Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

Trek Duration: 13 Days (9 Days Trek + 3 Nights in Kathmandu + 1 Night in Pokhara)

The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be completed over various durations and routes. Our itinerary includes a 9-day trek, including the drive to the starting point and return. Rest of the time will be spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara exploring bit of the interesting significant spots of the region.

Trek Grading: Medium

This trek involves walking on Himalayan trails with plenty of ups and downs—some steep, forested sections and suspension bridge crossings. The route ascends to a maximum of 4,100 meters, with elevation gains of up to 650 meters and descents of up to 1,600 meters. No technical climbing is involved, but participants should be physically and mentally fit and able to walk 5 to 7 hours per day.

Altitude Concerns:

At 4,100 meters, altitude sickness is a possibility. However, our itinerary includes gradual acclimatization by stopping at Ghorepani and reaching Poon Hill (3,200 meters), reducing the risk.

Altitude Sickness Symptoms:

• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trouble sleeping
• Cough
• Weakness

If symptoms occur, notify your guide and stop ascending. Immediate descent is the only effective treatment.

Prevention Tips:

• Ascend slowly and allow time to acclimatize
• Avoid increasing altitude by more than 500m per day
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat well and avoid dehydration
• Walk at a slow, steady pace
• Avoid smoking
• In case of symptoms, descend immediately—altitude sickness can be life-threatening.

Who Can Join This Trek?

Ideal for people with moderate fitness who enjoy outdoor adventure. Beginners can also complete this trek with adequate preparation. This is a trekking journey—not a climbing expedition—so no ropes or technical gear is needed. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart or chronic medical conditions.

Preparation for the Trek :

Mental Preparation:

• Evaluate if this trek suits you
• Get a health check-up, especially if you have any medical conditions
• Build mental resilience to handle physical exhaustion—meditation can help

Physical Preparation:

Start training 4 months before the trek. The better your preparation, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.

• Hiking: Walk 9–12 km regularly with a 5–15 kg backpack
• Stair Climbing: Gradually increase time and intensity
• Treadmill: Use incline settings up to 15% for 45–60 mins
• Other Activities: Swimming, cycling, and jogging are all beneficial
• Practice with your trekking boots to avoid blisters

Types of Trek Packages:

• Full Package Trip: Includes TIMS Card, Park Permit, Guide, Porters, Accommodation, Meals (3 times a day), Flights, Transport, and a duffle bag.
• GAP Trek Style: Includes TIMS Card, Park Permit, Guide, Porters, and Accommodation. Meals are excluded—you’ll order directly from the lodges. Approximate daily meal budget: USD 45.

Best Seasons:

• Autumn (Mid-October to Mid-December): Best time—clear skies and great views
• Spring (Mid-March to End of April): Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons, though slightly hazier and occasional rain
• Avoid monsoon season (June–September)

Getting There:

• Access Point: Drive to Hille/Tirkhedhunga (or higher depending on road conditions)
• Flights: 75-seater aircraft (~30 mins one way)
• Baggage Allowance on Flight: 23 kg per person

Support Team:

• Guide: Government-registered, English-speaking, first-aid trained, and familiar with the route
• Porters: One porter for every two trekkers, carrying up to 30 kg (15 kg per person). Carry your own daypack.

Accommodation During Trek:

• Lodges have improved over the years, especially in lower sections
• Some rooms offer attached toilets; higher up, facilities are basic and shared
• Expect shared rooms (3–4 per room) during peak season
• Electricity and solar-powered lighting available, but dim in higher lodges
• Extra charges apply for hot showers, WiFi, and charging devices
• Lodges provide a blanket and pillow— but it is always good to bring your own sleeping bag

Meals on the Trek: A mix of Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisines

• Breakfast: Muesli, porridge, pancakes, bread, eggs
• Lunch: Veg noodle soup, pancakes, Tibetan bread, toasted sandwiches
• Dinner: Soups, macaroni, spaghetti, potatoes, pizza, rice, etc.
• Snacks/Desserts: Apple pie, fried snacks
• Drinks: Tea, coffee, hot lemon, hot chocolate, soft drinks, beer, and occasionally wine
  Avoid raw salads and meat, both on the trek and in Kathmandu

