>> Difficulty
This trip has been rated as Moderate. The Annapurna Base Camp treek is the ideal trek for those who are keen to experience the Himalayas but aren’t quite ready for the longer, higher altitude treks such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. Ideally you should have some experience of trekking but the trip is designed with plenty of time factored in to rest up and enjoy the incredible views. Although the trek is graded as moderate, don't underestimate the effort it takes to complete. There are a lot of stone staircases on this route as well as some longer days and steep steady climbs, so you may want to think twice if you suffer from bad knees.
This is one of the best routes in Nepal for acclimatisation as the ascent rate is well-paced. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m/10,000ft is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. Your guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘slowly slowly’ to help you adjust to the altitude. A good level of fitness and stamina will make the going more enjoyable, so consider factoring in some training beforehand – we advise doing at least a couple of weekends of back-to-back days walking.
>> Weight restriction for porter
This trip includes one porter for two trekkers. They will carry total up to 20-40kg of kit so your duffle bags. You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc.
>> Can I add extra night in Pokhara?
Yes! Lakeside Pokhara, with its laidback vibe, is a popular spot to relax after a trek. Although the tour starts and ends in Kathmandu, we can arrange extra nights for you in Pokhara after your trek. They will simply shift your included bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu and your final night's hotel reservation in Kathmandu to a later date for you, so you'll only need to pay for the additional accommodation in Pokhara.
>> Drinking water safety
Although most teahouses have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic in the mountains (this ends up being burnt or in landfill out of sight). You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There is a wide range of products available these days which are more effective than traditional purification tablets - some trekkers like to use UV handheld devices such as a Steripen but other options are available (just check the performance in freezing conditions).
>> Insurance
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5550m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
>> Money on the trip
The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Whilst ATMs are available in the main cities. It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash and exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal - your guide will help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including GBP , Euros and US Dollars. Keep your exchange receipts in case you want to change any unused Rupees back into hard currency when you leave Nepal (it is illegal to export Nepalese Rupees as it is a closed currency).
>> High altitude sickness
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
>> Who else on my tour?
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
