Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in July, an adventure during the wet and heavy rain-fall of monsoon season. No wonder it will be an exciting walk, where days are much longer during summer and monsoon time. A few advantages and disadvantages sides are trekking to Annapurna Base Camp or any other southern range of the Himalayas. 

The good side and advantage are walking in the off-season encountering few trekkers or none at all. The trail will be almost empty, amidst lush green dense vegetation of ferns and various species of plants and grass. The mid-hills before reaching Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary will be refreshing green due to the heavy moisture of rainfall. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek in July, for all trekkers, to enjoy the walk-in off-season. Where the flow of trekkers will be less and in minimum numbers, walking on a tranquil path. Chances of clear views of the snow mountain range will be less, most days will be cloudy with mist-filled forest. Around the Nepal Himalayas, the southern region of massive Annapurna gets the most rainfall of average 600 to 800 mm. Which is during the monsoon month of July and August till mid-September of pre-autumn times.

Similarly the areas on route Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary with the highest monsoon heavy rains. Where most days the views of snow peaks, are obstructed by dark clouds and fogs, chances are slim. However, it will be an enjoyable country walk with fewer people on the trail and most lodges will be closed. Only a few guest houses are available for overnight halts as well for lunch stops. In these situations, trekkers have to accept and take the challenges of finding the lodge from one place to another. 

On leaving the main permanent village of Chomrong, on route Annapurna Base Camp. Chances of finding an overnight stop at a designated place are few like in Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya Hotel, and Deurali. Around these temporary settlements up to Machhapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna base camp few lodges are available. Out of 10, there will be 1 or 2 that will be open for off-seasonal trekkers, but with minimum facilities.  

WHERE AND HOW TO START AND END THE ANNAPURNA TREK IN JULY       

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary starts and ends at beautiful Pokhara, a city of charm and beauty. Located Nepal Mid-West around the laps of massive Annapurna Himalaya range, surrounded by green hills with beautiful serene lakes. There are various ways that one can start the trek, making it a few days longer or shorter.

The straightforward and shortest way takes about a week to and from Pokhara and begins with a few hour drive. Heading beyond Pokhara valley and then on the rough country road following the Modi River to the starting point of trekking. A climb on stone steps past Jhinu village to Chomrong a large Gurung village, the last permanent settlement.

Other places on the route beyond are temporary settlements with few lodges to serve the trekkers. The walk follows down and up through the dense forest, where trails in the monsoon time of July can be slippery and muddy. As the trail leads higher up following the raging Modi River gorge upstream, where a path leads to a few overnight stops.

After a few days of steady walks staying in Bamboo or Dovan, the trail leads to an open area at Deurali. A place with several lodges, from here tree lines drop, the area looks pretty with wildflowers in bloom. The trail leads higher as the Modi River gets torrential reaching Machhapuchare Base Camp for a short MBC. Located at the bottom of Machhapuchare Himal North Face, popularly called Fish Tail due to its twin summit top. Appears a shape like a Fish Tail, one of the virgin and unclimbed peaks around the Himalayas. MBC with few nice lodges, most inns will be closed during off-season time of monsoon and winter season. However, one or two will be opened for low seasonal trekkers, serving only simple meals seasonal-wise.

From MBC views of Annapurna South, Huin-Chuli and Annapurna-I can be seen on a clear morning. But in the monsoon month of July, fewer chances of seeing full views of the Snowy- Mountains. After MBC on the trail with short up to enter a beautiful valley of Annapurna Sanctuary. On a clear morning and at the best time of the year one can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of snow-clad peaks. A scenic picturesque valley Annapurna Sanctuary is enclosed within an array of giant peaks.

The walk continues heading west at the end of a sanctuary reaching Annapurna Base Camp. Situated high above 4,130 m, the highest point of the adventure. After ending the walk enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge, if lucky overlooking giant peaks that surround the base camp. The monsoon clouds hang around and get clear sometimes to catch the views of towering snow peaks. After all, it’s the monsoon time of July all you can do is hope for the best. 

The return journey to Chomrong village and back into the green and wet forested trail following the Modi River downstream to Bamboo. From Bamboo walk into dense wood to Sinuwa small village and then down and up to Chomrong village. The walk continues down to Jhinu village a place with a natural hot spring, where one can enjoy a refreshing warm bath.

Finally, the adventurous walks to Annapurna Base Camp end reaching the road-head for an exciting drive to Pokhara. On completing an extraordinary adventure to Annapurna Base Camp in July amidst heavy monsoon wet times.

Conclusion:

Annapurna Base Camp trek in July could be the wrong time for most travelers. But at the same its will be a paradise for naturalists, botanists, and nature lovers. As monsoon time is the best for botanical students to explore the high hills of Annapurna Himalayas. Where hills and valleys will be rich with flora and fauna, as well as various species of plants and wildflowers. The flowers in bloom from Irises, and violets to Himalayan Blue and Yellow Poppies, a rare species of plants and flowers.

Certainly, a great time to experience for some nature lovers and travelers interested in a botanical tour. The problem with trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in July is the green bushes and grasses as well the trees. Will be full of leeches, where one should be well prepared to carry needful and necessary protections against insects and leeches.    

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