Notes
How Difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The difficulty level of the Annapurna base camp trek is moderate, which means there are some sort of challenges that trekkers need to face. For the experienced trekker, it will not be so difficult, but for the beginner, it might be difficult when unprepared.
Let’s see the challenge that Abc trek offers when you undertake this trek:
Altitude and Elevation Gain
Your Annapurna base camp trekking starts from the lower elevation of Nayapul, which is around 1,000 meters/3,280 feet, and takes you to the elevation of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp. For some trekkers, while trekking at such altitude, the chances of getting altitude sickness are real. If you catch altitude sickness you will feel the symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Trail Conditions
The route of the Annapurna base camp is well marked and safe but passing through the uphill and downhill can be challenging to some trekkers who are not used to it. For example, climbing the thousands of stone stairs in the Ulleri village.
Diverse weather conditions
Annapurna region weather is so diverse that it will be difficult to predict for the travellers. So sometimes bad weather can affect your travel plan. Trekkers need to be prepared for sudden rainfall, snowfall, or temperature drops.
Physical Endurance and Hours of Walking
During trekking to the Annapurna base camp trek, trekkers need to walk for every day around 4-6 hours, covering around 10-15 km. These walking hours can be tough if you are not physically fit. So be prepared to walk for around 6 hours daily carrying a backpack on this ABC trek.
Simple Accommodation and Basic Amenities
Remember the accommodation in the remote village of Annapurna region offers basic facilities of lodging and food to the trekkers. Don’t expect a wide variety of menu and luxury service during the trek.
Note: Even if it seems difficult, it is completely manageable when you are prepared in advance. Thousands of first-time and beginner trekkers have already completed this trek successfully, so you can too.
How to Prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Build Your Cardio Fitness Prioritize Endurance Training
To walk for 4-6 hours during the trek, trekkers can engage in activities which will help to build endurance and maintain cardio fitness. Here are the basic exercises that you can do daily for about months before heading for the ABC trek.
- Running or jogging
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Stair climbing (with a weighted backpack to simulate your trek)
- Join a Gym or Yoga class
Book the trek in advance and choose best time for Trekking
Being one of the world's favorite trekking destinations, ABC tea houses can be packed during peak season. So, to have a comfortable journey, plan and book in advance. Also, while booking, make sure your departure date falls within the best trekking season.
Packing Essentials
To have the best experience, it is wise to pack less and travel with only the essentials that you need for this Annapurna base camp trek. Don’t pack unnecessary items, and if you choose to travel to Pokhara by flight, make sure to check luggage restrictions.
Hire trekking guide and porter
As per the new rules of the Nepal government, it is compulsory to hire a trekking guide with you inside the national park and conservation area. So, hire a trekking guide and be physically fit for the Annapurna base camp trek.
Read more: Guide And Porter Hire for Annapurna base camp trek
Respect Local Culture and Etiquette During ABC Trek
To have a wonderful time in the Annapurna region make sure to respect the local culture and traditions. When you meet the locals in Gurung and Magar communities, show respect and Greet locals with "Namaste" and a smile. Also, follow sustainable tourism practices, which helps to save the pristine Annapurna environment and beauty.
Food in Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What To Expect
On these 13 days of Annapurna base camp trek, High Route Adventure will arrange you three times during the trekking time. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the tea house, and for lunch, you will enjoy the middle of the trek, depending on your pace and location.
Let’s see the common food that you can expect on this ABC trek:
Breakfast: Porridge (rice, oats, or millet), Tibetan Bread or chapati, Toast with EggsPancakes,Seasonal fruit
Lunch and Dinner: Dal Bhat, Momos, Thukpa or Sherpa Stew, Pasta options like spaghetti with tomato or cheese sauce, Pizza, etc
Drinks: Hot Beverages(masala tea, ginger lemon honey tea, or black coffee), Hot Chocolates, Hot water, energy drinks, alcoholic beverage
Accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What To Expect
After you book the Annapurna base camp trek(ABC) package, we will book the best tea house/lodge for you. This accommodation will be simple, and you will share the room with fellow trekkers. There will be a shared washroom, and amenities like a hot shower, charging, wifi will be available at extra cost. There will be no heating or AC system inside your room. If you are traveling in the winter season, make sure to carry a sleeping bag with you.
