A Guide To 7-Day Trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Hot Springs in Pokhara
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most renowned tourist destinations and is known for its stunning beauty and adventure activities. One such activity is the 7-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which should be a part of an adventurous travel itinerary. This trekking route offers impressive mountain scenery and exploration of traditional villages, with final destination of the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters above sea level.
This guide will cover how to prepare for the 7-day trek to ABC, what to pack and what to expect during the journey. It will also provide useful tips and details about the hot springs in Pokhara.
How to Prepare for the 7-Day Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Before you start your journey, it is important to be prepared for the trek. You’ll need to make sure you have the right clothing and equipment, that you are physically fit, and that you understand the local custom, terrain, and climate. To do this, it is recommended that you book a guided tour with an experienced local guide who can accompany you on your journey.
Essential Equipment
When it comes to trekking, you’ll need to equip yourself with the right gear. Here is a list of essentials that you’ll need to make sure you bring:
- Waterproof jacket
- Sturdy walking boots
- Trekking pants
- Sun cream
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Backpack
- Energy bars
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit
It’s also recommended that you bring a camera or video camera to capture your experiences along the way.
Tips for Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp
Now that you have your gear sorted, here are some useful tips on trekking:
- Start your journey early in the morning – this will give you more time to reach your destination and also allow you to avoid afternoon storms that can occur from late June to September.
- Don’t try to rush – walking at a steady pace will help you acclimate better and enjoy your experience more.
- Keep hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness.
- Trek with a group – trekking with a group makes it safer and more enjoyable.
It is also important to note that trekking in high altitude areas can lead to altitude sickness. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to go slow, rest more, and drink plenty of fluids.
If you are looking for an organized tour, there are many tour companies offering trekking trips in Pokhara. GetYourGuide offers excellent trips with experienced guides and knowledgeable local partners, providing comprehensive support from booking until you finish your trip.
What to Expect on the 7-Day Trek
The route of this 7-day trek starts from Pokhara and takes you along some of the most spectacular trails, such as Naudanda, Chomorong, Deorali, Birethanti, Hille, Ghandruk, and Pothana. Here’s what to expect on each day:
Day 1: Pokhara – Naudanda (1700 meters)
On the first day, you will leave Pokhara and travel to Naudanda. This should take around 3 hours. At Naudanda you begin trekking at an altitude of 1,700 meters and enjoy magnificent views of the Annapurna Range.
Day 2: Naudanda – Chomorong (2230 meters)
Today’s trek begins at Naudanda and involves quite a bit of uphill hiking. Along the way you will enjoy amazing mountain views of Sikha and Annapurna South . After you pass Kheedung Khola, You will cross a suspension bridge before finally arriving at Chomorong at an elevation of 2,230 meters.
Day 3: Chomorong – Deorali (3200 meters)
This is when things start getting serious, as today’s route takes you from Chomorong up towards Deorali at an elevation of 3200 meters . This part of the route takes around 5 hours and as you get closer to Deorali, you will have impressive views of Himalchuli and Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail).
Day 4: Deorali – Birethanti (1250 meters)
On day 4, you will begin your descent towards Birethanti after breakfast at Deorali. The route follows a steep downhill path until it meets Khachowara Khola. The path then momentarily flattens out before again becoming steep downhill as it passes Kaundanda Khola. You will reach Birethanti by midday and drop off some height before going back up towards Hille on day 5.
Day 5: Birethanti – Hille (1530 Meters )
You will ascend from Birethanti towards Madua Khola before continuing up a steep incline until Ghorepani. From here it’s a combination of steep climbs and breath-taking descents until Hille .
Day 6: Hille – Ghandruk (1940 meters)
Day 6 involves a lot of uphill walking as you leave Hille in the morning and ascend through lush pine forests until Ghandruk at 1940 meters . The amazing views on this day is well worth the effort and once you have reached Ghandruk in the afternoon, you can rest at one of the many hotels in the town.
Day 7: Ghandruk – Pothana – Pokhara
On the final day of your 7-day ABC trek , you will leave Ghandruk after breakfast and head downhill towards Pothana passing through the Gurung village of Landrunk. Here the path will flatten out until Pothana where your driver will be waiting for you for the drive back to Pokhara . This journey should take around 4 hours before finally arriving back in Pokhara late in the afternoon.
Hot Springs in Pokhara
Pokhara also has its famous natural hot springs which make an excellent rest stop after days of trekking. The most famous hot spring is located in Tatopani , which is a village close to Beni , 15 km away from Pokhara. Tatopani hot spring is known for its therapeutic benefits as well as its amazing view over the cliffs of River Seti . You can also go for a swim or just relax by dipping your feet in one of its many pools . It’s definitely worth a visit if you have the time!
Conclusion
The 7-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Nepal . From stunning mountain scenery to traditional villages and cultural experiences, there is something for every traveller in this adventure . Just make sure you come prepared with enough food and water and book with an experienced guide or tour company like GetYourGuide. And once the trek is complete, don’t forget to reward yourself with a dip in one of Pokharas natural hot springs!
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