Overview
Trek through the breathtaking Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna Ranges, from ancient kingdoms to majestic mountain vistas. Pass glaciers, stay on the banks of pristine rivers, cross mountain pastures, soak in natural hot springs, and come across mule trains transporting supplies to remote villages.
Relax and rejuvenate in quaint mountain teahouses, and meet friendly locals along the way. Spending time in Kathmandu and Pokhara rounds out the adventure by providing insights into Nepali culture and tradition.
About the Hike
As you hike through remote villages, fairy-tale forests, vast moorlands cut by cascading rivers, and the blue-hued peaks of base camp that glow under starlight, you will be struck by the sheer beauty of the diverse Himalayan landscape. An early morning hike to this prime spot will be well worth the effort.
After your trek, relax and unwind in Pokhara by cruising along Phewa Tal (Lake) and gazing up at snow-capped mountains or opt for a relaxing massage to rejuvenate those tired legs. Some of the things you can experience are:
1. Stunning mountain views
Right from Pokhara, the Annapurna Range whets your appetite for mountain views. This is before you even begin your journey. You can see Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from Ghandruk. Opinions of various peaks of the Annapurna massif and Machapuchare accompany you to Sinuwa. Machapuchare’s tip taints you at Dovan. Machapuchare appears in all its glory as you emerge from the forest, past Himalaya and Deurali.
Beauty of the Destination
The Nepalese revere Machapuchare, or “fish-tailed mountain,” for its exquisite beauty. It is thought to be one of Lord Shiva’s residences. It’s never been officially climbed! In addition to Machapuchare, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli can be seen from the Machapuchare base camp. The Annapurna Base Camp is a small group of lodges directly across from the Annapurna Glacier. The Annapurna massif can be seen from the glacier’s edge. When you look at them, you will see Annapurna I, III, and South, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare.
2. Trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area’s forests
The path winds through a variety of vegetation. You are surrounded by rhododendron, fern, and bamboo as you trek from Ghandruk to Chomrung. The forest becomes dense once you cross Sinuwa to enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. Tall oak trees take center stage here. The dense forests give way to tall grass as you ascend towards Deurali. Daphne trees with thick bark can be found in this area. Locals use this to make paper.
These trees are also common in the Sandakphu area. There are patches of grass among the boulders. This section of the trail is also lined with flowering plants. The trail is divided into three sections that wind through a dense forest where sunlight barely penetrates.
How to start
The first begins immediately after the villages surrounding Chomrung and continues to New Bridge. The Modi Khola roars past right next to you on the trail from Sinuwa. However, the surrounding trees are so dense that you can’t see the river. After Bamboo, the third stretch continues to Dovan.
The beauty of this trek is that you get to walk through these forests twice! The trek takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which spans 7,629 square kilometers. There are 1,226 flowering plant species, 102 mammals, 474 birds, 33 reptiles, and 22 amphibians here. You might see an exotic bird or even a marmot if you’re lucky.
3. A Look at Nepali Culture
This is a traditional tea house trek. You stay in small lodges that typically sleep 20–25 people. Locals manage these. People also come from all over Nepal to work here during the tourist season. Interacting with tea house staff, guides, and porters on the trail will provide you with insight into their way of life. Communication is not difficult because the majority of people speak English. Tea houses serve food prepared in the Nepalese style. You’ll notice that a lot of it is similar to Indian cuisine.
Nearby Places
Ghandruk is the most populous village in this region. As you begin your journey, you will pass through several small villages, each populated by fewer than a hundred people. Locals frequently use this trail to get to their homes and fields. As a result, you’re likely to encounter villagers until you reach Sinuwa, where the Annapurna Sanctuary begins. Banana plantations and paddy fields can be found just outside the villages.
4. A melting pot of daring souls
The ABC Trek draws mountain enthusiasts from all over the world. Expect to hear a variety of languages on the trail in October, when the views are known to be spectacular. Tea houses become convenient meeting places for strangers from all over the world to discuss and exchange ideas. This kind of variety is only found on a few treks.
