Cultural Encounters during Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Nepal is one of the famous places for the trekkers to enjoy the trekking. A number of famous trekking routes are in Nepal apart from that Annapurna base camp has been beckoning trekkers from all over the world.
With breathtaking views Annapurna sanctuary and the journey of traversing through uncountable landscapes. This trek could be the one of the eye-catching moment for the trekkers.
Annapurna base camp lies much more beyond its natural beauty as the cultural encounter during Annapurna base camp trek are equally valuable to the trekkers because they get to understand the cultural diversity and lifestyle of the people living in Annapurna base camp area.

Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
To begin the Annapurna base camp trek the starting point is pokhara which is one of the beautiful cities of Nepal, the Annapurna base camp trek is almost 110km which is filled with thrill and adventure and the trekkers almost have 8 to 10days which takes you through the 10th highest mountain in the world Annapurna.
Annapurna base camp lies at the altitude of 4130metre which is considered as moderately challenging trek for the trekkers .It does feature some challenges like uncountable stones stairs, steep ascents, knee jerking descents and the weather challenges.
The majestic view of the natural amphitheater i.e. the Annapurna sanctuary along with the cultural experience makes Annapurna base camp even more worth it.

Ethnicities along the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route
Annapurna region include iconic trails like Annapurna circuit and Annapurna base camp trek which is featured with cultural groups residing in harmony in the tough condition of the Himalayas. Different caste like gurung, magars, Tibetans, thakali can be found living in this area with their unique traditions, culture, language, food, festivals.

Gurungs
The gurungs are known for their hospitality and they are the prominent residents residing in Annapurna region. We will get to see gurung village throughout the ABC trek from downhill to uphill.Gurung mens have played vital role in the British Gurkha regiments which has made big impact in their lifestyle and economy. Gurung language is also the part of the Sino Tibetan family. Festival like Lhosar, dance, music is the important cultural practices.
Gurung women’s wear beautiful and colorful blouse with jewelry which makes them look more beautiful whereas men’s flaunts unique jacket and caps which makes them stand out in the crowd as well.
Dashain and Tihar is the main festival of the Nepalese and for the Gurungs too where they perform Ghatu and Sorathi dance which is delightful to watch. They perform to the enchanting tunes of Tugna (a long flute) and Mauria (Goat skin drum) put on a vibrant display of cultures.
.As these people are very much welcoming we can also be a part of their community and get the taste of their food like dhido,sukuti and even more when you stay in their community. Large number of gurung can be found residing in Ghandruk,,Chomrong,Birethamti and other small locations.

Thakalis
Another significant cultural group that inhabits the Annapurna Conservation Area and adds to your ABC trek experience is the Thakalis, who are renowned for their culinary skills and delectable treats.

The Thakalis, who originated in Mustang, in the Thak Khola region, have a firm hold on the Annapurna region and make significant contributions to the local economy by working in the hotel sector.

Although they are fierce rivals to the Gurungs in terms of their flamboyant customs and colorful clothing, their distinctive cuisine—known throughout Nepal for its enormous variety and ideal balance—is what really makes them stand out.

When exploring Annapurna Base Camp, be sure to stay in the hospitable Thakali teahouses and sample the delectable.

Magar’s

The magars have always been prominent residents of the Annapurna conservation Area and add cultural significance through their unique customs, festival and traditions.
They have also played vital role in the Gurkha regiments. They are well known for their rich cultural diversity, music, dance and rituals. They seems to be highly influence by Tibetan culture and Bon religion and even they have tons of festivals to celebrate like Lhosar, dashain, tihar and many more.

