitude of 3000m there is frost, from 3500m there is already a concrete frost (up to -10 ... 12C). But in the lodges it is much warmer, and a sleeping bag for -5 comfort should be enough.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Trek
In the capital, we will live in a Nepalaya hotel, which is located in the tourist area of Thamel. It is equipped with a good kitchen, the rooms are clean and comfortable, there is internet.
During trekking we will spend the night in lodges. This is a cross between a hotel and a mountain shelter. The lodges have shared toilets and dining rooms. We will be settled in 2-3-bed rooms. Shower - for an additional fee. Lodge accommodation is included in the program price.
Meals on the Annapurna Trek
We will have breakfast and dinner at the lodges. It offers a wide selection of varied dishes, often adapted to the tastes of tourists. There are meat and vegetarian menu options, they cook tasty and satisfying. For food, depending on appetite and personal preferences, it takes $ 25-30 per day.
In Nepal, it is strictly forbidden to drink water from the tap or from springs - this can cause serious health problems. So be prepared to buy bottled (Drink Save Water). At the height you need a lot, so you will need to buy tea in the lodges on the track.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Kathmandu - Nayapul - Ulleri - Ghorepani - Sunrise on Poon Hill (3200 m)– Dawn at Tadapani – Chomrong – Dowang – Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) – – MBC – Jinu Danda Springs – Excursions in Pokhara – Kathmandu Valley
Day 1. Kathmandu
We meet with the instructor at the airport and go to rest in our hotel. The amazing and peculiar capital at first will cause a shock from the number of people, cars, bicycles. It seems as if we are plunging into complete chaos. It takes a little time to adapt and see the true beauty and originality of this huge city. We will stop for the night in the Thamel area - the tourist center of the city, with hostels, souvenir shops, travel agencies and shops with equipment for trekking and climbing. In the evening we will go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Day 2. Transfer to the Himalayas and start the trek to the base camp of Annapurna
We have a long and very extreme redeployment ahead of us. deep into Nepal . The roads of this mountainous country often wind in serpentines over difficult terrain. From the window we will see how Nepal lives b tsy in villages and small towns. Let's take a quick look at Pokhara, a close acquaintance with which we have yet to. Here we sit on custom jeeps that will bring us almost to Ulleri, from whereall the main routes in the Annapurna reserve start. Here we will start our track and we. We register TIMS - and permits and hit the road. The first steps are already impressive: stone steps lead to the realm of the real tropics, the jungle closes overhead, flowers are fragrant and marvelous birds chirp. The forest is full of life and colors, and bright rice plantations are spread around the villages. Here in such a magnificent entourage we come to Ulleri, where we settle in the most picturesque lodge and rest after a long journey.
Trekking: 3 km. Climb: 200m.
Day 3. Gorepani and rhododendron forest
We continue to climb. Our trek to Annapurna Base Camp passes through the world's largest rhododendron forest. Here it is not shrubby, as in the Carpathians or the Caucasus. Rhododendron reaches the size of real trees. When they bloom, the sight becomes truly delightful: as if clouds of all shades of pink and lilac have descended on the slopes .... We arrive at the small village of Gorepani (2860 m). From here you can see Dgaulahiri (8167 m) and Nilgiri South (6839 m).
We'll be there after lunch. If you have the strength and desire, you can take a walk to the observation deck above the village and admire the play of the setting sun on the faces of the eight-thousanders. Tomorrow dawn awaits us at the same place, but can there be too much beauty?!
Trekking: 8 km. Climb: 900 m
Day 4. Sunrise on Poon Hill - Tadapani
We wake up at 5 am and, taking headlamps, we begin the night climb to Poon Hill. Climbing to a height of 3200 meters will take 30-40 minutes. Here, at the top of Poon Hill, we will meet a stunning dawn. We will remember it for a lifetime: the Annapurna and Dgaulahiri mountain ranges in the first rays of the sun, and velvet dusk still reigns in the deep mountain valleys ... We return to the lodge, have breakfast and continue the trek to the Annapurna base camp.
