Annapurna Base Camp
Fitness Level 5
Unforgettable Adventure
Local Expert Guide
Hike of a Lifetime: Our 20-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek & Safari
The mountains are calling and you can’t say no! The Annapurna region of Nepal enjoys fewer crowds than Everest, making it the better choice for exploring off the beaten path… and experiencing the real Himalayas!
Over the 20 days of this trip, you’ll spend 11 of them dedicated to your Annapurna Base Camp climb, as you complete 53 hours of hiking… to an altitude of 4,120 metres above sea level! Sounds amazing right? But you can do this!
The camaraderie that grows from sharing a demanding experience like this is second to absolute none. You can’t not walk away with a natural ‘high’, in your new-found sense of personal triumph and the binding friendships you’ve made in your women’s-only trekking crew.
You’ll be in absolute awe of the Annapurna Massif’s stoic beauty, sure… but it’s not all about courage and determination; this trip is a mixture of adventure and luxury after all, and you’ll have your time to indulge!
In your intimate group of 12, you’ll see the cultural highlights of Nepal’s animated capital, Kathmandu, but you’ll also visit lesser-known, high-altitude villages, mingle with locals, meet indigenous ethnic populations, explore Nepal’s forested and jungled beauty, and just possibly… come face-to-whisker with Bengal tigers!
Are you ready to step into the intangible magic that is Nepal – the roof-top of the world?!
Why Choose Annapurna Base Camp?
Conquer Annapurna Base Camp & overnight stay
Traditional inn stay in a remote Newari Village
Boat ride to Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake
Meet indigenous ethnic Tharu & Chepang communities
Deep jungle canoe ride & safari into Chitwan National Park
Mingle with the Tibetan diaspora & admire their handicrafts
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
Price
$3,089 AUD (twin share)
- $1,350 AUD deposit
- A 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement price: $586 AUD
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
- 20 days, 19 nights
- Trip starts and finishes in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Availability
6 May to 25 May 2024– Booked Out
7 October to 26 October 2024 – Booked Out
Price: $3,274 AUD (twin share)
Single Supplement: $620 AUD
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted
- You try to embrace the little things
- You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks
- You don’t mind that even in the best restaurants, the service is sometimes a little slow.
- You acknowledge that all of the above is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
Fitness
Level 5 or Strenuous Plus
You should be physically fit for this trip. You may need pre-trip training in preparation for multiple hours of activities over many of the days. Some days will include trekking over steep mountainous terrain and includes overnight stays in high altitudes.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 19 breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 dinners
- Accommodation in local country hotels, guesthouses and trekking lodges/teahouses
- Wilderness first aid qualified guide
- Driver, guide & luggage transport
- 1 x domestic flight
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
- Hiking equipment
- Pre or post-trip accommodation
Trip Map
Important Info
- Your trip officially starts in Kathmandu on Day 1 at the afternoon. This allows you time after the welcome meeting to explore Kathmandu.
- Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2–7 hours per day, on average about 5 hours a day. Altitude may exceed 4000 metres.
- You must bring an emergency fund of USD 500 in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights.
- Please note that while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms.
- You may be asked to provide 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
Alcohol and trekking don’t mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. - Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
- Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Seek medical advice if you’re concerned about the effects of air pollution.
- Passport – You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.
Get To Know Your Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
DAY 1: Welcome!
Namaste and welcome to Nepal!
Your chariot awaits! A member of our team will meet you at the Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel.
After getting settled, you’ll have some free time to relax or stroll through central Kathmandu. Magical temples, local artisans, and towering monasteries are in store for you… right outside your door. With an intoxicating mixture of haphazard and history, it’s no wonder so many fall in love with this chaotic city!
Tonight you’ll tuck into a traditional welcome dinner and get to know your trekking buddies. You’ll soon be bonding over the grit and gristle it takes to witness some of the tallest mountains in the world firsthand. Stand by afterwards to get the low-down on your journey into the Himalaya from your trusty guide and leader! Tomorrow you’ll learn where Kathmandu got its nickname; City of Temples.
Accommodation: Manaslu Hotel or similar
Included: Dinner
DAY 2: Seven Women
No visit to Nepal’s capital would be complete without getting a look-in at its happily-tangled mix of religions. Step out into the incense-filled streets of Kathmandu with your guide to two of the most sacred religious sites in all of Nepal. Here you’ll witness the country’s unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist religions.
