Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

The prime trekking periods in Nepal span from March to Early May and from September to November. While December to February allows for trekking, be prepared for colder conditions albeit with fewer crowds. June to August marks the monsoon season, generally unsuitable for trekking. However, if this timeframe is your sole option, drop us an email for tailored suggestions.

All our guides boast exceptional fluency in English. With years of experience hosting guests worldwide, they excel in building connections and ensuring seamless communication.

Absolutely! Our peak season departures typically sell out, but during off-peak periods, smaller groups prevail. Rest assured, once you secure your deposit, we guarantee the trek’s commencement for you.

Our dedicated guides, with their extensive successful trekking history and our guests’ commendations, have earned our trust repeatedly. Time and again, clients laud the trip’s excellence owing to their guide’s invaluable contribution, making it an unforgettable experience.

We often have first-time trekkers join our groups, so even without experience, you’ll find yourself among like-minded individuals. Your fitness level should comfortably support full-day walking. While previous hiking or trekking experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory.

We prioritize the safety of all our trekking participants, irrespective of gender. Nepal, overall, is a safe and hospitable destination for foreign visitors. We maintain enduring relationships with the lodges we use, ensuring they are safe and trustworthy. Additionally, our guides consistently keep track of all guests’ whereabouts during treks. Traveling in small groups enhances our ability to maintain regular communication for added safety.

There’s no strict age limit on our expeditions – it’s more about good health and enthusiasm! We’ve welcomed families with children as young as 7 years old on the Everest Base Camp Trek, while our older trekkers have been in their late 70s. For families, we recommend arranging a private trek and allowing a few extra days. Feel free to inquire about tailored arrangements.

Should you require extra hotel nights in Kathmandu before or after the trek, we can arrange accommodations at an extra cost. Kindly inform us of your requirements before your arrival in Nepal, allowing us to make the necessary arrangements as per your needs. (Read our blog post: Booking Additional Hotel Nights)

Our trekking packages are comprehensive, covering most expenses from your arrival in Nepal. We advise budgeting approximately $300 to $400 for incidental costs, which may include tips and additional expenses like the Nepal Visa, rental charges for items such as sleeping bags or down jackets, showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, and charging facilities for electronic devices at tea houses along the trekking route. Furthermore, it’s prudent to have extra funds available, either in cash or on a credit card, in case of flight cancellations to Lukla, where you might opt for a chartered helicopter. (Terms of Service – Additional Expenses)

In most instances throughout Nepal, credit card usage is limited. While there are ATMs available in Kathmandu offering favorable currency exchange rates when withdrawing rupees, please be aware that these ATMs typically impose a $5 USD service fee alongside potential bank charges. Moreover, these ATMs often enforce a daily withdrawal limit of 25,000 rupees (approximately $215 USD).

We gladly accept various major currencies. You have the flexibility to settle the balance either in cash or through credit card payment. However, it’s important to note that for credit card transactions, we levy a 3.5% fee. Hence, paying in cash is highly recommended to avoid additional charges.

The difficulty of a hike or walk depends on terrain steepness and altitude. Most trips for moderately active people cover gentle terrain at lower altitudes, often with shorter route options. Breaks can be taken along the trails.

In terms of physical readiness before embarking on the trek, engaging in cardio-based exercises such as running and long-distance walking is beneficial. If feasible, undertaking several weekend hikes in your vicinity can also aid preparation. Our website offers a training guide tailored for the Everest Base Camp that might provide valuable insights: Training for Everest Base Camp.

Individuals with acute or chronic health issues affecting stamina, flexibility, coordination, or balance might face challenges completing the trek. If uncertain about your physical preparedness, it’s advisable to consult a physician well ahead of booking your trip.

The primary weight constraint is the luggage limit for the Kathmandu to Lukla flight, set at 10kg (22lbs), along with an additional 5kg (11lbs) for carry-on, totaling 15kg (33lbs).

We offer a downloadable packing list or you can explore our blog post on packing for Everest Base Camp for further insights. Notably, most trekking clothing and equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu upon your arrival.

