Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

We offer a complimentary airport pickup and drop-off service to your preferred hotel. On your arrival, a Discovery World Trekking representative will welcome and greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

They will be holding a pamphlet with your name on it, and as a welcome gesture, they will gift you either a Marigold garland or a khada. Then, they will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service so you do not feel alone in a new country. 

 

Trek Briefing

We conduct an online trek briefing before you arrive in Nepal to provide important information about the trek. Additionally, we will hold a brief meeting at our office for last-minute preparations.

 

Trek start

Your Annapurna trek starts in Kathmandu. We will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. However, we request you arrive in Kathmandu at least one day early before 3 pm for last-minute preparations.

If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing. On the trek departure day, we will head to Pokhara. The tourist bus departs around 7 am from Sorakhutte, Kathmandu.

Transportation by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is included in the package. You can take a 25-minute domestic flight to Pokhara or use a private vehicle for an additional cost.

 

Accommodation

ABC Trek includes an eight-night lodge-to-lodge stay at trekking regions and a two-night stay in a hotel in Pokhara. We provide four nights stay in rooms with an attached bathroom at Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chomrong, and Jhinu Danda, and four nights stay in standard rooms at Tadapani, Himalayan, ABC, and Bamboo (Generally twin Sharing room).

For a solo trekker, we provide a single private room with an attached bathroom wherever available and single private accommodation in other places.

You will spend two nights in Pokhara at a hotel in a room with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility. You will need two night hotel stays in Kathmandu before and after the trek but is not included in the package. Kathmandu provides a range of hotels to fit your budget and tastes. 

 

Meals

ABC Trek takes place in the high Himalayas, so you need plenty of nutritious food. You will get plenty of nourishing food in trek regions, but you will not have as many options as in the cities.

You will get 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners during the trek. All meals are on a full-board (main course) basis. 

The menu items in trek regions include - local, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as we go up, the menu gets shorter and shorter. While in Nepal, you should try popular Nepali foods like dal (lentils), bhat (rice), tarkari (curry), momos (dumplings), and Chow Mein (noodles).

Moreover, we highly recommend you eat fresh vegetables and take liquids such as - green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup(must) at high altitudes.

Though plenty of non-veg items will be available in the trekking regions, we recommend you avoid them for hygiene concerns. Moreover, we also encourage you to avoid dairy items, cheese items, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates. 

All personal bills (alcoholic, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/ lodges or cafes except standard meals(breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package.

Luggage

Our package covers porter costs. However, your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. We provide one porter for every two trekkers. Hence, we advise you to find a fellow trekker and pack your things together in a duffle bag of over sixty liters. Our porters will carry up to 18 kg weight only.

If you need a porter for yourself, we can arrange it for you. We also expect you to carry a small backpack for your jewelry and essential documents. You can store your extra luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free.

Typical day

Each trekking day brings you new experiences. You will visit new places, see stunning landscapes, meet locals, and learn about their traditions and culture. Our guides will provide you with information about the places as you visit them.

The trek begins around seven to eight am, depending on the trek length to cover and the nature of the hike. After trekking for around three hours, we will serve you lunch often on the way to that day’s trek destination.

We will let you rest for around an hour before continuing the trek. The afternoon trek will be shorter. Once you reach that day’s destination, you can snack on your extra-dietary supplements and then explore the new destination until dark. 

We will serve you dinner around six to seven pm. After dinner, your trek leader will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing and before heading to bed, you can entertain yourself. You can play games like cards and Monopoly, or watch videos. Some trekkers also prefer to learn light Nepali words from our crew.

Electricity and water

Electricity is readily available at the en-route shops and in lodges, you will be staying in. You can recharge your electronics from these lodges by paying a small fee. Similarly, you can easily buy packed mineral water from en-route shops.

However, trek regions can refuse you from taking plastic bottles. Hence, we advise you to bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled/filtered water. Though you will find taps, wells, and rivers in the trek region, do not drink from them. The water may not be potable.

Communication

The lodge/tea houses in the trek regions are internet-connected. Hence, you can use the internet from these lodges by paying a small fee. You can even buy a local SIM in Kathmandu, but the signals may not be strong at high altitudes.

Our office remains in contact with all trek teams via trek guide at least once a day daily through mobile to ensure that the trek is progressing as intended.

Tipping

Nepali culture accepts tipping and considers it a sign of providing great service. Tipping is at the trekkers' discretion and should reflect service quality. We advise you to tip as a group at the end of the trip. 