The paved path again leads through dense thickets of tree-like rhododendrons and cozy Nepalese settlements, immersed in exotic vegetation. We walk along the rivers and terraces on the slopes of the mountains, where the Nepalese traditionally grow rice. In the evening we arrive at Tadapani village (2630 m). It offers a beautiful view of Mount Machapuchare (6998 m), in Nepalese "Fish Tail". It got its name because of the two peaks, which, when viewed from the west, form a figure resembling the tail of a fish. At dawn, the sharp corners of Machapuchare, Annapurna and Khinchuli are ablaze with a fiery flower under the first rays of the sun. The spectacle is truly magnificent! And you don't have to go anywhere - you can see everything right from the veranda. We choose the most panoramic loggia and relax after the track :).
Trekking: 10 km. 1000m. ↓1100m.
Day 5. Another sunrise over the Himalayas - Chomrong
A great start to the day is guaranteed: a cup of coffee, sunrise over the most beautiful eight-thousanders of the planet…But the trek to the base camp of Annapurna continues - now it crosses a deep gorge. The path leading down is very steep. Fortunately, the rise is more gentle;). We will be in Chomrong by lunch time, we will have time to have a good rest and recharge our batteries. We'll need it tomorrow.
Trekkig: 8 km (half day). 300m. ↓1000m.
Day 6. Dowang
Alas, it's time to test yourself for strength - there will be the most difficult transition in the entire track to the Annapurna base camp. We descend to the Chomrong Khola river. Steep steps lead down, of which there are 2114 pieces! Any gym will hide :). But we are in the Himalayas, where everything simply does not happen. We cross the river through the bridge and again gain height. On the way we will see whole flocks of wild monkeys, moreover, two species. Our goal is a lodge in the village of Dovang, dinner and a warm bed.
Travel: 10 km. 750m. ↓ 350m.
Day 7. Through the Modi-Khola valley to BMC
Today we walk along the Modi-Khola River, which takes its source from the Annapurna South Glacier. Soon we will go to the Khunku cave - this is a small rocky canopy, where, according to legend, the holy hermit lived. For the night we stop at BMC - base camp Machapuchare. You need to go quickly - everywhere there are signs warning of avalanche danger. But the transition is very picturesque and easy. We are surrounded by steep slopes of mountains, we have to lift our heads to see the sky. In the evening we traditionally take a walk to one of the nearest spurs of Machapuchare and admire the moraine of its glacier.
Trekking: 9 km.1200m.
Day 8. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, Annapurna Base Camp, 4130 m)
All this time, gradually gaining altitude, we went through the acclimatization training necessary for the ascent. After all, the height of ABC inspires respect.
To enjoy dawn in Annapurna base we leave early. There is a slight frost - we warm ourselves well. We leave our things at the lodge, we will go to the base camp of Annapurna radially and lightly. The ascent to ABC is smooth, without steep climbs. Our route runs between the peaks of Annapurna and each of them is beautiful. We try to capture in memory the stunning view of the formidable eight-thousander, admire the glaciers and listen to the distant roar of avalanches and rockfalls. We have reached the final goal of our track! We descend to the Machapuchare camp, where we have lunch, and then we drop the height to the village of Bambu. A well-deserved rest and excursion awaits!
Trekking: 17 km. 400m. ↓1400m
Day 9. In warmth, to hot springs
We observe how the nature around is filled with life. We become happier too. The descent is not difficult, we go to the village of Djinu Danda (Jinu Danda, 1780 m). A 20-minute walk from the village in the Modi-Khola river valley there are hot thermal springs. There are two swimming pools here. In the downstream water temperature reaches 40 degrees! It will be pleasant to plunge into these "baths" after the icy highlands and the daytime transition. On this triumphant note, the active part of the trek to Annapurna base camp ends.
Day 10. Pokhara, Lake Phewa (Phewa)
We go down through the villages, in which neither civilization nor the influence of tourism is felt at all. In 2018, a grandiose suspension bridge of epic proportions was built over the river, which makes it very easy to get to the village where jeeps are waiting for us. By lunchtime we will reach Pokhara and check into a good hotel.
Then we go on an exciting boat ride on Lake Phewa, from the boats we enjoy a picturesque view of the Great Himalayan Range with its eight-thousandth peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu. On the hill is the Stupa of Peace - a Buddhist temple, where we will meet a wonderful sunset over the panorama of the city and the Himalayas.
