Airport Pickup and Drop off for Annapurna Trek
We do provide airport pickup and drop-off services, so you do not have to worry about finding a taxi or a way to your hotel. Our office representative will be at the airport holding a placard with our company name, which will make it easier for you to find us. Our office representative will then drive you to your hotel.
Visa in Nepal
Well, obtaining a visa in Nepal is very easy. Nepal offers an On-Arrival visa at the Kathmandu (TIA) airport. However, people from a few continents are not eligible for an arrival visa. These countries are Ghana, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Cameroon, Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Liberia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and refugees.
They are requested to consult with the Nepal embassy or consulate office of Nepal based on their homeland. Except for these countries, people from all other continents can apply for an Arrival Visa. It is an easy process. However, you may have to stay in a long queue during the peak trekking season.
Similarly, people coming from India can also obtain visas from the Nepal – India border. And the same goes for people coming from Tibet. They can obtain a visa from Nepal – Tibet borders.
Documents for Visa
You need an original passport with a validity of at least six months. After that, you need to carry two passport size photographs and cash for the visa fees.
Accommodation for ABC Trek
Our standard trekking packages include 3-star category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can extend your hotel stay in Kathmandu, and it will cost approximately USD 50 and USD 55 per night, inclusive of breakfast, for a single and double/twin room, respectively.
You can upgrade your accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or you can choose a luxury Annapurna Base Camp Trek as well. You can consult your preferred hotel with us, and we shall reserve the accommodation in your preferred hotel.
During the trekking portion of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will be accommodated in a guesthouses. The rooms at the guesthouses are neat and clean and bathrooms are mostly built inside the housing area. In this trek route, Ghorepani is the only place where rooms with attached bathrooms are available. Likewise, up to Chomrong village, teahouses have rooms with twin beds to share amongst two trekkers.
However, after Chomrong, there are a limited number of teahouses so in one room there will be multiple beds. And during the peak trekking season, 3 – 4 trekkers will have to share one room; each person will get a bed to sleep.
The beds at the teahouses are already set up with a mattress, bed sheet, pillows, and blankets for your comfort.
Food and meals in Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You can find all sorts of food/meals on the trek. From international dishes to local Nepali cuisine, you can find all types of dishes on the trail. The most preferred dish would be Dhal Bhat (traditional Nepali meal) as per our previous trekkers. They expressed that it is fulfilling and healthy. Besides, trekking staff always prefer Dhal Bhat over any other dishes.
Other than that, the teahouse does have a set of menus with a variety of food items. You can choose your preferred dish from the menu if you want to eat something else besides Dhal Bhat. Cooks at the tea houses will prepare the meals you like.
Likewise, if you are vegan or have dietary restrictions like gluten-free meals, then don’t worry. Because cooks will prepare the meal as per your request. However, you may have to explain to them what these conditions are and your preference. Because many of them are not aware of these restrictions. All in all, whatever dietary restrictions you have it will be met.
Drinking Water
Firstly, we urge everyone to bring their water bottle. Secondly, in the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route, bottled water is banned. On the trail, there are plenty of drinking water taps from where you can access water without any cost.
However, even though it is drinking water, we would suggest you filter the water before consuming it. You can use water sterilizing tablets which will filter your water. And another way to access water is to buy safe drinking water at the teahouse. The quality of the water that the teahouse provides is the same as the bottled mineral water. It is not costly but you need to have your water bottle.
Toilets and Hot showers
Two types of toilets are available on the trail. You will find classic squat-down types of toilets and western flushing types of toilets.
Almost all of the tea houses provide hot shower facilities. Whether it be a hot bucket shower or a hot tap shower facility, you will get either one facility on the trail. As you approach higher elevation and get cl to base camp, getting a hot shower facility is challenging. So, in the upper region, you will have to buy a bucket of water and bath unconventionally.
Also, during the peak trekking season, tea houses struggle to provide hot shower facilities due to high demand. All the tea houses will charge you a certain amount for a hot shower depending upon the location.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
When trekking in Nepal, amongst many things to consider, the weather is one of the important factors. Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done all through the year. However, the environment and the weather do not remain perfect throughout the year. However, amongst all the trekking seasons in Nepal, for Annapurna Base Camp trek, autumn and spring seasons are one of the best times to do the trek.
If you would like to see lush green valleys, then we suggest you opt for the trek around the spring season. This time of the year offers warm days and chilly nights making the weather perfect for the visitors. Likewise, during the autumn season, the skies are clear and mountain views are spectacular. This time of the year, you can get the most beautiful views of the mountain range. You can also do this trek during the winter season, however, during this time of the year, there is a chance of heavy snowfall making the trek challenging.
