15 Aug 2024 Himalaya Trip
Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. Other than Everest Base Camp Trek, ABC is the region where many trekkers and tourists visit Nepal to experience the adventure of their lifetime. This base camp is the major attraction of the Annapurna region, and it takes you on a journey to see some stunning mountain views like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m).
Annapurna Base Camp lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you must issue permits to reach it. This is one of the facts that not many trekkers know before trekking the region specifically. Just like this fact, there are several other facts that you might want to know which will make your trek enjoyable. So, in this blog, we will discuss 9 Facts about Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
General facts about Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp lies at an altitude of 4,130 m from the sea level. It sits at the lap of Mount Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world, at an altitude of 8,091 m. Since you will be trekking above the altitude of 3500m for several days there is a high chance of altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness. While hiking at high altitudes, you will see some stunning mountains in the Annapurna Massif. Some of the mountains in the Annapurna range are Annapurna I, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, etc.
It would be best to climb the altitude gradually during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Keep in mind that you will be climbing on average every day. Hence, it is essential to acclimate now and then to be a customer of the weather and oxygen levels at high altitudes.
1. Location:
Annapurna Base Camp is located in north-central Nepal at the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. If any trekkers want to see the aura of Mount Annapurna from close but don’t want to climb the peak, they can reach Annapurna Base Camp’s location. Different terrains surround the Base Camp, from lush jungles and rocky peaks to snowy mountain peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, etc.
Since the base camp passes through different trails and terrains, the trekkers can experience different environments, visit different trekking attractions, and meet other people. Due to its majestic location and a chance to experience some fantastic adventure, approximately 50,000 trekkers visit the Annapurna region.
2. Scenic Beauty:
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks, mainly because of its scenic beauty. This adventure in the Himalaya takes you to different types of landscapes throughout treks. The trekkers will be traveling through various terrains. Beginning with Pokhara, the trekkers first pass through the lush green forests and vegetation, especially if you are trekking in the ideal season, like Spring or Autumn.
As you climb altitude, you will start trekking with the rhododendron forests or trails, making the surrounding scene look beautiful. At high altitudes, the trek passes through glacial moraines and snowy mountains, which makes the views of the mountains magnificent.
3. Trekking Popularity:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is famous despite being considered one of the most dangerous mountains. The Annapurna Base Camp is closest to Annapurna Peak, which you can get without climbing. Every year, over 50,000 people visit the trekking destination, and each year, the number of trekkers visiting the destination increases significantly. Some trekkers love the majestic trails of the region, while others enjoy the relaxing hot spring bath in Jhinu Danda. During this expedition, you can also combine short trek like Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
The increasing popularity of the ABC trek has also led to changes in the trekking condition. For example, the number of trekkers also directly impacted the environmental issue. Furthermore, the more popular the trekking region gets, the more expensive it becomes. The price of food, hotels, lodges, and teahouses increases as the trekker demand increases in this region.
4. Cultural Experience:
One underrated fact about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is that it is also a cultural trek that the trekkers can experience during their expedition. There is plenty of diversity of people living in the region, and they follow their own culture, traditions, and rituals. In the Annapurna region, the people from Gurung and Magars ethnicities inhabit the place more. Gurung people settle in the higher altitudes, so there are plenty of opportunities for a unique cultural experience.
You can participate in festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, Mage Shankranti, and Yomori Purnima during your ABC trek. You can wear dresses from different cultures, and taste some delicious dishes from other cultures. They also perform different dances essential to their culture and tradition. The Ghatu dance and the Maruni dance are the most famous ones. These dances have been passed down for a long time. It’s incredible to watch them dance and sing their traditional songs.
Darker Facts about ABC Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Although it is popular, the trekkers must be aware of some risks they might face during the expedition. Here are some dark facts about the ABC trek that will keep all the trekkers on their toes.
1. Avalanche Risk:
One of the significant risks during the ABC trek in the Himalayas is the risk of avalanches. This risk is primarily during the off-season, such as the monsoon season or winter season. The winter season starts from December to February, so January and February are the peak winter seasons, during which your trek is affected by continuous and relentless snowfall. The unstable snowpack and heavy snowfall impact the trek by blocking and isolating the roads. During heavy snowfalls, when this snow falls from the mountains, it starts gathering at enormous speed, which turns into avalanches. In Nepal, over 50 people are killed by avalanches, so trekkers have to be careful about it.
2. Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness is another major possibility trekkers can face during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The sickness occurs when the trekkers cannot cope with the high altitude’s climate, surroundings, and oxygen level. During the ABC trek, you will trek for several days, and each day, you will climb some altitude. As you climb over 3000m, the chance of altitude sickness increases even more. The symptoms of Altitude sickness are headache, nausea, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, hallucinations and unconsciousness. If the symptoms of altitude sickness are more severe, then make sure to lower the altitude immediately and get medical help. Here are some of the preventive measures for altitude sickness:
- Adjust to the high elevation by climbing high and sleeping at a lower altitude.
- The ABC trek has long trekking hours at high elevations, increasing the risk of dehydration and altitude sickness. Staying hydrated is essential.
- Alcohol and smoking have worse effects on the body at high altitudes than at lower ones. They dehydrate the body, affect breathing and other body processes, weaken the body, and lead to altitude sickness.
- Be mindful of your body’s limits during high-altitude treks like ABC. Inform your guide about any existing conditions and let them know if you experience even minor symptoms of altitude sickness.
3. Harsh Weather:
Another significant difficulty many trekkers face during their Himalayan journey of the Annapurna region is the harsh weather. In the high altitude of the Annapurna Trek, the weather is dynamic and constantly changing. The weather, especially in the off seasons like winter, makes it one of the most challenging trekking experiences. The constant change of weather from sunny to rainy days to snowstorms will abruptly change the smoothness of the trek. The harsh weather can also impact the health and damage the property of the trekkers, so instead of facing the perspective, it is wise to trek in the ideal trekking conditions.
4. Environmental Impact:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a famous place to visit, but it’s causing problems for the environment and people. Tourism is hurting the area by creating pollution, cutting down trees, and weakening the land. To help, the Nepal Tourism Board and others are working together to improve tourism for the environment. They want to make less trash, recycle more, and keep the plants and animals safe.
5. Past Tragedies:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek can give the feeling of success and a sense of achievement. However, not every trek has become successful as the trekkers with dreams and beliefs also fell flat amid the toughness of the region. In 2014, one of the biggest tragedies was that 40 people lost their lives on the way to Annapurna Circuit Trek after completing the best camp trek. This was one of the biggest tragedies, which is why the news was published, but there are also instances where trekkers lose their lives or get lost and are not even found for several years. Hence, trekking ABC is not a joke; everyone planning this expedition must respect the conditions they will face.
Conclusion
Hence, these 10 facts about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek might make your next trek interesting. The ABC trek is one of the best trekking spots in Nepal, and you will trek through several landscapes. It is also the opportunity to meet people with different cultures and traditions.
Hence, if you haven’t visited the ABC trek or are planning your next visit, we hope our 10 facts will make your trip interesting. Let us know if you find interesting facts about trekking in the Annapurna region.
