Trekking in Annapurna Area, Nepal Part I
Picturesque Annapurna is Nepal’s largest trekking area, and here are a myriad of hiking trails that can meet every need. The area offers plenty of accommodation and the walks range from just one day to over three weeks.
Hiking in Nepal will probably never be “easy” as we understand it when we walk along Denmark’s flat roads and paths, but the Annapurna region presents the country’s best opportunities to experience the hilly landscape of the Himalayas on foot, even if you are not a super athlete. or in the form of his life. Here you will find the shorter, “easy” routes such as the Poon Hill trek and the very affordable day hikes by Lake Begnas, just as the region is home to the long-standing classic, Annapurna Base Camp.
The area bears its name, which means “Goddess of Autumn”, after the mountain Annapurna I, a true giant in the Himalayas, which with its 8,091 meters interestingly was the first 8,000s ever climbed. It happened on a French expedition as early as 1950, although the mountain is still considered one of the most dangerous to climb.
The Annapurna area is easily accessible from both Kathmandu, whether by car or plane, and the region’s largest city, Pokhara, is extremely popular with travelers. From here, the vast majority of treks start and end, and the city is therefore in a constant buzzing bubble of trekkers eagerly awaiting the beginning of their adventure or enjoying the city’s relaxing scenery after its completion.
Read more about the Annapurna region’s amazing treks below.
Annapurna Base Camp
Practical information:
Difficulty: C (light medium)
Number of days: 11
Elevation (max.): 4,400 m.
See Tourists: Annapurna Base Camp trek
According to thedressexplorer, Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s great trekking classics, and the route has only increased in popularity over the years. The reason is simple: the Annapurna Base Camp trek simply offers absolutely phenomenal mountain views that few trekking tours can compete with.
The trek starts in Naya Pul, approx. 40 km outside Pokhara. For the first few days, the hike goes along winding paths and steps through green fields, cultivated lands and rhododendron forest, with the world’s highest snow-white peaks as a backdrop. Then the route goes to the top of the famous Poon Hill at sunrise, providing some of the Himalayas most beautiful panoramic views from the lower altitudes. There is a full view of Dhaulagiri, which with its 8,167 meters is the world’s 7th highest mountain, the very aesthetic Fiskehalebjerg, Manaslu and of course the Annapurna mountains.
From here, the route continues through more rhododendron forest and into jungle area, where monkeys and other animals swing through the tops of the trees. The trail winds through the gate to the Annapurna Sanctuary, through valleys and bamboo forest and past both waterfalls, cliffs and Macchapucchre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The reward is unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the world’s largest peaks.
On the way back, the trail dives back down through rhododendron forests and villages before the adventure ends in Naya Pul.
Annapurna Rundt
Practical information:
Difficulty: C (light medium)
Number of days: 12
Height (max.): 5,416 m.
The Annapurna Round trek, along with the Everest Base Camp trek, formed the two must-do treks in Nepal for many years. For a long time, the two treks were the only ones travelers to the country showed interest in. However, that changed as more and more trekkers came to Nepal, and the beautiful mountain views on the Annapurna Rundt route were affected by several major road constructions, which cost the trek a bit on popularity and changed the route.
Today, Annapurna Rundt is still among the most popular treks in Nepal and one of the great classics. The trek starts in the small town, Tal. For all nature lovers, it is a unique experience in a few days to ascend through different climate zones: the subtropical lowlands, where rice and millet stand and mushroom in water, the large temperate area, where the flora spans a multitude of plant species, and the dark and moist rhododendron forests, which in the spring explode in a multitude of flowers, eventually reaching the zone where ice and snow reign unabated. The whole route goes through cozy villages and provides great cultural experiences.
The scenic highlight of the trip is the 5,416 meter high and rugged Thorung La pas, which is sometimes a rancid but good and great experience. From here, the path dives down to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and to the famous Thak Khola, where the Thakali people live, before the trek ends in Jomsom.
