One of the best hiking destinations in Nepal is the Annapurna Base Camp trek, where trekkers can find an excellent chance to explore the vistas of the great Himalayas. Hiking with a Sherpa guide is a practical necessity, but the experience would also not be the same without them, as they enhance all aspects of the journey — safety, richness and culture. They carry an intimate knowledge of the high-altitude regions of Nepal with them, knowledge of the terrain, the weather patterns, and the local culture that can be invaluable companions in this challenging yet awe-inspiring journey.
The journey begins in the beautiful city of Pokhara, where trekkers discover the route that will take them through verdant forests, local communities and rugged mountainous terrain. Annapurna CircuitAt least you’ll have your Sherpa guide to tell you the way forward through the foothills of the Annapurna massif. Sherpas, with their extensive experience, are familiar with the challenges of high-altitude trekking, and their acclimatization knowledge helps trekkers to get away from common mistakes like altitude sickness, which is a major issue in this region.
During this trek, your Sherpa will share their knowledge about the history, culture, and spirituality behind the Annapurna massif. Along the Annapurna Base Camp trek, there are the communities of Gurung, Magar and other ethnic groups. Centuries in the shadow of the Himalayas, these peoples still live with old ways that are tied to the land. Tales of how mountains are tied to Buddhist traditions, the culture of the people living in the rugged region, are told by the Sherpas, who act as a bridge between two worlds.
It’s why having a Sherpa guide become absolutely essential as the trek advances and the altitude rises. They play a very important role in order to help the trekkers stay fit and healthy and to remain strong and safe from acclimatization. The key to avoiding a potentially deadly complication at altitude is the Sherpa planning days of rest and pacing the ascent. They know the environment; they know when you need to be moved as they have the ability to foresee changing weather; they are able to plan routes to safety, as well as leading trekkers through a variety of difficult landscapes, including ice and snow fields.
The actual trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), which is the highest point on the trek, marks the end of the journey, and standing at the foothills of the Annapurna Massif is an emotional and rewarding mark achievement. At the base camp, which offers direct views of the highest peaks, the views you experience are unparalleled. Trekking alongside a Sherpa allows trekkers to surmount not only the intense physicality of the trek, but also have a greater connection with the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the region.
Ultimately, the reason you will be hiking with a sherpa and not by yourself is that doing so allows you to connect with the Himalayas in a way that an individual simply cannot do on their own. As a guide, protector and cultural ambassador, the Sherpa alone makes any trek a multidimensional experience and something that lingers long after the actual journey ends. Hiking the Annapurna Base Camp with a Sherpa is the ascent of a lifetime – an adventure, a challenge, and a learning experience that teaches us about the mountain way of life.
Annapurna Base Camp Introduction
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal and the world. Situated at 4130m (13550ft) above sea-level, ABC lays in the center of the Annapurna Massif and provides some of the most breathtaking mountain views on the planet. This trek to ABC takes you through an incredible variety of terrain and climate – from lush subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to high-altitude meadows and glaciers, all set against the beautiful snowcapped giants of the Himalaya, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli.
This hike to ABCis one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal because it is achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness, and it does not involve any technical climbing abilities. The trek takes trekkers from Pokhara through beautiful villages of Gurung and Magar people where a rich culture serves as an added bonus to this unique journey. In addition, it allows for a gradual ascent through varied climatic zones, enabling the trekker to experience the many ecosystem types found in Nepal, from those found in subtropical rainforests to alpine deserts.
Annapurna Base Camp — What To Know Now Although Annapurna Base Camp is not the highest trekking destination at over 4,000 meters, what makes it entirely special is its unique location amid this glorious amphitheater of peaks and glaciers. Standing in the base camp is a great sense of achievement, surrounded by the highest peaks on earth, this is mind-numbing. The ABC trek is more than just a physical trek to many trekkers, it is an emotional and spiritual experience that opens your heart and breathes beauty into your life, surround yourself in the beauty and the magnificence of nature.
