Can I Extend My Holiday with Additional Activities After the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek?
Yes! In case you have a few extra days before or after your trek, Nepal offers plenty of interesting activities to add to your experience. You are a nature enthusiast, culture enthusiast, or an adventure enthusiast; these activities will provide you with a flavor of Nepal's diverse beauty. Extend your days and treat yourself to the culture of Nepal, the scenery of the landscapes, and adventurous activities of Nepal besides the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Choose the following activities as your alternative:
Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off service
Happy Land Treks offers you a hassle-free Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking tour through our free airport pick-up and drop-off at the start and end of your tour. Airport gate welcome by our representative with your name on the placard will be waiting at Tribhuvan International Airport. He will drop you at your hotel in a vehicle. We coordinate our airport pickups according to your flight schedule so that you do not experience any delay or inconvenience.
Upon arrival, we will debrief your trek completely, including a kit check and suggestions on what to bring. Another amenity to relax you further and enjoy the best of your trek. Upon the completion of the trek, we will organize hassle-free airport pick-up, so just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Booking to travel on an Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek and would like to know where you can just leave your extra baggage in Kathmandu? Fear not, the answer is here. You have two options: leave your unwanted items at your hotel or with us. Your bags will be safely out of sight until you return from your holiday.
Carrying only essentials along will make your ABC journey that much easier, particularly during ascents on the peaks and in high-altitude areas. Most trekkers love it as it means that they are free to enjoy nature in all its glory without any load from big packs of baggage. Your bags will remain safe until your Annapurna Base Camp return. This is only one of the many steps we take to make your Annapurna Base Camp trek easy and trouble-free so you can unwind and start enjoying your new journey without extra hassle.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
Trekking alone is all about freedom and independence. It is perfect for people who desire to view the mountains without any form of interference from other people. You can have a guide or a porter join you as you trek, but make sure that you arrange the assistance you need. Having a personal porter and guide means you won't need to worry about logistics everything from navigating to hauling your gear along will be handled for you. The greatest part about a solo trek is the independence that comes with it. You can sleep when you want, do what you want, and even extend on trek days if you want.
Private Trek
A private trek is the epitome of customized travel. It is ideal for those who love trekking with their bunch of friends, family members, or colleagues. You can choose your day of departure along with a personalized itinerary based on the preference of your group. You have the option for extra stoppages, visit some particular landmarks, or adjust the duration of the trek. There’s no limit to the number of people in your group, and you’ll enjoy the privacy and comfort of trekking with your circle.
Group Trek
A group trek is a good way to meet people who can become life-long friends and share an amazing experience. You will be part of a small group, usually between 2 -10 people, plus a crew on the trail. Group treks are ideal if you are traveling on your own or like to be with other people. Although there are rules and formats that you have to stick to and schedules to keep, company and the shared experience make this trip very rewarding.
Family Trek
There is a family tour that is designed to meet the unique requirements of families on travel. It is a secure and supportive environment with guides who are experienced in handling the special needs of family groups. Guides will take special care in making members with medical conditions or who are not able to handle long walks comfortable and secure. You can choose to pace the tour as per the pace and speed of your family, and therefore, it can be a relaxed and easy-going tour for all.
Drinking Water on the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
It is very important to stay hydrated while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). You can get safe drinking water at teahouses and guesthouses on the way, where you can get boiled or filtered water. However, it is best to carry out your purification method. You can take water from taps, streams, or water stations and purify using water purification tablets that are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as their sale points along the trail. SteriPen is a good option- it uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. Just put the SteriPen inside your bottle and stir for around 90 seconds; your water will be ready to drink. These devices may not always be available here in Nepal, so we recommend getting one before coming here. Plastic bottled waters are discouraged since we would also like trekkers’ cooperation in our effort towards keeping ABC short trek environmentally friendly. Trekkers cannot carry plastic bottles beyond Ghorepani in the Annapurna region of Nepal, and beyond Chhomrong, plastic is strictly banned- you cannot even purchase plastic bottled water.