Day 11 Kathmandu
Moving to the Nepalese capital by custom transport will take half a day. We check into a hotel, have a rest and still have time to go to one or two temples. In the evening we go to the local market. After all, Kathmandu is a paradise for lovers of souvenirs. Be careful: if you decide to make an expensive purchase, be sure to compare prices / quality for similar items in several places.
Day 12. Inspection of the Kathmandu Valley
In the morning we go south - to Patan (Lalitpur), where we will have a historical excursion. The second most populated city in the country forms a conglomerate with the capital. The official name, Lalitpur, means "city of beauty". And it's hard to argue with that. Patan has an unimaginable number of attractions. We will visit the Royal Square (Durbar), where the Royal Palace, pagodas and temples are located. Then we will go to a large Hindu temple complex - Pashupatinath. From here it is not far to the Buddhist stupa Boudhanath (Bouddanath, Boddinath) and the temple complex of the same name.
Day 13. The capital of Nepal, flight home
Today the trek to Annapurna base camp ends. We do not waste time before departure and set off to explore the sights of the capital. We will visit Swayambhunath, or the Monkey Temple, a Buddhist temple center with one of the oldest stupas in the world. Swayambhunath lies on the outskirts, moreover, on a hill, and from here unforgettable views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu valley open up. For the last time, let's take a look at the mountains that we recently conquered. In the city center in the palace of Kumari Ghar we can see a living Hindu deity - Kumari (Kumari Devi).
The trip to Nepal has come to an end and the planes are waiting for us home. It will be a little sad, but vivid memories, strong impressions and wonderful photos will be a worthy consolation away from these marvelous mountains. Or maybe we will meet again on the Himalayan trails? :)
Note: Above the route of the hike there are tabs "Information" and "Equipment", where you will find information on additional costs, required documents and a list of equipment for this hike. Be sure to check it out!
A selection of the most useful maps of Annapurna. Useful for preparing for and independently. As well as advice on convenient navigation on the track and a separate map of the Tilicho Lake area.
If you decide to go trekking in Nepal on your own and at the same time you have no experience with GPS, then I can advise you an Android application - Osmand (Maps and Navigation). A very handy thing and a lot of features in the free version and a huge plus - works Offline without internet connection. In principle, if you install Osmand and download a map of Nepal (downloaded in the application interface), then you can do without a map, all trails and points are already marked. I use Osmand + of course I take a paper map with me, firstly, something can always happen with the phone, and secondly, this application has one small drawback - not all peaks are marked, then a regular map helps out. It also helps a lot when orienting in Kathmandu.
You can buy cards in Kathmandu in Thamel. And also in Pokhara, Lukla, Namche Bazaar. The choice is large, the cost of cards is 200 - 400 rupees (this is $ 2-4)
A selection of maps for trek planning in the Annapurna area.
1. Annapurna track map. Nepa Maps, 1:150000.
2. Map of Annapurna. Shangrila Maps, 1:125,000 . Original map for download
4. Map of the area of Lake Tilicho of the Annapurna massif, includes a section of the Jomsom-Tilicho trail through the Mesokanto La pass.
Day 1. Group meeting
to Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you need to apply for a Nepalese visa for 30 days (this is with a margin).
At the exit from the airport, the group is met by an employee of the Nepalese office with a bright yellow "Himalayan Guide" sign.
After checking into the hotel, in the evening - a general gathering of the group and an introductory briefing from the guide-leader.
Day 2 . Kathmandu
- Naya Pool
- Tiketunga (1960m).
Early in the morning - transfer by comfortable minibus
from Kathmandu to the starting point, to the village of Naya Pul. The Kathmandu valley is
at an altitude of more than 1,000 m and the road
to Annapurna begins with a descent
down a dizzying serpentine, with stunning views
on terraced fields scattered
along steep slopes.
There are stops along the way
toilet, rest and snacks.
A minibus arrives at Naya Pool in the afternoon. Hiking from Naya Pool
in Tiketungu, to a cozy family guesthouse, it will take about 4 hours.