Trek End

On the eleventh day, you will board a bus from Pokhara and head back to Kathmandu. The bus ride will last around seven hours. You also have the option to board a 20-minute flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara at an extra cost. Later in the evening, we will host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

Feedback

After completing ABC trekking, Discovery World Trekking will organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After the dinner, the company will present you with a trekking achievement certificate (hard copy). You can provide trek feedback at travel portals after dinner.

 

Useful Info

Please note that the itinerary listed above may be modified in case of unforeseen events such as bad weather or lodging unavailability. In such cases, your trip leader will create a new itinerary based on the interest of trekking members.

 

Trip extension

After completing the ABC Trek, if you have extra days in Nepal, we can arrange sightseeing tours in and around Kathmandu Valley. You can also go for a Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, or other treks.

 

Departure

On the day of your flight back to your country, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trek in Nepal and will be back for more trips.

Weather is the most decisive factor while trekking to ABC. Though a hike to Base Camp is possible throughout the year, you will get the most comfortable weather and the best views during spring and autumn.

However, if you are adventurous, you can trek during winter or monsoon. Discovery World Trekking conducts ABC Trek throughout the year. 

Here is a snapshot of weather conditions at high elevations in the ABC regions during different seasons. 

• March-May (Spring)

Spring (March-May) is one of the most favorable seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. During these months, the weather is mild, the rainfall is low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The mean daily temperature in the ABC is between 10 to 0°C. Lower trek regions are even warmer.

The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. Spring weather is cool, the skies are clear, and you can enjoy the clearest mountain views. The trekking season begins after March and, by April, the trek route looks inviting with red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers. 

• June to August (Summer)

June to August is summer in Nepal, but it coincides with the monsoon. Though in high elevations, the temperatures are high, the rain makes the trails wet and slippery. 

The day temperatures at high elevations usually range from 10°C to 23°C and get relatively colder at night ( 5°C to 10°C). Mornings are often clear, but the clouds build up in the afternoon and disappear at night. During summer, the vegetation blooms and provides lush views you cannot catch in other seasons.

• September to November (Autumn)

Autumn (September, October, November), like spring, is a perfect season to trek to the ABC due to moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation.

During this season, the sun shines brightly, the skies are clear, and you get a superb view of the mountains. The night skies are also clear, allowing you to observe the wonderful night sky.

The monsoons will be over by early September, and the weather ranges from mild to warm days. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C in high altitudes - the nights are colder with temperatures around 5°C.

The greens that grew during the monsoon fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies, and grains start to ripe in the terraced fields.

The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. The biggest festivals of Nepal - Dashain & Tihar- also fall during these seasons, letting you enjoy the festive mood.

• December to February (Winter)

Winter (December - February) treks to the ABC are moderately popular. ABC Trek regions are cold during this season, but this excites adventurous trekkers. At the ABC, the temperature can get as low as -10°C.

The coldest time is from December to early February after late February, the weather gradually warms. Daytimes are relatively warm with plenty of sunshine.

Despite being cold, the winter skies are usually clear, mountain views are at their best with snowy caps, and the trails are the least busy. It may not be the best trek season for beginners, but experienced trekkers will have no problem.

Visa

All foreigners except Indians require a valid visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or border entry points. 

For visa application, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current visa cost for 30 days is US$50 (to be paid in cash). You can get more visa information at www.immigration.gov.np.

Chinese citizens and citizens of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) get a free visa. Children under the age of 10 will get free visas.

Some countries are not entitled to an on-arrival visa. So if you are a citizen from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan, you must contact your local Nepalese embassy.

 

Travel Insurance 

ABC Trek takes place at a high altitude, so there is a slight chance of altitude sickness and other unforeseen events, such as landslides, government decrees, and unfavorable weather. So, travel insurance is compulsory for the ABC trek.

All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking before starting the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation-inclusive of helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes. 

We can recommend insurance companies based on our previous client experiences, but we do not sell life insurance. All trekkers must send their detailed insurance information to us after trek booking. In emergencies, we will use your insurance policy and the other documents for a quick and effective rescue operation.

Please ensure that the insurance company covers the cost incurred for mountain rescue at the highest trek elevations, along with medical fees.

Currency exchange 

Nepalese Rupees (NPR) is the official currency in Nepal. (1 USD = ~130 NPR).
Only NPR is honored in Nepal. Despite the security of the traveler’s cheque, we recommend you bring cash to avoid lengthy bank processes and high fees. Banks and other financial institutions will charge you 4% or more while processing your traveler’s cheque. However, if you bring cash (major currencies) you can easily exchange them for Nepali Rupees in legal cash exchanges all over Thamel in Kathmandu. These exchanges display their ongoing rates publicly. You can also withdraw money in Nepali Rupees using ATMs all over Kathmandu. However, you may have to pay NRS 500 fee to withdraw NPR 35,000. 