What To Expect on the Trek
Annapurna Trek Base Camp Short is a beautiful mix of adventure and nature. The trek greets you with rhododendron forest, picturesque Gurung villages, and paddy fields. Enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The trek is graded as moderate and is most suitable for time-conscious trekkers. Teahouse culture and Nepali local cuisine are to be savored on the way. The climax is an arrival at Annapurna Base Camp under overshadowing peaks and glaciers. The trek is an exposure to the diversity of Himalayan culture and a lifetime memory of unspoiled nature in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking: Is it safe for solo or female Travelers?
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is safe for solo and female travelers. Nepal is a country of friendly people and a trekking environment friendly; you can trek without fear. But you know what they still say: “Better be safe than sorry”. Hence, we suggest you take a guide if you have never trekked in Nepal before. Especially a local guide from the local agency would make your journey much safer, easier and enjoyable because He/She knows where to find what.
Happland Treks has been guiding many females as well as solo travelers throughout the Annapurna region, Everest region, and Langtang region, not forgetting the different routes of Annapurna. We care about our client's safety and ensure that they feel like traveling with their own family during the entire trek duration. There have been a number of happily satisfied past client reviews by the solo female trekkers who traveled with us at ABC.
Typical Day on Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
The hike begins with a road trip from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and the later Sinuwa hike. In Early mornings breakfast will be at 7:00 am. Food is pre-ordered so that we do not lose any time. We begin trekking at 7:45 am, 5-7 hours walking per day. Lunch breaks on the way are at village tea houses during our trek. The trail includes passing through forests, fields, and villages with a little bit of nature and a little bit of culture.
Evening is relaxation time. 7:00 pm and later is the normal dinner hour at our present overnight guesthouse or tea house. The trekkers would then unwind—perhaps chatting with other guests, reading the Nepali culture guidelines, or simply wandering around greeting others.
Accommodations on Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
The accommodation on the trek is simple, and twin sharing or triple sharing on dormitory basis is offered. A few of the rooms are four bedded, which are smaller but are utilized to the best possible use. Single rooms can be arranged upon request and subject to availability. Lodges are extremely basic, and they provide a modest but welcoming room for the night stay. The bathroom and shower facilities are shared and typically outside the room. There are such basic facilities as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging at a minimal additional fee. The amenities are rudimentary, although the guesthouses are cozy and welcoming and provide trekkers with a glimpse of local life. The lodges do their best to be welcoming after days of tough trekking, with a clean room to sleep in. Since the trail is isolated, luxury cannot be expected, although warm hospitality makes up for the lack of luxury.
Training Requirement for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
There is no training needed for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, although being moderately trained can enhance your experience even more.
If possible, start light training two weeks before the trek. Short walks every day, short treks, or daily exercises will acquaint you with the trek. It will be an added advantage if you have had treks before. Even without training as well, you can complete the trek with ease without any serious issues. You don't need to go through rigorous training, and individuals with normal physical conditions can also complete the trek easily. If you wish, you can do a small trek a week before going on the trek to mentally and physically prepare yourself. Nothing special is needed for this trek, but training will help you enjoy more.
Mountain Sickness on Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking will take us above 4,130 meters, thus increasing the risk of mountain sickness. Altitude sickness, that is, headache, dizziness, and nausea, is bound to happen at heights above 3,000 meters. In adverse cases, even life-threatening problems like High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can happen, which would cause immediate medical needs.
Preventive Measures for Safe Trekking
In order to prevent altitude sickness,plan acclimatization in your trekking arrangements. Although this is a brief trek, it is always better to take things slow. Take care of your hydration, drink lots of water and avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol, coffee, and smoking cigarettes. Have healthy food with a consumption of high-energy-dense foods to get yourself strong. Consult with the doctor, if necessary, on using Diamox as a preventive medication. Walk normally without overexerting yourself. Watch out for your symptoms and, if they get worse, head directly down to a lower level. Oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters are also available from most of the trekking centers in the form of an emergency package.
Food During the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
On the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, you are provided with options of food en route at teahouses. There is a menu at every teahouse, and you can select the food of your choice. The food is basic but sufficient in the sense that it gives energy to the trekkers.
The Dal Bhat would be the most appropriate choice, which is also a staple of Nepalese food comprising of rice, lentil soup, and local seasonal fresh vegetables. It is quite nutritious and will give long-hour energy for the trekking times. Food quality is good and hygienic but taste may be different than your Kathmandu or Pokhara city food. Ingredients are locally adopted, and the cooking method would also differ occasionally from your choices.
