24 Nov 2024 Himalaya Trip
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It is as commercialized as the Everest Base Camp Trek and as popular as the Annapurna Circuit Trek in this region. There are many unique attractions and popular stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which the trekkers and travelers can enjoy.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is excellent throughout the region. You can trek through different terrains, from lower barren wildlands, lush jungles, rocky ridges, and glacial moraines to snowy mountains. Although the ABC trek is beautiful, it is also moderately challenging, so trekkers must prepare for it. So, let’s get into some of the popular stops the trekkers can make and explore during their trek.
Popular Stops for the ABC Trek
There are a few significant stops for exploring during your ABC trek. Knowing these steps will help you explore the Annapurna region in more detail. So, here are some favorable stops you can explore in detail and enjoy your trek to ABC trek.
Poon Hill
One of the most underrated places to explore or stop during your ABC Trek is the Ghorepani Poon Hill. It might be the most popular vantage point in Nepal. From there, you can see the entirety of the Annapurna region, Pokhara, and the Fewa Lake. Poon Hill is at an elevation of 3,210m from where the trekkers can see the panoramic views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, etc.
Trekkers on the ABC trek often make a memorable trip to Poon Hill to see the mountains light up with vibrant colors at sunrise. To get there, they start their hike early in the morning before dawn, walking through rhododendron forests from Ghorepani. Trek to Poon Hill will provide the trekkers with the reason for trekking the region. The trek to Poon Hill is the perfect mix of physical challenge, fantastic view, and overall perfect trekking experience for beginners.
Pokhara
Pokhara is another major stop the trekkers will make during their ABC trek. It is the gateway to the Annapurna region and is the central tourist hub in Nepal. Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, and it has a lot of tourism potential. There are several places for trekkers to explore in Pokhara, like Fewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Falls, etc.
Pokhara has a pleasant climate and a peaceful atmosphere. The natural attractions of Pokhara are mesmerizing for trekkers, including caves, lakes, and waterfalls on different terrains. Known as the “city of lakes,” it is a main attraction on the ABC trek because it offers many activities for visitors. Whether starting or finishing your trek, the city has something for everyone. You can go boating on Phewa Lake, visit Davis Falls, relax at Begnas Lake, or watch the sunrise at Sarangkot.
Ghandruk
Ghandruk is another fantastic and popular stop where trekkers can enjoy the view of mountains and valleys. Another significant advantage of reaching Ghandruk is meeting the Gurung people and immersing themselves in their culture and traditions. It is at an elevation of 1,940 meters and is located inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. Ghandruk originated from the Nepali word “Ghana,” which means big, and “Rukh,” which means trees. The name makes sense since the place is in the middle of the Annapurna Conservation Area, covered with trees.
Trekkers can stop in Ghandruk for several purposes, such as to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. They can also visit different places, such as the Gurung Museum, enjoy the cultural heritage, and get a glimpse of breathtaking mountain views. Ghandruk is also a popular place for paragliding, as is Meshrom Baraha Temple, which trekkers can find along the trail.
Ulleri
Ulleri is another trekking hub at 2,020 meters (6,627 feet). Despite being small, it is among the most beautiful villages where trekkers can have lunch or stay in the teahouse at night. Ulleri is mainly famous for its iconic Magar statue, particular stone stairs, and 3000 steps. Despite being a small village, the people of Ulleri are still very welcoming and respect the culture of the visitors, which is why they also expect you to respect their culture and tradition.
Machhapuchhre Base Camp
The government of Nepal does not allow Climbing Mount Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain. However, many trekkers still visit the base of this untouched mountain. It remains unclimbed because locals view it as a sacred peak. At 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) high, this spot is a highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
The view from Fishtail Mountain is stunning as it shows the unique shape of the mountains. You can see spectacular mountains from the base camp, like the Annapurna and Gangarpurna ranges, and the sight of Annapurna I.
Annapurna Base Camp
The final and last stop for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Even before the start of the trek, the trekkers are excited to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, and throughout their journey, they stop at lots of stops before reaching their destination. The base camp is also the highest elevation of the trek, at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet).
