Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- 11
days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 'must-do' trek for all trekkers. Walk on Nepal's oldest trekking trail and arrive at the heart of the Annapurna Region. Trek through a typical Nepalese mountain landscape dotted with terraced fields, rhododendron forest, and rustic villages. Swap stories with elderly Gurung and Magar villages, many of whom have served in the British army, and yes, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to one of Nepal’s most popular trekking trails. The first trekkers to Nepal had trodden on these paths, and you walk on the same trail taken by the pioneers. Visit the settlements of the brave Gurkha warriors and set foot on Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The trek to ABC leads you to a wondrous world of snow and ice. Step on a glacial sanctuary fortified by the spectacular Annapurna Massif. Celebrate the incomparable beauty of the Himalayas at Annapurna Base Camp. You lie in a frozen ring of 7,000 and 8,000-meter peaks, including Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world.
Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from Kimchi village. From the first day’s trek to the last, our experienced trekking guide will be there to lend support and guidance. Hike past traditional Gurung villages and green terraced fields neatly sculpted on mountainsides. The forked summit of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) looms over the trail. Annapurna Region has seen a major development in the past few years, yet the route to Annapurna Base Camp remains untouched. It is a joy to walk beneath soaring Himalayan peaks and trees laden with flowers.
During spring, the trail bursts into a profusion of pink, red and white rhododendron blooms. In addition, on the last leg of your trek, enjoy a relaxing dip at Jhinu Danda’s hot springs. Finally, in Pokhara, get nostalgic at Phewa Lake. Gaze at the reflection of peaks under whose shadows you had walked.
If you are reasonably fit and looking for a high-altitude walk lasting for just over a week, then this Annapurna Base Camp Trek is just right for you. Within eleven days, you will be able to reach an elevation of 4,130m, visit two base camps (Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp), and stand at a natural amphitheater, close to some of the world’s highest peaks.
More Travel Blogs/Guides for ABC Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek in March and April
How Difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - A Complete Guide
Lucas Newman
| June 16, 2022
Pak Hei Shum
| June 15, 2022
Albert Byrne
| June 09, 2022
Olivia Stewart
| June 07, 2022
Eliza Williams
| June 04, 2022
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft), drive to Kimchi and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6364ft) - 25 minutes flight, 2:30 hours drive and 2 hours (2 km) trek |
| Day 3 | Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,118ft) - 5 to 6 hours (10 km) trek |
| Day 4 | Trek to Bamboo (2,310m/7,577ft) - 5 to 6 hours (7 km) trek |
| Day 5 | Trek to Deurali (3,230m/10,595ft) - 4 to 5 hours (8.5 km) trek |
| Day 6 | Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,547ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,136ft) - 4 to 5 hours (8 km) trek |
| Day 7 | Trek to Bamboo (2,310m/7,577ft) - 7 to 8 hours (16.5 km) trek |
| Day 8 | Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,760m/5,773ft) - 5 to 6 hours (9 km) trek |
| Day 9 | Trek to Matque (1,070m/3,510ft) drive to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) - 1 to 2 hours (3 km) trek, 2: 30 hours drive |
| Day 10 | Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 25 minutes flight |
| Day 11 | Final Departure |
Each trip is customized to fit the client's requirements and group size, the price of each trip we organize is different. The trip's price is calculated keeping in view the type of services and accommodation chosen by our clients. To offer you a personalized and seamless holiday experience, we create trips that suit your taste and travel budget.
We see travelers as individuals having their own special needs and preferences. An experience of a lifetime is only possible when each and every detail of your holiday is planned around your needs.
Read More.. Why Private and Tailor-Made
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map
Welcome to Kathmandu! Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Meet your trek leader at the pre-trip meeting held later in the day. A briefing by your trek leader on your Annapurna adventure will follow. Listen carefully as your trek leader describes in detail the trail and what to expect during the trek.
Further, check your gears for the final time. If you have forgotten an item, you can buy or hire it from any shop selling trekking gear. Again, get suggestions from your trek leader. Later, head to the lively tourist hub of Thamel. We recommend you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or during the day to enable you to attend the group briefing. After the meeting, you can take a stroll around Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist hub.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village and home to brave Gurkha soldiers
Get up early and prepare to leave Kathmandu. From the domestic airport in Kathmandu, take a scenic flight to Pokhara, a pretty lakeside town. On reaching Pokhara, board a vehicle and drive to Kimchi.
A two and a half hours drive brings you to this small settlement from where your trek begins. Climb on well-laid stone steps to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village and home to brave Gurkha soldiers. Explore the village. There are many interesting places you can head to, like the Gurung Museum for instance. There’s also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Immerse yourself in the local mountain culture while interacting with the villagers. Enjoy fantastic views of Annapurna Himal.
Overnight in Ghandruk.
