Annapurna Sanctuary
Trip notes
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Trip guide
Essential information regarding your trip, including map, itinerary & what to pack
Main Description
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the world’s most celebrated treks. Although leading you into the heart of the mighty Himalaya, the trekking itself presents no major difficulties and can be undertaken by any enthusiastic hill walker. The bustling city of Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalaya for all trekkers in Nepal. You’ll have a day here to explore and visit some of the celebrated temples before driving west. After a night in the village of Bandipur, you’ll set off on trek, gradually ascending to reach Tadpani and the chance to take in the classic Himalaya sunrise view from Poon Hill. Staying in tea-houses en route, you continue to climb through small settlements and farmland to reach the landscapes of rock and ice beyond. You’ll spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp (4150m), surrounded by some of the most awe inspiring mountain scenery on earth, before descending to the lakeside town of Pokhara.
Adventure Level
This trek is graded 'demanding' with walks of between five and seven hours each day on trek and two nights spent above 3000m. Although porters carry main luggage on trek, you must be reasonably fit and prepared for days involving both sustained ascent and descent. Whilst on trek you’ll stay in teahouses, which offer very basic accommodation with shared facilities.
The decision to partake in any activity not listed as an optional activity is entirely at your own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about or problem with, any such optional activity your claim should be directed to the activity provider and not to The Adventure Company.
Top Tips | |
|---|---|
 | In recent years more and more people have taken to using trekking poles, whilst out walking or trekking. The additional support these can offer to knees, particularly when descending, can make an altogether more comfortable experience. If you’ve not walked with poles before it’s a good idea to get used to them on a few walks before you travel out to Nepal. Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it’s a good idea to wear your walking boots on the plane |
Everything else is replaceable but a pair of comfortable, well worn-in boots are not.
SOME INTERESTING READING:
Himalaya – Michael Palin
Annapurna South Face – Chris Bonnington
Living in the Clouds – Eva Kipp
SOME USEFUL PHRASES:
Namaste – Hello, Greetings - Dhanybhad – Thank you Hajur – Excuse me, pardon
Tapainko naam ke ho? – What is your name? Mero naam George ho – my name is George
Responsible Travel | |
|---|---|
 | We work with a Nepalese owned agency who employs responsible working practices throughout their operations. $5 per person will be split between the school in Nuwakot, which helps support deaf people who teach there and also contributes to the upkeep of the building. We also support the Trisuli Young Leaders Club, where youngsters can learn skills for everyday life such as cleaning up and learning to be rafting leaders |
We donate to the International Porter Protection Group which ensures that all porters are treated fairly from being paid the correct wage to limiting the load that the porters carry.
The key to responsible trekking is to not leave a footprint by ensuring that you take your rubbish with you and buying souvenirs and other items you may need locally.
We work with a Nepalese owned agency who employs responsible working practices throughout their operations.
$5 per person will be split between the school in Nuwakot, which helps support deaf people who teach there and also contributes to the upkeep of the building.
We also support the Trisuli Young Leaders Club, where youngsters can learn skills for everyday life such as cleaning up and learning to be rafting leaders.
We donate to the International Porter Protection Group which ensures that all porters are treated fairly from being paid the correct wage to limiting the load that the porters carry.
The key to responsible trekking is to not leave a footprint by ensuring that you take your rubbish with you and buying souvenirs and other items you may need locally.
Clothing and Footwear
Although western standards of dress are becoming more accepted, Nepalis remain very traditional in what they wear. Out of respect (even though you may see travellers dressed otherwise) both men and women should dress conservatively – no sleeveless/halter-necked tops please. Whilst shorts are acceptable they should be modest and reach to just above the knee. Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list. If you need further advice, please call us or consult your nearest specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store.
