Enjoy the vibrant rice fields from the nearby Pokhara terraces. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers a panoramic view of more than 10 peaks over 6000m. From Poon Hill, you can witness Mount Dhaulagiri as well as the Kali Gandaki valley. Besides, snow-capped mountains are very impressive.
Visit the fascinating villages of Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin as well as experience the culture and the picturesque landscape. Bathe in natural hot springs while admiring magnificent views of the Machhapuchchhre (fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp is a trek that is well known for its spectacular views, fascinating local cultures, and easy logistics. The Annapurna Himalaya is a vast collection of several peaks over 7,000 m, which give life to the spectacular Annapurna sanctuary.
The main major peaks of the western Himalayas are Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. They are almost all arranged in a circle with, in the center, an amphitheater covered with a deep glacier. During winter, the number of hikers is reduced due to both difficult and dangerous walking due to heavy snowfall. Entering a narrow valley, we pass directly below Machhapuchhare before reaching the sanctuary, which is considered a house for the Gods.
The combination of pretty villages and agricultural land in Ghaundrung, with a panoramic foreground on high peaks, makes this trek as one of the most picturesque in Nepal. It is a moderate trek offering a close view on the mountain and on diverse trekking grounds.
- Before you take on the Annapurna Mountains, it is important to get a registration card, called TIMS (for Trekkers’ Information Management System) and a permit to enter the Annapurna region. If you do not have them, you will quickly be cut off from one of the checkpoints on the way.
- TIMS is a card issued for all treks in Nepal by the Nepalese government.
- The entry permit is specific to the region in which you are going to hike. It is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. It is in fact a question of paying an entry fee to the area visited.
To obtain all these documents, there are of course several possibilities. We chose to do it in Kathmandu, having read that it was cheaper. You have to go to the Nepal Tourism Board which is located in Durbar Margavenue. There is a window for obtaining the TIMS and another for the entry permit. Please note: the Annapurna permit office closes at 3 p.m. It is necessary to plan: 4 identity photos (don’t ask us why), 2000 Rp per person for the TIMS and 2400 Rp per person for the entry permit in the Annapurnas (price in September 2019).
Last Word
If you are in a group or go through an organization, they will take care of it for you. It is also possible to take these steps at Pokhara.
High Himalayan Trekking and Expedition organize routes and hiking programs to Annapurna Base Camp throughout the year and according to the interest of the clients.
