From endless staircases to jaw-dropping views: surviving (and enjoying) Nepal’s mountains
If you love bold, original adventures, you’re in the right place: today I’m telling you everything about Annapurna Base Camp (ABC to its friends). Trust me: once you reach one of the most imposing peaks in the world, your everyday hassles will suddenly feel tiny!
Here we go!
Pull out your hiking boots, take a deep breath, and get ready, because we’re about to set off on one of the most fascinating and untouched treks on the planet.
Where does this madness called Annapurna Base Camp take us?
Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most captivating Himalayan treks. It sits at 4,130 meters above sea level, and we’ll take you there by helicopter—or carry you there ourselves, if you prefer...
Did you believe that? Not a chance. Let’s be honest right away: you’ll have to work for it! But in the end, it’ll absolutely be worth it—no doubt about that. After all, what’s the fun without breaking a little sweat?
ABC (see, we’re already getting familiar with the place) is considered one of the most spectacular routes in Nepal, second only to Everest Base Camp. It’s paradise for anyone who loves walking, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and complaining about endless stairways (and yes, there really are a ton of steps).
The trail winds through towering mountains like Annapurna (obviously), Machapuchare, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri, passing through forests, traditional villages, and yes... giant rhododendrons!
With Sto Gran Trekking, you can visit Kathmandu and its temples, admire the city of Pokhara, go rafting on the Trishuli River, and spend some time in Sherpa villages (at that altitude they may seem like a mirage, but no—they really do exist!)
In short, there’s plenty to keep you busy while you’re trying to catch your breath. We can assure you that for the entire trek, you’ll be left speechless (partly because you’ll be gasping for air after sweating buckets, but also because of the sheer wonder!)
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“OK, it sounds beautiful. But are there other options?”
Yes, of course! There’s also a more stylish and “comfortable” version of the route: Annapurna South Base Camp.
Fair enough—not everyone is young at heart, brave, athletic... We get it if you’re not feeling up to it, especially at your age! So, what do you think—is the reverse psychology working?
No escaping now, dear reader—I want to tell you about its wilder, less explored big brother: Annapurna North Base Camp. Less traveled, lesser known, and definitely less comfortable. In other words, if you like feeling a little Indiana Jones, a little Reinhold Messner, and you don’t mind pitching a tent in the cold, this is the perfect route for you!
This trail is also known as the “Maurice Herzog Trail”. If you don’t know who Maurice was, he was one of those mountain heroes who, in 1950, planted the French flag on the summit of Annapurna I—without oxygen, without Wi-Fi, and—believe it or not—without even bringing an energy drink!
The charm of endless staircases
Let’s talk about something serious—just writing about it leaves me out of breath: the staircases.
If you think trekking is just “peacefully” walking uphill, maybe whistling as you go, well, you’re very much mistaken. Annapurna Base Camp is famous for its staircases that seem to go on forever, worthy of an Escher print.
I don’t want to discourage you, but after a while every step will feel like déjà vu:
“Haven’t I already climbed this step?”
And yet, they’re part of the magic. Every step brings you a little closer to glory (or sainthood), but above all, you’ll enjoy insane mountain views—when else are you going to get that? Not even on National Geographic!
Kade, a small village, welcomes you with a lovely warm-up staircase. From there, you climb toward Australian Camp (no kangaroos, just mountains), and then it’s onward—toward infinity and beyond.
To quote our colleague in space trekking: “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”!
Yes, because you’ll experience every single step as a small triumph—and a great excuse to take incredible photos against a spectacular backdrop.
But let’s take a step back: how do you get there?
The starting point is Pokhara, the city that serves as the base for all trekking in the Annapurna region.
From here, you can take a taxi to Kade (about an hour’s drive) or opt for a jeep to Jhinu Danda.
The real adventure begins when you start walking: forests, waterfalls, and bamboo bridges await you. Oh, and keep an eye out for langur monkeys, which may decide to keep you company along the way. Real monkeys, mind you—not hallucinations from nearly fainting after tackling a ridiculous number of mountain trails!
