Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 11 Days

Your ability to do the trek depends on your level of physical and mental fitness. You need to be in good shape and have the ability to walk 6 – 7 hours uphill and downhill. Annapurna Base Camp is a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can. It is suitable for passionate trekkers, hence positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination is what you need to have because the only challenging factor here is the altitude. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator like us, with experienced guides and their significant mental preparation with a personal touch.

Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed on this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. This trekking itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Novice travelers with good physical shape, regular exercise, positive attitude and no medical conditions related to lungs or the heart can easily complete the adventurous trip.

There is no age limit for trekking in the Himalayas as long as our participants are healthy and committed to complete the adventure.

The best time to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp is spring (i.e., from March to May), and autumn (i.e., from September to November. The temperatures are moderate during these seasons and guarantee fantastic views throughout the trip. Beautiful bright blue sky and incredible views of different species of flowers and various Himalayan peaks are best experienced during these seasons.

It is also possible to do the ABC trek during monsoon season (i.e., from June to August) and winter season (i.e., from December to February). But during monsoon, it rains in the lower altitudes and the views are not so pleasant due to foggy and hazy weather. While during the winter season, although the sky is clear, it gets colder. However, traveling during these off-seasons has an advantage that there are fewer crowds due to infrequent trekkers.

Weather in the mountains is quite difficult to predict. Different temperatures can be experienced at different elevations and during different seasons. The average temperatures in Nepal (in °C) are

On our standard 11 day trek to ABC, you will be walking for nine days with an average distance of 15 km a day and a minimum of 6 – 8 km. Other days will be spent for acclimatizing wherein you may make short hikes of about 3 – 4 km. Although 15 km per day is not a long distance, the steep and rocky terrain will slow your pace especially during winters when the trail gets covered in snow and ice. Your average walking pace will be about 4 to 5km/hour, so 15 km per day does not sound too bad.

It is possible to complete this trek in shorter duration depending on your physical fitness condition, previous experience, and mental firmness. Other option to shorten your trek is by trekking to ABC and flying out by helicopter from the base camp. Our 11 days trek to ABC is a standard itinerary, which is best planned with a high degree of awareness of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Please be aware that gaining elevation without proper consideration of AMS and acclimatization could prove to be fatal.

Yes. A representative, preferably the guide along with driver will be there at the airport’s arrival sector to meet you and escort you up to your hotel room. We include all airport pick up and drop offs as a part of your travel program. We will be with you the entire time of your stay in Nepal.

It is not mandatory to arrive early on account of getting used to the altitude. However, it is recommended to keep a few buffer days before and after your trek owing to the unpredictable weather uncertainties, flight cancellations or other unseen calamities. As you trek to gradually higher altitudes, you will need to acclimatize appropriately and walk at a slower pace to get used to the altitude. You should not gain an elevation of more than 400-500m in a day’s walk.

Usually, your flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara allows you to carry a maximum of 10 kg checked-in bag and a hand baggage of 5 kg. More than the weight limit will cost you about US$ 1 – 2 for each extra kg. So, we recommend you to minimize your luggage to avoid the additional cost. You can leave behind your unwanted items in your hotel back in Kathmandu or our office.

We provide our professional and technical expertise services in remote areas in the Himalayas. Every effort will be made to stick to the original itinerary. However, since the weather and climatic conditions up in the mountains are sometimes unpredictable, we cannot guarantee that we will follow the original plan. The health condition of a group member or unexpected natural disaster, etc. can also contribute to unplanned situations. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to the plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. For any unexpected occurring and challenges in the mountains, our Himalayan guides are entirely reliable and superbly jovial people. With their skill and knowledge of the region, they will readily devise a new plan and propose to you.

There are telephones (landlines) in most of the villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Mobile phone services are available throughout Nepal but the quality of the reception varies from location to location. Internet facilities can be found in only a few villages. However, these facilities can be expensive. Our guides will carry mobile phones which also can be used by you when/if necessary.

If you provide us with the prominent details and historical documentation, and day-to-day activity notes of the trek, we will certainly blog your trek as you desire. You may need to sit together with our content writer/editor to conclude the blog and writing formats.

All our guides are proficient in English, government licensed and professionally certified. They are local, Nepali mountain experts with multiple years of expertise in the mountains. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the mountains and their minute details. Our staff gets constant training and understands the way of running quality trips that exceed expectations. Our guides are selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, impeccable judgment, and their friendly demeanor. They are well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. Our guides practice Responsible Tourism in the trek guided by the principles of ecotourism and sustainable tourism. We train them in the following major courses:

Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)

Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Center of Nepal.

Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)

English Language – KEEP

Conservation and Biodiversity – KEEP

Rock and Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (optional) by Nepal Mountaineering Association.

For this trek, there will be one leader, assistant guides (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). The arrangement has been made in such a way that even if anyone within the group falls sick or cannot continue with the trek due to some reason, the trip can still go ahead as planned.

According to IPPG (International Porter Protection Group), the maximum weight a porter is liable to carry is 30 kg. Since we use two trekkers: 1 porter ratio during trekking trips, the porter will take a maximum of 15 kilograms for each trekker. However, you will carry your own daypacks. It should not be difficult to keep your primary packages below 15 kg each even with the more sturdy sleeping bag.

You do not need to change money before you arrive in Kathmandu. We can help you get better exchange rates from our responsible government approved money exchangers after you meet us. And when you are in short of cash, there are lots of ATMs to dispense your desired amount of money.

For all your personal expenses, it is recommended that you carry Nepalese rupees of smaller values for little purchases on the trail and bigger notes for bigger purchases. Extra personal expenses that may incur on the trip include hot shower, recharging batteries and other electronic gadgets, bottled/boiled water, phone and internet usages, soda, alcoholic beverages, tipping, other services not listed, and recreational expenses.

Tipping is an accepted way of saying ‘Thank you’ to your staff for their services. However, it is not mandatory. It is good to carry small denominations of US$ for small tips to driver, hotel staff etc. The tips for guides and porters are generally based on the number of trekking days and can be pooled together with other trekkers or made directly to the individuals. A common way to calculate tipping is as follows – 8 to 10% of your trip cost per person. This amount can be adjusted based on your overall satisfaction and staff performance. Your tip is offered at the end of the trip. The guide has the most responsibility so generally is offered a higher tip than assistant guides or porters. For example the ratio can be something like (guide: assistant guide: porter/porters = 50:30:20). You can distribute the tips directly to the guide, assistant guide and porter. If there is more than one porter then you can give them a certain amount and they will share among themselves. Also, don’t ask them how much they would like to be given. You can tip in USD or Nepalese rupees. This is just a guideline for tipping and is not obligatory.

To help you pack for your adventure, we have listed equipment and a pack list below. Please note that the listed items may vary according to the different seasons. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

HEAD

• Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

UPPER BODY

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

HANDS

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

LOWER BODY

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

FEET

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)
• Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

SLEEPING

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

RUCKSACK AND TRAVEL BAGS

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• 1 large duffel bag *
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

MEDICAL

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• AAnti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

PRACTICAL ITEMS

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

TOILETRIES

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

PERSONAL HYGIENE

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

EXTRAS/LUXURIES

• Reading book
• Trail map/guidebook
• Journal and pen
• IPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swimsuit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillowcase (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

We use a 4 season sleeping bag during the trek which is good to -10˚C, -15˚C or -20˚C depending on the season. We do provide you the sleeping bags but it is better if you can bring your own, as far as possible. If you bring your own, we suggest you Lamina Z Torch, MHW Lamina O or Shona’s sleeping bag. Make sure that your bag is of good fit to the shape of your body and should have an insulated hood for added warmth.

A decent pair of hiking boots that are the right size for you, having excellent ankle support, good grip at the soles and which protect you from the snow is the type of boots you need during your trek. Once you buy your shoes, don’t forget to break them, to avoid blisters. If you want a specific recommendation, go ahead and try the Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX. It has Gore-Tex liners, meaning that your feet will be protected from harsh conditions while the rubber outsoles provide enough traction and stability during long treks. Other recommendations are – New Balance Hiking Shoes and Scarpa Kailash Hiking Boots.

Our well-trained and dedicated guides will determine the intensity of your sickness and decide what needs to be done. He will provide on-site emergency assistance with first aid medical kit in the first place. If it is needed, he will bring you about 500m below so that you feel better. In case of extreme difficulties, he will help to evacuate you using a helicopter under your covered health/travel insurance. If you want to stay there and recover, our Sherpa assistance will be there with you. If your condition is not too critical, or you feel you cannot afford helicopter rescue, then you may think of a pony rescue, or you may even walk slowly downwards.

Consult your doctor and check for which food items you are allergic before you come to Nepal. Before your trekking commences, do not forget to inform your guide about your allergies. He will accordingly make necessary arrangements for you throughout the journey.

