Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Good To Know

The following personal items gives you a general idea that need to 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.

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

• Sun hat
• Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp
• Neck warmer

Hand

• Liner gloves
• Heavier shell gloves

Core Body

• T-shirts (2)
• Lightweight expedition thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
• Synthetic sports bras (for women)

Lower Body – Legs

• Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
• Nylon hiking shorts
• Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
• Water/windproof trousers
• Casual pants

Feet

• Liner socks
• Heavyweight socks
• Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
• Light shoes/sneakers
• Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

Other Essential 

• Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle/bladder
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)

Medicines and First Aid Kit

• 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 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)

Optional

• Adjustable trekking poles
• Favorite snacks
• Paperback books, cards,
• Binoculars
• Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and batteries)

Fitness Level :

This Trip Require to be in Good Health with Physically Fitness.

Skills :

Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points.

Fitness Level:

This Trip Require to be in Good Health with Physically Fitness.

Skills:

Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points.

Note:  This equipment list is only a guideline. You need to bring the listed items, however, you can choose from your preferred brands using your expertise.you can also shop the above equipment and clothing at a reasonable price at stores in Thamel, Kathmandu.

FAQs

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.

Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later or do I Have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation ?
Yes! The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and a 30% deposit payment. You can pay the balance of the money when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Will somebody come to pick me up from the airport upon my arrival ?
Yes, our airport representative from himalayan sanctuary adventure will be there to greet you at the airport. They will be displaying your name outside the arrival terminal than you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and in trekking ?
We use standard rooms at 2- star Category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast . Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We recommend you to have sleeping bags, 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 style. At times when possible, dining will be around a bon fire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in teahouses provides essential and basic facilities and is always outside the room.

Are the guesthouses heated ?
The guesthouse does not facilitate with heater or air conditioner. However as it gets colder above 3,500m, they do have facility of hitting the dining area by providing kerosene or metal heater. USD 1 to USD 3 per person would be applicable to use this service and this is payable directly to the guesthouse.

Where do we go to toilet along the trail ?
Wherever possible we utilize the toilet facilities provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail. However, in case of emergency trekkers are recommended to find a private, scenic spot!

What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse ?
Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilets however tea houses at higher elevations you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside.

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 the 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 is the best time to do Annapurna Base Camp  Trek.

Is the food in the mountain prepared to international standard in terms of safety ?
Yes, the food is very safe during the trekking but we recommend you to eat vegetarian and local food. 

Is water provided and is there still water available at higher altitudes? Is it filtered/boiled ?
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.

Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the trip? If so how much extra will this cost ?
Normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled rooms. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when available. In Kathmandu, USD 45 Per Room per Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountains especially during the peak time.

What immunizations 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 traveling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

What if I am very sick in the mountain ?
Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use the first aid kit and have the knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue. Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and the situation of every client. During the time of emergency, our guides are alert and keep updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when the client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Can I obtain a visa for Nepal upon 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 the US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.

How much additional money do I need per day ?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 20 to USD 30 per person a day will be enough to buy meals, bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking ?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, 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

What mode of transportation do you use ?
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, tourist bus to and from Kathmandu/ Pokhara.

Is water provided and is there water for drinking available at higher altitudes ? Is it filtered/boiled ?
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and tea houses so can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 to USD 3  per litter. You can also drink the normal tap or spring water if you bring the purifying aid with you.