Before dinner, it is good to take a hot shower and relax a bit.
Day 3-10.
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp
(ABC, Annapurna Base Camp, 4 130m).
Trekking is walking
in picturesque places
with little or no load. Hiking time
5 to 8 hours a day.
Trekking is the most popular outdoor activity in Nepal. About tracking
in Nepal, read these helpful tips.
During nine days of trekking, the group will climb the high-rise of Poon Hill, visit the picturesque village of Chomrong, climb up the Modi-Khola river valley to the heart of the Annapurna massif - the climbing base camp Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4,130 m)
and relax in the hot springs
in Gina.
The path passes along a hiking trail, through picturesque Nepalese villages, crossing turbulent tributaries, past impressive waterfalls.
and snow-capped peaks. The culmination of the route is a huge amphitheater
from the Himalayan peaks of Hiunchuli
(6441 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Fang (7647 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Machapuchhre
(6,993 m).
1st day of trekking.
- Uleri (1960m)
- Gorepani (2 860m)
Altitude gain per day - 900 m.
Walk only 4-5 hours. The first part of the path is an ascent
on stone steps. This warm-up will last 40-50 minutes.
Then - a simple and beautiful transition among oaks and rhododendrons. Terraced fields are visible all around - an impressive illustration of the diligence and patience of the Nepalese.
Along the way, you will meet a wonderful waterfall, in the pool of which you can have a pleasant swim in the spring. From the last village to Gorepani, an hour and a half walk. At the end of a small but fairly smooth climb. In the upper part of the village of Gorepani, the group is waiting for a checkpoint for checking documents.
2nd day of trekking.
Climbing
- Poon Hill (3 210m), crossing
- Gorepani (2 860m)
- Tadapani (2 630m)
Early rise at 04-30 and exit at 05-00. Climbing will take
about an hour. Return back to the guesthouse around eight in the morning.
Poon Hill offers an amazing mountain panorama from Dhaulagiri to Machapuchhre (6,993 m). Machapuchhre is famous for its recognizable profile, similar to the tail of a fish, and for the fact that at one time the King of Nepal forbade climbing by special decree.
One of the few peaks on the planet that remained untouched... The Annapurna South Peak (7219 m) is also clearly visible. After Gorepani (2 860m) way
lies down - the height drop to Tadapani (2 630m) will be 230 m. The transition takes about five hours.
The road starts right behind The Sunny Hotel (a good landmark is the basketball court). The trail goes up slowly at first, then becomes a little steeper. A protracted and rather difficult one-hour climb will end with the Durali pass (3,180m). Immediately after the village of the same name, the path will continue with a steep ornate descent. First, the descent will go along the ridge, then the path will fall into the gorge. It can be very slippery here after rain. In the spring, at this crossing, despite
to a small height, you can meet grazing yaks.
From the last village there is an hour and a half walk. Before Tadapani there is a small but steep ascent for about thirty minutes. Accommodation in the guesthouse "Fishtail" with good young hosts, not greedy and very cheerful.
3rd day of trekking.
- Tadapani (2 630m)
- Chomrong (2 170m)
After breakfast, about 5-6 hours walking to Chomrong village.
The trail will start with a rather steep two-hour descent and
to a large terrace with a magnificent view. The good location of the Mountain Discovery loggia provides a constant influx of guests - here you can relax, have a bite and enjoy the great view!
After a grueling descent to the river, from the bridge over Kimrong Khola, the road leads up again. Then a simple transition for 2 hours, alternating traverses and climbs. Chomrong village is one and a half to two hours away.
4th day of trekking.
- Chomrong (2 170m)
- Sinua (2 330m)
- Bambuu (2335m)
Chomrong spread over the slopes
in all three dimensions.
After spending the night in the loggia at its highest point, a leisurely descent begins down the exotic streets. Chomrong is considered the largest settlement in the Annapurna nature reserve. And prosperous - this can be seen from the abundance of good houses and guesthouses for tourists.
The descent ends at the river, crossing which begins a long ascent to the village of Sinua (2330 m). After it, the trail becomes easier and there will be no such drops in the relief ahead.
