How to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Introduction of ANNAPURNA base camp trek

 Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route is one of the most popular and famous for travelers, also one of the easiest in Nepal as it is one with the most beautiful views. Although it is situated along the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range. Annapurna is the 10th tallest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8091m above sea level. The journey to the base camp is 110 km to reach an altitude of 4130m in 7- 8 days. Many endangered flora and fauna such as the snow leopards, Himalayan thars and tigers can be found in the region.

The total distance of the trek is of 110KM

 Which is the Best time for Annapurna Base Time trekking?

There are to best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp, Pre, and Post monsoon.

Pre – Monson

February to May, the most advisable, weather should be stable and mostly dry, that is great for trekking, March could also be good as the landscapes and the view are spectacular, but trekking can be hard and it is cold at this moment. April gets quite busy.

Post – Mosson

late September to November, this is the period that will provide the best views and the best landscape compared to the rest of the year. It is most advisable to do it in September as October gets packed and some people get frustrated with the freezing water pipes. Although I arrived beginning of September and the rains were still quite bad.

But beware as it is high season flights to Nepal can get more expensive. So we suggest booking your flight earlier.

May to September MOSSON time not advisable there is a lot of rain, it’s impossible to trek and the views are not the best during this time of the year. December to February possible but not recommended, there is too much snow and cold temperatures can reach up to -30C at night

How long does it take to trek Annapurna Base Camp? Is it hard to trek?

Annapurna Base camp it’s of moderate difficulty it is achievable by even normal fit trekkers, the total distance of the trek is 110 km and should be done in  7- 8 days, the maximum elevation is 4,130 meters. It is considered effortless for even inexperienced hikers and does not demand any high-level physical fitness.

 How much does it cost to trek Annapurna Base Camp?

Depending on the season you want to go (If it’s the high season) it will get more expensive, and also who do you buy the trekking experience from, if they are local it will get cheaper!

  • Travel / Tour Agency $1000- $1200 USD prices usually include all permits, accommodations, meals, guides, porters. Also, flights to start point Pokhara.

Although they won’t include insurance, visa fees, nor trekking equipment

In case flights to Pokhara are not included, they should be around $100 for one way, taking the bus will be a cheaper option around $10

 Which permits do I need to have in order to trek the ABC?

In order to enter the Annapurna area, you need to pay an entrance fee for foreigners available to taramite in Kathmandu

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project                                     $20 USD
  • TIMS – Trekkers information Management System Nepal    $20 USD

How much does it cost to trek Annapurna Base Camp?

What would be my daily expenses?       

*FIXED

TitleDaily CostTotal Cost
Permits$40
Food$25 (3*8)
Water$2-3
Accommodation$10-15 (Tourist standard)

$15-$50 for higher quality

Snacks$5-8
Extras$2-3
ABC Total daily cost$44 – 5544*12= USD 480
Guide cost:20 USD/ per day20*11 = 220 USD
Kathmandu Pokhara Flight100 USD100*2= 200 USD
Kathmandu Pokhara By Tourist Bus10 USD10*2 = 20 USD
Porter Cost10 USD / per day10*9= 90 USD

 

 What are Annapurna Base Camp Daily Expenses? / Showering and Charing?

Once on trek Food on Annapurna Base Camp trek, it’s about $20- $30 a day for 3 good meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Around $8 each (8*3) =$25 and those extras.

Remember the higher you go the more expensive it gets.

For the rest of the things like showers ($2), running water (2), electricity and wifi (5), you will have to pay extra. There are no plugs to charge batteries on any rooms usually the rate is per charging hour in communal areas.

 Will I need a porter/guide for my trek? How much do they Charge?

Can you trek Annapurna base camp without a guide?  / Can you trek Annapurna Base Camp on your own?

Guides are not necessary and yes you can trek it con your own, But we don’t suggest to travel alone. When traveling in the Himalaya so many lost their life and in the max case, they do no travel with guides.

Although here is a list why should you take one…

  • You’ll be safer!! the guides know the trails were you’ll be going, they are the experts on the field and will also take an eye on you concerning altitude sickness or in case something happens.
  • You will not face communication problems with local people
  • You should not have to worry about sleep place as he/ she will take care of it

You can get in contact with any local agency before arriving in Nepal to arrange it or upon your arrival, you can also plan everything. Price for a guide should be around $40 each way

Insurance for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

It is highly advisable to get travel insurance before traveling to Nepal, and whether you hire a guide or not to do the treks. Read close the small letters and make sure you are properly covered, as not every insurance cover extreme activity. It is very common to get altitude sickness or to get injured, in case of evacuation helicopters re very expensive.