Their culture are filled with festivals so its delightful to watch as they include lively celebrations done with iconic Kauda dance and Maruni where men’s dresses like females and do cultural performances.
During the trek if you coincide with any major magar festivals then it will be win win situation as you will get to understand their culture and try delicious food like Bara, Tarul and Kodo ko rakshi (local alcohol)
Tibetan influence
Some of the Annapurna conservation Area is touch with Tibet so you will get to see Tibetan influence in this region. As they are highly influence with Tibetan even life style seems to be similar as Tibetan. From the monasteries to Buddhists tradition, festivals, Tibetan Buddhism has played vital role in the lives of people especially in the terms of spirituality. The lanes are filled with prayer flags and monasteries.
Their Festival is celebrated with high enthusiasm around the prayer wheels, Mani walls, gompas and they enjoyed their festival with Tibetan culinary delicacies throughout the festival.
Annapurna region is one of the famous treks in Nepal which helps to glorify the beauty of Nepal however Tibetan influence is there throughout the region. Some village in Annapurna region like Manang is highly influence by Tibetan so you will get to observe the Tibetan lifestyle throughout the trek.

Religious Faiths along the Trail
Annapurna base camp is filled with different caste and religion. Different caste like Brahmin, gurung, magars, thakalis, lobas can be seen in Annapurna region and more all follow different religions.
In the lower side of the Annapurna base camp trek, you will find predominant. On the way to Annapurna base camp, you will cross several small temples and shrines along with the several natural places considered holy by the Hindus.
Even the Machhapuchhre Base Camp that you will be visiting has a Hindu significance as the fishtail peak is considered to be the home of Lord Shiva and is prohibited to climb. So, the base camp is pretty much the closest you’ll get to it.

As you go up the hill you will see Hindu traditions are slowly replaced by the Buddhism as the landscapes are filled with colorful flag, maniwalls and several monasteries.
The constant presences of chortens remind you of the pronouncement of Buddhism and while you are it, make sure to spin some prayers wheels and indulge in the peaceful vibe of Buddhism amidst the Himalayas. Another significant religion present in the trek is the Bon religion. Considered to be ancient than Buddhism, the Bon religion is limited to only some places of Nepal of Nepal like Upper dolpo but some gurungs in the ABC trek still follows it.

Cultural interactions
While trekking Annapurna base camp trek you will get to see some of the iconic views and experience authentic and memorable cultural experience of your lifetime. However, it has lost its charm because of the crowd but in some inner parts of the village it stills feature high cultural values.
During the stay in the trek you will find many Tea house with variety of the accommodations option. But to experience the true local culture it’s better to stay in the Tea house or homestay.
During your stay you will experience the true hospitality of the people living in Annapurna region beyond the tourism industry. And you will be served with different local homemade meals and share their traditions and rituals. You can also participate in different program and rituals and make delicious food and perform various activities like cooking, farming and attend local events. You will be treated with small culture show by the locals which will be memorable till lifetime.
Apart from cultural encounter during ABC trek you can find traditional houses made with stones and woods, mud and colorful dotted with prayer flag or you can experience how they have lived their life in the Himalayas.

Local Festivals
Many festivals are celebrated in Annapurna base camp trek throughout the year where the region truly comes alive.
These festivals are celebrated throughout the country where every festival gives different vibes and vibrant color. So during festival season if you trek the environment seems to be different and you can experience or understand the meaning of their festivals and how they celebrate those festivals so it can help to understand their culture and festivals .
During festival like Dashain and Tihar you will see different ritual being carried out by different groups .Variety of cuisine will be made and served within the family and it helps to gather and share happiness between each other and they also perform different activities like dance, music ,fly kites and gathering between family that come across all.
If you are visiting during Dashain you will see family member putting Tika (Mixture of Red color with uncooked rice) from their elder and give them blessing and enjoy the festivals by flying kites and playing cards with their family whereas in Tihar you will see people worshipping dog, cows while decorating their house with oil lamps and colorful lights so during that time you will see the true essence of the cultural beauty of Nepal.

Religious and spiritual sites
Annapurna base camp trek is one the iconic sites for the trekkers as you will experience many religious and spiritual sites specific to different religions. The religious sites in one of the major parts of the Himalayas which are thrilled with breath taking views and spiritual sites. The trail offers a range of small and large monasteries at each stop such as the Chomrong Monastery and the Jhinu Danda Monastery, even though this particular journey lacks major sites like Tengboche Monastery or Muktinath temple in the Annapurna circuit.