Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

The Annapurna Base Camp trek typically lasts five days for a shorter version, though the full version can range from 7 to 12 days depending on the route and your pace. This trek package lasts for 11 days. We also provide other shorter/longer packages.

You’ll find the Annapurna Base Camp trek moderately challenging. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, which require good stamina but can be completed with the right preparation.

On average, you’ll be trekking 5 to 7 hours daily, depending on the day's itinerary and the terrain. You will cover around 12 km per trek day.

The highlights include reaching Annapurna Base Camp, walking through rhododendron forests, visiting traditional Gurung villages, and witnessing breathtaking views of peaks like Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri. You can also enjoy hot springs at Jhinu Danda and some quality time at Pokhara - the tourist capital of Nepal.

Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is suitable for first-time trekkers who are normally fit and prepared for some challenging terrain.

You should be in good physical condition and capable of walking 5-7 hours per trekking day on varied terrain. Regular cardio and leg-strengthening exercises will help you prepare.

You should focus on cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling and strength training for your legs. You can build on your endurance by doing long hikes.

Children and elderly individuals can join, provided they are fit, have previous hiking experience, and can handle the altitude and terrain. However, we do not recommend this trek for children under 16 and elders above 70.

You do not need prior trekking experience, but it can be beneficial. A good level of fitness and preparation will make your experience much more enjoyable.

You’ll reach altitudes above 4,000 meters. Hence altitude sickness can be an issue. To minimize the chances of altitude sickness, you should walk at your own pace, acclimatize properly, and stay hydrated to reduce the chances of catching altitude sickness.

You’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.

Yes, both permits are included in the package, so you won’t need to worry about obtaining them.

Yes. You need to carry the permits during the trek as there are several checkpoints along the way.

Absolutely. We’ll arrange the necessary permits for you before the trek begins.

Yes, you’ll need travel insurance that covers health treatment costs and emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude (4,130m).

Your insurance must cover medical costs and evacuation (up to 4,130 meters).

Our packages do not include insurance. You’ll need to arrange it separately before departing for the trek.

Yes, foreigners other than Indians need a visa to visit Nepal. However, most nationals can get an on-arrival visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For the visa application, you must have a passport with six months of validity, two passport-sized photos, and an application fee that varies based on your length of stay. The current rate is USD 50 for a 30-day stay.

We recommend you get a visa that is valid for at least 30 days to cover the trek and any extra days you may spend in Nepal.

Yes, all our guides are government-licensed and have years of experience. Our guides come from remote Himalayas and are also first-aid wilderness trained. They also have rock climbing experience.

Our guides have years of experience leading treks all over Nepal, including the Annapurna region. They are well-trained in first aid and high-altitude trekking.

Yes, a porter will assist with carrying your gear. Typically, one porter will carry the luggage for two trekkers. We allow our porters to carry no more than 18 kg of luggage. Hence, your luggage limit for the porter is 9 kg.

Our guides speak English fluently and some also know other languages, such as Spanish and Japanese.

You should tip around 10% of the trek cost, with guides receiving little more than porters. We believe the tip should reflect the quality of service.

You’ll stay in cozy teahouses/lodges along the route. These offer clean rooms, simple beds, and communal spaces for meals and relaxation. Accommodations are mostly on a twin-sharing basis. However, due to limited infrastructure, you might have to share a room with more than one person in higher altitudes.

Yes, they are comfortable and safe and provide basic amenities. We handpick tea houses and lodges, considering hygiene, safety, and service quality.

Yes, electricity is generally available in every teahouse, but you may have to pay a small fee to charge your devices.

Most teahouses offer hot showers, but you might need to pay a small fee for them. However, the higher you go, the less frequent this option becomes.

Yes, most tea houses/lodges have  Wi-Fi, but it’s often slow and may incur an additional charge. You have to be prepared for limited connectivity.