As the altitude goes up, the oxygen density gets lower affecting your cardiac and pulmonary systems. Our bodies must adjust to avoid mountain sicknesses, thus we arrange our treks and day-to-day itinerary to incorporate with required acclimatization days. At different points of our trip, you may either choose to take rest or have short hikes.

It is mandatory for joining ABC Trek that all clients must be insured. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. There could be comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

As the altitude rises, more UV rays get reflected due to increase in sun’s intensity. Thus, we advise you to protect your skin with clothing and sunblock. A special sunblock for the mountains is recommended. Also, you may use UV protected sunglasses and prescription sunglasses if required.

You may want to consider the following points for extra safety measures: Use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling to keep your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items safe. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many hotels that we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your tour leader will accompany you on all included activities.

Your safety is our paramount concern; we are always there to help travelers in an emergency. We are available 24/7 at any of our following contact numbers:

Headquarter-USA: +1-855-986-5623

Regional Office-Asia: +977-985-105-5684

At Kathmandu, farewell dinner before your final departure. While during the trek, all type of menus including major food items is available, though the quality and quantity may vary from what is available in Kathmandu. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental, and Indian cuisines are common choices on the menu. However, as you trek further up, your choices will be limited. Hot drinks: Coffee / Tea / Hot chocolate Breakfast: The typical meals served for breakfast during trekking are eggs, pancakes, porridge, fresh baked bread and cheese. Lunch & Dinner: For lunch and dinner noodle soup (Thukpa) and soups, fried rice, macaroni, Momos (dumplings), potatoes, sandwiches, pizzas, spring roll, spaghetti, noodles and typical Nepal Dal-Bhat with vegetables (rice & lentil soup) are the common items. Snacks: We encourage you to take snacks like energy bars, candy bars, salty snacks, crackers, peanut butter etc. for a change in your diet on the trek.

Salad: Vegetable / Fruit / Potato

Desserts: Pie / Pudding / Custard / Cake

Most of the teahouses have western flush toilet facilities. However, at the place above Lobuche, squat type of toilet is more common. The western style flush toilets, however, become tough to flush especially during the night and at higher elevations when the water freezes. It is highly recommended to carry your toilet paper and hand sanitizer for ABC trek.

Once you have booked with us, your trek is 100% guaranteed, no matter how many people book for the said date. We value and respect your preferences; hence you will not be mixed with another group or shifted to another date or another trip.

Our trekking guide will make necessary efforts to acquire the required transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if, for any reason, you need to depart early. In the meantime, one of our staff will remain with you at all times. However, you will not be entitled to any refunds for unused days on the trek or for the services such as hotel, transport, and flight, included in the package that you would not use later. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have to pay the guides and porters for the time they have committed. However, you can make claims with your insurance company for your loss. We will cooperate with you on the documentation process to reimburse your claimed amount.

On some days, the Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Pokhara airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek. We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you be prepared for possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Pokhara However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

Please visit the following link for the details: https://extolloadventures.com/our-policy/

There are reservations that have to be adhered to when entering Nepal. The customs department at the airport conducts a meticulous scrutiny of the items in your luggage. There are some items that cannot be brought into the country, for example carrying drugs in any form is considered a crime and the accused will be immediately prosecuted. Firearms, explosives and sharp or blunt weapons if identified can land you into serious trouble. It may come as a shock to many that eating beef is strictly forbidden in Nepal. Hinduism being the dominant religion in Nepal forbids killing and eating cows and oxen. Carrying any edible items in your luggage that contains beef is considered a crime. If you are carrying gold it should be less than 5 ounces, for more than the stipulated amount a declaration and authorization is required. Same goes for other precious metals, gems, and valuable items. There are no regulations on the jewelry on your body. Nepal has zero tolerance for drug smuggling. Visitors are forbidden to import drugs in any form into Nepal Possession of drugs not only puts you at risk of being apprehended and imprisoned, but the entire group you are travelling with might get arrested as well. Nepal is a country of tradition and sacred religious beliefs. Any obscenity, whether physical or verbal, is looked upon with revulsion as the culture here differs from Western countries. Wearing inappropriate attire while visiting religious sites will not be tolerated, and clothes that are too revealing or leather clothing inside the religious structures are not allowed. While holding hands is completely normal, please refrain from displaying too much physical affection in public view, if you plan to travel in Nepal as a couple.