Packing Tips / Things to bring/buy before trekking Annapurna Base Camp

  • Water is very expensive to take the most convenient option to sterilize water
  • Take a buff of headwear so your neck and face will be protected from sunburn, wind and any type of weather.
  • Warm Sleeping Bag and a liner
  • Hat, scarf, and mittens
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen
  • To charge any electronic device you will have to pay, so quite recommendable to charge them all with a portable charger
  • Wet wipes are quite handy specially if it gets cold or if it’s quite expensive to shower many people would shower on them.
  • Hand sanitizer cleaner will very handy to clean your hands in case you get hungry
  • Microfiber towel so recommended as it dries so fast and doesn’t weight that much
  • Headlamps! Even most of the trek is during the daytime, electricity most of the time is not always on tea houses during the night
  • Waterproof / Windproof / Rain jacket one of the most important elements and wearing with a thermal layer underneath

**Many clothes and gear are for sale in Kathmandu and Pokhara so don’t worry to much in case you forget to pack something!

 How can I avoid getting altitude Sickness and ensure good acclimatization?

Although Annapurna Base Camp is not an extremely high trek, you should ensure good acclimatization by drinking lots of water and just in case you’re not feeling good start descending. Rest enough before you take the journey and acclimatize every day, guides can tell you how to do that

 What are the 3 main highlights of Annapurna Base Camp trek?

  1. Annapurna Base Camp the holy element of the hike
  2. Annapurna Apple Pie – Many home-cooked apple pies
  3. Jhinu Hot Springs a pool of 3 different temperatures, natural showers

Is it safe to drink Water in Annapurna?

How expensive is the water?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water, mineral water will be available for you to buy on the trail, be aware it is going to be quite expensive (probably like 10 times higher than in Kathmandu). One liter of water will cost you around $2 and the higher you go the higher the prices will be, it could get up to $4 once you reach the top. It is advisable to use purification pills as a cheaper and more comfortable option.

Popular Trekking Packages for Annapurna base camp trek

Annapurna base camp trek 13 days

Annapurna base camp short trek 10 days

Annapurna base camp trek Helicopter flyout

Deluxe Annapurna base camp trekking

Tags: , , ,

Top 10 Destinations for visit Nepal 2020

Top destinations for visit Nepal 2020 blogs aim is to provide information for choosing the best destination. These destinations are shortlisted by us by using various factors see a method of selection to know how we select these destinations.

Nepal is celebrating visit Nepal year 2020 with the aim of 2000000 international travel visit Nepal in 2020. Nepal government is offering various offer for tourist who wants to travel Nepal in 2020. If you are planning to visit Nepal or trek in the Himalaya this year is the right time to travel. Government is collaborating with various local bodies to improve the quality of service. They are repairing and cleaning trekking and hiking trails. They are establishing tourist information centers in various locations.

Okay, that is fine but you do not have any idea for booking travel package for visit Nepal 2020. We will suggest the top 10 destinations for visit Nepal 2020.

Everest Base camp trek

Mt Everest Base Camp Nepal
Mt Everest Base Camp Nepal

Everest base camp trekking trail is world popular trekking destination always and forever. You will reach 5364m from sea level. Do you want to see Mt Everest and want to be at the top of the world? Mt Everest base camp trekking package will be your good choice. Normally if you do not have previous experience on Himalaya you can complete EBC trek via Lukla in 15 days. But if you have some previous experience on walking/hiking in the Himalaya or you are regular hikers you can complete on 10 days. Do not want to trek down to Lukla just want to reach Everest base camp? if so you can choose Everest Base camp trek and fly out by helicopter. Or Simply 01 day Everest base camp Helicopter tour, if you do not like to walk.

Itinerary

Classic 14/15 Days EBC Trek

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu.

Day 02: Explore Kathmandu valley and prepare for the trek

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche

Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp through Gorak Shep

Day 11: Trek from EBC to Kalapatther , then Pheriche

Day 12: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Day 14: Early morning scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Exploration day in Kathmandu valley

Day 15: Departure

10 Days Heli Flyout

Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Welcome dinner, O/n at Hotel / trek preparation

Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2800m) and trek to Phakding (2650)

Day 03: Trek to Namche (3440m)

Day 04: Acclimatization rest day

Day 05: Trek to Thyangboche (3800m)

Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4360m)

Day 07: Trek to Lobuche (4930m)

Day 08: Trek to Gorak Shep (5288m) Excursion to Everest base camp (5545m)

Day 09: Climb Kalapathar – Gorakh Shep and Kathmandu by helicopter

Day 10: Trip ends / Departure

02 Days Everest Base Camp Tour By Heli

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Early in the morning take helicopter flight upto Everest base camp and fly back to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu after lunch. Departure to your country in Evening or join any other tour activities like jungle safari tour, Kathmandu Pokhara tour, Lumini sightseeing tour.