You’ll get traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat tarkari  (rice, lentils, and vegetables), as well as international options such as pasta, noodles, dumplings, burgers, pizza, and soups to keep you nourished throughout the trek.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at teahouses. You just need to inform our guide in advance, and they’ll ensure your dietary preferences. Please note that for hygiene concerns, we recommend you eat vegetarian meals in trek regions.

Absolutely. Let us know about any dietary restrictions beforehand, and we’ll work with the teahouses to provide suitable meals for you.

You should avoid drinking untreated water from natural sources, such as wells, taps, and rivers. You can buy bottled or boiled water at teahouses along the way. However, for ecological reasons, we advise you to bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled/filtered water that you can purchase from tea houses/lodges. We also recommend you use water purification pills before drinking water.

Yes, you can buy snacks, drinks, and basic supplies at teahouses or small shops along the route, though prices tend to increase as you gain altitude.

The best times for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the views are clear.

Temperatures at higher altitudes can drop below freezing, especially at night. During the day, it can be cool to moderately cold, depending on the season.

There may be snow at higher altitudes, especially if you trek during late autumn, winter, or early spring. Be prepared for snowy conditions near the base camp.

You’ll experience a mix of conditions, from warm and sunny at lower altitudes to cold, windy, and potentially snowy weather higher up. Pack layers and waterproof gear.

Weather can influence trail conditions, especially if there’s heavy rain or snow. Muddy, slippery trails and reduced visibility are common in poor weather, so check conditions before trekking.

To minimize the chances of catching altitude sickness, you must ascend gradually and take acclimatization breaks. In serious cases, our guide will assess your situation and provide necessary advice or help. Our guide might ask you to descend immediately if the case is serious.

In an emergency, our guide will provide first aid and may decide to descend immediately. We initiate emergency helicopter evacuation, in coordination with your insurer if the condition is critical.

There are no mandatory vaccinations, but you should consult your doctor if unsure.

Yes, our guides carry phones or radios to communicate in case of emergencies, though coverage may be spotty at higher altitudes.

Our guide will ensure you’re trekking at a safe pace, monitor for altitude sickness, and regularly check weather conditions. The team also carries a first-aid kit and has evacuation plans (funded by insurance) in place.

You’ll need warm clothing, trekking poles, a waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water purification tablets, a headlamp, and basic toiletries. Please look at our equipment list for details.

Trekking poles can be helpful as they help with balance and reduce strain on your knees during descents.

It’s a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag, especially for higher altitudes where temperatures drop. Tea houses provide blankets, but sleeping bags may provide more warmth if needed.

Bring sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. Make sure they’re broken in before your trek.

Yes. You can rent trekking gear in Kathmandu, including jackets, sleeping bags, and poles. We can introduce you to these shops if required.

You can easily book through our website or contact us directly. Our team will guide you through the booking process and answer any questions.

We accept payments via credit card, bank transfer, and Wise. You can choose whichever option is most convenient for you. We need 10 percent of the trek cost as an advance to confirm the trek booking.

Yes, we require 10 percent of the trek to confirm your booking, and you can pay the balance upon arriving in Kathmandu.

Our cancellation policy allows refunds up to a certain number of days before the trek. Please visit our terms and conditions page.

Apart from the package, you’ll need to cover personal expenses like snacks, alcohol, charging devices, snacks, Wi-Fi, hot/cold drinks, and hot showers.

We will drive you to Pokhara and from Pokhara to the trailhead at Tikhedunga, which is included in your package.

Yes, transportation from Pokhara to the trek region and return from the trek region are included in the package. However, flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu or vice-versa are not included. For an additional cost, you can fly to/from Pokhara.

In case of delays, we’ll help you reschedule or arrange alternative transportation to ensure you reach your destination as planned.

Yes, free airport pickup and drop-off services from/to Kathmandu Airport are included for your convenience. We want to ensure you do not feel alone in a foreign country.

Yes, we can arrange transportation back to Pokhara or Kathmandu after the trek upon your request.