Overview

Nestled within the north-central region of Nepal, lies a great massif consisting of six prominent peaks, colloquially known as Annapurna Mountain Range. Annapurna, a name with Sanskrit origins meaning – “bountiful harvest”, and it’s name-sake: Annapurna Massif boasts a great diversity of plants, animals, and cultures- providing credence to the name. Lies within the massive massifs, a trekking route – The Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This route offers the most beautiful scenic route which encompasses villages, scenic beauty, and the true protagonist- the mountain ranges.

The massifs stretch for more than 55 km, which include:1 peak over 8,000m, 13 peaks over 7,000m and 16 peaks over 6,000m. The range has Kali Gandaki Canyon to its west, which separates the Annapurna Massifs from the Dhaulagiri Massifs – as its neighbor on the west and Marshyangdi River on the north and east. Pokhara Valley, which lies to the south of the massif, is considered a mecca for anyone wishing to visit the majestic mountain ranges and more often than not, is the starting point for any short or long trek into the mountain range.

All routes originating from the city of Pokhara, have the necessary sign-posts and runs between small villages; significantly decreasing the chances of being lost even if one is traveling alone. Some of these villages are predominantly tourist-oriented with lots of restaurants and lodges.

The entire range and its surrounding area are protected within the 7,629-sq km Annapurna Conservation Area. The conservation boasts a variety of flora and fauna which includes: 518 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 23 species of amphibians and 348 species of butterflies. Furthermore, the conservation area constitutes of i) Annapurna I (Main) (8091m), ii) Annapurna II (7937m), iii) Annapurna III (7555m), iv) Annapurna IV (7525m), v) Annapurna South (7219m) and vi) Gangapurna (7455m). Amongst these, Annapurna I (Main), is considered to be one of the world’s most treacherous mountains to climb. Primarily the south face of the mountain, which boasts a solid rock wall of more than 3,000m in height – making it one of the most difficult climbs in the world.

The mountain was first scaled on June 3,1950, by a French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog. This set a record, as a peak of more than 8,000m had never been scaled in its initial attempt. Since then, there have been 191 successful ascents of Annapurna I Main, along with 61 climbing fatalities. The range boasts a 1:3.1 fatality-to-summit ratio. In layman’s terms, there is only a 32% chance of a successful ascent to the peak. The ratio is the highest among mountain ranges over 8,000m. Despite being a formidable mountain massif, if one is prepared and takes preventive measures, it is a great place to experience nature in all its beauty and peril.

Itinerary

Day 01:
Arrive in Kathmandu with an overnight in a Hotel
Day 02:
Drive to Pokhara in a Tourist Bus, with an overnight at a hotel. (Roughly 7 hours journey)
Day 03:
Drive to Nayapul and then trek to Tikhedunga (4 hrs), overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 04:
Trek to Ghorepani - 5 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 05:
Trek to Ghorepani - 5 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 06:
Trek to Chomrong - 5 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 07:
Trek to Himalaya Hotel - 6 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 08:
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp - 7 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 09:
Trek to Bamboo - 6 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 10:
Trek to Jhinu - 5 hours. Overnight in a Guesthouse.
Day 11:
Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara - 5.5 hours. Go on a guided tour of Fewa Lake and the Barahi Temple. Overnight in a Hotel.
Day 12:
Drive back to Kathmandu in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours. Overnight in a Hotel.
Day 13:
Shuttle to the International Airport for departure.