Typically, we recommend a day pack of approximately 40 liters, similar to a standard school backpack, to accommodate extra layers and daily essentials.

After your deposit is received, the next step is to send us a scan or photo of your passport along with your arrival flight details. We’re unable to book your Lukla flight or obtain your trekking permit until we have a copy of your passport, so please send this information to us promptly.

A duffel bag will be supplied to you in Kathmandu. Porters will carry this bag during the trek, and it will serve as your luggage for the flight. Often, porters advance ahead on the trail, so your duffel might not be accessible until you reach the evening tea house. Hence, it’s advisable to carry a day pack with your daily essentials during hiking.

Certainly, you can leave any excess luggage at the hotel during your trekking period.

During the flight, keep these items in your carry-on. It’s crucial to have important documents and medications accessible, especially if your luggage faces delays. Similarly, during the trek, carry them in your day pack.

Travel insurance is mandatory for the trekking period and is your responsibility to arrange. Kindly email us proof of your insurance before your trek. For detailed insurance requirements, refer to our Terms of Service – Insurance.

Most guests are eligible to acquire a visa upon arrival, a process typically taking between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd. It’s essential for guests to independently verify all visa requirements before arrival. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your entry date into Nepal. Verify this information as soon as you confirm your trek. Detailed visa fees and related information can be found here: Terms of Service – Visas.

Our trekking packages cover 2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, and we can organize extra nights upon request (refer to our blog – Booking Extra Hotel Nights). Kindly inform us beforehand to secure reservations. Payment for extra nights can be settled directly at the hotel upon your arrival. While you might find cheaper rates online, the advantage of our arrangements lies in our flexibility to adjust or cancel reservations without extra charges if your Lukla flight faces delays.

We partner with Kathmandu Sweet Home and Ramada Encore, both conveniently situated in Thamel, close to our office.

Absolutely, our airport representative will be present to greet you as you exit the airport. Look for our driver holding a signboard displaying “Blissful Nepal.” For further guidance on airport arrival, you can watch a short video here (click here to see on YouTube).

Limited laundry services are available at certain teahouses. While washing clothes during acclimation days might be possible, it’s advisable to plan ahead by ensuring sufficient clothing and handling laundry in Kathmandu post-trek.

Absolutely, we can cater to vegetarian or special dietary requirements. It’s advised for all trekkers to opt for a vegetarian diet due to preservation concerns with local meat. Notify us of any dietary needs, and we’ll make suitable arrangements.

Teahouses have electricity in common areas, charging $1 to $4 per hour for device charging. American outlets are common, while adapters (C or D type) can be bought in Kathmandu.

Some lower elevation teahouses offer Wi-Fi for an extra $3 to $10 charge. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for internet and calls, mainly usable at lower elevation teahouses.

While meals are included, water isn’t provided during the trek. Treating local water with chlorine/iodine tablets or a steri pen is recommended. Teahouses offer complimentary quality water, but it requires treatment. Mineral water can be purchased along the trail, ranging from $1 USD at lower elevations to $4 at higher altitudes.

Trekkers select meals and hot drinks from teahouse menus, including choices like omelets, noodle soup, fried rice, momo, and the traditional Nepali Dal Bhat. For hygiene reasons regarding mountain meat, we suggest opting for vegetarian options.

Most teahouses offer Western-style flush toilets with cold running water. Shared bathrooms are common and not attached to individual rooms. Hot showers are available at lower elevations (often gas-powered) and provided by bucket at higher altitudes for an extra fee.

We utilize tea houses for accommodation, a popular method involving shifting from one teahouse to another. These teahouses, essentially small local hotels in villages, provide both lodging and homemade meals. Rooms usually accommodate two trekkers, with shared bathrooms featuring running cold water and Western-style toilets in the Everest region. (Further details – Tea House Trekking Blog).

In Kathmandu, we can arrange private rooms. While private rooms might be feasible in some trekking villages at no extra charge, availability could be scarce during peak periods due to high demand. Even with additional payment, teahouse owners may not provide private rooms to ensure fair lodging for all guests.