Reasons to Hire a Sherpa for the Trek
When starting you pilgrimage to Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, one of the best choices you could make is getting a sherpa guide. Sherpas are known for their incredible knowledge of the Himalayas, experience in high-altitude trekking, and ability to help make the journey as safe and successful as possible. Being rooted in the mountains and culture, they are perfect navigators and a perfect cultural ambassador to spice up your trekking journey.
Acclimatization is an important part of trekking at high altitudes, and nobody knows anything about it better than Sherpas. Throughout the varying elevations, your Sherpa will make sure you are included on the right rest days and that you are climbing at a rate that lowers your risks with altitude sickness. They know how physically demanding the trek can be and so adjust the pace accordingly to keep trekkers healthy and comfortable on their journeys.
Sherpas are not only that but are a treasure of knowledge about the culture and history of the locals. The company have developed a skilled practice of storytelling providing trekkers with illustartive tales of traditions and beliefs from the life of the people of the Annapurna region. Them being familiar with the language and locals, creates that cultural bridge, which enriches the experience beyond the trek itself. With a Sherpa alongside, you are not only safe but have a richer appreciation for the incredible area you are visiting.
Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek – How to Plan
Taking a trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is an exciting undertaking but needs a few initial preparations to ensure a successful, safe and enjoyable adventure. Step 1: Determine when to hike — this is the most critical step. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. They provide dry conditions with clear skies and temperate body temperatures, being perfect for trekking. Heavy rain and snowfall makes the trails slippery and difficult to trek. Hence, winters (from December to February) and monsoon (June to August) are not ideal times to plan a trek here.
Then you have to issue the permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card for the trek. These permits can be organized through a local trekking agency or in Pokhara. And, similarly, it is a good idea to book accommodation as early as possible, as the tea houses along the trekking routes can become busy during the prime trekking season!
Being Fit Is Essential To Enjoy The Trek Annapurna Base Camp is not a technical climbenshike but it does require good fitness levels. Work on your cardiovascular training, build strength in your legs, and at some point practice hiking on uneven terrain to get your body ready for what it will require on the trek. Having to pack the correct equipment is also important. The essentials include decent trekking footwear, warm, breathable clothes (dress in layers), an altitude sleeping bag, and a quality first-aid kit.
And lastly, if you have never done a high altitude trek before, it is highly advisable to go together with a Sherpa guide. Navigating routes, culture, and handling altitude are integral to your journey, and an experienced guide can help make your experience seamless.
The Journey: Important starting points and trailheads
The Annapurna Base Camp trek commonly starts in Pokhara, which is a popular trekking starting site in Nepal. Trekking before Pokhara starts with a short car ride toward the track, which typically ends at Nayapul, around hour-and-a-half away by street. Nayapul is the most popular starting point for the trek but there is the option to start from Phedi, which is further up the road from Pokhara. The trailhead in Phedi is a little bit higher, but easily reachable and views are breathtaking on the way up.
From Nayapul, the trail follows the Modi Khola (river ) upstream, slowly climbing past numerous villages, forests and terraced fields. Agrotech Treks provides trekkers with an opportunity to experience the rich culture of the local Gurung and Magar communities, who live in these small mountain villages along the way. The route changes from subtropical rainforest to alpine pastures, offering unique landscapes every few miles.
Ghorepani, at an elevation of roughly 2,850 m (9,350 ft), is another significant stop on the trek. This village is included in the whole trekking route of Poon Hill, a popular trekking area for an amazing sunrise view to the Annaprna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Ghorepani you trek to Tadapani, then Chomrong then to the base camp. Trekking along the path in these areas provides proper acclimatization to make the gradual ascent, and by the time you arrive at the base camp of Annapurna, a sight of the surrounding peaks will need no other adjective attached than tremendous.
When Trekking, Who Is a Sherpa?
Whether you are trekking alone or with a larger group, a Sherpa guide will make your trek to Annapurna Base Camp successful and safe. Sherpas, although best known for their legendary mountaineering prowess, are experienced trekkers and have an earned knowledge of the local Himalayan environment. But they do so much more than just guide trekkers along the path: they help navigate the treacherous terrain, facilitate acclimatization, and provide aid when needed during the venture.
