Hello world, I’m Sumit. Not a mountaineer. Not an athlete. Just a regular human being with a stubborn heart and an unhealthy obsession with dal bhat. This is the story of how I signed up for the legendary ABC trek, got my ego crushed by ancient stone steps, mistook a yak for a dog, and ended up discovering joy, peace, and the best apple pie of my life — all at once.
If you’re considering the ABC trek, you’ll either fall in love, fall down, or both. Either way, you’re in for a journey like no other.
It started with a single thought: “I need a break.”
Next thing I knew, I was talking to Adventure Himalaya Nepal, who promised me a complete package for the ABC trek. “Just bring good shoes and energy,” they said.
I had shoes. Kind of. Energy? Let’s not talk about it.
I envisioned myself frolicking through forests and high-fiving mountain goats. What I didn’t envision? The Ulleri staircase, forged in the fires of Mount Doom.
The ABC trek officially began from Nayapul after a scenic jeep ride from Pokhara. Spirits were high, playlists were pumping, and I felt like I was starring in my own travel documentary.
Enter Ulleri.
Ulleri isn’t just a village. It’s a rite of passage. Thousands of steep, uneven stone steps greeted me like an overzealous gym instructor yelling, “You wanted a break, huh?!”
Every muscle in my legs filed a formal complaint.
As we pushed on, the terrain softened and the ABC trek began to show its charm. We walked through glowing rhododendron forests — vibrant reds and pinks creating a magical tunnel under the sky. I kept expecting a fairy to pop out and offer me tea.
In Ghorepani, the sunrise view from Poon Hill was surreal. The golden light spilling across Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre made my sore legs feel worth it.
By the time we reached Chhomrong, I had forgotten about Ulleri and discovered a new addiction: apple pie in the Himalayas. A flaky, warm slice of heaven. Goodbye abs, hello happiness.
The ABC trek route from Bamboo to Deurali felt like crossing into another dimension. Mist hugged the narrow trails, waterfalls tumbled from unseen cliffs, and every bend opened to something even more spectacular.
I met a yak. Thought it was a fluffy dog. Tried to pet it. The yak disagreed.
Pro tip: Respect the yaks.
In Deurali, the altitude began to whisper warnings. The air grew thinner, conversations slower. But anticipation for ABC — the final destination — kept us moving.
Waking up before sunrise, we pushed toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp and finally, Annapurna Base Camp — the climax of the ABC trek.
And let me tell you: nothing, nothing, prepares you for that moment.
Standing at 4,130 meters, I was surrounded by giants: Annapurna I (8,091m) towering above, the sacred Machhapuchhre shimmering in the distance, and a silent stillness that felt sacred.
The sky blushed gold as the sun rose. I laughed, cried, took 147 photos, and just stood there, a tiny dot in the embrace of the Himalayas.
That moment alone made every stair, blister, and breathless climb of the ABC trek completely worth it.
We descended the same route, this time with a stop at Jhinu Danda — home to natural hot springs that feel like being wrapped in a warm hug.
Soaking my tired feet while watching the river rush below was peak post-trek therapy. I may have cried a little. No judgment.
Back in Siwai, a jeep awaited to take us back to Pokhara. I was sunburned, sore, slightly smelly, and absolutely euphoric.
Here’s a shortlist of things that went hilariously wrong:
If you’re planning your own ABC trek, here’s the good stuff no one tells you:
Beyond the physical challenge and epic views, the ABC trek is deeply human. It’s in the small things — a teahouse owner greeting you like family, a dog walking with you for miles, the crackle of a yak dung stove warming cold fingers.
You’ll find laughter over shared dal bhat dinners, silence under starry skies, and a strange sense of peace when you’re sweating, tired, and still smiling.
It’s a journey inward as much as it is upward.
This entire adventure was made effortless by Adventure Himalaya Nepal. From permits and logistics to good food, comfy teahouses, and my endlessly patient guide — everything was handled with care, professionalism, and a sense of humor (which I desperately needed).
If you’re planning the ABC trek, I can’t recommend them enough. They made the journey feel safe, supported, and full of unforgettable moments.
Listen, if I can do the ABC trek, anyone can.
You don’t need to be an ultra-fit athlete. You just need an open heart, a bit of stubbornness, and a willingness to laugh at yourself when you’re gasping at 3,000 meters.
The ABC trek is one of those once-in-a-lifetime journeys that transforms you — whether you’re chasing summits, escaping the 9-to-5, or just trying to prove your legs still work.
So stop Googling. Stop overthinking.
Pack your bag, charge your soul, and go.
And when you stand at Annapurna Base Camp, freezing, sun-kissed, surrounded by silent peaks — remember to take a deep breath and say:
“Woooow… worth every blister.”
Want to live your own story in the Himalayas?
Book your ABC trek with Adventure Himalaya Nepal for expert guidance, local insight, and a support team that makes every step count.
From Pokhara to the peaks and back again — your next adventure starts here.
