Nep Travels : Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), is Nepal's most popular hiking route. Many hikers will also take ABC route with other small rings. Our Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) hiking route gives you an opportunity to experience the typical Nepali village, local people and their way of living traditional life in Himalayas of Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp route goes passing through spectacular and tranquil landscapes, charming Gurung and Magar villages, lush green Rhododendron, bamboo and alpine forests overseeing snow-capped mountains to our ultimate goal ABC, 4130 meters above sea level. A week of trekking full of adventure and excitement will certainly become precious memories for a lifetime.

Cost Includes

9 night accommodation with 3 meals a day during trek

2 night accommodation in Kathmandu on Bb plan

2 night accommodation in Pokhara on Bb plan

All entrance and Permit charge

Licensed Guide and Porter

All transfer; airport drop pick up

Kathmandu to Pokhara in AC vehicle

Air Fare Pokhara to Kathmandu

Farewell Lunch or Dinner

DAY 01: Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. First day you’re in Nepal. Our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer to Hotel. Our manager will meet you at the hotel or anywhere convenient and brief you about the trek along with introduction to guide of the trek. Overnight at Hotel on B plan.

DAY 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara

After breakfast drive to the next stop, this is the city Pokhara. At noon, on the way to Pokhara, bus will stop for lunch for about an hour. Although Kathmandu to Pokhara is just 200 km, but the journey might take 6-8 hours due to heavy traffic and narrow roads. The road runs along the beautiful Kathmandu Valley and the Trishuli River. If the weather is fine you can see spectacular snowy mountains. Along the way, you will encounter tourists from around the world trekking to Annapurna region. Our representative or guide will transfer to hotel. Overnight at Pokhara.

DAY 03: Pokhara to Naya Pul to Tikhe Dhunga

After breakfast, you'll take a bus from Pokhara to Naya Pul which is around an hour drive. From Naya Pul, our trekking starts. As this is first day of trekking, this will be a short relaxing hike. Overnight at Tikhe Dhunga ending today’s destination.

DAY 04: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Fourth day of our trek continues with walk towards the culturally rich Magar village. Today you'll take a steep walk up of stone staircase to Ulleri for about one and half hours and then stop at Ulleri for lunch. After lunch our trail wends through magnificent rhododendron and oak forests. Ghorepani is where you'll have diner and stay overnight.

DAY 05: Ghorepani to Tadapani along with a short hike to Poon hill

We'll start our day with a hike up to Poon Hill/3210m, for this you'll need to wake before dawn and get prepared for amazingly brilliant sunrise and panoramic view of high Himalaya. Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I and Manaslu’s panoramic view can be seen from the view point. After sunrise view you'll return to hotel, have breakfast and continue to trek towards Tadapani.

DAY 06: Tadapani to Chomrong

The sixth day heading towards Chomrong, our trail descends down through the rhododendron and oak forests. After walking down about 45 minutes, the trail goes very steep downhill through the terraced field to Kimrung Khola and crossing the suspension bridge.

DAY 07: Chomrong to Chamonong River to Dovan

Today will be a lot more exciting than the previous two days. Today's trail descends down through thousands of stone staircase then crosses Chhumrung Khola on bridge and climbs up to Sinuwa. We will continue trek along with lunch on the way and overnight stay after dinner at Dovan.

DAY 08: Dovan to ABC

Annapurna Base Camp, elevation: 4130 meters

And finally to the heart of the ABC, today we finally make to the Annapurna Base Camp. The trail turns to the left in the valley after Machhapuchhre Base Camp and has a pleasant walk up to ABC though the air is thinner now. You may feel being at the high altitude now. You can add clothes just to make sure you stay warmer and it is recommended not to rush, walk gently. After such a difficult trek so far, you will now get a chance to enjoy the mountains. You will see tremendous views of giant Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) 6997m and several other wonderful peaks.

DAY 09: ABC to Bamboo

Today after sunrise view between the majestic Annapurna we will say goodbye to the Himalayas and trek down to Bamboo. This place, Bamboo, is named so because of the Bamboo forest in it. Overnight at Bamboo.

DAY 10: Bamboo to Chhomrong

We will now head towards Chhomrong passing through the Bamboo and rhododendron forest.

DAY 11: Chhomrong to Ghandruk

Continuing 11th day of trekking we will keep walking towards Ghandruk, where we will spend last night in the mountains.

Day 12: Ghandruk to Pokhara

Last day of our trekking. We will hike along the typical Gurung village passing through Syauli Bazaar and take bus at Nayapul and leave for Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara long 12 days trekking finally comes to an end.