Responsibility #1: Dealing with altitude sicknessPerhaps the largest problem that can arise on treks above 3,000 meters is altitude sickness and it is a Sherpa’s job to manage it. Sherpas can identify symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and also can guide trekkers to lower altitude or treat them with first aid if necessary. They consider the pace of the trek and ensure proper interspersing of rest days in the itinerary to minimize altitude problems.
In addition to this, they also tend to offer critical cultural and logistical assistance. They interpret and interact with locals, revealing the history, customs, and spirituality of the area. They serve as cultural ambassadors and provide trekkers insight into the local lifestyle making the trekking experience more rewarding.
Sherpas are also known to bond with trekkers, becoming not just guides, but friends. Their rich understanding of the route, local traditions, and mountains make them a fundamental part of any trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Now you,yourself really know, what does a Trek with Sherpa actually means?It is not only a practical choice but a way to make sure both ensure a safer experience and enriched experience in the lap of the Himalayas.
Greeting this altitude and the process of acclimatizing
The other key point is acclimatization because ABC trek is high-altitude trekking. At high altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air, so high altitude trekking becomes more challenging as you climb higher. The reasons that induce altitude sickness ( “Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS” ) vary from mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea to more serious situations such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). And proper acclimatization strategies that keep these potentially lethal flaws at bay.
An unofficial rule of thumb to manage altitude sickness is to ascend to higher altitudes gradually. Rest days and not going up too quickly are very important to acclimatizing to the higher elevations on the ABC trek. Typical trekking itineraries feature scheduled acclimatization stops some place, for instance, a day or longer in Ghorepani or Chomrong, before getting back to the bigger elevations.
As the air is drier at higher altitudes, it is necessary to stay hydrated so that this dehydration does not aggravate altitude sickness symptoms. Hydration, calorie density and staying away from alcohol are the vital components to trekking health.
They play a crucial role in dealing with altitude sickness as they understand early signs and can guide the trekkers on the best option. Descending is the most effective treatment if symptoms get worse. If you follow these acclimatization tips and pay attention to your body, the chances of altitude sickness can be mitigated, and you can experience a safer and more enjoyable trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek Summary: Views Kicking My AssAnd Terrain From Another Planet
This incredible journey is well known for its toughness but also for the stunning beauty of its hills. Even from the very start you are absorbed into a world of beauty which shifts as you climb. The lower parts of the trek are dominated by beautiful, green forests of rhododendron and oak, that begin to come alive with bursts of color in the spring.show less High alpine meadows and desert, as you go higher, the air gets thinner and the views more severe.
Among many unforgettable attractions are the sweeping views of the Annapurna Massif, including the enormous Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli, surrounded by glaciers and extensive snow fields. This trek also includes the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill, famous for the most stunning sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, when the sun is setting on the snow-capped peaks in golden hues.
The approach to Annapurna Base Camp is just as amazing. The closer you get to the base camp, the more rugged the terrain becomes, and the grand Himalayan peaks grow larger on the horizon. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost is like a high-altitude amphitheater, with many massive glaciers and almost vertical peaks rising around it. Seeing these massive mountains rising steeply from the base of the valley is an incredibly humbling scene and one of the most magnificent moments of the whole trek.
But apart from the stunning views of the mountains, trekkers can also experience different ecosystems, transitioning from the subtropical jungles at lower elevations to the alpine meadows and glacial environments higher up, near the base camp. The long varied landscapes are what really marks the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
From this is All about the culture regards to the trail
Annapurna Base Camp trek is the best way to connect with the diverse cultures of the ethnic mountain community of Nepal. Trekkers walk past villages where the population (mostly Gurung, Magar, and Tamang people) have lived for centuries and their culture is embedded in everything in the mountains. These communities have a long-standing bond with the land, as well as the holy hillsides that embrace them and most hamlets contain a Buddhist Gumba or a Hindu Mandir portraying this respect.