Extra personal expenses

This package covers most of the expenses during the trek. However, we do not cover all of them.

You would need to bring spending money to meet various expenses, such as accommodations and food in Kathmandu, meals in Pokhara, to purchase life insurance, clothing, souvenirs, energy bars, bottled water, hot (coffee, tea), cold and alcoholic beverages, etc.

We estimate you would require USD 10 - 20 per trekking day for miscellaneous things.

 

Trek difficulty

ABC Trek is a moderate-grade trek. The hiking is usually 6 to 7 hrs daily, with periodic breaks to soak in the stunning mountain views. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and straight roads. For the ABC hike, experience would be an added advantage, but you do not need any technical skills. 

Trekkers who can hike reasonably for 6 to 7 hours with a light day pack can complete this trek. Some days require longer walking hours. So you must be reasonably fit as trekking at higher altitudes is physically demanding. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy trekking. You can complete the trek if you are in good health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude and self-confidence.

Trek Safety

Our itinerary is well planned, keeping in mind the acclimatization needs. We use standard gear and equipment for the trek. Our guides are wilderness first aid trained. At high altitudes, we will measure your blood oxygen saturation levels.

We make sure that our guests are trekking at their own pace and safe at all times. In emergencies, we will use your insurance to deploy a helicopter to bring you back. You will trek as a group for an added layer of group safety.

Altitude sickness is common in high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. While it cannot be completely prevented, the chances can be minimized. Our expert guides will tell you ways to avoid altitude sickness, such as 

• Climb slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Take regular breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Medications: Consider taking altitude sickness medication as a preventive measure.

 

DWT Team

While trekking to ABC, our qualified and experienced guides/Sherpas accompany you to make your trip full of joy. Porters will carry your luggage, and if a group has more than 12 members, we add an assistant guide. 

Our crew members are the local Himalayan people with high physical endurance and can easily live at high altitudes. All our staff members are precious to us. In addition to salary, we bear the cost of their insurance, clothing, food, lodging, and equipment throughout the expedition.

All our guides and porters receive medical care when ill or injured. We always ensure our staff members are happy because only happy people can make others happy. 

Our staff members have

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid Training
• Authorized Trekking Guide Training Certificate
• Fluency in speaking English and another major language
• Conservation and Biodiversity Training
• Rock climbing experience

Trek booking 

Discovery World Trekking is a Nepal government-authorized, bonded trek and tour operator. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). 

Therefore, you can book the Discovery World Trekking trips with 100% confidence. We require a 10 percent advance to book the trip. Within a week of booking your trip, please send us the necessary documents like a passport copy, passport-size photos, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flight details. 

You can pay through bank transfer, Western Union, or online directly from our site. You can pay the remaining trip cost after arriving in Nepal in cash, bank transfer, or using your credit card. We will also email you the payment details. 

You can book this EBC trek here.

Last-minute booking

It is best to book in advance, but for those who are unable to do so, Discovery World Trekking has a special provision for a last-minute booking. In the case of a last-minute booking, you need to make a 100% trip payment 24 hours before the trip departure date. 

We do our best to operate treks at any time. But in case of last-minute booking, we can not be responsible for delay due to circumstances beyond our control, such as bad weather and lodging unavailability.

Contact us for more information (Cell/Viber/WhatsApp) at 977- 9851054143 (Paul) or email [email protected].

Group private treks

We organize the group private treks. The bigger your group size is, the more discount you will get. We do not add anyone to your group.

We can handle all group sizes. Each group will have a trekking guide and porters (one porter for every two trekkers). We will also provide an assistant guide for a trekking group of 12 or more.  

Responsible travel

Our philosophy is:

• Take nothing but pictures.
• Leave nothing but footprints.
• Kill nothing but time.

We are an eco-tour (trek) company. We understand that increased tourist visits in trekking regions may disturb the local environment adversely. So, we try hard not to disturb the environment in the trekking regions.   

Discovery World Trekking works together with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly trips that benefit the trekkers and the locals in the trekking regions.

Notes

The ABC Trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara, but we can plan this trek to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. 

Please review your designated departure dates, and if the departure dates do not suit you, contact us, and we will arrange the trip at your convenience.

We look forward to guiding you to the famous viewpoints Poon Hill and the ABC, through some of the most dazzling landscapes on the planet with the mighty Himalayas in the background.