- Hot shower cost: around USD 2
- Charging cost: around USD 1-3 per hour
- Wifi cost: around 2 per day
Altitude Sickness on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Altitude sickness generally happens when trekkers reach 35,00 meters above sea level. In this Annapurna base camp trek, to reach the base camp, you will be walking at an altitude of above 4,000m. So, for some trekkers, there is a chance of catching altitude sickness(AMS).
This altitude sickness can be prevented when we follow these steps:
- Take Diamox( altitude sickness medicine) by consulting with a Doctor. You can find this medicine easily in the Thamel pharmacy.
- Trek at your own pace at high altitude. Speeding will result in more use of oxygen and can trigger altitude sickness.
- Don't consume alcohol during the ABC trek. Also smoking.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous exercise at high altitude.
- Follow the acclimatization plan properly and stick with the itinerary plan.
Safe Drinking Water Facilities on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
It is important to have safe drinking water during the trekking to Annapurna base camp trek. You can drink hot water or purchase a water bottle for safe drinking water. You can ask for boiling water at the tea house and they will charge you some bucks. Also, remember that bottled water at high altitudes is expensive due to the lack of transportation facilities. Additionally there are some water stations on the trekking route from where you can refill your water bottle.
Importance of Travel Insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna base camp is safe for trekking for both beginner trekkers and first-time trekkers. However, having travel insurance for unprepared situations can be life-saving and help you avoid high emergency costs.
While purchasing travel insurance for in home country, make sure your insurance policy includes these thing:
- High altitude risk up to 5,000m
- Medical Emergencies and Altitude Sickness
- Emergency helicopter rescue
- Trip Cancellations or Delays
- Loss or Theft of Belongings
- Compensation for canceled flights
- Evacuation due to a natural disaster
- Medical evacuation and hospital expenses in Nepal.
Kathmandu To Pokhara Transportation: What you will use
When you choose the Annapurna base camp trek package with us, we will arrange a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The road distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 200 km, and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara by tourist bus.
You can also choose the option to use a direct flight on this 13 Day Annapurna base camp trek. The flight distance is around 25 minutes from Kathmandu International Airport. The flight cost is not included in the package so if you want to use this service you need to add some cost.
- The Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for foreigners is around USD 105 per person.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for Indian: around INR 2,625 to INR 4,200.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight cost for Nepalese is around NPR 4,200- 6,000 per person.
Read more: Kathmandu to Pokhara Transportation
High Route Adventure Team For Your Guided Annapurna base camp Trek
If you choose us for the Annapurna base camp trek, we will provide you with a well-experienced trekking guide who has experience in this field. If you are in a large group, we will arrange you additional assistance guide also. Along with the trekking guide we will provide you free porter service. One porter will be assigned to two trekkers, and our porter carries a maximum weight of 20kg. So porter luggage should not exceed more than max of 10 kg.
Top Places to Visit in Pokhara
After you complete your Annapurna Base Camp trek, you can spend a few days in Pokhara if you wish. Pokhara, known for its natural beauty, peaceful environment, and adventure activities, is a great place to relax before you return to your country.
Here are some top spots to visit:
- Bindhyabasini Temple
- Sarangkot Sunrise/Sunset Viewpoint
- Peace Pagoda
- Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave
- Fewa Lake
- Tal Barahi Temple
- Pumdikot Shiva Statue
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Booking, Payment & Cancellation
Booking: For booking the 13 Days Annapurna base camp trek with High Route Adventure you need to pay an advance of 20% to reserve your spot. The rest of the payment you can make after you visit our office. You can click here to make online payment.
Payment: To make a payment, you can use the payment methods like Credit/Debit Cards,
Bank Transfers, Online Payment Platforms, and Cash Payments( for locals).
Cancellation: The booking is nonrefundable and the rest of the payment will be refunded to you. Check our cancellation policy to know more in details. Click here: Terms and Conditions
