There are a few view points during Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery. Let us explore these view points.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most scenic and peaceful trekking destinations. Its gorgeous landscapes, charming villages, and spell-binding mountain views make it a popular trekking destination. It is Nepal’s second most popular trekking destination.
The route’s trails and terrains offer a sense of adventure in addition to the scenery. The trail goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna. As a result, the trek is also famous among nature lovers and adventure seekers. During the trek, you will also pass by glittering rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers.
The beautiful mountains and beautiful landscapes will keep you company during the trek. However, the view points offer the best scenery. These viewpoints present panoramic views of the mountains, glaciers, rivers, and more. Now, without further delay, let us look at the best view points during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek!
Best Times For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You need to choose the ideal time to enjoy the best views, even from the view points. There are four seasons in Nepal: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. With proper preparation, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable in all three seasons except summer. However, if you want to trek in perfect weather while witnessing the most beautiful scenery, spring and autumn are the best times.
Take a look at the brief overview of these two seasons and their characteristics:
Spring (March to May)
The spring season colors the entire landscape of the Annapurna route as the rhododendron forests and Himalayan wildflowers begin to bloom. Moreover, the flora and fauna are the most active at this time. The trails of Annapurna Base Camp go through dense rhododendron forests, which bloom in different hues of red, pink, and white.
Spring days are long and sunny, and the landscapes are vibrant and colorful. Hence, the pleasant weather adds to the jolly trekking experience. The daytime temperature at lower elevations ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at Annapurna Base Camp may range between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius.
The temperature gets slightly colder at night and in the mornings. It can be around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in lower elevations, while at higher elevations, it can drop up to -5 degrees Celsius. Overall, the unobstructed views, colorful landscapes, and sunny days make spring an ideal time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you want to know more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March, click here!
Autumn (September to November)
Due to its favorable weather, Autumn is the next best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Hence, it is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. Likewise, the season falls right after the monsoon. The rain washes away most of the impurities and dust of the surroundings, leaving the vegetation luscious and green.
The autumn season has warm and mild temperatures. The daytime temperature of the lower regions is around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and Annapurna Base Camp ranges between 8 to 4 degrees Celsius. The nighttime temperature can get colder, especially at the base camp. It can drop below -5 degrees Celsius.
Other great things about trekking in autumn are the crisp air and gorgeous mountain views. The biggest Nepali festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also coincide with the season. In addition to the best trekking experience, you can also participate in these festivals. Nothing can beat the trekking experience up to the gorgeous base camp in a festive atmosphere. If you want to know more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in September, click here!
Best View Points During Annapurna Base Camp Trek
En route to the Annapurna Base Camp, you will pass by several villages and stops that offer beautiful views. While you can witness good views everywhere while trekking, some view points provide the best among the others. These best view points are as follows:
Peace Pagoda
Peace Pagoda does not lie precisely on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, but hear us out. The pagoda is a significant tourist attraction of Pokhara. Before starting your trek, you can tour the Peace Pagoda, known as Shanti Stupa. It requires a short taxi ride from Lakeside, Pokhara.
The Peace Pagoda is Nepal’s first World Peace Pagoda. It was built by the Japanese Buddhist organization Nipponzan-Myohoji in the early 1990s. The large white pagoda is adorned with a massive golden statue, spire, intricate carvings, and symbols.
Once you reach the Pagoda, you can witness the most gorgeous sunset and sunrise. Likewise, you can see the Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, hills, and mountains. You can witness the panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, etc. The breathtaking view makes it one of the must-visit view points.
Ghorepani Poonhill
The Ghorepani Poonhill View Point is one of the best view points during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Ghorepani is a charming Tamang settlement that sits at 2874 meters. Trekkers often take an early morning hike from the village to the Poonhill View Point at 3210 meters. Poonhill is around an hour’s hike from Ghorpani.
The sunrise from the viewpoint is something straight out of a picture book. The sun rises from the far east amidst the stunning snow-capped mountains. The morning sun’s golden hue colors the mountains as if they were made of gold.
You can get panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri, and more. Many trekkers also opt to watch the sunset from the view point. The sunset is as breathtaking as the sunrise. It is truly an unforgettable, spectacular view you can only witness from the Poonhill View Point.
Machhapuchre Base Camp
En route to Annapurna Base Camp, you will pass by the Machhapuchre Base Camp, 3700 meters above sea level. It lies right below Mt. Machhapuchre (6993 meters). Although it does not have an official view point, the view from the Machhapuchre Base Camp is beyond stunning.
The atmosphere around the base camp is tranquil. Likewise, you will observe the Annapurna massif, sparkling glaciers, and ice formations. You can observe the magnificent views while enjoying the pristine atmosphere.
Annapurna Base Camp
The best view point during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the Base Camp itself. It sits at an elevation of 4130 meters. You will be graced by marvelous panoramic views of mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, and more.
Similarly, the base camp lies in the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial basin. Thus, you can see views of beautiful glaciers and ice formations. The serene atmosphere adds to the exquisite experience, along with the magnificent views. Trekkers can immerse in the beauty of the Himalayas while relishing the tranquil atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
Many mountain lovers and trekkers are drawn to the Annapurna Base Camp because of its gorgeous mountain views and serene atmosphere. No wonder it is the second most popular trek destination in Nepal. These view points during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offer stunning vistas that will last a lifetime.
