MYAGDI: The Annapurna Base Camp has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting a growing number of trekkers, especially young travelers.
Located at an altitude of 4,150 meters in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi, the base camp marks the starting point for climbing the 8,091-meter-high Annapurna Himal. Its accessibility and relatively short trekking distance make it a favorite among visitors.
Bharat Kumar Pun, Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, noted, “This season, more tourists visited Annapurna Base Camp than expected. It has truly become the first choice for the youth.”
He added that daily visitor numbers have ranged from 200 to 500 since Dashain, compared to a few years ago when only climbers reached the base camp by helicopter during spring. However, local businesses report challenges in accommodating the increasing number of guests.
A 20-kilometer road from Narchyang to Humkhola and a 22-kilometer trekking route from Humkhola to the base camp allow visitors to reach the destination in two days, with a return on the third day.
Trekkers can enjoy the scenic Mistrikhola river, waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, unique geography, rare flora, and wildlife along the route, according to guide Lakpa Angwu Sherpa of Sherpa Alpine Trekking.
The trekking route and base camp were first identified in 2068 BS under the leadership of Tej Gurung of Narchyang. The route was mapped by the Annapurna Rural Municipality in 2077 BS and named the “Maurice Herzog” trail, after the French climber who summited Annapurna in 1950—three years before Everest’s first ascent.
Annapurna is celebrated as the first eight-thousand-meter peak climbed by humans. Promotional events, such as the Annapurna Festival and the diamond jubilee of Annapurna’s ascent, have increased the region’s visibility. Sudip Bhatta from Kathmandu said he visited the base camp after seeing media and social media coverage. Local research by Agua Gurung also traced the historical climbing routes, helping map the trekking trail.
The base camp is situated on a flat plain at the foot of Annapurna and Nilgiri Himals, overlooking Panchkunda Lake at 4,050 meters. The glacial lake spans 17,684 square meters and collects melting snow from the mountains. Visitors often capture photos and videos with the lake and surrounding peaks as a backdrop.
Sushma Khatri from Beni said, “The combination of the mountains and the lake is mesmerizing. Being here makes me forget all stress and fills me with excitement.” The base camp also hosts statues of mountaineers Maurice Herzog, Louis Lachenal, and Sonam Balung Sherpa, along with an open museum listing 536 people who have summited Annapurna.
Infrastructure improvements include shelter buildings, toilets, and drinking water facilities at key stops such as Phutphute Jharan and Humkhola. Trekking routes have been reinforced with stones and railings on difficult stretches, and locals operate temporary hotels along the trail.
Under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), permanent structures require government approval. Currently, temporary accommodations can host up to 50 guests, but visitor numbers often exceed capacity, requiring tents.
Challenges include limited electricity and communication above Humkhola, which complicates rescues and guest management. Waste management, trekking route completion, and suspension bridge upgrades remain critical priorities.
Hari Bahadur Bhandari, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, recently visited the base camp and pledged to coordinate with ACAP, local authorities, and provincial and federal governments to improve infrastructure and promote tourism.
“The short distance between Annapurna Base Camp and Panchkunda Lake offers huge tourism potential,” he said. “I will work to secure budgets for expanding communication and electricity, upgrading trekking routes, improving waste management, and constructing suspension bridges.”
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