Likewise, monsoon season is also perfect if your purpose of the trek inclined more towards nature. Because during this time of the year you will see nature blooming on its own. Nonetheless, you will have to get used to the frequent visit of leeches and worms if you opt for monsoon season. Every season has its flaws and benefits.
Spring and autumn provide stunning mountain views however it is one of the busiest times of the year too. Likewise, winter and monsoon have their seasonal flaws but one advantage of traveling during this time of the year is that you will get to have the trail to yourself. As it attracts a smaller number of trekkers due to its seasonal blemish.
All in all, whether in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes frequently. So we suggest you expect the weather to change quickly.
Group or Private Trek
If you are a solo traveler, we recommend you to join the group trek on your best convenient date from among our available guaranteed schedules mentioned on our website.
If you are two or more, it is advisable to choose a private trek as it will be flexible and also you can walk at your own pace without having to worry about matching up your speed with other fast or slow-paced trekkers. We organize private group treks for a minimum of two or more people without any extra cost.
Can Beginners do Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp trek is certainly one of the best trekking trails for the beginner. The trek begins from Ulleri which is at the height of 1495m. This height is a normal elevation to start a trek. And in the span of 9 or 10 days depending upon your itinerary, you will reach 4,130 m.
If you reach this height in 9 or 10 days, it is a gradual approach so you will not have a complication. Due to this reason also, it is a moderate level of the trek. Besides, you will be guided by our expert trekking leader who has wide knowledge about trekking in Nepal and Annapurna region. Thus, he will escort you gradually to your destination.
ABC Trek for Children
Indeed, children can do this trek. Annapurna base camp trek is a moderate trek which is attainable by all age groups of people. However, trekkers trekking along with children may need to opt for a little different itinerary than the usual one that adults follow. Because although kids are fit enough to walk straight for 4-5 hours, it will somehow exhaust them for the next day.
So, if you are looking to do this trek with kids, we have another version of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Training for Annapurna Base Camp
For the ABC trek, we would suggest you to start training and preparation at least 1 month before the trek date. Any exercise that will increase your endurance level is recommended.
Besides that, we would also advise you to do cardio exercises, swimming, walking, and hiking at least once a month. Doing these activities will prep you for the trek. And this preparation is amply enough for the trek.
Difficulty of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is not a difficult trek at all. As mentioned earlier, it is a moderate level of the trek. So, with proper pieces of training and exercise, you can complete the trek without any hesitation.
Besides, there will be trekking guides who will be looking after you and your needs. Following the tips and techniques of the trekking leader, you can complete the trek efficiently. Thus, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not a difficult trek; rather a moderate level of the trek.
Altitude Sickness in Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Firstly, we would suggest you to not rush the trek even if you are energetic and think you can walk for another 4 or 5 hours. It is very unhealthy and dangerous while trekking in high altitudes. On the same note, staying hydrated is also very necessary. While trekking, drink at least 4 to 5 liters of water daily. This will avoid getting mountain sickness. Likewise, we would also advise eating soupy foods that can be easily digested. Although food does not have much relation with altitude sickness however eating a heavy meal can give you digestion problems.
Additionally, you should not drink while on the trek. Drinking will easily give you a headache, which can result in altitude sickness. Also, you can intake Diamox pills too. You can purchase these pills in the pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. These are some very important tips to remember while trekking in Nepal. These will help you to avoid the chance of getting altitude sickness.
Electricity and Devices
Yes, electricity is available to charge your phones, camera batteries, or any other devices. However, you will have to pay for these services. Not all the teahouse charges money for using electricity to charge devices. But many will charge you extra costs.
So, it is our suggestion to discuss the cost with the teahouse owner before using the service. Normally, it cost about NPR 200-300 to charge phones and camera batteries.
Network and WiFi during Annapurna Base Camp
Yes, phone reception is available in most of the places during the trek. Likewise, WIFI services are also available on the trail. To use WIFI services, you are expected to pay a fee. These fees increase as you scale up to higher altitudes.
Usually, the cost of WIFI services ranges from NPR 400-500 each, depending on the location you are staying in. And another option to stay connected with your family back home is by using an internet data package if you have a local SIM card.
You can buy a SIM card around the street of your trip hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara or ask your guide to arrange it one for you. However, we must inform you that internet service may not be strong in all places.
Travel Insurance for ABC Trek
Yes, to cover the unforeseen risks, travel insurance is a must for all travelers coming to Nepal. We have a recommendation list of some travel insurance companies around the globe on our site. Please go through the link to get more details about it.