During the Annapurna Trek, you'll stay in different places along the way. You'll spend nine nights in lodges in the trekking regions, two nights in a hotel in Pokhara, and three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu. Bathrooms will be available at some stops, but most places you'll stay in are standard rooms with a shared toilet and bathroom with other people.
If you're traveling alone, we'll arrange for you to have a private room with a bathroom, which most places do not have. In Kathmandu or Pokhara, your hotel room will have a bathroom, TV, hot water 24/7, electricity, and laundry service.
Best time to travel to Nepal :
Nepal is a country of differences with various landscapes, including towering mountain ranges, lush forests, and a vibrant cultural heritage. The best time to travel to Nepal depends on your preferences and the type of excursions or events you intend to participate in. Generally, Nepal has four distinct seasons, each with unique charms and challenges.
Autumn Season: September to November is Nepal's best time for Trekking and outdoor activities. Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and festivals like Dashain Tihar and Chhat make this period ideal for experiencing Nepali culture.
Winter Season: Cold temperatures start in late November or early December, but clear skies suit budget travelers. Lower-elevation treks and skiing/snowboarding in ski resorts are popular activities.
Spring Season: From late February to May, warmer temperatures make it perfect for Trekking. Rhododendrons bloom, adding to the scenic beauty. Celebrations like Holi and Buddha Jayanti occur during this time.
Summer Season: Monsoon rains from June to August make trekking challenging, but it's a great time to experience lush greenery and agriculture. Ideal for peace seekers and cultural tours of cities accessible by road.
Fitness and Training:
Trekking and climbing in Nepal's Hilly region and high-terrain Himalayas require physical fitness and training for a safe journey. Trekking involves walking long distances, sometimes for hours daily, over different terrain and at high altitudes. To build stamina and prepare the body, it's best to start fitness activities a few months before the trip, including cardio, strength, and endurance training.
Your journey to Nepal can be safe and successful with physical fitness, training, and preparation. Be aware of the risks and challenges, and take necessary safety measures for a fun and secure trip.
Trek Booking:
Asiana Treks and Tours is the best and most trusted trek and tour company operator authorized by the Nepal government. We require a 10% advance payment to book your trip, and you'll need to send us a copy of your passport, photos, travel insurance, and flight details as soon as you book a tour with us. You can use bank transfer, or any other way like Western Union, or online via our website, which is easy. The remaining trip cost can be paid upon arrival in Nepal. We offer last-minute bookings, but changes may occur due to circumstances like bad weather.
Trek difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp trek presents a moderate and challenging yet enriching adventure. Your enjoyment of the trip will largely depend on your level of fitness. We recommend building stamina at least two weeks before the trek. Activities include jogging, running, swimming, or taking long hikes for the journey ahead.
Completing this trek is achievable even if you're a beginner, although you must maintain a reasonable fitness level. Prior trekking experience can be advantageous, though it is optional. All you need is the readiness to hike steadily for 4-8 hours, navigating tricky terrain.
Suppose trekkers have pre-existing medical conditions, such as lung or heart diseases. In that case, they are advised to consult their physician before booking the trek to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the journey.
Entry permit and requirements (About Visa)
To visit Nepal, you need a valid passport and a visa. You can quickly get an arrival visa at entry points or Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. However, some people need a permit before they come, so it's good to check with the nearest Nepalese embassy.
Some nationalities that don't get visas from immigration entry points in Nepal are Nigeria, Iraq, Ghana, Afghanistan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Palestine, and Ethiopia.
There are three types of visas, as in the table below:
Fifteen days, 30 days, or 90 days. The cost varies from $30 to $125 depending on how long you want to stay. You can pay in US dollars or other significant currencies, sometimes even Nepalese rupees.
If you're coming for business, you can get a suitable visa for up to 5 years. The fee depends on how much money you're investing. If you invest less than 10 million Nepalese rupees, it's $35 per month, $400 per year, or $1000 for five years. If you invest more, the fees are lower; if you invest more than 100 million Nepalese rupees, you don't have to pay any fees.
People from SAARC countries get a free 30-day visa. Indians don't need a visa, but they must show ID, like a passport or citizenship card. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. And it's a good idea to have travel insurance which covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
Some places in Nepal require a separate permit to visit.
Tims and Permit for Annapurna base camp Trekking :
TIMS and permits are compulsory to travel to the Annapurna region or visit the Annapurna Base Camp. These permits include the TIMS card and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit. You can get these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara from registered trekking companies.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits foreigners 3000 Rs per person, which is $26$ in equivalent.
The TIMS card is 2000 Rs Per person (USD 17). in equivalent.
The ACAP permit for Indians is 1500 RS per person, and the TIMS is 600 RS per person.
Travel Insurance:
Asiana Treks and Tours strongly advises our valuable clients to have travel insurance that protects adventurous activities at high altitudes above 5,000 m. This comprehensive coverage, which includes accidents and emergency help, will provide you with the peace of mind you need during your high-altitude adventure.
However, you can get this insurance online from different companies. Here are some popular Insurance company choices for Everest Base Camp Trekking.
USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross.
Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia.
Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad Explore plan level 3.
Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe.
India: ICICI Lombard
But make sure the policy covers trekking up to 5985,000 m altitude. These are just suggestions, so the policies and what they cover might vary. It's best to contact these insurers directly to ask about what they offer before you buy anything.
Trip Safety:
We highly give top priority. We provide experienced guides with first aid kits and necessary safety gear to ensure a safe hand. Our team monitors weather and trail conditions and takes precautions to avoid risks. Before starting the trek, we discuss the trip to provide a clear understanding and ensure a reliable experience.
Guide and Porter Arrangement:
Our company, Asiana Treks and Tours, focuses on responsible tourism in Nepal. We make sure our guides and porters are well-trained in Trekking and mountaineering. They know a lot about the areas we go to, including geography, history, customs, and culture. We train them regularly in safety, first aid, and environmental conservation. We follow guidelines to treat our porters fairly, providing them with good pay, accommodation, and meals during treks. Our guides and porters are essential team members, and we appreciate their hard work. When you trek with us, you support ethical tourism in Nepal, making your trip meaningful and memorable.
Asiana Treks and Tours prioritizes your safety and enjoyment. Our knowledgeable guides, reliable equipment, and safety measures ensure a great trekking experience in Nepal.
Packing Check list:
When planning a trip to Nepal, packing the right gear is crucial for a successful journey, which includes clothing, equipment, and accessories tailored to your trek and the time of year. If you're trekking, pack light unless you're hiring a porter. Consider renting or buying gear in Nepal to save space. Ensure your equipment is high-quality and in good condition to avoid problems in the mountains. Take our suggestions to prepare your baggage correctly. Lastly, double-check the weather forecast and ensure you have all the necessary items for a safe and comfortable trip.
Teahouse Facilities:
Guest houses are familiar places to stay while trekking in Nepal. They're simple lodges with rooms, eating areas, and toilets. Guest houses vary in quality but are affordable and convenient for trekkers. They offer a cozy place to rest after walking and serve Nepali and international food. Rooms usually have twin or bunk beds, and bathrooms are shared. They provide blankets and pillows. Our company offers sleeping bags, but bringing one for extra comfort is a good idea.
Safe drinking water:
Drinking more than three liters of water daily is essential when trekking in higher terrain to prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated while trekking in Nepal's Himalayan region is crucial for your safety. You can find water taps in some areas but must ensure safe drinking. While mineral water is available in guest houses along popular routes, it can be costly. However, in the Annapurna region, safe water stations allow you to refill your water bottle safely. Your guide can assist you in purchasing boiled water from guest houses, which is cheaper than mineral water. A good suggestion is to bring a water filter, iodine drops, water purification tablets, and a Steri pen to treat water from streams or other natural sources along the trail. You must ensure that your water is safe to drink.
Toilet Facilities in Annapurna Base Camp Trekking:
Most teahouses have Western-style flush toilets during mountain treks, especially at lower elevations. But as you go higher, find simple squat toilets along the trails and teahouses at higher altitudes. These toilets usually have water or toilet paper, but it's a good idea to bring your toilet paper just in case. You can also use restrooms at nearby teahouses or find a private spot along the trekking routes.
Internet Connectivity:
While trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal, connecting with your family and friends is also a good idea. You can find internet access at teahouses and lodges, but it might be extra minimal cost. The signal might be weak because of the remote location. You can also get internet access using a local SIM card and data packages available at Kathmandu airport or nearby shops in Thamel and Pokhara. You'll have a passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport to get a SIM card. It's a good idea to compare prices and data packages from telecom companies like Ncell and Nepal Telecom before buying. Knowing about teahouse connectivity. Our guide will suggest connections for you.
High Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation:
Altitude sickness is common among hikers in Nepal's Himalayan Region. It happens when the body doesn't get enough oxygen at higher elevations, causing headaches and dizziness. Acclimatization is essential to prevent this. It means gradually getting used to higher altitudes by resting, drinking fluids, and ascending slowly. Spending an extra day at lower elevations before going higher is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Hydration is the main issue during Trekking to prevent dehydration, which can worsen altitude sickness. Drinking plenty of water, tea, and soup can help. Trekkers can also take medicines like acetazolamide or dexamethasone to relieve symptoms. However, it's best to consult a doctor first. Proper acclimatization techniques are like "climb high, sleep low," and please keep in mind that during your trek, you should always stay hydrated, which would reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Booking with an experienced guide can ensure you get the right advice and help during your trek.
About the sensitive zone in Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
There are some risky areas to watch out for during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Certain parts of the trail, such as the steep descent from Ghorepani Deurali to Banthati, Kuldi Ghar to Bamboo, Near Hotel Himalaya to after Himalaya, Hinko Cave to Deurali, and Deurali to Bagar, can be hazardous, especially during snowfall or heavy rains in winter and March. Our guides are familiar with these risky spots and can help navigate them safely. Travelers sometimes run into difficulties, and sadly, some have even lost their lives while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp without a guide and proper information.
Your trip day starts today when you arrive to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then just relax or explore a bit of surrounding.
We take you for a day tour of cultural heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley after breakfast. The tour will give you a mixed insight of history, culture, art, architecture and spirituality of Kathmandu valley. The sites include; Swoyambhunath aka Monkey Temple: The oldest of all sites in Kathmandu valley, Swoyambhunath is an important Buddhist spiritual site having the history over two thousand years old. This site has gained a popular name as monkey temple as this small forested hill is a good habitat for hundreds of monkeys. The visit there will heighten your spiritual and cultural experience. Patan City including Patan Durbar Square: A tour to medieval city of Patan gives you a great insight about ethnic Newari culture, Budhhist spirituality, religious harmony, art and architecture while you stroll around the charismatic alleys taking you to magnificent local community squares known as Bahal and eventually leading you to an incredible medieval palace square. The monuments and skill of the local artisans displayed on those monuments in the square will stun you with their unbelievable charm. Boudhanath Stupa: The largest of its kind in the world, this magnificent stupa is a very important center of faith for the people following Tibetan Buddhism. This place is nice Circular Square with the stunning stupa in the middle of it which spreads a lot of spiritual vibrations around the atmosphere.
We will drive to Pokhara by tourist bus in the morning after breakfast. After driving for about seven hours through scenic countryside of Nepal, we reach an eloquently charming city of Pokhara. The drive will have enough stopovers necessary on the way. Once we reach Pokhara, the charm of the city will capture our attention for a good feeling of being amidst the natural wonders from close up Himalayas to the surrounding lakes. A lake nearby our hotel is a nice place to take an evening stroll and the lakeside town has lots of options to dine. Have an option to fly to Pokhara at an extra cost.
Today is the first day of our trek which starts after a one and half hours’ drive. Starting from the place called Nayapul, the trek goes alongside the Modi Khola, a Himalayan river flowing down from the Annapurna, to Birethanti and to Hile and finally to Tikhedhunga. We spend approximately five hours including the lunch time before we reach Tikhedhunga where we will stay overnight today in a simple tea house.
The second day of trek, we trek to Ghorepani today after breakfast. It is an uphill walk all the way through and the trek passes through beautiful Himalayan foothills settings of villages and rhododendron forest. As we walk up on the well-trodden mountain trails, it brings some of the incredible things in our view including the majestic Himalayas. Once we reach to Ghorepani at the elevation of 2875 meters above sea level, we will be stunned by the real close up view of the Himalayan peaks. If we reach there for the sunset time, it will be one rewarding sunset experience.
It is going to be a very early morning today as we are hiking up to Poon Hill at the elevation of 3210 meters above sea level to see a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range in the Himalaya. Given the good weather condition, the one hour hike up early in the morning will be rewarded by a heavenly view of the mountains and sunrise that makes us feel exalted. After sunrise we hike down to Ghorepani tea house to have our breakfast and start the trek to Tadapani. After an approximately five hours trek, we reach another spectacular place, Tadapani, and stay overnight in a tea house there.
The beginning of the trek today is all downhill followed by an uphill walk so the beautiful breakfast we devoured at the tea house in Tadapani is turned to energy much quicker and already used. After an effort of walking up and down the hill for about five hours, we come to the beautiful village of Chhomrong. We stay here tonight.
Another approximately five hours of trek takes us to Dovan today from Chhomrong via Sinua. It is also a day of mountain trekking thrill like others on the way to famous Annapurna Base Camp and we are marching ahead closer to the base camp of the famous Mt. Annapurna.
The walk from Dovan to Machhapuchhre base camp abbreviated famously for MBC is an incredible one with spectacular views. The day will be of about six hours of walking through the rugged mountain trail.
Today is another early morning start to hike to the Annapurna base camp which is the culmination of this trip. Reach to the base camp of Annapurna after a cool early morning walk to enjoy the majestic sunrise and spectacular view of the mountains. Trek back to Macchapuchhre Base Camp to enjoy the beautiful mountain breakfast after the refreshing morning walk. Trek down to Dovan after breakfast.
Start the trek of the day to Jhinu after breakfast. The trek down for about seven hours to find a natural hot spring where you can wash away the tiredness caused by the several days of walking up and down the mountain.
Today, as the last day of the trek, is a little shorter walk compared to the other days. After walking for about four hours, we take a jeep ride back to Nayapul and another one and half hours’ drive back to Pokhara. Check into the hotel and take some stroll around lakeside after you freshen up.
A free day in Pokhara to do some sightseeing, boating or some adventure sports like paragliding, zip flying, ultra-light flight, bungee jumping etc. The day’s activities would be at an extra cost. We will be happy to organize those extra activities for you, should you choose to do any. Or simply take your leisurely time on your own to get some massage, strolling around lakeside, shopping etc.
Drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast. Or you have an option to fly back to Kathmandu paying an additional cost for the ticket. Check into hotel once you arrive to Kathmandu and freshen up. We will go for dinner later in the evening.
You will be transferred to airport as per your flight schedule. We will pick you up from the hotel three hours prior to your flight time.