Best Time To Trek

Everest base camp can be trek through out the year except monsoon. But Autumn and Spring are best seasons to trek Everest. Not only Mt Everest these are the best seasons to trek Himalayas.

Trek in Autumn

For Autumn, when the monsoon and before the cold sets in, this time is perfect to trek if you’re searching for the bird’s eye view of the mountains. The sky is clear with lush plants shimmering underneath the mild sunshine. though the snow is a smaller amount than that of the Spring season, Mt. Everest Base camp trek in this season is the best time for the crystal clear view. The temperature is perfect additionally – not hot hot throughout the day and durably cool at nighttime. autumn is additionally best-known by festival season in Nepal therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy your Mt. Everest trip in addition with festivals like Dashin, Tihar.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring

For Spring, the winter is just ended, the sky is clear and also the mountain tips lined by snow. It’s a decent selection for trekking in Mount Everest at this season. Hills higher than 3,500m, they’d be all coated by snow. There could also be short showers, however most of the days are warm and sunny. Mount Everest Base trekking in spring is usually recommended for you if you wish to get pleasure from totally iced Everest in-front of your eye :).

2. Annapurna Base camp trek

Annapurna base camp trek is also world familiar trekking route which goes up to 4310m from sea level. This trekking route is in choice of very traveler as you can feel the same experience of Everest base camp trekking by traveling less and completing less altitude. You can complete the Annapurna base camp trek without having previous experience of Himalaya trekking also. Normally 10 to  13 days trekking package are popular by walking 8 to 4 hours daily. If you do not want to hike down then you can complete ABC trek by helicopter fly out in 08 days.

purna Base Camp
Mt Annapurna Base Camp

Itinerary

Classic 13 Days

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, and trek to Tikhedhunga

Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Day 05: Poon Hill Hike and trek to Tadapani

Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Sinuwa

Day 07: Trek from Sinuwa to Deurali

Day 08: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp through MBC

Day 09: Trek from ABC to Bamboo

Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 13: Departure

Short 10 Days

Day 01: Welcome to Nepal

Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara, drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk

Day 03: Ghandruk – Chomrung

Day 04: Chomurng – Himalaya

Day 05: Himalaya– Annapurna Base Camp in 10 Days

Day 06: ABC – Bamboo

Day 07: Bamboo – Jhinu

Day 08: Jhinu – Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Day 09: Half day sightseeing in Pokhara and flight back to Kathmandu

Day 10: Final Departure

3. Everest Base camp Gokyo Lake Trek

IF you are adventure seekers and want more adventure then Everest base camp trek. Everest Base camp and Gokyo lake trek can be your best choice. This trek is categorized as challenging trekking as you have to trek Chola Pass(5420m). This package is a combination of 2 trekking packages EBC trek and Gokyo lake trek. Normally you can complete this trek in 16 days.

4. Everest Three Passes Trek

Everest three passes trekking is for those trekkers who want ultimate adventure in Khumbu region (Everest region). This is only for those travelers who want to challenge themselves and want to gain a high level of adventure. This trekking route can be strenuous for even for seasonal trekkers. The package is also known by Everest high pass trekking which covers all top passes in Everest. Cho-La Pass (5,420m) , Kangma La Pass (5,535m) and Renjo La Pass (5,340m). Some Travelers consider 3 passes trek is even more adventurous than Island peak climbing. This trekking can be completed in 20 to 22 days if you have a high level of fitness as well as the strong determination of trekking in Nepal Himalaya.

5. Kathmandu Pokhara Lumbini Chitwan Tour

Peace stupa Lumbini
Lumbini Peace stupa

This tour package is sometimes known as by best tour package in Nepal. This combines all popular tourist destinations of Nepal. Kathmandu is the capital city and city of world heritage site with thousands of temples and stupas to explore. Pokhara is the dream city of Himalaya travelers. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha with hundreds of Buddhist sites to explore. Chitwan is popular for various activities like Jungle safari, Tharu culture watch, one horn rhino watching and research, bird watching and many more. Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan and Lumbini tour package can be explored from min 09 days to max 14 days.

6. Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghanruk village trek

If you want to trek in the Himalaya and want to taste the adventure in Himalaya. But do not have enough time, enough previous experience or you think your health does not allow you to trek in the Himalaya. Poon hill trekking trail is easiest trekking route in Annapurna region which allows you to view the panoramic view of Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagiri mountain range. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is very easy trekking trail and can be completed on 04 days from Pokhara.

