Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 7 days

Trekking Information

Equipment Checklist for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Here is a general gear checklist for the trek for trekking in Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Upper Body: -

• A long-sleeve thermal base layer
• Trekking shirt
• Insulation layer
• fleece jacket
• Warm Down Jacket
• Gloves
• waterproof jacket
• T-Shirt lightweight

Head: -

• Beanie and ear warmers
• Sunhat & Scarf
• Headlights with extra batteries

Face: -

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen
• Dust Masks
• Lip Balm
• Face /Body wipe

legs & Boots: -

• Trekking Pants two pairs
• waterproof jacket
• Trekking boots
• Sport Shoes
• Gaiters
• Crampons (If snow or Ice)
• Slippers
• Thermal Leggins
• Underwear & thick Socks

Essentials Gear: -

• Trekking pole
• Sleeping bag
• Towels
• Raincoat
• Water bottle
• Backpack or Day pack

Toiletries: -

• Quick drying towel
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• soap
• Shampoo
• Small mirror
• Nail cutter

Personal accessories: -

• Money
• Camera
• Phone
• Watch
• Power bank
• Extra batteries for the Camera

Extra: -

• Diary & Pen
• Books
• Extra Passport copy and Photos
• Binocular
• Firsts Aid Kits

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.

How to get to Pokhara?

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations as well as the ‘Tourist Capital’ of Nepal. The city is surrounded by spectacular mountain views, landscapes, lake sides, and marvelous cultural palaces. Pokhara is renowned as the starting point for numerous trekking trails and expeditions in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is the favorite stop destination for most trekkers before heading to the Annapurna region or as a relaxing station before venturing for some serious trekking. Pokhara can be easily traveled by air flight and highway.

The best way to reach Pokhara is to take a direct flight to Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport followed by another domestic flight to Pokhara. It takes 25 minutes to reach and one can explore Pokhara city before commencing the trek. Access to direct bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The distance between both cities is around 200kilometers and can be covered in around 7 to 8 hours. Alternatively, book a cab and drive to Pokhara if you wish hassle-free travel.

Meals in Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days

Meals during the trek are healthy and suitable for trekkers. It keeps them fit and energized throughout the trek. Most of the ingredients are organic or carried from the lower regions to your teahouses. Trekkers can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) The staple dish is Nepali Dal Bhat alongside curry, which provides enough fuel for you to keep walking. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served from the teahouses or a lodge menu on the way to the destination stops. The prices for meal rises as you go higher. There are also small shops and cafes to buy snacks or chocolate bars for a quick bite.

Accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Accommodation in the Annapurna region is abundant and typically with good choices in each small village you go to. Trails in the Annapurna region are mostly accompanied by teahouses and so is the Annapurna Base Camp trail. You can expect to stay in fairly developed and relatively comfortable teahouses during the trek. Ghandruk and Jhinu danda area especially provide all the additional facilities like Wi-Fi, hot water, attached bathrooms & laundry with your rooms too. Although there is no availability of running hot water in every village, you can get a bucket full of hot water for a shower. You are provided with the basic facilities and services even at teahouses at high-altitude places here. But the prices rise higher as you go higher. During the winter season, heaters, and blankets are provided. On cold nights, there is a fire in the commonplace to keep the room warm.

Most of the teahouses are owned and operated by local families over there. You can hear some folklore, learn about a different culture, and community and also share some stories with friendly locals. Make sure you ask for the availability of working electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi before taking a room on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail. Be humble and respect the local norms while staying in these places.

Drinking water

Plastic water bottles are forbidden in the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, you can fill up your water bottles at the guesthouses with boiled water or water purified through an osmosis filtration system. Similarly, freshwater streams straight from the Himalayas are also not hard to find while trekking. You should carry some chlorine tablets or water purification agents to perform your water treatment and just to be safe. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated while trekking. It is always good to carry your own drinking water bottle.

Internet Connectivity on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Internet and Wi-Fi facilities are installed in most of the teahouses and lodges of Annapurna region trails. Trekkers can expect a fairly smooth connection for the most part. However, some places of trek do not have internet services due to the difficult topographies and technical problems. But overall, you can expect Wi-Fi service in most of the lodges or teahouses of the trek. Some of the lodges provide free Wi-Fi and some of them charge a small amount, it depends on where you are staying. The Wi-Fi here in the trails is only enough to send some messages and pictures as the signal is not stable and of high speed. Hence, don’t rely on Internet service. You can access the internet in Annapurna Base Camp via Sim Card Internet. You can buy data packages and use them. To experience the breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains at the panoramic view at Annapurna Base Camp is a one-lifetime experience that you can’t get through streaming Netflix or surfing the internet. So, it is wise to stay away from the Internet world for a while in the mountains and enjoy the moment.