Although the taste is slightly different, food is hiking power. Pasta, noodles, soup, etc. are also served at teahouses. We do recommend, however, that you avail yourself of Nepali local flavors along the way.
Best Season for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is possible at any time of the year. However, there are some seasons which will provide you with an optimum experience. Weather in the Annapurna region changes now and then. But still, each season has its pros and cons.
Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best seasons for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. The weather during these months is moderate in the daytime but needs to be cold-prepared at night. Skies are generally clear and you have breathtaking views of mountains on all sides! Rhododendron forests en route ABC would also be in full bloom, making your entire trail look colorful.
Monsoon (June to August): Monsoon is not the best time to do trekking here. The trails become slippery and are landslide-prone. Clouds obscure the mountaintops during monsoon, so you will miss the best view while trekking.
Autumn (September to November): It is the best time for trekking in the Annapurna Region. The weather is just right for trekking, with crystal blue skies and less-than-freezing temperatures, hence making it pleasant for all types of trekkers. Mountain peak sight would also be excellent at this time.
Winter (December to February): Winter is still a possible period to do the trek. But during the winter months, December, January and February, the nights are very cold. Snow will block passes higher up, and even at this altitude, snow will make walking difficult. Some of the teashops in the upper sections may not be open, though.
Essential Equipment for Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
Proper packing of equipment is very necessary for the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. A perfect 40-50- liter daypack is wonderful to pack the essentials into. Wear layers of clothes—base layers should be moisture-wicking, down or thick fleece sweater, and a water-resistant outer layer. Good grip trekking boots are very necessary, though light shoes are perfect to lounge around teahouses. Pack in terms of layers of clothing easily mixed and matched to build a variety of different looks. A cold-rated sleeping bag will keep the chilly nights at bay. Trekking poles are a help when balancing across rough tracks. Sunglasses, gloves, and a first-aid kit are necessities. Quality gear adds to your trekking comfort and safety. See our blog for information.
Toilet and Shower in the Mountain Lodges – Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
All the teahouses on the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek have western toilets, but in some of them, there are squat toilets as well. Toilet paper is always best to carry because it may not be readily available.
Hot water amenities feature showering via gas geysers or buckets of hot water. The additional expense, nonetheless, would be a hot shower that would cost between $3 and $5 per individual. Cold water showers are available, however, but one is not suggested to use it because of the low temperature. We highly suggest bringing personal toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, and shampoo. Using Personal hygiene products will make the situation easy and also sanitary. Preparation of personal hygiene makes trekking more convenient.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking – Charging & WiFi Information
Charging:
You will not have a charging facility in your teahouse room during the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. The charging facility will be available in the common area only, and you will have to pay an extra $3–$5 for the charge. Due to being very much in demand, sometimes charging might take time. Best to have a power bank or backup battery with you to save yourself from trouble.
WiFi:
There is Wi-Fi in most tea houses along the way but cannot be relied upon due to high altitude and weather. Wi-Fi cost is $3–$5 with no guarantee of a stable connection. Since the WiFi is slow or even unavailable in the mountains, purchasing a local SIM card prior to starting on the trek is a good option so that one is connected and telecommunication facilities are available at hand in case of an emergency. Having mobile data pre-booked and power backup will make the trek easy and convenient.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking – Highest Altitude
The highest altitude that we will reach on the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking route is 4,130 meters at (13,550 feet) Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). From here, you get mesmerizing views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. The short trek goes through various landscapes, quaint villages and forests before reaching the base camp.