DAY 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will now leave for Kathmandu. While returning back to Kathmandu, we suggest to take flight rather than road transport. So, you will take a short flight of 30 mins and reach at Kathmandu. If anyone is interested to take roadways, guide will arrange air-conditioned vehicle as per your need. After your arrival at Kathmandu, our company will provide you farewell dinner or lunch as you want. In this program, you can share your experience of the trek. You are free to express your valuable reviews. This will also help us to upgrade and improve our service enabling us to fulfill clients’ demand.

DAY 14: Kathmandu

It's time to say goodbye. Last day of your stay in Nepal. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuwan International Airport. End of our Service

Cost Excludes:

Visa Fee (free for Indian, Chinese and SAARC nationalities except for Afghans)

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Travel Insurance

Rental charge for sleeping bag and down jacket

Expenses during trek like charging electronic devices, WI-FI, hot shower, toilet paper rolls, mineral water, and other personal items

Tips to guide and porter

Travel Insurance:

About the travel insurance we suggest our guest to take those insurance which covers all emergency case or other travel related injury during your travel in Nepal. However, this is optional and it depends on your opinion. If you are buying any insurance you can buy which covers for a week or only for days you will be in Nepal.

There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com

Cancellation and Refund:

Although it’s rare but sometimes we might cancel trip due to some internal problems, in such a case you will be refunded full amount of package. If guest wish to cancel trip then money will be refunded as following:

Cancelled one month before arrival full refund

Cancelled 15 days before arrival 75% refund of total cost

Cancelled one week before arrival 50% of total cost

Cancelled less than a week 25% refund of total cost

No Show No refund

Equipment and Accessories

Trekking on the high altitude area there is some requirement of equipment.

Sunglasses

Sunhat, cap or Scarf

Woolen hat

Head light and torches

Gloves

Thermals

Fleece

Comfortable trekking boots

Fleece pants

Jackets, down jacket

Sleeping bag rated to -20°C

Trekking poles

Trekking bag or Duffel bag

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Toiletries

Spare battery (if you have any to charge your electronic devices on the way)

Can I travel alone without guide, just with a porter?
Well it’s your choice whether you want a guide or not. But what we suggest you, is to take a guide because there are thousands of solo traveler missing in Nepal. If there is a guide to assist you, you don't have to worry about where to stay for a night; how to find your way, how do you arrange your everyday trip and how do you take care of yourself if there are any bad happenings. Moreover, mountains are not like city area where you will find many to communicate, In the mountain very few speak English, and we remind you not to believe anyone you meet on the way cause there are good and bad people everywhere.
What age people can trek in the Mountains?
There is no limit in age unless you are below 18 yrs. old. Everyone can trek if their physical strength allows them. If there is kid interested, then he/she must be accompanied by his/her parent. For those above 18 don’t have any restriction. Before you choose any trekking destination consult with your physician and then go for that which you can complete.
How long is the trekking? How long will be the walking trail?
Trekking depends on the kind of package you choose. There are packages of a week and even of 3 weeks and more. When you are trekking average hour you will trek is four to six hours, in some cases 7 hours a day, which will be minimum of 7km and maximum 15 km of walking in a day.
Is it compulsory to have previous trekking history?
No, if this is your first time then it's OK. Not all the trekkers have previous experience. There are many beginners who do well than those experienced ones. Before you come to Nepal indulge yourself in some walking or stamina building sports, so that it becomes easier for you to even walk for 6 hours a day.
What things do I need to prepare before coming to Nepal?
Documents:
You will require documents like passport, color copies of passport, passport size photo graphs, if you are below 18 and travelling with friends, you will require a written document by your parents (travel agreement), if you are going under medication, written prescription by doctor is required. Besides these, if there are any other compulsory documents we will inform you during booking. For any other information you can check our travel essentials where information about Customs, Visa and Travel tips is given.
Equipment:
You will require that equipment which is listed in Equipment list. Please check there. You are free to carry other item if you need even if not mentioned in the list.
Travel Insurance:

