Annapurna Base Camp Trek Groups
Are you ready to do Annapurna base camp trek in 8 days if I tell you could reach the base camp-the 10th highest peak in the world-Mt Annapurna and get back within 8 days. The trek is for physically fit mountain lovers who love the Himalayas, the popular Annapurna region of Nepal. The beginners to seniors without any hiking experience are doable ABC Trek in 8 days.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek 8 Days Route
Annapurna Base Camp Trek route starts from Kathmandu with a optional flight to Pokhara and then drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri. Annapurna base camp tour via Poon Hill goes through terraced fields, through the forest full of Rhododendron, bamboo, and Oak, and through several beautiful villages. Also, the different vegetations and climatic region you will pass through witness the majestic Himalayas view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and other snow capped peaks. We trek up for 5 days to the Annapurna base camp and descends 3 days down to Pokhara via Jhinu Hot Spring.
Beauty of Annapurna Base Camp
You have an opportunity to sighting the remarkable diversity of ecosystems that includes subtropical rhododendron forests and alpine river valleys. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural amphitheater with varieties of flora and fauna. The remote beautiful mountain villages with terrace fields, high alpine valley pastures, cascading rivers and hot spring offers an opportunity to relax after the trek.
Why 8-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
Our ABC Trek 8 days itinerary is flexible and can customize as per your interest and requirement. We also offer money valued services without any hidden cost in the package. We do clear out what includes and what not includes in the price before initiating the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The professional guide and the team will assist you during the 8 days trekking in Annapurna. All our guide and team are friendly, and always serve with their smile. You also get benefit of airport transfer, trekking and sleeping bag for the trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Information
Electricity and Charging Battery
You can charge batteries en route. For this, you need to bring your charger. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for it.
Money Matter
There are no ATM on this trek route. You have to draw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are many ATMs in these cities. Everything you do is in Nepali rupees. So, you need to carry enough Nepali currency before you set off for the ABC trek.
WiFi and Internet on Annapurna Base Camp Tour
You will have enough Internet access in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you in your home country and at losing connection is very common at times.
Guide and Porter for ABC Trek
For ABC trek, pay for guides range from $25 to $35 per day and porters take $20 to $30 per day.
Tipping for Annapurna Base Camp Hike
People have become used to receiving tips. However, there is no set amount as tipping is a westerner created culture. They will be happy to receive what you see fit to give. If you feel confused, trekkers have taken 15% of the total pay as the standard.
Equipment for Annapurna Base Camp Trip
Pack light your backpack as far as you would. The unnecessary clothes and items you can leave in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sleeping bag and down jacket is a must to take item with you for this trek which you can rent or buy in Kathmandu and Pokhara trekking shop or store.
Essentials
Down Jacket. Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag.
Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner
Head
Sun hat or cap
Knitted hat/Beanie
Scarf or neck gaiter
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Upper Body
Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
Waterproof, windproof shell
Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Hiking pants (2)
Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
Hiking shorts
Hands
Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
Feet
Wool or technical fabric warm socks
Hiking socks
Liner socks (optional such as silk)
Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it’s recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
Casual shoes
Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
Undergarments
Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
Sports bras (women)
Pajamas or sleeping clothes
First Aid Kits and Medications
Sunscreen
Lip balm
ointment
Other Essentials
Passport
Extra copies of passport-sized photos
Reusable water bottle
Toiletry kits
Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
Hydration bladder
Towel
Pillowcase
Toilet paper (2 rolls)
High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
Airline tickets
Optional
Power bank or extra batteries
Cameras and mobile phone
Cards/book
Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
Trekking poles
Whistle
Thermos for hot water
Travel Insurance
For safety reasons, travel insurance is mandatory for trekkers for 8 days ABC Trek in the mountains to enjoy your trip without any worries. Travel insurance that need to cover things like emergency helicopter rescue, and medical evacuation expenses. Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you trek with us but also provide you with complete coverage for anything that may go wrong.
Solo Travelers
Single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a our tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
High Altitude Sickness
Travelers to altitudes higher than 2,50 m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
Medical Facilities and Treatment
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don’t mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
Monsoon/Rainy Season
The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Departure Tax
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. Swimming, including is always at your own risk.
Drugs and Smoke
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for our travelers, also illegal in Nepal. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. We have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Money Matters
As currency exchange rates in Nepal fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. As of April 2024 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 130 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard but these are limited to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 4% to 6% transaction fee.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of tea house and hotel for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.
Nepal Visa
All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: Multi entry visa valid for 15 days – US $30: Multi Entry Visa for 30 days – US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days – US $125. All travelers are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport.