Annapurna Base Camp Trek

It is the best way to explore a country as naturally and culturally diverse as Nepal. Aside from immersing in the wonders of nature in the Annapurna region, you get to meet people who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The adventurous Annapurna Base Camp trek cuts through rhododendron forests (even at lower altitudes), streams and rivers, interesting villages, monasteries, and monuments, and also climbs over glaciers and high-altitude viewpoints.

The prime challenges trekkers face in the trekking regions are language barriers and navigation. A major section of the trekking regions are uninhabited and in the remaining sections that are, the locals hardly understand English or other foreign languages. Weather conditions and other unanticipated challenges can make it difficult to plan the day’s trek, meals, and shelter options. A wrong turn could push you off the trail into harm’s way.

A guide on the other hand, eases things for you, enriches your experience, and ensures safety. Guidance that comes from experience and deep local knowledge lets you enjoy and make the most out of your trip while you leave the arrangements and planning to your guide who becomes an important part of your team.

There is no specific age limit. Trekkers as young as 6 and as old as 75 have trekked in the Himalayas. However, trekkers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a guardian. Younger trekkers should only be brought along if they can be appropriately cared for and can properly communicate any problems to their guardians.

Trekking in the Himalayas can be moderately challenging to difficult based on the terrain, number of trekking days, time of the year, and current weather conditions. It also depends on previous trekking experience and the skill of the trekker.

Although the destinations in lower altitudes can be trekked throughout the year, Spring (February to May) and Autumn (October to December) are the best times to trek in high altitudes. Nepal receives monsoon rain from June through September, which is not a great time to trek. However, the rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Nar-Phu in the Annapurna and adjoining regions offer a great escape during the season. Winter is very cold in the upper mountains with heavy snowfall which cause obstructions in the trekking routes.

A Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is necessary for most trekking regions including the Annapurna Base Camp. An entrance permit is required for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Upon confirmation of your booking, we acquire all necessary permits on your behalf.

The average trekking hours is around six hours. It can range from four to eight hours a day depending upon trail conditions, day of the itinerary, and current weather conditions.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek includes accommodation in a mountain lodge or guest house operated by locals for overnight stays and meals. The rooms are on a twin-share basis and include two single beds or a single and double bed each and a small table. The beddings include a mattress, pillow, and blanket. Lodges in lower altitudes such as Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Jhinu also offer attached bathrooms.

Teahouse trekking is a popular trekking option wherein trekkers stay at cozy local tea houses in the mountainous regions on a full-board basis. This trekking style is preferred by most trekkers who do not want to carry the additional burden of tent, food supplies and other daily necessities.

The nationwide expansion of mobile networks has made it possible to enjoy 4G and 3G networks in most parts of the trek up to moderate altitude. A sim card for NCell and NTC, the leading mobile telecommunications providers can easily be availed. Uninterrupted connection however is greatly affected by weather conditions and terrain.

A good level of overall fitness, sound health and stamina is necessary to go on and enjoy the trek. If you have any chronic or acute health condition, we recommend that you consult your physician before signing up for the trip.

It is a known fact that oxygen levels at higher altitudes are significantly lower than the level that we are used to and the body needs to adjust to this change in atmosphere. The best way to aid acclimation is to climb slowly. We have prepared our itinerary to allow enough time for acclimation and not put too much of strain on the body. Adequate acclimation days, a combination of rest and a short hike have been arranged to further support the process. Minor symptoms of altitude sickness include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and others. It is vital you constantly monitor your health condition and report any signs of sickness to your team leader.

If you fall sick or get injured despite precautions, our first-aid trained guides would be your first help. Depending upon the nature of sickness or injury, you would either be immediately taken to a lower altitude (in case of altitude sickness) or evacuated by a rescue helicopter for medical attention. We would require your insurance details to arrange for a rescue helicopter if you are injured in a remote area and in no condition to trek further.

The safety of all our guests is our utmost priority. Nepal has been well-known as a safe destination and the Nepalese as friendly and welcoming people. We generally trek in small groups in the constant care and company of our experienced and expert guides. The places that we frequently utilize as our stops have been known to be reliable and safe over the years that we have been served. As such the safety of all travelers is ensured.

Your insurance is mandatory and should cover emergency air ambulance and/or helicopter rescue services up to an altitude of 4150 m and all related medical expenses for injury, death, loss of baggage, theft, and trip cancellation. Please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. You are required to send in your insurance details while booking the trip. We will assist you. Don’t worry.

Please make sure you do not carry any extra items that you would hardly use on the trek. 11-14 kg total luggage on the trek would be good. Any extra luggage not required during your trek may be safely stored at the hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This is also to strictly ensure that our porters are not overburdened.