 All water in Nepal needs treatment before consumption. Bottled water is available in Kathmandu or on the trek. It’s advisable to consume cooked meals and avoid uncooked vegetables for safety. Avoiding mountain meat is recommended for precaution.

Our guides are trained to handle emergencies, and in case of severe situations, they’ll use your travel insurance to arrange a rescue helicopter to fly you to Kathmandu for medical attention.

Our guides are Red Cross certified and hold international WAFA certifications, equipped with pulse oximeters for regular blood oxygen saturation readings. They carry basic first aid kits and mobile phones, coordinating rescue efforts with our 24/7 available Kathmandu team in emergency situations.

Sturdy trekking shoes or boots with ankle support and a Gore-Tex lining are vital. Break them in before the trek to ensure comfort. Should a blister develop, halt immediately and cover it with duct tape or moleskin.

We generally suggest standard CDC-recommended vaccinations (See link). If you have pre-existing medical conditions, kindly inform us while making your deposit.

Mild symptoms like headaches might be common and manageable while continuing the trek. However, if symptoms worsen, it’s crucial not to ascend further. We can arrange for you to descend to lower altitudes and wait for symptoms to subside before rejoining the group, though additional charges for extra trek days apply.

Temperatures vary—while Lukla can be warm from March to May and September to November, Everest Base Camp remains cold year-round, with freezing nighttime lows even during warmer months. Winter temperatures can plummet to -25C or below at night. Adequate warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are essential. Refer to our Everest Base Camp packing list for preparation (packing for Everest Base Camp).

Surprisingly, skin faces greater sun damage in mountain settings than at the beach due to increased altitude and snow reflecting UV rays. Shield your skin with appropriate clothing and sunblock, preferably for mountain conditions. Consider getting prescription sunglasses fitted with your eyeglass prescription and wear a hat for added protection.

Our treks involve a gradual ascent, averaging around 300m or 1000ft in elevation gain per day—a rate recommended by high altitude specialists to minimize altitude problems. Our experienced guides recognize symptoms related to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly using a pulse oximeter. (Learn more on our blog).mmodate two trekkers, with shared bathrooms featuring running cold water and Western-style toilets in the Everest region. (Further details – Tea House Trekking Blog).

We prioritize trekkers’ health and safety over pushing limits. If necessary, we can often place you in the next trekking group ascending the mountain after a day of rest. Additional charges for extra trek days may apply.

We respect privacy but can offer general details regarding group demographics such as nationalities, genders, and approximate age ranges upon request, ensuring your comfort in the trekking group.

Tipping isn’t obligatory but appreciated in Nepal and during our treks. A tip of around 10% of the trek cost split between the guide and porter is generally suggested. While our treks are all-inclusive, carrying a small amount (about $15 to $20 USD per day) covers extra expenses like water, snacks, souvenirs, tips, or donations.

Changing trek dates incurs no fees with advance notice. Check our terms of service for detailed policies or contact us for further information. Adding extra days is feasible for private treks, and for group treks, inquire in advance, and we’ll try to arrange a suitable solution.

Since April 2019, most Lukla flights have been redirected to Ramechhap due to Kathmandu Airport construction and congestion. Ramechhap, a smaller airport, is approximately a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu. Please refer to our blog post for current updates (Ramechhap Flight Updates).

Although Kathmandu-Lukla flights are usually reliable, inclement weather may lead to cancellations for the entire day. Our 14-day package includes a buffer day for such delays, but we advise adding extra days after your trek. For Kathmandu delays, we’ll reschedule your flight for the next day or offer a chartered helicopter option (additional cost). For Lukla delays, you’re responsible for extra expenses (around $30) for accommodation and meals. Additional hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu are not covered during flight delays, but we’ll assist in making arrangements.

After the trek, if you have additional days, seek assistance from our Kathmandu ground team for city day tours or consider a 3-day safari trip to Chitwan for an added adventure.

We don’t impose additional fees for solo travelers in our group treks. Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for unused trek days if you finish early due to personal or health reasons. Our expenses remain constant, and we’re committed to compensating our guides and porters for their dedicated time.