The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a journey every trekking lover across the globe dreams of making. Well, such breathtaking views of the icy Himalayan mountains, vast green valleys, and calm clean rivers leaves everyone in amusement. The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek gives a short but sweet version of this beautiful journey, allowing trekkers to savor the highlights in just a week.
The breathtaking scenery however, remains stunning even in this short period of trek.The days estimated in this trek is approximately 7 days so the trek can be named as 7 days annapurna base camp trek. This blog has noted the salient viewpoints and scenic sights along the trek which every nature lover will appreciate.
Highlighting the Best views of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
1. Ghandruk Village – A Cultural and Scenic Location to Start
Located at the Start of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Ghandruk village is blessed with the magnificent view of the Annapurna Mountain even while in the village. A great intro to the trek, this region is characterized by the traditional Gurung houses, terraced farming and the mountains in the background.
Panoramic Views of Annapurna south and Machapuchare: On a fine day, the mountains can be seen from different points of the village, giving a hint of what lies ahead on the trek.
Cultural Experience: The traditional rock-built huts with the local hospitality offers a good insight and appreciation of the culture of this region, all in a beautiful Landscape.
2. Chhomrong- The Scenic Village
Chhomrong also measures at an elevation of 2170 meters above sea level. It is one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire trek. From the entrance of the teahouse, one can enjoy clear pictures of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre Views : The traditional stone houses of Chhomrong in the foreground make a contrast to the snow-capped peaks Annapurna and Machhapuchhre in the background.
Terraced Hillsides: The well-maintained and crisscrossed agricultural land situated around Chhomrong is an added serene offer giving contrast and compliment to the high ranges that are visible.
3. Deurali- The Gateway to the High Altitude
Located at an altitude of 3200m, Deurali comprises some of the most vertical and unspoilt mountain landscapes featured on the trek. Moving up, the vegetation seems to fade and the peaks appear nearer.
- Magnificent view of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre: It will feel that the peaks are nearby so that one could reach out to them and be soaked in their beauty.
- Deurali Sunrise : Like in ABC, the sunrise at Deurali is quite impressive as the mountains surrounding the location start glowing with the rays of the sun.
4. Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) – The Fishtail Mountain
Another beautiful viewpoint Machhapuchhre Base Camp is located at 3700 meters above the sea level which gives clearer views of most surrounding peaks , especially the ‘Fishtail’ mountain known as Machhapuchhre.
- Close-Up View of Machhapuchhre: The famed fish-tail summit of Machhapuchhre is probably the most admired peak across the Himalaya ranges. It is from MBC that you get valuable perspectives of the mountain’s grandeur.
- Panoramic Mountain Views: From here, peaks like Annapurna III (7555 meters) and Gangapurna (7454 meters) can also be viewed making it even more attractive since it provides a good sweeping view of the whole range.
5. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – The Crown Jewel
Annapurna Base Camp standing at an elevation of 4,130 meters, it is a glacial habitat that is surrounded by towering peaks.
The 360-degree views here are unparalleled and therefore results in ABC being one of the prettiest places on earth.
- Exalted view of Annapurna Massif: At ABC you are encircled by mighty summits such as Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) along with other mountains.
- Sunrise at ABC: This is an experience that one would cherish for ages. It provides an exquisite view of the place, when sun rays first touch the mountain ranges, the white peaks cast a golden color, gradually brightening the entire sanctuary.
- Glaciers and Ice Walls: Heaven does exist and it is at ABC which is located in a bowl glacier with glaciers and high walls of ice surrounding you all around, thus providing a dream-like fantastical feel.
Trek Day to Day Journey
So far, we have seen the highlights of the trek, but let’s check out the 7 days annapurna base camp trek. This trek is Known to be one of the popular options for the people that are short in time.Below is the itinerary for the trek:
Day 1: From Pokhara to Ghandruk
The trek is started by a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and an easier trek to Ghandruk of about 2 hours. Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village consisting of stone roof houses and farmland where one can have the first view of Annapurna South and Machapuchare mountain ranges.
Altitude: 1,940m
Highlight: Panoramic views of the Annapurna South and Machapuchare mountains as well as cultural activities in the village.
Day 2: From Ghandruk to Chhomrong
After Ghandruk, the trail drops down to cross the Kimrong Khola river, then climbs up to the town of Chhomrong which is located on a foothill at an elevation of 2,170 meters. The steep climbs are accompanied by even more stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare mountains.
Altitude: 2,170m
Highlight: Sights of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre in a close proximity, contrasting with terraced hills and valleys.
Day 3: Chhomrong – Bamboo
On this day we will head down to Chhomrong Khola( river ) and will go up again through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests to the village of Bamboo.
Altitude: 2,310 meters
Highlight: The dense bamboo forest with occasional views of mountains through the trees is a highlight.
Day 4: Bamboo to Deurali
Through the bamboo forests the path continues, there is a gradual climb up towards Deurali. The higher a person goes, the more barren and deserted the landscape becomes.
Altitude: 3200 m
Highlight: Impressive views of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from ground level with the high altitude terrain causing an extra remoteness to the trek.
Day 5: Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp
Moving a little further and higher you will see a high alpine zone that will lead you to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC). From MBC, there are some of the best sights of the mountain Machapuchare and Annapurna III.
Elevation: 3,700 meters
Highlight: Close proximity to Machapuchare and Annapurna III along with other peaks and a scene of a vast valley.
Day 6: From Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp.
This is the final stretch before you arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp and the views obtained along this trek are dramatic. Once you reach ABC, you will be surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
Elevation: 4,130 meters
Highlight: The helicopter ride around the Annapurna Massif, with stunning views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli. The sunrise at ABC is one of the best moments of the whole trek.
Day 7: ABC to Bamboo
Once you have enjoyed the views at Annapurna Base Camp, you will start your way back down to Bamboo. On the way down you will be experiencing the same views but with a different perspective.
Elevation: 2310 meters
Highlight: Through the Bamboo forest you will enjoy the changing Landscapes and the weather.
Conclusion
The 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is definitely shorter than the regular one which takes around 10-12 days, but it matches up in terms of stunning scenery. Starting from the great heights of Annapurna I and Machapuchare and going all the way down to the vegetative cover and terraced fields, every single day has appealing views to offer. Whether you are gazing at Annapurna from the Base Camp or enjoying the sunrise at Deurali, the Best Scenic views starts the day when you start this journey, the views are never Dull and you would want to return back as soon as you Complete the trek. Those will be the memories of a lifetime.
