A friend and I are heading to nepal for 2.5 weeks in October 07, and want to do either the ABC or Jomsom as a short trek so that we have time to do other things also. Can anyone suggest which one we should do? We cant decide...We also want to do it independently ourselves, is that a good idea for both of them?
Oz
silentoz
1
into-thin-air
Hi
Both are great treks, The Jomsom Trek is far the easier of the two but consequently more crowded – Most people fly into Jomsom and walk and walk down so my doing it in reverse you would avoid walking in crowds !!
Although the ABC trek is harder it is far more rewarding – I have written my experiences up on both treks at
My Nepal page
Under the Sports Travel and Accommodation section of tips
With accommodation and photos – maybe that might help you decide
Happy Travels
Rob
2
stilltrekkin
The two treks you mention are very different and as Poster #1 says the Jomsom trek is much easier than the Sanctuary. The Jomsom trek takes you through well established villages and a diverse environment from sub-tropical fores to the arid stretches of the upper Kali Ghandaki valley and the sub-alpine zone around Muktinath. Once you reach Chomrong on the trail into the Sanctuary you soon leave permanent settlements (above Doban) and go through much "wilder" country climbing into the high bowl, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is rugged and spectacular, surrounding by high peaks including 8000+ metres of Annapurna I. The trail into the Sanctuary is not as highly developed as the Jomsom trail (which is actually a road in places above Ghasa). You will learn more about Nepali culture (both Hindu and Buddhist traditions and village life) on the Jomsom trek and have more comfortable accomodations and a greater choice of food on the menus. ON the upper portions of the Sanctuary trek, you will have more of a mountain wilderness experience and be right in the heart of the Annapurna Range of the Himalaya. It is a more strenuous option.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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