Water on the Trek:

• Drink at least 2 liters daily to avoid dehydration
• Bottled water is available but expensive and environmentally unfriendly
• Use water purification tablets or filtered water bottles
• Always purify water before drinking

Group Size:

Small groups preferred 2 to 10 trekkers ensures a better, more intimate experience

Typical Trekking Day:

• Wake-up: ~6 AM (with tea or coffee)
• Freshen up, pack your bag, then have breakfast
• Begin trekking by 7–8 AM
• Trek for 3–4 hours, then break for lunch at a scenic, hygienic lodge
• Continue trekking in the afternoon for 2–3 more hours
• Reach lodge by late afternoon
• Free time to rest, explore, or chat with fellow trekkers
• Dinner is served between 6–7 PM
• Lights out by 9 PM (to rest for the next day’s hike)

Trekking Equipment

Weather in the Himalayas can be highly unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared with the necessary equipment for the trek. A complete checklist will be shared with you upon confirmation of your booking. Most trekking gear can either be purchased or rented at specialized shops in Kathmandu.

Health, Medical & Vaccinations

At least eight weeks before your departure, schedule a basic health check-up with your doctor. Discuss your travel plans and inquire about any recommended vaccinations.

Medical facilities in Nepal have improved significantly in recent years, particularly in Kathmandu, which now hosts several well-equipped hospitals. However, for serious illnesses or emergencies, evacuation to a neighboring country may be required.

Be cautious about water and food hygiene. Always drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food. Nepal is prone to infectious diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid—take necessary precautions to avoid them.

First Aid Kit

Bring any personal medications with you, as certain medicines may not be available or may differ from what you’re used to. Always carry a doctor’s prescription, and it’s advisable to check with the Nepalese Embassy to ensure your medications are permitted in Nepal, as some drugs—despite being legally prescribed elsewhere—might be banned locally.

Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking in the Himalayas, regardless of the trek’s difficulty level. The terrain poses potential health and safety risks, and in emergencies, insurance covers essential services such as helicopter evacuation, medical bills, and sometimes even accommodation upgrades or alternative return flights.

Ensure your insurance covers:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Accidents and injuries
• Travel cancellations
• Theft or loss of property
• Emergency evacuations (especially via helicopter)

Electricity

Most teahouses on the route have access to electricity or solar power. However, due to the remote nature of the region, power outages are common. We recommend carrying a power bank or solar charger as backup. Please note that charging devices may incur an extra cost at some lodges.

Communication

Internet and mobile networks are available in most parts of the Annapurna region. However, due to the rugged terrain, signal strength can vary, and some areas may have limited or no connectivity.

Environmental Concerns

We strongly discourage the purchase of plastic bottled water in the mountains. Instead, use purification tablets or boiled water. Also, please avoid hot showers that rely on firewood. Far Out Trekking supports eco-friendly practices and works with lodges that use kerosene, solar energy, or cow dung for cooking, heating, and lighting.

Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You may also fill out the online visa application at immigration.gov.np before your arrival.

Requirements:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Visa fee in US dollars (cash)

Visa Fees:

• 15 Days – USD $30
• 30 Days – USD $50
• 90 Days – USD $125

Permits

You will need the following permits:

• TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

To issue these, we will require:

• A scanned copy of your passport
• Scanned passport-size photos
• Insurance details
• Emergency contact information

About Adventure Travel

Trekking in Nepal falls under adventure travel, which is inherently unpredictable. Please do not expect the same standards of service, comfort, or infrastructure as in your home country. Mountain trails, rural villages, and unpredictable weather all add to the adventure—and the challenge.

The itinerary provided serves as a general guide. Due to factors such as bad weather, landslides, or political unrest, changes may occur. Flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude are essential. If you’re unsure about your physical or mental preparedness, please consult your trekking agent.