This Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a unique trek along local trails, through forests, villages and terraced farmland treats you to unparalleled mountain scenery, surrounded by enormous glaciers giving you an inside experience into the Nepalese life and culture.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek follows the Modi River and passes through dense stands of rhododendron and bamboo. By the time you reach the large rock over hanging, known as Hinku Cave, you will have noticed that the vegetation has thinned and the gorge narrowed to be only a few hundred meters wide. Steep snow-clad ridges falling from Hiunchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right from the entrance to the Sanctuary. As we pass through the “gate” and enter to the Sanctuary, you find yourself in a huge amphitheatre enclosed by a solid wall of snow capped peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Pokhara or it can be tailored as part of the Annapurna Circuit or the Jomsom / Miktinath trek, by trekking from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani and joining the main Sanctuary trails at Chommrong.
Price: On Application
Duration: 14 Days
Trek Ratings: Activity 2 / Conditions 3 / Accommodation 2 / Training/Preparation 3
Best Season: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
Country Visited: Nepal
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip Ends: Kathmandu
Destination: Annapurna Base Camp
Trip Route: Ktm-Pokhara-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Chomrong-Himalaya Hotel-Machhapuchere Base Camp-Annapurna Base Camp-Bamboo-Nayapul-Pokhara-Ktm
Trip Style: Guided Trekking
Activity: Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking
Max. Altitude: 4130 m /13546.4 ft
Activity Per Day: Approximately 5hrs walking per day
Day 01 Arrival at the Tribuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345m). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Drive to Pokhara (900 m) by tourist bus – 7 hrs. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Drive to Nayapul (1,010m) – 1 hr. Trek to Tikhedunga (1,570m) – 3 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 05 Trek to Ghorepani (2,840m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 06 Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m); and trek to Tadapani (2,610m). Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 07 Trek to Chomrong (2,140m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 08 Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2950 m) – 6 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 09 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) – 7 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10 Trek back to Bamboo (2345m) – 6 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 11 Trek to Jhinu hot spring (1,780m) – 5 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12 Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m) – 4.5 hrs. Drive to Pokhara – 1 hrs. Same day guided tour of Barahi Temple and boating in fewa Lake. Overnight Hotel.
Day 13 Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345 metres).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Note: If you arrive after 4pm you would be briefed by our airport representative/guide about tomorrow’s (Day 02) sightseeing activities on the way to hotel and then the pre trip meeting would be held after the sightseeing tour next day. But if you arrive earlier than 4PM your pre trip meeting would be done on that very day either at our office or at your hotel as per your requirement. During your pre trip meeting we would introduce you to your leader/guide once you are back from the sightseeing. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, T-shirt and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Overnight at Hotel
No meals
Day 02 Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below:
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.It is a square two tiered pagoda temple built on a single tier pinth which is famous all over the world.
Boudhanath: Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.It was built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings.You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla,famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple,Bhairavnath temple,Duttatraya temple,Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.
The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast
Day 03 Drive to Pokhara (900 m) by tourist bus – 7 hours.
Our trekking staff will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast
Day 04 Drive to Nayapul (1,010m) – 1 hr. Trek to Tikhedunga (1,570m) – 3 hours.
We begin our trek at Nayapul after a 1-hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 Trek to Ghorepani (2,840m) – 5 hours.
We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2,250m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460m. After an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840m). Overnight at a guesthouse.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m); and trek to Tadapani (2,610m).
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour, then returning to Ghorepani we take a hot breakfast at a hotel. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,960m). After that we descend to the Banthanti, then turning off to Tadapani.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 Trek to Chommrong (2,140m) – 5 hours.
The day starts with a steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend through the forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at an elevation of 2,140 m.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 Trek to Himalayan Hotel (2,950m) – 6 hours.
Today the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar at 2,380m where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on, from which, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank then levels out, running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. We walk through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) – 7 hours.
Today the trail climbs on past the Hinko Cave, Deurali and then Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing the mountain is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130m. There, you will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Trek back to Bamboo (2345m) – 6 hours.
We follow the same trail down today the trail drops by 1,700m to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345m where there are a few teahouse/lodges available to stay at.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Trek to Jhinu hot spring (1,780m) – 5 hours.
We follow the same trail until Chommrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar there is an experimental sheep farm, the trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields. From Chomrong the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu hot spring, where you can bathe in natural hot spring.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m) – 4.5 hours. Drive to Pokhara – 1 hour. Same day guided tour of Barahi Temple and Boating in Fewa Lake.
From Jhinu hot springs we walk at the right side of Modi Khola for 4.5 hours to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul then an hour drive will take us back to Pokhara. After we check in to hotel we will then walk to the Fewa Lake for our boating trip to Barahi Temple and than back to hotel. Overnight at a hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 Drive back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner.
You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 14 Transfer for your final flight departure.
The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Breakfast
NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimise its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Cost Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
Standard twin sharing accommodation in a two or three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
Standard twin sharing accommodation in a two or three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (2 nights)
Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
Lodges, Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek (8 nights Trekking Guesthouse in twin sharing and occasionally dormitory style).
Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English speaking guide.
The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
Annapurna Conservation Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which need to be returned after the trek).
Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag, sun hat and T-shirt (yours to keep).
Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Day 2 and 12).
Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (Day 13).
All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
Official expenses.
Cost Does not Include
Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
Personal trekking Equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.
The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.
In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or yaks and personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc. should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags.
We will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek. You can leave your bag with your non-trek items at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them after the trek.
General
4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)
Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary ACE duffel bag for you to keep.)
Daypack
Down Jacket (Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.
Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.
Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
Glacier glasses – 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here.
Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional).
A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).
Hands
1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.
1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).
Core Body
T-shirts (2).
Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
Fleece jacket or pullover.
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
2 women sports bras, Synthetic, no cotton!
Lower Body – Legs
2 pairs nylon hiking shorts – Quick drying type, not cotton!
Underwear, stay away from cotton (4).
2 pairs lightweight long underwear – capilene or other synthetic.
1 pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).
All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.
Feet
4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have worn then before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister).
1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional).
1 pair sandals (Optional).
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)
Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.
Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.
Miscellaneous, but Important!
Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of your).
Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for it.
Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
2 bandanas.
Optional
1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves and generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc, especially when going downhill (Optional).
Favourite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds (Optional).
Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight (Optional).
Binoculars (Optional).
1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use (Optional).
Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).
A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip (Optional).
1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional).
N.B. This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
Annapurna base camp trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition must seek medical advice/consent before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatised. To prepare for trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.
What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment.The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a bon fire. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in tea houses provides essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room.
Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay deposit later or do I HAVE to pay deposit at booking/reservation?
The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and deposit payment. You can pay the balance of the money 60 days prior to your departure.
Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the Kathmandu portion of the trip? If so how much extra will this cost?
Yes! We can surely book separate rooms in Kathmandu for your portion of the trip. During the trek we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled room instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required.
The additional cost is USD 70 per person for booking a single room in Kathmandu for four nights when booking for groups of two or more than two people. For one person the trip price of USD 1800 per person already includes a single room supplement fee.
Is this a guaranteed departure even if I am alone stating in the request trip?
YES all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants, we can arrange the trip for one person as well.
What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest Base Camp trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatisation – eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Is the food in mountain prepared to international standard in terms of safety?
YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.
Is water provided and is there still water available at higher altitudes? Is it filtered/boiled? Readily available?
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and tea houses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per littler. You can also drink the normal tap or spring water if you bring the purifying aid with you.
What mode of transportation do you use?
Ace the Himalaya is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more manoeuvrable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.
For domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu), we use Tara Air, Agni Air -popular domestic airlines.
What is the best season for this trekking?
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are the best time to do Everest base camp trek.
What is the weather and temperature like in trekking?
Every trekking trip up the mighty Mt. Everest presents its own amazing, unforgettable moments that forever live on in the hearts and minds of those brave enough to make the climb. One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.
Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C, only to dip down as low as -20 degrees C in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.
Spring – March / April / May / June
Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude.
During springtime, the average temperature is 17 degrees C with a maximum of 25 degrees C during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.
July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season
This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during this season. There are positives to trekking during the monsoon months, however. The excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. The maximum temperature during the monsoon season averages 25 degrees C during sunny days with a minimum -15 degrees C in the morning and night at areas above 4000 meters. The average temperature tends to hover around a comfortable 18 degrees C.
Autumn – End of September / October / November
Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle.
The average temperature during the fall is 15 degrees C with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C during sunny days and a minimum of -10 degrees C in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.
Regardless of time of year, trekkers should always plan accordingly and bring clothing for both cooler and warmer temps. Layering is always recommended, as are pants that can double as shorts. For a full list of clothing and materials to bring to account for various temperatures and weather changes that can occur in the Everest region, visitors should work closely with their travel provider. This will ensure that the adventure will be enjoyable no matter what the weather and that every possible scenario will be accounted for ahead of time.
I'm a Vegetarian, is that a problem?
No problem at all because the lodges mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on trek to deal with sickness/accidents?
Our guides are well trained for the high altitude problems and first aid. They always carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well. All our guides carry the local mobile phones and SAT phones for the emergency.
Do you know about how many kilometres the trek is?
Total distance of the entire trek is about 120 kms.
Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?
These facilities will be available in most of the treks in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters!
Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.
Can I use credit cards in the treks I visit in trekking?
In the cities, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.
How much additional money do I need per day?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 18 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
In major treks (Namche Bazar, Lukla), we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the treks, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower; it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower.
Are the staff insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.
Where do we toilet along the trail? Is it similar to Kilimanjaro and just wherever we can find privacy?
At most cases you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.
Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek?
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.
What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?
The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide are about -10 deg C, we can provide liner or extra blanket if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you.
Do you guys have a PAC Portable Altitude Chamber?
Yes, we do have PAC but we don’t use it for Everest Base camp trek since you only have to stay a night above 5000 metres. We will surely provide one if required.
I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please contact us for further information.
Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?
YES, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.
What immunisations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.