The following items are essential:
- Strong walking boots (well broken-in)
- Waterproof trousers
- Sun-hat and sun/snow glasses
- Thermal underwear
- Trainers for relaxing around camp
- Waterproof jacket
- Woollen hat, gloves and scarf
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight cotton clothing for relaxing
- Warm mid-layer (i.e. fleece) † Down jacket
- Lightweight trousers (not jeans!) and shorts
Equipment
- Four-season sleeping bag and sleeping sheet
- Torch or head torch
- Bio-degradable soap
- Money belt
- Water bottle (1 litre min)
- Trekking pole
- Personal First Aid kit and sewing kit
- Toilet tissue
- Sunscreen and lipsalve
- Medium size towel
- Water purification tablets
- Plastic bags (bin-bags) to line your trek-bag/rucksack
- Anti-bacterial gel for ‘washing’ hands (available from most leading chemists).
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the above clothing and equipment can be easily rented in Kathmandu (sleeping bags, down jackets etc). Whilst quality does vary and you must choose carefully the cost is usually reasonable. Renting avoids having to purchase equipment and carry it when it is not needed. Your Group Leader will assist you in arranging equipment should you need it.
Baggage
For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20kg – we advise you to take 10kg as you will be on the move a good deal! For domestic flights using light aircraft the usual weight limit is 15 kg.
One main piece (a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase).
A daypack (25-30 litres), large enough to carry what you need for the day including camera, water, etc.
Fancy Adding an Urban Adventure Onto Your Trip?
Kathmandu Living
The day starts early and you head straight out on foot to visit a number of places of worship. First stop is Swoyambhunath, where you follow the path of Hindu and Buddhist devotees, as they circle the holy stupa and spin the prayer wheels. The mesmerising wafts of incense, hypnotic chanting and surreal sound of ringing bells all create a truly spiritual atmosphere and you can’t help but feel awed by it.
Spiritually awakened, you stroll through the maze of backstreets to Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its numerous temples and market. Pick up some fresh vegetables, aromatic spices and any other ingredients you’ll need for making a local lunch. Well stocked, you then meet up with your host family, who will help you to unlock some of the secrets of Nepalese cooking with the ingredients that you bought. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your creations.
Duration: 5-6hrs
Start time: 7.00am
Please note that if you wish to do this Urban Adventure it must be pre-booked before your trip departs. Due to flight times, if you wish to go on this Urban Adventure you will need to add an extra night's accommodation onto the beginning or end of your trip. Please speak to one of our travel consultants in order to arrange this.
Altitude Chart
Climate Chart
Currency - Nepal
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee.
If you are taking cash with you to exchange in Nepal, major international currencies, including the US dollar, euro and pounds sterling, are readily accepted. A certain amount of cash is always useful to have with you, particularly small denomination notes that are clean and untorn.
Credit cards are becoming accepted more widely in hotels and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. Though ATMs (cashpoint machines) exist in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, they cannot always be relied upon.
Official exchange rates are set by the government's Nepal Rastra Bank. Rates at private banks vary, but are generally not far from the official rate. In addition to this, there are licensed moneychangers in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The rates here may be lower, but there are usually no commissions and their opening hours are normally longer.
Local Costs - Nepal
Whilst on trek you are likely to spend £12-15 per day on meals not included. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will probably spend around £12 for meals, drinks, etc. Approximate costs are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment.
Coffee/tea UK£0.25
Soft drink £0.40
Medium beer £1.50
Local snack lunch £3.50
3-course dinner* £7.00
*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant
Visas & Permits - Nepal
Holders of UK & IRL passports do require a visa. A Nepalese visa can easily be acquired on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the border from the immigration office. You will be required to fill in a form, submit 1 passport size photo and pay US$ cash ($25 for a 15 day visa or $40 for a 30 day visa). Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip. Information can also be found at www.travcour.com. This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please note that, where appropriate, obtaining a valid visa is ultimately your responsibility. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.
Vaccinations - Nepal
The following are recommended:
NB: Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling via an infected country.
For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest specialist travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to get up-to-date information.
International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.
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Responsible Travel
Among many other things, we offset the carbon emissions associated with in-country travel on all of our trips, supporting a solar stove and clean energy project in Madagascar.