Trekkers at Poon Hill

Itinerary

08 Days Kathmandu Poon Hill Ghandruk, Pokhara

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu valley.
Day 02: Early morning scenic Drive to Pokhara.
Day 03:Today early morning after breakfast we drive to Nayapul and then trek to Tikhedhunga.
Day 04:Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani.
Day 05:Early morning hike to Poonhill. Enjoy the Himalayas view along with sunshine and then Trek to Ghandruk.
Day 06: Trek from Ghandruk to Pokhara.
Day 07:Early morning scenic Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 08:We assist you from hotel to airport. Farewell.

Short 04 Days Poon Hiill Trek from Pokhara

Day 01: Today early morning after breakfast we drive to Nayapul and then trek to Tikhedhunga.
Day 02: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani.
Day 03:Trek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk.
Day 04:Trek from Ghandruk to Pokhara.

7. Mardi Himal base camp trek

Mt Mardi Base camp trek is considered truly a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. This route is new and least traveled route in Annapurna region so not a crowded route. If you are adventure lover and want to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region in a different way then the normal traveler its perfect choice. You will spend your holiday in the Himalaya as a local people if you choose Mardi Himal base camp trekking. This route can be completed in 10 to 12 days.

8. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trekking or Annapurna round trekking is complete trekking package to explore all the faces of Annapurna region. You will travel around the Mt Annapurna region. This trekking trail is for those adventure junkies who want to explore the beauty of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mt Fishtail and more than 100 more mountains. Annapurna circuit trek can be completed in 19 to 24 days. Or if you have less time mini or short Annapurna circuit trekking can be the option. On mini circuit trekking route, you will fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom. Mini circuit trekking in Annapurna region can be completed on 14 to 16 days.

Annapurna Mount range

9. Upper Mustang Trekking

Upper Mustang is a forbidden kingdom which needs a special permit to enter. The upper Mustang trekking trails is a combination of adventure, natural beauty exploration and history and culture exploration of Mustang people. This trek can be completed in 15 to 20 days.

10. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking

Dhaulagiri circuit trekking is one of the most adventurous trekking trails in Nepal. This trail offers the scenic view of mountains in the Annapurna region. Dhaulagiri is the eighth highest mountain in the world. The main attraction of this route is the French pass(5360m) and Thapa pass. This fascinating trekking destination is famous for its exotic beauty of nature along with the cultural taste of various ethnic groups of Highlanders. For this trekking, you must have previous experience of trekking in High Altitude. As well you need a highly experienced trekking guide. Some call the team of trekking guides and porters who work for Dhaulagiri circuit trekking as Gorilla trekking team. As they need to be a team of highly experienced guys with high energy like Gorilla (fighter). The trek can be completed in 17 to 20 days.

Method of Selection Used

  • Previous travelers choice
  • Government policies for selected routes
  • Trekking agency votes on social media
  • Availability of travel resources on routes like hotels and tea house for accommodation
  • Guides votes for their best choice
  • Our Experience on travel and tourism sector
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Why Poon Hill remains my Best Trek Experience?

More than a year ago, in December 2016, I backpacked through what I consider one of the most accessible trek routes in Nepal – Poon Hill trekking. My friend from college flew in from India specifically for the trek. I am going to write why I choose Poon Hill and why this was my best trek experience? I was psyched. Despite having lived near Pokhara for 22 years, I had never ventured around, and definitely not as far as the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). Moreover, trekking which was considered a foreigners’ activity till only a few years ago had been slowly growing among the Nepali youth and I was glad that I was finally partaking in it. So after receiving a trekking permit for my friend from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu, off we went on our little adventure not knowing what to anticipate, for it was the first time any of us was trekking for more than a day, 4 days and 3 nights, to be more precise.   Continue reading “Why Poon Hill remains my Best Trek Experience?”

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Mardi himal Trek in Autumn

Mardi Himal Trek – Newly discovered & beaten-off teahouse trek in Annapurna region in less than two weeks in Nepal

Mardi Himal trek is one of spectacular trek located to the east of most popular treks of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekking Mardi Himal in autumn offers clear skies and the pellucid mountains which are most beautiful to look at. The trekking trail is neither too wet nor too dry. Trekkers might encounter occasional snow showers and storms but it clears up pretty fast. Days remain moderate and nights become pretty cool.

Mardi Himal Trail follows the small winding path through the exotic forest of rhododendron until we rise out of the forest at an altitude of 3,300m. The forest line gradually gives way to alpine scrub and the scenery becomes more dramatic with the mesmerizing view of Annapurna, Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. Continue reading “Mardi himal Trek in Autumn”

Tags: , , ,