Along the way, there are several picturesque waterfalls and thickets of wild bamboo. With a high probability you can meet a herd of wild monkeys. Then the path again "falls" to the river, along a man-made stone staircase - to the village of Bambuu (2335 m).
5th day of trekking.
- Bambuu (2335m)
- Himalaya (2 920m)
base camp
- Machapuchhre
(MBC, 3 700m)
At this altitude, it is fresh in the morning and at times already cool.
Exit to the trail - after breakfast, early in the morning. The landscape around is changing noticeably, the slopes of the mountains are getting closer, and the scale of the relief is sharper... Starting from this day, it is safe to drink water from mountain streams, as they flow from the glacier. And unfriendly bacteria do not live at such a height. The path slowly rises up gradually leads to another world. The forest gives way to shrubs, and soon disappears altogether. The river, so formidable below, turns into a peaceful, wide-flowing stream. At some point, the trail levels off and winds along the river for several kilometers,
along a flat valley, sandwiched between steep slopes.
Small buildings can be seen ahead - this is the base camp of Machhapuchhre (Machhapuchhre Base Camp, 3,700 m).
Machhapuchhre peak itself (6993 m) rises majestically on the right.
Machapuchhre base camp - overnight stay. Today is an early bedtime, because tomorrow we have to leave for the Annapurna base camp long before sunrise. For dinner, as a rule, a motley international of trackers gathers. This evening, everyone is overwhelmed with restrained excitement before the upcoming ascent to a height of 4,130 meters - to the Annapurna base camp ...
6th day of trekking.
base camp
- Machapuchhre
(MBC, 3 700m)
base camp
- Annaprunes (ABC, 4 130m)
- Himalaya (2 920m)
- Bambuu (2335m)
Rise at four o'clock in the morning.
After a cup of hot tea - a leisurely transition up
in the dark, with headlamps. The trail is quite gentle, but at night it is often covered with light snow or stuck in ice. Annapurna Base Camp is at least two hours away. As a rule, the group arrives at the top in ten to twenty minutes
before dawn...
This sunrise will be remembered for a lifetime! Around - a panorama of the Himalayas.
Hiunchuli (6441 m),
Annapurna South (7219 m),
Fang (7647 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna III (7555 m),
Machapuchhre (6,993 m).
The base camp itself is located on
the bottom of a giant circus surrounded by majestic slopes of cosmic dimensions.
The bed of an ancient glacier is impressive, plowed through a huge trench of moraine, the dimensions of which are measured in hundreds of meters. Next to the cliff
from the wall of the moraine there is a small memorial dedicated to the Soviet climber Anatoly Bukreev.
After descent to Machapuchhre base camp and a hearty breakfast, start the return journey.
With surprising ease, they rush past the places of previous overnight stays! Bambuu village - a place for dinner and overnight.
7th day of trekking.
- Bambuu (2335m)
- Chomrong (2 170m)
- Gina (1 780m)
After an early breakfast, the transition
to the village of Sinua flies unnoticed. Ahead is a panorama of Chomrong spreading along the slope. Its winding streets no longer seem overwhelming. In the legs, fatigue is felt, but at the same time - an unusual elasticity and ease of gait.
After resting on the observation deck of Chomrong, the group descends,
to the village of Jin. A pleasant surprise awaits there - a rest at the thermal spring. What could be better than relaxing in a hot pool on the banks of a mountain river overlooking the snow-capped peaks - just a hot dinner and healthy sleep.
8th day of trekking.
- Gina (1,780 m)
- Ghandruk
Moving to Pokhara
Early rise and breakfast.
A vigorous transition to Ghandruk will take about three hours.
On a suspension bridge, the trail crosses the Kimrong Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. Under the bridge lies a huge piece of rock, squeezed into a stone gap...
An SUV or regular bus will deliver the group to Naya Pula. Then - transfer to Pokhara on another regular bus. After arrival, check-in and a short rest at the hotel, a friendly dinner of real Nepalese trekkers.
The group became a team.