The major attractions of the ABC trek are the stunning mountain views and the sense of accomplishment. As you start gaining elevation, the temperature decreases, and the air becomes more relaxed. When you finally reach the base camp, you see a beautiful circle of mountains, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli.
Significant Attractions for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You can stop for lunch and rest at a few popular stops. However, there are also a few prominent places and attractions that trekkers would like to explore and enjoy. These places of attraction can be villages or settlements and simple places to explore and rejuvenate.
Chhomrong
Chhomrong is a beautiful but friendly village in the Annapurna region of Nepal. After leaving Pokhara, it is a thriving settlement at an elevation of 2170m. Like Ghandruk, Chomrong is a prevalent Gurung community for its welcoming hospitality and unique culture. It also has several teahouses, which makes it perfect for acclimatization.
Fewa Lake
Another major attraction that the trekkers can enjoy during their Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the infamous Fewa Lake. When trekkers arrive in Pokhara and visit the lakeside area, they are greeted by the beautiful Fewa Lake—many local and foreign trekkers like to spend time in Fewa Lake with their children. Activities like boating are pretty standard.
Jhinu Hot Springs
Jhinu Danda hot springs are another major attraction for people who are trying to explore Annapurna Base Camp. The unique feature of the Jhinu Danda Hot Spring is that it is natural and does not require any additional artificial force. This hot Spring rejuvenates you from the hard trek throughout and is also quite therapeutic.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another small village in the Annapurna region that you will reach during your ABC trek. The town is surrounded by bamboo forests, where the village got its name. Often, trekkers reach Bamboo, spend time for lunch, and move forward, as there are only a few teahouses to stay overnight. Another factor that makes bamboo attractive to trekkers is the chance to see endangered animals like the snow leopard, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, etc.
Khopra Ridge
Khopra Ridge is a beautiful trekking destination in Nepal’s Annapurna region, known for its stunning views. Trekkers begin in Nayapul, passing through villages like Ghandruk and Tadapani before reaching Khopra Ridge at 3,660 meters. The trail through the Khopra Ridge takes you to the ridge’s peak, from where trekkers can see the stunning views of the Annapurna region and the mountains.
Conclusion
Hence, these are some of the most popular stops along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These are the places where trekkers can stop to explore, take lunch, for food, and even for accommodation purposes.
So, if you were thinking of exploring Annapurna Base Camp Trek and looking for popular places and major attractions, we hope our blog has helped you make a decision.
FAQs
What are the best activities at the ABC Trek Pokhara’s central stop?
Some significant activities in Pokhara are Paragliding from Sarangkot, Boating in Fewa Lake, sightseeing at different places, strolling lakeside, shopping at various shopping centers, museums and science fairs, etc. Pokhara has everything for everyone to enjoy, so explore it throughout.
What is the best time to hike Ghorepani Poon Hill?
The best time to hike Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is early in the morning. It is mainly for seeing the majestic sunrise views and clear, snowy mountains. It is also the opportunity to reach Poon Hill when you are fresh, rejuvenated, and can cover more distance.
What is the elevation of Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek?
The elevation of Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek is approximately 3,700m/ 12,140 feet. The trek to the ABC from this base camp is arduous and adventurous. The major attraction of the Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek is the stunning views of the mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and the entire Annapurna region.
Where do you sleep at the stops of Annapurna Base Camp?
You will sleep at budgeted lodges in lower-level stops like Pokhara, Ghorepani, etc. However, you’ll primarily stay in teahouse accommodations at the high altitude. These simple lodges offer basic amenities like shared rooms, dining areas, and sometimes even hot showers for an extra fee. As you ascend, the teahouses become more rustic, with smaller rooms and fewer facilities.
What are the best viewpoints of Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Some of the best viewpoints of ABC Trek are Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and the Peace Pagoda above Pokhara. Many trekkers want to capture the beautiful views of the Annapurna region, so they would like to reach the peak of the vantage points to click the stunning pictures of the valley and mountains.
