This time, I will return to Annapurna region. My last visit to Annapurna region had been in 1998, which I led a group to the base camp. To get to the Annapurna region, we have to start from Pokhara – the second largest city in Nepal. Pokhara is situated about 190km west of Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal. I am sure things have changed much in Pokhara since my last visit had been more than 10yrs ago. One of the biggest draw for me had been to visit the International  Mountain Museum – a cultural offering in Pokhara, a museum dedicated to the mountains and the mountaineers.  

I will be traveling with the students from the Singapore Polytechnic (SP). The trek is organised by Adventure Quests, the appointed travel agency by SP.  My adrenaline ran high when I met them at the Bukit Timah Hill for some trail training. What excite me was not only about their enthusiasm, but their discipline. Self leadership is a discipline I see in them. I am so looking forward to trek with them, to mingle with them, and to have many fun encounters together. The truth is, they made me feel young again! hohoho!

Team at the summit of Bukit Timah Hill (photo by Gregory Low, SP)

I have been to Annapurna twice, once in Spring, and another in Autumn. My personal view is that Autumn offers a more colorful landscape than in Spring. However, we are visiting Nepal, a place where any season will ink good memories to one’s traveling experience. 

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, is a perfect trek for a beginner who wants to venture into high altitude trekking. The trail is well paved, and offers sufficient challenges with all the up and down hill climbs on rock path. In the days of trekking, the magnificent views of the Annapurna range melt one’s tiring body and heart away, yet rejuvenate one’s mind and soul. An iconic view of Machapuchare at 6997m (aka Fish Tail peak because the peak looks like a fish tail) accompanies trekkers for almost the entire journey. The highest peak around the region is Annapurna I at 8091m, the 10th highest peak in the world. 

To make a trip to ABC, trekkers do not need to invest much, here is a quick look at the gear requirement:

1. Comfortable quick dry shirt
2. Thermal wear (long johns)
3. Light weight fleece shirt
4. Down jacket (for the night) – goose down, duck down, polyester fill
5. Rain jacket (outer shell)
6. Trek pants (water repellent)
7. Thermal pants
8. Mid to high cut trekking shoes (water proof)

1. Beanie
2. Sun hat
3. Sunglasses

1. Sturdy backpack (day pack, if you have a porter)
2. A pair of trekking poles
3. Head lights
4. Water bottle (Nalgene is highly recommended)