Walk past terraced fields, and follow a winding route down to Kimrong Khola, occasionally passing through cascading waterfalls. From time to time, stop for a while to take in the views. Next, cross a bridge and after that take a steep ascent via a stone staircase to Chhomrong, another Gurung village; as soon as you reach the village, head towards a teahouse and rest your aching muscles.
From Chhomrong, the snowy walls of Annapurna South and Machhapucchre (Fishtail Peak) seem very close. Please take pictures and let the majestic beauty of the mountains work its magic on you.
Overnight in Chhomrong.
Today’s trek involves more steep descents and ascents on stone staircases. Walk down a flight of steps to Chhomrong Khola and cross the metal suspension bridge, and an uphill hike through a wooded trail filled with oak, bamboo, and rhododendron trees brings you to Khuldighar.
From Khuldighar, take an easy descent down to Bamboo, your stop for the night. Bamboo is made up of a cluster of teahouses catering to trekkers on the Annapurna trail.
Overnight in Bamboo.
Hike through a track shaded by thickets of bamboo. The path opens up after the Himalaya Hotel offering delightful views of the glacial river flowing down the valley. Your itinerary involves a steep ascent to the historic Hinku Cave that served as an overnight camp for the first group of climbers daring to ascend Annapurna I. Follow an undulating path till you reach Deurali, a small settlement with few blue-roofed stone huts. As you gain altitude, the temperature begins to dip, and you begin to feel the cold, especially at night.
Overnight in Deurali.
Annapurna Base Camp, at 4,130 meters above sea level
Leave Deurali behind and make a quick descent down to a glacial river. To reach ABC, you need first to cross Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Enter the Machhapuchhre Base Camp through a narrow valley flanked by steep mountainsides. The walk through the ‘natural gateway’ to Annapurna Sanctuary (abode of the gods according to local folklore) is an unforgettable experience, one that you will remember long after your trek is over. As you get higher, the tree line disappears, and the vegetation gets sparser.
From Machhapuchhre Base Camp enjoy glorious views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail peak), Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. Though the area is known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp, climbing on the peak is strictly forbidden. The mountain is a guardian deity of the locals. Ascend higher till you reach Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies in a valley surrounded by glaciers and the grand peaks of the Annapurna Massif. The awe-inspiring sight will be enough to melt away all your aches and pains!
Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
Glorious views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak)
The first thing you do is get up early to catch the sun rising over the snowy peaks. Secondly, head down to the Annapurna Sanctuary to witness this phenomenal sight. Watch the spectacular display of light and color as the first rays of the sun touch the frozen peaks, making them seem like a ring of melted gold. Capture this moment in your mind and your camera to be treasured forever.
Explore the glacial bowl and stand beneath the icy circle formed by the peaks of Annapurna Himal, including Annapurna South, Tharpu Chuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III & IV, and Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world. Later on, take a long descent down to Bamboo.
Overnight in Bamboo.
Today from Bamboo, head to Jhinu Danda, a beautiful settlement famous for its natural hot springs. Follow an up and down trail past a verdant trail. Hike through Chhomrong before you make a final descent to the ridge-top settlement of Jhinu Danda, your overnight stop.
After checking into the teahouse, immediately walk down to the riverside and relax your tired muscles with a dip in the naturally heated pool. Later, head to a teahouse and celebrate the completion of your trek with the crew and team members.
Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
The last leg of your trek takes you to Siwai. Walk past terraced fields and traditional farms till you reach Siwai. As soon as you get there, board a vehicle and head to Pokhara.
Once you arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel. International, as well as domestic tourists, frequently visit the lakeside city. The rest of the day is for you to spend it on your own. Take a well-deserved rest or stroll around the lakeside area. Sit by the serene Phewa Lake, gazing at Machhpuchhre’s reflection and colorful boats. If you want to see more of Pokhara, you can book a half-day guided sightseeing tour at an extra cost.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Take an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Before you fly back to the capital, you can visit the popular sightseeing spots of Pokhara or try paragliding. These activities will incur extra costs.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel. Take rest for as long as you like. Later on, go souvenir shopping or visit some places of interest. Celebrate the conclusion of your Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a complimentary farewell dinner with your guide or a representative from our office.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
You will be driven to the airport in due time to catch your flight (three hours prior to the scheduled departure). If you want you can extend your trip and explore more of the country. Choose from our vast range of itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you. Bid goodbye to Nepal!
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm, and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.
During spring, the rhododendron forests covering the trail burst into colorful pink, white and red blooms. Walking through the hills covered with rhododendron blooms against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas will seem like a walk through paradise.
Autumn is the most popular season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around late September or October will allow you to experience the most important festivals of the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar. These festivals celebrated by Hindus last for several days. Expect good food, merry-making, dance, and music at all the villages along the trail.
You can also opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. You can enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.
First, you need to travel to Pokhara, which can be done by taking a flight or driving overland. Many private airline companies operate daily flights on the Kathmandu- Pokhara route. Taking a flight may be expensive, but it saves you time and is more comfortable. In less than 30 minutes, you reach your destination.