26 Mar
Geography
Annapurna is a mass of peaks in central Nepal in the southern spur of the main Himalayan range. Between the valleys of the rivers Kali Gandaki and Modi Khola they form a mountain bastion headed by Annapurna Main (8091 m.). The main peaks of the massif are Annapurna II (7937 m.), Annapurna III (7555 m.), Annapurna IV (7525 m.), Gangapurna (7455 m.), Annapurna South (7219 m.). They have nothing to do with the main eight-thousander, they got their names only for their proximity to it. The most mysterious in this company is Machapuchkhre (6993 m.). "Macha" from Nepalese is translated as a fish, "puchhare" - a tail. English-speaking tourists call it Fishtail, because when viewed from below, the silhouette of the peak resembles a fish tail. The locals consider this mountain to be the sacred incarnation of Lord Shiva. Not having reached only 50 m to the goal, the British climbers vowed never to return here again. After the only unsuccessful attempt to storm the summit, it was forever closed for climbing.
Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world and the first eight-thousander to be climbed. Unlike Everest and other mountains over 8000 m high, until 1950 no one even tried to climb Annapurna. And in 1950, the task of the French was to reach the top of Dhaulagiri. However, from the Gorepani pass (French Pass) "White Mountain" looked too intimidating, and Maurice Herzog, the leader of the expedition, decided to look for approaches to another eight-thousander - Annapurna. The expedition is considered a success. On June 3, 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached their goal by climbing to the summit from the north. Annapurna surrendered, but at what cost! From the assault camp, the climbers, "lightening up" as much as possible, left in ordinary non-insulated boots. This was a big miscalculation. At the top, having taken a photo and putting the camera in a backpack, Maurice dropped his gloves, which were immediately picked up and carried away by the wind. Both climbers lost all their toes, and Erzog also lost almost all of his fingers. The expedition doctor had to perform the operation in the field and without anesthesia.
The heroic ascent of the French climbers was the beginning of the era of storming the world's eight-thousanders. In the next seven years, 11 of the 14 highest peaks fell. Annapurna stood in splendid isolation for another 20 years. And only in 1970, a team of English athletes led by Chris Bonington climbed this giant along the southern wall. And again for the first time. No one had dared to climb the wall routes in the Himalayas before. This is how the southern base camp appeared, trekking to which is very popular in Nepal these days.
Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp. For dedicated password: ABC
If people go to Everest in order to touch something from the “very-most” category, then a trip to the Annapurna Base Camp cannot be considered an end in itself. The endless world of the Himalayas, the mysticism of Buddhism and the esotericism of Nepal cannot be comprehended in a lifetime. When you go to this country for the first time, having read the guidebooks, you usually want to “embrace the immensity”. A hike to ABC is ideal for exploring the mysterious kingdom. From the loggia to the loggia, among the fragrant nature, simple paths are laid: no passes, no traverses, the climb is smooth, the highest point is 4100 m. The track can be diversified (lengthened), partially combined with other routes, or can be made as short and interesting as possible. Only from Chomrong the segment of the path will be unchanged. And you will go to this settlement following the flight of your imagination: pick up a pencil and draw a track of your journey, depending on the time you have.
Stupa of Peace and Lake of Harmony
The town of Pokhara is the holy of holies of all trekkers. Most of the popular Nepalese routes start and end here. Half of the tourists visiting this city come here to take a trip to Annapurna. Spend a day here. The beauty of Lake Phewa is worth it. Take a boat to get out to its middle. Machpuchhre and Annapurna are reflected in the clear water, village houses are scattered along the steep green banks, the barking of dogs is heard, on a small island there is a Hindu temple.
On the south side of the lake, on a picturesque hill, rises the Buddhist Peace Stupa. This symbol of the unity of peoples of different religions and faiths was erected under the guidance of the Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii. There are 4 Buddha statues in the temple, brought from China, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam. More than 80 such stupas have been built around the world.
Climb Mount Sarangkot, from where the rising currents carry the colorful domes of paragliders in different directions. On the horizon - the ridge of the Himalayan peaks, below - the mirror surface of the water, and around - serenity and complete harmony.