The experience of cultural encounters is one of the gems of this trek and it allows trekkers to see the lives of people who call this remote part of the world home as they live it every day. The villagers are so kind that it is common for them to invite trekkers inside their houses for a tea or a meal. Tea houses along the trek, which are vital for accommodation and food, are usually run by families, and staying in them is a great opportunity to experience local hospitality.
Along the way, there are several small community centers as well as schools (taught in a mix of Nepali and English) in the villages. These mountain communities are still agriculture-oriented and trekkers can observe traditional farming, animal husbandry and handicraft practices. Far more than simple traditions, religion is still a prominent part of life, and many villagers still observe rituals and ceremonies that tie them to their mountains. The whisper of prayer flags looping in the breeze, the whirling of prayer wheels, the movement of pilgrims headed for holy spaces — all this weaves a surrounding piousness into the trek.
These cultural experiences not only enhance the journey but also help trekkers to forge a stronger bond with the people and scenery through which they walk. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is no just a physical test but an emotional and cultural trip also, connecting the people with the locals, absorbing knowledge about the culture and history of the region and enjoying the hospitality of the local people.
Walking Around a Village: A Taste of Everyday Life
While you get to the Annapurna Base Camp trekking, you will walk through a collection of lovely villages that give you unique values only to be found in the common mountaineering people way of life in the country. The trail goes through villages mainly inhabited by ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar and Tamang people, each of them with their unique culture, languages and traditions. A typical treks will take you through these villages, providing not only the physical challenge that these treks have become famous for, but also a slice of rural, mountain life of Nepal.
They are small, no more than a dozen stone houses and terraced fields where the locals grow rice, millet, corn, and potatoes depending on the altitude. Walking through these villages you will come across farmers out in the sunny fields, children playing and families going about their daily lives. One is awed here by the simplicity and hardiness of life in these high-altitude villages in the face of limited resources and the harsh environment that residents must battle.
Besides agriculture, the villagers earn their living by providing various types of services to trekkers and also operate tea houses and sell handicrafts, woolen clothes, and baskets. These tea houses offer a shelter point to rest, dine, but also a way to connect with the local population. As for the owners and workers in these tea houses, they are glad to share a lot about themselves and their traditions, providing this place with rich culture.
Local life is also heavily influenced by religion. As you pass through the majority of the villages there are Buddhist monasteries, Hindu shrines, and flag offerings, and you will often see pilgrims walking on the trail praying and blessing the trek. These villages are to give trekkers an authentic experience of the region of Himalaya in terms of Hindu Buddhist cultural and spiritual background.
Building Up the Physical Toughness
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a physically challenging hike and preparation is the secret sauce to making sure you can enjoy the trek with as little risk as possible. Although the trek is open to moderately-fit people, anyone embarking on the trek should be fit to cope with the rigours of high altitude hiking. One needs to train to build stamina, as well as strength and endurance, since trekking in the Himalayas means long hours of walking on rugged terrain and at different altitudes.
Cardio fitness is the most important so you need to train endurance in activities such as hiking, running, cycling, or swimming. Helpful as well would be hill or stair climbing to mimic the uphill, steep sections of the trek. Legs are of particular importance because you need to execute difficult uphills, so perform squats, lunges, and calf raises; also, core exercises will enhance your equilibrium on rocky or uneven surfaces.
Since the trek requires walking most days for up to 6–8 hours across 11 trekking days, training is particularly crucial – endurance on the trail makes a huge difference. Your body needs time to adapt to being in the field both far and wide as well as mixing in a variety of footpads! It is also key to train as if at altitude when possible hiking at elevation or on a stair machine.
Aside from preparing physically, you need to also ensure you carry the right gear for the physical challenges posed during the trek. Comfortable trekking shoes, light but warm clothes and a quality backpack to carry your things with ease. They can also help reduce the impact on your knees if you are going down steep slopes.
ContentKnowing what lies ahead along the trek will help you with better coping to challenges during Annapurna Base Camp trek and appreciation of natural and cultural scenes.