If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to travel by tourist coach or a local bus. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours. The tourist bus to Pokhara departs daily from Sorahkhutte and Thamel at 7 AM. If you want to travel like locals, you need to go to Naya Bus Park in Gongabu and get yourself a bus ticket to Pokhara. There are also micro vans or Hiace vans that leave for Pokhara at intervals of 1 to 2 hours daily. Private vehicles are also available on hire. The vehicle comes with a driver, and rental charges vary according to the size and type of the vehicle.
As per our itinerary, you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa by flight. Due to the mountainous terrain, aircrafts used for domestic flights in Nepal tend to be small and light. Therefore, you will be flying either in a 70 to 47 seater ATR, 30 seater Jetstream, or 18 seaters Beechcraft. The 25 minutes flight lets you enjoy incredible views of Himalayan peaks.
On reaching Pokhara, you board a private vehicle and drive to the trailhead of your trek, Kimchi. The drive, on a pitched highway, lasts for a little over two hours. From Kimchi, you trek to Annapurna Base Camp and return by foot to Matque. On the last day of your trek, you will be picked up from Matque and driven to Pokhara.
The permits you need for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are –
Both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
To get these permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:
Permit Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit: NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.
TIMS Card: NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekker (FIT). For SAARC country nationals, NRS 300 is trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the foot of the tenth highest in the world, Annapurna I (8,091m). The highest point of your trek is Annapurna Base Camp, at 4,130 meters above sea level. Here the air is thin, which will make breathing a bit difficult.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay.
One should take necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
Experts and veteran guides have designed this ABC Trek itinerary. The trek is well-paced and allows your body to gradually get used to low oxygen levels in the mountain air.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
|
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
|
1000m/3,281ft |
88% |
|
2500m/8,202ft |
73% |
|
3000m/9,843ft |
68% |
|
3500m/11,483ft |
64% |
|
4000m/13,123ft |
60% |
|
4500m/14,764ft |
57% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. Therefore, one should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluid.
To tackle the menace of plastic waste in the Annapurna region, the sale of bottled water has been banned since 2015. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will find several safe drinking water stations. However, we highly recommend you carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. Instead, you can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled and filter drinking water at an additional cost. Charges vary according to altitude (the higher you reach, the more expensive it will be) and quantity. You will be charged from USD 1 to 2 for a pot of hot and filtered drinking water.
Internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Annapurna Region. You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. Teahouses charge extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can also get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data to use on your trek. But the mobile internet data only works up to Bamboo. Beyond Bamboo, you can use the Wi-Fi hotspot at the teahouses to access the internet.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need much complicated gear and equipment for an Annapurna adventure. However, here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Find a more detailed - Packing List For Trekking In Nepal.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. Therefore, you can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of an 8,000-meter peak, Annapurna I (8,091m). Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than ten years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every four trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. In addition, a portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 4,130 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can face during this trekking adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Also, check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. For example, it would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.
Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than ten years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. In addition, they are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort them and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.
If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to a lower elevation or airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily. The toughest will be the ascent to Annapurna Base Camp and the long descent to Bamboo (7- 8 hours) the next day. On Day 7, you will have to wake up earlier than usual to catch the sunrise.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful about throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environment-friendly.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude Map
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.
If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary.
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
We usually provide private comfortable vehicles to individual tourists. For groups we provide comfortable luxury buses for pick up and drop-offs.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants.
The permits needed are - Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management System fee).
The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is pretty good and most of them offer facilities like western toilets, hot showers (may charge cost) and a wide range of items on their menu. The rooms are usually furnished with two separate beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Most of the teahouses are family or community run establishments. Teahouses are like an extended home and have a warm and cosy feel to them.
We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.
Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water.
Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.
Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.
Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
We carry a first-aid box with us while trekking. But if you want you can carry along some essential medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, anti-diarrhea tablets and diamox for AMS.
Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips:
We would recommend all our clients to purchase travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Trust us you will have a pleasant holiday knowing that you have a good insurance cover. In the event of any sickness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation will be considerable. Therefore, traveling with an insurance cover is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for any of our trips. But be careful while choosing a policy as some policies make special exceptions for adventure travel.
Do read the fine print. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken during the trip. Such as if you are planning to trek or climb (mountaineering expedition) in the Himalayas, your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tour in an urban area, insurance cover of air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory. While booking a trip with us you need to send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come for the trip.
No, you cannot get insurance in Nepal. Please also note that Third Rock Adventures does not arrange or sell insurance.
If you have to leave the expedition due to ill-health or injury, an emergency air rescue will be arranged whereby an air ambulance/helicopter will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain rescue. If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group. Whether for health or personal reasons, please do note refunds for the unused days of your trip will not be given. Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters, and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired.
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Thailand
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Netherlands
Saint Barthelemy
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Germany