Start of trekking
The journey will not be bright and complete without ethnographic excursions. To do this, the classic route to the ABC is usually combined with the Jomsom Trek, part of which passes through small, to the bone Nepalese villages. Everything here is real: architecture, people, way of life. In the village of Ghandruk, little reminds of the presence of civilization. The houses are made of wild stone. On the roofs - Himalayan slate, which is mined somewhere nearby. Walk the streets, look into the dwellings. Centuries-old decoration design, outlandish utensils, atmosphere - everything is real exotic.
The start of any Nepalese trekking is the moment when your boot touches the path, and the thought arises in your head that around you is the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen. The path will begin behind the village of Fedi with a “stairway to heaven” - a very steep climb up the stone steps. It will not be superfluous to mention here that the inhabitants of the first villages through which you pass are Brahmins, people of the Chhetri caste. You can't enter their homes without asking permission. You can't even step outside the fence.
Gurung villages will go further. These people are much more friendly and easier to communicate with. Just like all Buddhists do. Soon the roads will end completely, and the paths will become the only link between the villages and the outside world. Nepalese children go to school on them, locals carry goods, and tourists head to the Annapurna Base Camp. Along the Modi Khola River, climbing higher and higher, we will actually come to its source. Stunning landscapes fuel the idea that things couldn't get any better, but the next day's surprises belie everything. The trail either dives down into the gorge, then climbs steeply up the slope, then gets lost in the labyrinths of green terraces with rice fields. From each hill - a panorama of the Himalayan foothills: in a foggy haze, stretching into the endless distance, mountain slopes. You can watch for hours without stopping. The main thing is not to lose track of time from all this beauty.
Nepalese "straight" and "traffic jams" on the paths
Never take literally the phrase that sounds from the lips of the Nepalese: "It's not far, 2 kilometers in a straight line." To complete the picture, they will smile affably, but will wave their hand somewhere towards the horizon. The above will mean that lunch is not soon. Another hour and a half over rough terrain with loss and climb. The concept of "straight" in these places does not exist. You are just in Nepal. Know that they go down to the bottom of the gorge only to cross the river, and then again inexorably up.
A little about crossings. The path is replete with suspension bridges and footbridges. Crossing such structures is a whole adventure. They swing over mountain streams at such a height that it takes your breath away. Bridges are used not only by people, but also by cattle. Some of them were built specifically to reduce the number of traffic jams on narrow paths. (Having met a donkey or a yak hung with luggage on the way, never stay on the edge of the path. These hard workers do not feel the dimensions and can push you down with a slight movement of their powerful body.)
Thermal waters
Thermal springs are a nice bonus of the track. In the village of Jinu, convenient swimming pools are equipped on the banks of the river. There are a lot of tourists here during the high season, so it is better to relax in the waters of the source after sunset. With a flashlight we go down to the river and under the starry sky, in a romantic setting, indulge in complete bliss. After hot procedures, you must definitely plunge into the cold river. Firstly, it is in Russian, and secondly, it is good for health. And again, the "stairway to heaven" just behind Gina Danda. The 400-meter climb is almost vertical. Throwing your head back and peering into the distance for a long time, it is impossible to see where the stone steps end.
Stone steps -uncountable - an infinite number.
On the way to Chomrong, stop by Taglung, a hilltop place with authentic mountain tea shops. At Chomrong, all paths leading to ABC converge. This is the local "district center". Pretty prosperous Gurung village. The village has a large selection of guesthouses, local pizza is famous throughout the Himalayas, so tourists calculate the route in such a way as to stay here for the night. Still, it must be said separately that most of the trails on the way to the Machapuchhre Base Camp (the route to ABC passes through the Machapuchhare Base Camp) are giant stairs lined with stones with an uncountable number of steps. In general, uncountable is a very specific figure in the local sense. It describes almost everything that is in Nepal: the number of Gods (there are 3 million of them or something like that), festivals, temples, stupas, places of power, the number of monkeys near the temples, the number of yaks, etc. Beyond Chomrong, the stone steps will run into the thousands. Down - joyfully and cheerfully, up - with the hope that then down again.
Going on trekking in Nepal, carefully read the descriptions or question the guides. Knowing that the steps are finite will give you much strength.
Country of mountains, forests and waterfalls.