Money Exchange in Kathmandu
If you want to exchange money before your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, you can do it in Kathmandu. Most of the hotels have an exchange counter, but the rate might not be as good as in Thamel, where there are plenty of money exchange centers and banks. ATMs are everywhere in Kathmandu and there are over 1000 ATMs just in Thamel. Your tour company also can help you exchange money if necessary. But once you hit the trail, there is no way to get local currency exchanged. It is highly suggested that you take enough Nepalese rupees with you before starting your trek, as the teahouses and shops on the trail don’t accept foreign currency or credit cards.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking – Difficulty Level
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Short Trek is of moderate grade. The trek will have 5–7 hours of walk daily with gentle ascent to a maximum height of 4,130m (13,550ft) at ABC. The trek will be a combination of walk-ups, stone steps, and uneven walks and thus physically challenging but not so taxing as to be inadmissible. Acclimatization will be required because at higher elevations there will be susceptibility to altitude sickness. Minimum fitness and trekking experience are recommended. No technical climbing is done, but endurance and stamina are needed to trek without difficulty. Proper gearing is necessary, for example, dressing warmly and in sturdy boots.
Weather in the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking
Base Camp Short Trek can be undertaken any month of the year, but the weather differs greatly from month to month. Here is what it will be like on a monthly basis: (But the weather can change at any time in the mountains of Nepal.)
January – Very cold; temperature drops to -15°C. All the trails are covered in snow, so it's a difficult but beautiful trek with a cold and glittering mountain landscape.
February: Cold, between -12°C and 7°C. Upper parts of the trek and Thorong La Pass may still be snowed in. Skies should be clear with breathtaking Himalayan views.
Beginning of Spring Season in Nepal and the Tibetan plateau. Slowly warming temperatures between -5°C and 15°C. Early March will find most of the trek covered in snow, as is Vesalai. Rhododendrons will start blooming this month.
April: One of the best months for trekking. 0°C - 18°C temperature. The weather is clear, flowers are in bloom, and the mountains are clear with good visibility.
May: It is 5°C – 22°C. The trek is still good, but the rain gets heavier, building up to the monsoon.
June: Monsoon sets in with temperatures between 10°C–20°C. Lower trails get muddy and wet. Further up, however, there is some rain-shadowed trekking.
July: Rain never stops, and temperature is around 12°C–20°C. Landslide paths are dangerous, and covered with bud on the trail. Most hill views also stay under clouds.
August - Similar to July, monsoon rains never stop, but the weather improves towards the end. Temperature stays 12°C–20°C.
September: Monsoon departs, and temperature varies from 8°C–18°C. Perfect view, clear sky, and dry trail make it one of the best trekking months.
October: Ideal weather for trekking with 5°C–15°C. Stable weather, good conditions, and comfortable warm temperatures (particularly for lower-altitude treks) make it the ideal month to trek.
November: Cold, clear, and dry with 0°C–10°C temperatures depending on altitude. High-altitude teahouses will likely be closed during this winter month.
December: -5°C to 5C° temperatures. Upper trails are difficult with snow, but bluebird skies provide a great day of mountain scenery.
Travel and Trekking Insurance
We recommend that you have insurance on your Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek. Possible high altitude sickness, accident or sudden sickness will be taken care of. However, it will be good if there is Helicopter rescue and without good insurance, they can cost very high. So, having insurance that covers the cost of early evacuation as well as Hospital expenses is highly recommended. Good travel insurance covers all these aspects, including Trip Cancellation and baggage loss, etc.
Weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, so flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather reasons. It is best to make sure that you are properly insured to cover trip cancellations/delays and other variables incurred before you enter high-altitude trekking areas.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trekking: How are the Trails?
The Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek has a combination of stone-paved steps through forested trails and also suspension bridges. There will be steep ascends towards the base camp but involve long descends on your return back. Walking and hiking begin through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and culturally inclined deep valleys with monasteries, monuments, prayer flags, and temples, including Buddhist Gompas reflecting Buddha Religion & Hindu’s holy shrine. Traveling through green hills accompanies views of snow peaks most days. We’ve some easy sections of the hike while some collection-of-steady walks too. Every place comes across walking uphill & downhill.
Tipping for Guides and Porters
You will need to tip your guide and porter at the end of your trek. How much you tip is entirely up to you. Tipping is a nice way of saying thank you for looking after us and doing such a great job on our trek. Whilst there is no set amount, it’s always nice to give something.
Trekking Feedback
After the completion of Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek, you will have the opportunity to join a farewell dinner in Kathmandu where you can share your experience with fellow trekkers. You can also provide us the feedback on the overall trek services provided to you. Or, you can also write a review on Google or Trip Advisor for other trekkers considering joining this trek in the future.