We’ve also snuck a cooking class into your schedule today. But not just any-old cooking class! Today, you’ll be taken on a Nepalese food journey at Seven Women – an organisation created to support, through education, marginalised women in Nepal. It’s equal parts learning and fun, so you’ll chuckle your way through the class with your teacher and sit down together to share the spoils at the end.
Later, enjoy some free time to explore Kathmandu. There’s an endless labyrinth of tea houses, quirky shops, and alleyways to explore! Trekking touts may call out to you but you’ll be happy to know that we’ve done the hard work of planning your incredible hike into the Himalaya. Soon you’ll be trading Kathmandu’s chaos for peaceful mountain vistas.
Accommodation: Manaslu Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch (cooking class)
DAY 3: Bandipur
Why not just fly to the start of your trek in Nayapul? Because, you have an enchanting Newari village to see along the way. Bandipur is a little-known enclave on the edge of the mountains that we just had to include. And while five hours by bumpy road may seem daunting, you’ll hardly notice because you’ll get your first glimpses of the Himalaya to keep you enthralled.
When you arrive, you’ll instantly notice the stark contrast to Kathamndu’s honking mayhem. Is that the sound of birds chirping? Bandipur is traffic-free so let your eyes wander aimlessly to the intricately carved wooden balconies and flowering trees as you explore the town.
Tonight you’ll sleep in a traditional Newari Inn… make sure you take a peak of the view from the terrace – that mountain range you see? That’s Annapurna!
Accommodation: The Old Inn or similar
Included: Breakfast
DAY 4: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
It’s finally here! The first day of your trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
We hope you savoured your last night of modernity. From here-on-out you’ll be staying in idyllic but rustic tea houses as you make your way deeper into the rugged Annapurna massif. You’ll be climbing from the sub-tropical evergreen forests and verdant valleys of the lower Himalaya to crisp mountain close-ups in 10 days. But for now, you need to make the 5-hour drive to Nayapul, your starting point for the climb. Enjoy these moments of relaxation as terraced fields, tiny villages, and the agricultural lifeblood of Nepal pass outside your window.
Upon arriving you’ll ease your way into the waters with a 3-hour hike – led by your specialist mountain guide of course! Your slow but steady ascent will help ensure you avoid that pesky altitude sickness. Today’s destination is the hamlet of Tikhedhunga where you’ll have your first overnight stay in a tea house. While they are notoriously spartan, their interiors are often beautifully decorated and there’s always a warm cup of chai waiting for you.
Trek: Nayapul – Tikhedhunga (1,480 m) 3 hours, 9 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
DAY 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
There’s a saying behind Nepal’s national dish, “Dal bhat power, twenty-four hour!” and for good reason. We hope you indulged in this local staple of rice and lentils last night because you’ll need the fuel for the 6-hour hike today. And brace yourself – there’s 3,000 steps to reach Ulleri!
You should see views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range today, as long as the skies are clear. And as you walk along the trail be sure to pay homage to the mountains at Buddhist prayer wheels by turning them in a clockwise direction, an uneven number of times as you pass. Each rotation symbolizes a recitation of the sacred mantras that are inscribed on the outside of the wheel – blessing you and your journey.
You’ll rest your head in Ghorepani tonight. It is the most idyllic of villages and the rhododendrons look as old as the mountains themselves – and those snowy peaks forever punctuate the skyline.
Trek: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750 m) 6 hours, 10 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
DAY 6: Ghorepani to Chuile
Wipe the sleep from your eyes and take a fresh breath of mountain air, this morning we’re on a special mission! The 2-hour trek up to Poon Hill and its observation point is a well-trodden hike and something that you can’t miss – despite its popularity. We don’t take the phrase “once-in-a-lifetime” lightly, and you’ll soon see why. Watch as the sunrise turns the snowy peaks a myriad of colors from soft pastels to vibrant shades of orange.
You’ll return to the indigo-washed town of Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before continuing. And tonight, you’ll stay in Chuile – typically a quick stop for most trekkers but it’s your home base for the evening, and it will feel like you have the whole town to yourself! Indulge in some ginger tea and rest up for a big day of trekking tomorrow.