Reaching the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

There are primarily three trekking routes (Ghandruk trekking route, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route, and Dhampus trekking route) used by trekkers to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. All these routes lead to the Chhomrong village and from this village, there is only one trail to get to the base camp. Since this is a seven-day trek, with the itinerary created by the expert guides and trekking operators of Hillary Step Treks you trek via the Ghandruk route. Firstly, a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar and then trek to Ghandruk. We also provide customization options if necessary as well. Other routes make you add about 3-4 extra days for the same trek.

Permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You are required to get two permits for this trek i.e. a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) and an Entry Permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Both permits are mandatory and can be purchased at the tourism office in Kathmandu or either in Pokhara.

All treks in the Annapurna Sanctuary National Park requires ACAP and TIMS permit. The permit costs NPR 3000 and NPR 2000 respectively. For SAARC nationals, the ACAP and TIMS permit is NPR 1000 and NPR 600 respectively. Both ACAP and TIMS permit can be used for all applicable treks until it has an exit stamp on them.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is one of the quintessential things you must do before any travel or trek. Most trekkers face many obstacles as they ignore this important part of the trek. Travel insurance, not only acts as a safety net against the risk of experiencing unforeseen medical expenses but also safeguards against other travel-related emergencies that could ruin your trek. One must confirm that the travel insurance covers an altitude of above 4000 meters. Medical extremities, luggage loss, theft, flight cancellations, etc. must be covered. Hence you should get appropriate travel insurance before you start on this trek to enjoy it without worries.

How tough is Annapurna Base Camp Trek for trekkers having various experience levels?

Annapurna Base Camp trek is moderately tough for trekkers. If you have experience trekking in the Himalayas before, it is quite easier. We recommend you in attempting short hikes before venturing into the high-elevation trails of the Himalayas. It would be better if you go hiking having many steep ascents and descents as Annapurna Base Camp is comprised of it. You descend the same trail you ascend. However, with proper guides and planning, anyone can complete the trek without any hassle. Even people who have average physical fitness but strong restraint and a positive attitude can do trekking. The weather is pleasant during the season and you can find plenty of other trekkers to assist you throughout the journey. Be sure to experience the trek during the season if you are a first-time trekker. It is convenient if you have a guide and porter to escort you.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization at Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Altitude sickness is common for trekkers heading over the 3000 meters (10000 ft.) mark in the Himalayas. You do plenty of steep ascents and descent trekking during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. We have thoughtfully planned acclimatization days to make sure your body is adjusting to the altitude. These stopovers at Sinuwa and Deurali are vital. However, only a minor percentage of trekkers are severely ill and proper caution can let you be safe here. The primary symptom of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, and in extreme cases hallucinations and unconsciousness. Make sure you let your guides know if you have any of these symptoms while trekking the Annapurna Base Camp trail. Some key points to avoid altitude sickness are:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you've walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don't push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

Best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. The best time to trek the Annapurna Base Camp is during the shoulder seasons of either mid-March -April - May (spring) or mid-September - October - November (autumn) which are considered to be pre-monsoon and before winter respectively.

The climate is slightly hot during the day while hiking and deep freeze at night depending on the altitude. There is also less chance of rain during this time and you can expect clear weather, fully serviceable teahouses, and plenty of daylight which is perfect for hiking. Summer treks are available too. However, off-season trekking is available for experienced trekkers. We recommend you do methodical planning and medications while trying to complete the Annapurna Base Camp during any time of the year.

Benefits of Choosing Hillary Step Treks (HST)

• Our experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks in Annapurna Base Camp treks and other treks too.
• Our guides are fluent in English, and Nepali dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Annapurna region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.

FAQs of Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days

Is there Bank, ATM & Money exchange available during the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

No, there isn’t Bank, ATM & Money exchange during the trek. You have to take enough Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for your extra expenses.

How much does it Cost to Flight from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu?

The Cost for a flight is $100 per person one way & $200 for both round trips.

What is the Luggage limit for Porter to carry?

Hillary Step Treks will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry a combined 20 Kg of Luggage (10Kg for each trekker)

What permit is required for the ABC trek?

There is two Permit required for the ABC trek. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & Trekker’s information management System (TIMS) card.

How long does it take to reach Annapurna Base Camp?

Generally, it takes 7-11 Days to reach ABC from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Depends on which route you choose.

Do guides and Porters have Insurance?

All, Hillary Step Treks Guides & Porters are covered by Insurance as well as Salary, Meals, Accommodation, equipment, etc. during the trek.

What is the tipping culture like in Nepal?

All our tour operators are members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal registered under the Nepal government. You may wish to tip the guides and porters for their service during the trek. Tipping is your personal choice and you may tip about 10% of the trekking cost or more than that.

What documents do I need for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

You need to submit the following documents by WhatsApp or Email after the advance deposit.

• A Copy of Passport copy
• P.P size Photos
• Flight details (Arriving and Departure date)
• Travel insurance which should include emergency evacuation