Crossing innumerable ups and downs through lush evergreen forest up to astonishing altitude variations and ecological diversity of amazing Annapurna makes everyone completely fresh and rejuvenated mentally. Among the many tourism-related activities, trekking is a modern-day adventure and leisure activity in its refined form.

Travel by foot, whether it is a languid stroll or a quick-paced walk with purposeful strides in order to reach a particular destination within a set time frame is indeed a trekking. The terms – “trekking” and “hiking” – are directly attributed to “hill walking“. Trekking – long, hard, mountain walking – is nowadays more synonymous to on-foot excursions in Nepal. A trekking course follows the paths from village to village crossing deep valleys and mountain ridges, and staying overnight in one village after another.

The Annapurna Sanctuary leads you among the valleys surrounded by enormous peaks, out of barren plateaus. The combination of high alpine valleys, lush jungles, quaint villages, wide variety of species of orchids, rhododendron and birds reflects the land of unique diversity. The Sanctuary is a hidden glacial hollow, which shimmers like a jewel in the mountains. For thousands of years, many people from diverse ethnic backgrounds have carved a lifestyle out of its steep terraces.

This is a famous trekking destination. The recent data indicate that nearly 64 per cent of the trekkers choose this destination because of the best and splendid Himalayan panorama of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt Annapurna South (7219 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), Mt. Fishtail (6907 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Mt Annapurna IV (7525 m), Lamjung Himal (6980 m) and hundreds of other magnificent peaks. Pokhara, a lake city, is the starting and ending point for this trek.

The trek can be organized in two ways – teahouse and tented camp treks. The tea house trek means staying at local inns along the trail. During the trek you are served food in cozy drawing rooms with kerosene heater under the table; and the tented camp trek means you trek with all necessary camping gears. The cook, porters and their assistance will provide you all as you carry everything. The advantage of this trek is that you can stay wherever you want.

Every year hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world visit Annapurna and explore the fascinating natural beauty and breathtaking view of panoramic mountains.

Equipment, clothing, health safety and security:

Trekking to Annapurna, which starts from Pokhara – the tourist hub of Nepal – does not cost much as compared to other adventure activities. Lots of fine lodges during the trail serve you with their warm hospitality. Most of the foreigners choose Annapurna for their trekking destination because of its accessibility by both plane and several luxurious tourist buses (to Pokhara). The trekkers needn’t be fully equipped as the required things are easily available along the trails. The main emphasis should be given to keep warm and dry while at the same time maintaining lightweight. Fleece jackets, woolen hat, pants or trousers are adequate. Medicine shops are available on the way during the high season, but it is advised to carry first aid kit. Nepal is a safe country to trek, provided the basic rules are observed. One should not trek alone, follow rules, do not display wealthy ornaments, keep belongings secure and within sight. Before going to trek, personal information and trekking planning should be registered.

The autumn season is the dawn of the trekking season. When I was there last, the panoramic view was just hiding behind the cloud due to heavy rainfall and foggy weather. People had been staying at Ghorepani (2800 m) for best view. Enrico and Shana, two tourists from London, were disappointed for the first three days of their trekking but the weather favored them later.

Michael Lareuz from France says, “When I feel myself mentally sick of over- work I pack my backpack and run to Annapurna for relaxation.” Annapurna hypnotized me during my first visit in November last year. “What an amazing beauty!” exclaims Stephanie Marshall from London. Carlos Esparta from Spain enthusiastically expresses his experience, “I don’t have even a single word to explain, because my words never suffice the explanation of its (mesmerizing) beauty”.

Some bitter facts:

Some trekkers this time were bit disappointed because they were charged from both sides – the government and the Maoists. The government charges Rs. 2000 per person and Maoists charged them US$ 15. So they have to pay slightly more than Rs. 3000 to secure trekking permits. Because of adverse political situation of the country, tourism business is receiving major setback. Some travel and trekking agencies are doing well, whereas some are even in the breaking point.

Enrico and Shana later on expressed their experience, “We had a dream to come to visit Annapurna. Now the dream has come true. We felt completely safe and secured during our 15-day holiday in Nepal. Sincere Nepali people, wealthy natural resource and rich cultural heritage are worth of it.”