Trek: To Poon Hill for sunrise 2 hours
Ghorepani to Chuile (2,290 m) 6 hours, 12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
Teahouse Food on the Trek
The name Annapurna comes from the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment and you won’t go hungry on this trek! Over the next week you’ll try lots of traditional Himalayan dishes, but don’t fret if your craving for western food rears its head. Typically, teahouse menus range from momos, fried or steamed dumplings, to pizza. Why not start your day today with Gurung bread, a Nepali breakfast specialty and delicious with a smattering of jam.
DAY 7: Chuile to Lower Sinuwa
The trek takes you further into the foothills today. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife sightings. Almost everything is shy, except for the Gray langur that might grace you with their presence. These cheeky monkeys are known for swinging about in the forests.
Your local guide is an endless well of information. Ask them about their lives and chances are you’ll be in for an interesting story or two! As you pass through the village of Chhomrong you’ll be rewarded with views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks. You’ll reach Lower Sinuwa after a short but tough section of trail towards the end.
Trek: Chuile to Lower Sinuwa (2,320 m) 6 hours, 10 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
DAY 8: Lower Sinuwa to Himalaya Hotel
Do you smell the sweet scent of cloves wafting through the mountain air? That’s the national flower of Nepal, known as lali gurun – the rhododendron flower. Ascending ever higher into the Annapurna massif, you’ll notice a distinct change in the foliage today as you enter the Bamboo forests. Waterfalls cascade and springs bubble from the ground. All this water can only mean one thing, we’re getting closer to snow!
Believe it or not, you’re already halfway through our trek! Your legs should be well-seasoned at this point so you’ll be well prepared for the series of hill climbs today, including the long ascent from Dobhan at the end. You will stay the night at the village called Himalaya Hotel – yep, there’s a story there, but we’ll leave that for your guide to share with you!
Trek: Lower Sinuwa to Himalaya Hotel (2,920 m) 6 hours, 9 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge (dormitory style)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 9: Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Today’s hike is only four hours, for good reason. The altitude gain is significant and the thinner air will make the going tougher. You’ll be rewarded for your effort though, because with each day, the trail leads further into remoteness and today you’ll pass through secluded villages and see raging mountain rivers.
Machhapuchhre, also known as fishtail mountain, has been visible to you for a few days, but now you’ll be sleeping in a cozy lodge at its base. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is your final push to Annapurna Base Camp!
Trek: Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) 4 hours, 6 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge (dormitory style)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 10: Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
Get ready. Today you’ll arrive at the pinnacle of your trek. This is the most stunning leg of the journey and you’ve earned the views. You’ll feel the raw power of these towering giants as you stand humbly at their base.
You did it! After seven days of trekking, you’ve made it to Annapurna Base Camp. Stand at 4,130 metres in awe of the Himalaya, and acknowledge the strength and courage it took to get you there. It’s practically a rite of passage to touch the official Base Camp sign, emblazoned in a mess of prayer flags, and to eat a calorie-filled chocolate bar. Don’t mind if we do!
Tonight you’ll spend the night at ABC. Watch on as the sunset paints a kaleidoscope of color to crown Annapurna’s peak. And, if you’re willing to brace the icy cold, stay outside until the light has left the glacial basin. A million stars will twinkle in celebration of your victory!
Trek: Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) 2 hours, 3 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge (dormitory style)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 11: Annapurna Base Camp to Dobhan
The views of Annapurna are unbridled from the teahouse’s balcony. Can you imagine sipping warm chai from there this morning? This has to be one of the the best breakfast spots in the world! You’re surrounded by snowy peaks that reach over 7,000 metres. Standing at what feels like civilizations last stand, the symbolism of the Tibetan prayer flags seem to culminate into one meaning. Utter peace.
From ABC, you’ll backtrack down to Dobhan. Crossing by Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Himalayan Hotel, you’ll have another chance to absorb the finer details of this section of trail. Catch your breath as you start your long descent. Your body will be thankful for the extra oxygen!
Trek: Annapurna Base Camp to Dobhan (2,670 m) 6 hours, 12 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge (dormitory style)
Included: Breakfast
DAY 12: Dobhan to Jhinu
Today we have a special treat for you but first you’ll begin your descent alongside the Modi Khola. The river originates within the Annapurna Sanctuary itself. The 6-hour walk downhill will fly by as you pass through Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Sinuwa villages. Here’s a tip – be sure to make a quick pit-stop in Chhomrong. It’s home to one of the famous German bakeries that are scattered throughout the Himalaya and their chocolate cake is to die for! It’s also the perfect fuel to keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for your surprise later on.