But that’s not all! Just 3 hours from Kathmandu, the Trishuli River offers thrilling rafting and kayaking: rapids that will make you scream even louder than a rock star having a meltdown!
Nature, animals, and other Nepalese surprises
Now, beyond the staircases and the mountains, Annapurna Base Camp has plenty of other natural gems to offer. The trail crosses dense rhododendron forests (Nepal’s national flower), waterfalls, caves, and, if luck is on your side, you might spot musk deer or, why not, a snow leopard.
Yes, you read that right: snow leopards!
They live in the high mountains of Central Asia, moving gracefully across rock and snow thanks to their muscular bodies and long tails, which help them keep their balance. Their spotted coats, with stunning shades of gray and white, allow them to blend perfectly into their surroundings, making them almost invisible. This, combined with their elusive nature, makes them difficult to spot and, for that very reason, even more mysterious and fascinating.
And that concludes our little nature-documentary moment.
Arrival at Base Camp: the moment of glory
And after days of walking, stair-climbing, complaining, endless “why on earth did I sign up for this?” moments, and a ridiculous number of incredible views, you finally reach Base Camp!
No, there won’t be anyone waiting for you with a gold medal, no Nepalese marching band, no Sherpas carrying you in triumph, no Italian ambassador congratulating you—but you’ll still feel like a hero.
At these altitudes, you’ll also be able to admire one of the legendary Sherpa villages up close, home to Nepalese mountain guides who combine Buddhism, spirituality, and mountaineering (to be fair, when you live miles above sea level, trusting in the gods seems pretty reasonable...).
The view of Annapurna South and Annapurna I at sunrise is something beyond words. Honestly, the most meaningful word that comes to mind is: “WOOOOOOW.”
The sun’s rays painting the peaks fiery red create a mystical experience that amazes even the most seasoned and worldly explorer.
And if you still have any breath left—good for you, we’re at four thousand meters, I needed an oxygen tank just to write this sentence—you can visit the memorial dedicated to fallen climbers, including Anatoli Boukreev, a legendary mountaineer who cheated death more than once... until Annapurna had the final word.
The way back: going down is easier (especially when Jhinu Danda’s natural hot springs are waiting for you)
Oh, finally—it’s downhill now! Easy street... Not even close!
Come on, you’ve come this far—what’s one more push? You’ll power through the return now. You’re basically a stair-climbing machine at this point—who can stop you now?! Nothing scares you anymore!
Now, to relax a bit—and if anyone has earned it, it’s definitely you—you can enjoy the peace of Jhinu Danda’s hot springs. A nice warm soak after days of cold and effort is exactly what you need after all that hard work!
And then, sadly, comes the moment to return to civilization, where the only thing on your mind will be: I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE HIMALAYAN PEAKS!
But luckily, before that, you can make a stop in Kathmandu.
Awesome!
Kathmandu and the return to civilization
After days in the wild, returning to Kathmandu will feel like stepping into another world. Among temples and stupas (incredible Buddhist monuments) and the city’s wonderfully chaotic energy, you’ll be able to catch your breath and reflect on what you’ve just experienced.
One piece of advice: before heading home, take a stroll through the Thamel district. Here you’ll find souvenirs and delicious food, the perfect way to say goodbye to Nepal with a full stomach and a happy heart.
And so, after covering miles and conquering thousands of steps, you’ll bring home a once-in-a-lifetime experience made of breathtaking landscapes and hard-earned rewards. You probably didn’t even think you could do it—but look at you now!
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Conclusions
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is an adventure for anyone who wants to challenge themselves, lose themselves in nature, and find themselves at the foot of some of the most spectacular mountains on Earth.
It’s not just a trek—it’s a journey into a magical, wild world, perfect for those who truly want to test themselves and enjoy a holiday unlike any other.
If our story has you itching to experience this incredible adventure for yourself, why not turn what we’ve told you into reality?
Read more about the 14-day Annapurna trip in Nepal we offer and book now!
