The Annapurna Base Camp Volleyball Court is an extraordinary, high-altitude volleyball ground located near the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in central Nepal. Perched at an elevation of over 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), it is often called the “world’s highest volleyball court”. This impromptu but iconic court has become a symbol of adventure, resilience, and Nepal’s unique connection between nature, tourism, and sport.

Overview

• Name: Annapurna Base Camp Volleyball Court

• Location: Near Annapurna Base Camp, inside Annapurna Sanctuary, Gandaki Province, Nepal

• Elevation: Approx. 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)

• Primary Use: Recreation and cultural exchange among trekkers, guides, and locals

• Surface Type: Gravel and packed earth

• Special Status: Considered one of the highest-altitude volleyball courts in the world

Unique Setting and Background

Located in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, this informal volleyball court sits amidst snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli. It serves not as an official tournament venue, but as a symbolic cultural space where:

• Local guides and porters play in the mornings or evenings

• Trekkers occasionally join in for fun

• It acts as a social hub and an outlet for physical activity at high altitude

This court reflects the Nepali spirit—wherever there is flat land, there is volleyball.

Who Built the Court?

The court is largely maintained by local lodge owners and trekking staff at the base camp. Over the years, it has been informally established through:

• Clearing a relatively flat patch of land near the lodges

• Setting up bamboo or wooden poles as volleyball net supports

• Using rope and cloth nets, sometimes improvised depending on season and weather

• Drawing court boundaries with stones or markings on the gravel

It is not governed by any sports authority but is maintained by the trekking community for recreational purposes.

Why Is It Famous?

The Annapurna Base Camp Volleyball Court is famous due to its:

• Unbelievable location at high altitude, surrounded by Himalayan peaks

• Viral social media presence: Videos and photos of locals playing volleyball in snowy conditions often go viral

• Adventure-sports appeal: Trekkers view it as a bonus experience during their multi-day trek

• Community engagement: A place where foreigners and locals interact in a relaxed, joyful way after days of strenuous trekking

Challenges of Playing at High Altitude

Playing at over 4,000 meters is not easy. Athletes and trekkers experience:

• Lower oxygen levels, resulting in shortness of breath and quicker fatigue

• Colder temperatures, especially early mornings and evenings

• Rough terrain, making running and diving more difficult

Still, this doesn’t deter the porters, guides, and hikers from enjoying the game. Most matches are friendly, short, and played with light-hearted enthusiasm.

Cultural and Tourism Impact

The court is more than a place to play—it adds to the ABC trekking experience by:

• Strengthening guide–trekker relationships

• Showcasing Nepal’s passion for volleyball, even in remote regions

• Creating viral moments that promote tourism and awareness of Nepal’s outdoor culture

Some trekking groups even carry a lightweight ball to donate or join a spontaneous match at ABC.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• It is believed to be one of the highest places on Earth where volleyball is regularly played.

• Local players sometimes play barefoot, even in cold weather.

• Tourists often cheer from the sidelines while sipping hot tea from nearby lodges.

• The net is sometimes tied between trekking poles or bamboo sticks.

• Videos from this court have been featured by international adventure media.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Base Camp Volleyball Court is not an official stadium or high-tech sports facility—but it is one of the most memorable and symbolic volleyball courts in the world. It represents the convergence of natural beauty, cultural simplicity, and the universal love for sport. Whether you’re a trekker, an athlete, or an explorer at heart, a stop at this impromptu court will leave you smiling, breathless (literally), and inspired.