Fauna and Flora of Annapurna Region
While the landscape of the Annapurna region is renowned for sweeping mountain vistas, it is also rich with wonderful Flora and Fauna. The journey along the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes trekkers through several ecological zones, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, each home to a variety of wildlife. All this topographic diversity — from high mountains to hot plains and everything in between — means a diversity of climates and ecosystems, making for one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
At lower altitude, especially in the foothills and forests around such villages as Ghorepani and Tikhedhunga, the trekkers face jungles of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. Orchids, Himalayan blue poppies, and other types of wildflowers also add vivid splashes of color against the greenery when they blossom in spring. At the lower altitudes, prickly holly oak, bilberry and rhododendron forests prevail, and in spring time, the trails turn into a kaleidoscope of springtime hues of red, pink and white owing to the blooming of rhododendron.
At the higher altitude, dense forest trees yield to shrubs and grasses, all of which are Alpine in character, but quite colourful. As we ascend to greater altitudes around Annapurna Base Camp, the landscape takes on an increasingly arid and rocky aspect, with hardy species of moss, lichen, and in the best locations, edelweiss and alpine asters, holding on for slivers of life in the harsh environment.
Similarly on the fauna side of things the region houses many animals but they are often difficult to spot due to being such a remote and inhospitable area. Populations of Himalayan tahr (wild goat), musk deer, and snow leopards are common in the higher regions of the mountains. The Annapurna region incorporates a mixture of winged creature species such as the Himalayan griffon vulture, pheasants, and a different assortment of eagles. For feathered creature lovers, this region truly presents a few gilded opportunities. The variation in altitudes and eco-systems makes the Annapurna Base Camp trek as much of an ecological journey as scenery, illustrating the complex interplay between the mountains and the life that the support.
Annapurna Base Camp: The Final Destination
Finally, after days traversing through forests, valleys, and remote Himalayan settlements, standing at or near Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is an experience that is impossible to beat for trekkers! Located at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) in the center of the Annapurna Massif, ABC provides one of the greatest views on Earth – a breathtaking panorama of snow peaks. To be humbled and exhilarated by the sight of colourful prayer flags shaking in your face, a grand view of stupendous peaks is beautiful: standing at the foot of sheer walls of stone rock like Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), some unnamed mountains, and Hiunchuli, or the gaunt crags of glaciers and snow-covered summits.
But the trek to ABC is not easy, as the altitude gradually rises, while the land changes from volcanic fields and other dry rocky plains to lush forests of rhododendron and pine trees. The trail ascends steadily, punctuated by rest days to acclimate, and is visually captivating every step of the way. Trekkers sigh a great deal of satisfaction when they reach the base camp. The vistas over the Annapurna range are spectacular with Annapurna I the highest points at that time appearing up close, massive, with enormous glaciers cascading down into the valley.
Climbing to Annapurna Base Camp is not only a physical journey, but an emotional and spiritual experience as well, so to speak, for many trekkers. The magnitude of the views, the clean mountain air, the extreme stillness and magnificence of the high country in nature causes one to feel closer to God. Even the “high” part of the highlands is a unique sensation — standing in the valley of some of the tallest mountains the world has to offer is a moment that will change your outlook on life and humanity; a moment to be reminded of what it is to feel accomplished, humbled, and awed.
When trekking through the Sherpa, the meaning of ABC becomes greater. Having an insight of the terrain and mountains, Sherpas will surround you with more personal stories about the meaning behind the peaks, glacier and natural wonders around base camp.
Trekking with Safety and Support
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the stuff of legend among trekkers, but safety always comes first with the high altitudes, challenging terrain and remote trekkers conditions involved. Courtney follows up this extensive preparation with an acknowledgement of risks. — risks that you must know about before attempting to scale these mountains; a bit of altitude sickness or a rogue blizzard or just the wearing down of the human body. It can be done safely with the appropriate care taken and to see beautiful views of the trails.
Acclimatization is among the most critical safety elements. On the way up, trekkers can get altitude sickness, because air thins out the higher you go and you have less oxygen. Sherpas have been responsible for taking trekkers to high-altitude lands for years, and they also help trekkers with their ascent. They are trained to detect symptoms of altitude sickness and to take action to keep trekkers safe. Acclimatization usually consists of stopping to take rest days at certain points along the route so that the body can slowly adapt to the higher elevation.