Apart above mentioned, most important thing you will require is Travel insurance. As, we've said it's optional but it’s better if you have one. There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com
What permits are required and who will arrange it for us?
For every trekking, either short or long you will require permits. For all trekking region you will require TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System). We will get it for you and you should prepare a photograph for it. Another is National Park permit. For every trekking region which falls under national park or conservation area, you will require permit. Another is for trekking in restricted area like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo where you will need a special permit which will be given for a week or limited days. If permit gets expired you will have to pay extra per day.
When should I travel to Nepal?
Nepal has two tourist seasons one is spring and other is autumn. Spring season is February to May. Autumn is late August till mid-November. Summer in Nepal receives heavy rainfall which makes trails slippery and dangerous. There are many avalanches in Mountain during this time, so we suggest not to travel during summer. Another is winter; winter in mountains is too cold. Temperature drop to -20°C. There is snowfall and due to bad weather flights even get cancelled for 1 week. So, it’s better not to travel in winter as well.
What sort of accommodation and food will be in mountain?
Everything in the mountain will be basic. You will stay in tea houses which is lodges and small hotels in the trekking routes. Accommodation will be in twin sharing basis. You will be given three meals and a drink (coffee, hot chocolate, tea) a day. As you go up wards, you will be served simple food. We suggest you to order vegetarian food cause meat in mountains are not fresh and you may easily suffer from Diarrhea. Mineral water in mountain is expensive than city and it gets more expensive as you go upward. You can buy water purifying pills and drink water which is served in local hotel and lodges by purifying yourself.
What do I need to pack?
This basically depends on which season of year you are traveling. If it is autumn then you should keep in mind that winter is approaching, so it will be cool. If it is spring then you should be aware it gets warmer day by day. Generally in all kind of trekking you will require, a down jacket, a warm fleece jacket, thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, trekking boots, a thermal sleeping bag, backpack, and camera. Carry light and few items as much as possible. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment and clothes. Too much overpacking will trouble you in the end. If you are under medication, carry your medicine. If you want to bring something with yourself for the trek but you don't have it right now, we suggest you not to buy such things. Almost all the necessary gears can be easily bought or be rented at shops in Kathmandu.
Is there any arrangement for single travelers?
Whether you are single or traveling with group, a long as you are traveling with Nep Travels, you will be given a guide. If you are single and want a porter, you have to pay extra $11 per day for a porter. If there is more than one person then, one porter will be provided automatically. Generally, we have porter in 2:1 ratio; two trekkers will have one porter.
How much weight will porter carry?
In an average porter will carry 5kg to 15kg. We recommend you to carry bag of 10-15kg (max.) weight. Try to carry few items as possible. You have to carry your important stuffs by yourself like camera, passport, small day bag and other food (chocolates, energy drinks). Rest other will be carried by porter. So you will have two bags during trekking, one carried by porter another carried by yourself.
What communication options exist while trekking?
Don't forget you are trekking in the remote areas. However, access to mobile and internet is expanding so you can communicate using local mobile card and internet. Many routes offer local VHF phones, while more remote trails, a satellite phone is the only option. Connections are interrupted frequently but it's still OK considering place you are traveling.
What is Altitude sickness? What is acclimatization?
When you are trekking in mountain, as you go upwards oxygen in air decreases. Sometimes you might feel headache, vomiting and nausea followed by dizziness. So when you see these symptoms, you might be suffering from Altitude sickness. So, if you have any such symptoms immediately tell your guide. To avoid altitude sickness you will have to take rest and let your body adjust to the surrounding which is called Acclimatization. If you feel too difficult even after acclimatization the best option is to descend rather than to wait for any rescue.
What to do in emergency cases and injuries?
If there is small injury or accident, then our guide will provide you with first aid. All our guides have received first aid training so this will not be a serious matter. However, your safety comes first. If there is any big accident, then we will take you to nearby hospital. If there is case of emergency than we will immediately contact your insurance and you will be rescued by a helicopter.
How will the case of incomplete trip be handled?
There is rare chance of incomplete trip. However, if there is such incident then we are sorry and please understand we cannot refund you money that you've paid. All the arrangements are done before your arrival, so we have to pay in advance for hotels, lodges, guide and porter. Permit and TIMS once used cannot be refund, so we will not be able to refund your money. If due to climate reasons or our technical problem you cannot start trek, then you can change trekking package and switch to another one.
What about tips to guide and porter?
Well, tips are optional. If you are happy with service then you can tip as much as you want. Many guests avoid tipping to guide and porter. However, guide and porter work hard to make your trip successful, so they expect something from you. So, generally we suggest $80 as tip to porter and guide. Then they will divide within each other. If you are in group then, collect $80 per person then divide equally to guide and porter. We fairly said you the idea of tipping, if you have any other questions related to tipping, please mention them during booking.