Amazing Annapurna

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp was a long awaited event of my life. On 8 April, 2015 a group of members of Team ABC trek and Team Kayaking started our journey for Kathmandu, Nepal. As we approached the heart of the country, we could see the Himalayas and Mt. Everest far below us from the aircraft. The sense of getting closer to a lifelong dream caused an adrenaline rush and excitement in me and I was all ready to pursue the dream over the next few days.

We reached Kathmandu around 2pm, arranged our trek permits from TIMS and ACAP by afternoon, visited Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square (which is presently destroyed by the massive earthquake on 25 April, 2015) in the evening and did some necessary shopping at Thamel. The next day we went to Pokhara by bus, went boating on the Phewa Lake in the evening and walked around the happening Lakeside Pokhara Road. On 10 April, we went to Sheuli Bazar by road from where our trek began.

Team ABC consisted of four members and our route was planned according to overnight stays in Ghandrhukh, Chomrong, Dovan, Deurali, MBC, ABC, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda and finally Pokhara.

Initially it was a nine day trek plan, five days for the ascent and four days for the descent. Every day, we woke up by 5am and started our trek within 6/6.30am in the morning so that we could cover the route according to the plan.

The trail from Sheuli Bazar to Dovan was all green, both uphill and downhill. The way to Chomrong and Bamboo consisted of several thousand steps. The Gurung villages and the simple local people were warm and welcoming. Rocky stairs, hanging bridges, pine forests, the stream of water on the way and greenery created scenic views. As the time and weather changed, the nature kept unfolding its beauties in different patterns; sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy and sometimes cloudy.   

The trek to Deurali was fascinating. On the way we saw fountains, running rivers beside the trail, trailside views, red Rhododendrons, glaciers and the white mountains far away formed backdrops that captivated us. It was a moment to be thankful and show gratitude towards the Almighty for these wonderful creations. 

Just before the lodge, we caught our first sight of a snow covered trail. Even though the trail was covered by a fresh avalanche, it was a joyous moment for us. When we reached Deurali (3230m above sea level), it was all foggy due to bad weather. Two teams who were on the way to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) came back because of an avalanche. For a while we were worried about the fate of our journey. Then again, we were hopeful and determined.

The next morning we started our trek towards MBC (3700m above sea level). Machhapuchhre is also known as the Fish Tail (6998m above sea level). Gradually the series of snow capped mountains emerged in front of our eyes. The more we climbed the closer they became. Soft layers of snow were crushed under my feet as I walked along the white trail. We reached MBC around 11am. As the weather was good and none of us had any symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), after spending an hour or more at MBC, we decided to start for Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).  

On April 14, 2015, we reached ABC (4130m above the sea level) at around 3.45pm.  The feeling was simply out of the world. The exhaustion of the last few days literally vanished as we discovered ourselves surrounded by the mighty white beauties. The Fish Tail, Gangapurna, Hiuchulli, Dhaulagiri, the Tent Peak and Mt. Annapurna (I, II, III and South), all stood gracefully with their marvelous, mysterious and magnificent aura. Mt. Annapurna-I (8091m above sea level) is the 10th highest peak in the world. It was an amazing feeling, like the feeling of being in paradise.  

We spent the night at ABC. It was freezing cold. The next morning I woke up early to see the sunrise, roamed around the Base Camp, saw monuments for deceased mountaineers, the ridge and the glacier. After breakfast, we began our trek back towards MBC and downwards, promising to come back once again. On our way back, we visited the popular Hot Spring in Jhinu Danda.  

The trek back was planned for four days but we completed it in three days, saving a day for Paragliding in Pokhara. It was also a thrilling experience as I flew higher and higher with the glider as my wings. We came back to Kathmandu on 19 April, visited Durbar Square again and on April 20, 2015 we departed for our homeland.

 On April 25, 2015 just after five days of our arrival in Bangladesh, a massive earthquake of 7.9 magnitude jolted Nepal. More than 8000 deaths and over 17000 casualties were reported around the country. Many historical sites of Kathmandu were destroyed. There were huge avalanches in the Himalayas causing severe damage to the Langtang Village and flattening the Everest Base Camp. 20 trekkers died and many were reported missing.  As Nepal is mostly dependent on tourism and trekking for their economy, travelers are encouraged to continue visiting Nepal and contributing to their economy. 

By Shegufta Mahzabeen
Photo: Shegufta Mahzabeen
The writer is a Private Service Holder and  passionate traveler.