The route passes through the territory of the Annapurna National Park, created in 1986. A rare opportunity to visit all natural zones of altitudinal zonality in 5-6 days. It is hard to imagine how in such a small country, the territory of which is almost completely occupied by mountains, there can be tropics, subtropics, alpine meadows, and glaciers. The largest forest of rhododendrons in the world grows in the park. It's the forest. In the Caucasus, rhododendron is a shrub. And in a tropical climate, it grows to impenetrable wilds. In spring, the mountain slopes are covered in purple and pink flowers. Leaving far below the rice fields of the foothills, through the thickets of bamboo and banana palms, the path will lead us to the valley of the subtropical jungle. The world here is full of exotic flowers, colorful birds, magical smells and sounds. Overhead are arcades of lianas, trees are entwined with orchids, and ferns are underfoot. Among the dense branches, curious and impudent faces of small Langur monkeys flicker. Going on a journey in the morning, it seems that the most beautiful was yesterday, and today only a slight hangover from what he saw. But the closer to ABC, the more everything around looks like a picture from Japanese watercolors: the rocks are covered with red rhododendron flowers, and among the rocks there are waterfalls. Big ones, smaller ones, very small ones. They break down in a noisy stream, flow down the slope in sparkling threads, simply murmur along the washed hollows in many streams. Consciousness is not able to overcome so many impressions. The recent jungle and monkeys seem far in the past, and for the past hour you have been admiring the splashes of water sparkling in the sun.
Behind the Himalaya village, the forest will end. A deep gorge with dense jungle and bamboo thickets, separating Machapuchhre and Annapurna, will be replaced by a gentle valley between steep slopes. In the village of Doban, be sure to ask the locals to show the figure of Buddha on a naturally formed rock. People see what they want or what they believe, so this miracle does not open to the tourist eye. This is the last big village before the finish line. Behind Doban, look into the Hinku Cave. Rather, it is a grotto. Once upon a time there lived a holy elder. They say that the energy of the place rolls over. On the way to Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) the trail will cross water streams, pass through avalanche tracks and landslides. MBC is a few one-story buildings, an "assault camp" in front of the final goal of the campaign. From here you will discover: Khinchuli (6441 m.), Annapurna I (8091 m.), Annapurna III (7555 m.), Gangapurna (7454 m.), Machapuchkhre (6997 m.).
"Sanctuary of the Goddess"
Early in the morning, when it is still dark, a luminous snake of lanterns will mark the path to ABC. Annapurna Base Camp is a flat area, bordered by low cliffs, and in front is a huge circus. Around 360o - the most beautiful mountain panorama on the planet: Machapuchhre (6993 m.), Mardi Himal (553 m.), Tent Peak (5500 m.), Hiun Chuli (6441 m.), Corrugated Peak (6390 m.), Bharha Chuli (7647m.), Rock Noir (7485m.), Tare Kang (7069m.), Singu Chuli (6501m.), Gangapurna (7454m.), Gandarba Chuli (6248m.), Annapurna peaks. With cameras at the ready, we will wait for the moment when dawn will decorate the tops of the mountains. Solar streams will pour from the heavens, emphasizing the details of the relief, the contrast of snowy slopes, rocky ledges and the bottomless blue sky. The circus will sparkle with all colors, and the Sanctuary of the "Goddess of Fertility" will open before us. And somewhere high at the peaks, the wind raises the snow "flags". The sound of avalanches is heard. This magical mystery can be observed endlessly. The majesty of the wild nature is disarming. Her beauty penetrates to the very heart. Sanctuary Trek (“Annapurna Sanctuary”) or Base Camp Trek (Track to Annapurna Base Camp) ends here, and climbers just start their route from here. A little higher than the base camp is a monument to the famous climber Anatoly Bukreev, who died in an avalanche on the slopes of this mountain. It is made in the form of a Buddhist chorten. The locals call it “Russian Stupa”. A monument was erected to Anatoly's girlfriend Linda Wylie. On the tablet are the words once spoken by Bukreev: "Mountains are not a stadium where I satisfy my ambitions, they are temples where I practice my religion."
In other words, it is impossible to convey the beauty, purity and grandeur of this place.
Natalia Dorozhkina, Travelers' Club “Wind of Freedom”.