Apart from acclimatization, possession of an expert Sherpa guide guarantees trekkers remain in the know on the best practices on how to keep safe. The Sherpas are there to guide us through the sometimes-chaotic trails (avoiding dangerous patches, such as slippery slopes or steep descents). In addition, they know the symptoms of overexertion or lack of fluids, advising on speed and making sure trekkers drink enough and eat well.
There is also the plan for emergency evacuation if riders become more seriously ill at altitude and require assistance from a helicopter to transport them down from the mountain. In these emergencies, Sherpas will respond immediately to administer first aid or help organize transportation for trekkers to lower altitudes where they can receive attention.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be a safe and rewarding experience for trekkers of all levels with the right preparation, proper guidance, and assistance from Sherpas.
Considerations and Responsible Trekking
Or, as I have written this post, the importance of ethical consideration and trekking responsibly so that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region can be preserved and the local communities can continue to benefit from the trekkers that make this region their playground. Trekking routes built to support high numbers of tourists have raised concerns about the effects of tourism on wildlife, culture, and the environment in Nepal. This is why trekkers should practice responsible trekking, to reduce their impact on the environment and contribute to sustainable tourism.
Managing waste is one of the major concerns when it comes to treks. At the same time, trekking in the Himalayas also entails walking through sparsely-populated areas where proper waste disposal is a major problem. The infrastructure to manage huge garbage in many parts along the Annapurna Base Camp trek is insufficient so trekkers need to carry their rubbish back including plastic bottles, wrappers, and food packaging. Most trekking agencies will give trekkers a trash bag and hence, it is always recommended to leave no trances on the trail.
How about treating with more civility the local ways. The Annapurna region is inhabited by different ethnicities like Gurung, Magar and Tamang, each with diverse and rich culture. This makes it necessary for trekkers to behave properly and be culturally sensitive around these communities. For example, they request that you ask permission to take photos of the locals, respect religious sites, and be mindful of proper etiquette when visiting a village or monastery. Trekkers help keep the local economy running and preserve the local culture by supporting local businesses by staying in family-run tea houses and buying handmade crafts.
Responsible trekking also means supporting environmental conservation initiatives. Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP) working towards diminishing, the effect of tourism in Nepal, helps keep up the trustworthiness of the genuine scene of Annapurna district. When trekkers are informed about and contribute to these efforts, they help preserve the Annapurna region for generations to come.
The take away: Adventure with a Sherpa: A Journey Into Myself.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is more than an outdoor adventure; it is a journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and a better understanding of the world around us. Though the trek is physically demanding, the emotional and spiritual payoff is great. Especially when led by a good Sherpa. Recognized for their expertise in the mountainous terrains, culture, and the difficulties of trekking at above 6000 meter altitudes, Sherpas make sure that the ascent is secure, fulfilling, and well-immersed in local culture and environment.
Bonding with Nature over the Sherpa-led Adventure. A trek with a Sherpa offers trekkers an opportunity to experience the immense natural beauty of the area in which they are walking but also some insight into the life of the Native people who inhabit the region. Being guided by a Sherpa gives trekkers greater appreciation for the mountains, with stories of the peaks, knowledge of local culture, and the meaning behind the landscapes trekkers are walking through. This connection to a cultural and spiritual practice makes the hike so much deeper than the physical trek.
Beyond the scenic vistas and cultural experiences, the Annapurna Base Camp trek also helps with personal development. It challenges trekkers to break through physical and mental limits and teaches lessons of resilience, patience, and persistence. The sense of accomplishment as we stand at the base camp gazing at the towering Annapurna summits is a testament to the wonders we can achieve with perseverance and teamwork.
By the end of the hike, trekkers tend to realize that the experience was much more than just about arriving at a particular point; it is the people met, the through-takes and the growth between footsteps that truly matter. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp led by a Sherpa is a journey that resonates within you, long after you have completed your full experience, and are left with nothing but memories, and an understanding of the Himalayas and the people who inhabit them.