Once you reach Jhinu, the star of today’s show will be revealed. It’s Mother Nature to perfection – providing Hot Springs on the side of the mountain for weary trekkers, just like you! Once in, the past nine strenuous days will just melt away. This is a luxury you won’t soon forget.
Muscles rejuvenated, you’ll make light of the steep climb back to the tea house with a newfound spring in your step. There’s a nourishing meal and a great night’s sleep waiting for you!
Trek: Dobhan to Jhinu (1,780 m) 6 hours, 11 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
DAY 13: Jhinu to Tolkha
Absorb these now-fleeting moments of trekking – passing terraced villages and along swinging rope bridges – the hike is coming to a close soon! You should be feeling refreshed and recharged after yesterday’s soak and your five hour hike further down the mountains will feel elementary. These are some of your last opportunities to connect with the friendly locals. Offer a few Nepali words, or a simple namaste, and you’ll receive endless smiles in return!
On today’s 5-hour trek you’ll come to the Jhinu swinging bridge, one of the longest in all of Nepal, and pass through the timbered village of Landruk with picture-perfect views of Annapurna herself. It’s your last night sleeping in a Himalayan tea house. So, relish in one more butter tea or masala chai and listen closely for the sound of the prayer wheels clinking in the distance.
Trek: Jhinu to Tolkha (1,783 m) 5 hours, 9.5 km
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Included: Breakfast
DAY 14: Tolkha to Kande
Congratulations, you did it! It’s the final day of the trek. And it’s a mere 4-hour hike from Tolkha to Kande before sitting back and relaxing as your driver takes you the 40-minute ride to the lake-town, Pokhara. We think you’re going to love it!
Luxuriate on your first night in a hotel after 10 days of tea houses. Yes, there’s hot water! We won’t blame you if you forgo dinner altogether to soak away the aches and pains, but you won’t want to. Tonight we’ll tempt you downstairs for a celebration dinner at our favourite local restaurant, and maybe celebrate with a sip or two of the Nepali specialty, Chhyang – a sweet, alcoholic rice beverage beloved by many.
Trek: Tolkha to Kande 5 hours, 12 km
Drive Kande to Pokhara 40 minutes
Accommodation: Barahi Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 15: Pokhara
Fancy a lie-in? You deserve it, so go right ahead. There’s plenty of the day left to unwind by beautiful Phewa Lake. Pokhara has a distinctive duality of adventure and tranquility – after all, it is at the base of the most majestic mountain range in the world. Stretch your tired legs with a late morning stroll around the lake. Traditional boats float at the water’s edge and the Tal Barahi temple beckons you from its island home.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the International Mountain Museum, dedicated to the mountains of Nepal and the mountaineers who have climbed them. Then, if you’re up for it, the group will head out of town to where the local Tibetan refugee population live. You’ll learn why they fled their ancestral home and browse their local handcrafts.
Take time later to discover more of what Pokhara has to offer or simply continue your pursuit of peace. You have a lot to celebrate too, and what better way than by kicking back and indulging in a Gorkha beer? After a day of rest lakeside, gear up! Tomorrow you’re headed into the jungle for your next adventure.
Accommodation: Barahi Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast
DAY 16: Chitwan National Park
The 4-hour road trip back east along the Prithvi highway is worth it because today you’re going to Chitwan National Park. Located in the heart of central Nepal’s jungle, this is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. After lunch, you’ll begin your introduction to the Bagmati province with a Tharu Village Tour. The indigenous Tharu people have called Chitwan Park area home for centuries and you’ll explore their unique, thatch-roofed homes with your guide. You’ll experience authentic Tharu culture back at the stunning Sapana Village Lodge this evening too.
Unpack your bags and take a load off – Sapana Lodge is your home for the next three nights, and this evening we have a surprise in store for you!
Accommodation: Sapana Village lodge or similar
Included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 17: Rapti River
Undulating through Chitwan National Park is the Rapti River – a slow moving stream that is perfect for a leisurely float. Today we’ve arranged a ride for you in a dugout canoe, typically only reserved for locals. You’ll glide downriver with your guide who knows these dense jungles and the innate patterns of the resident animals like the back of his hand. Keep an eye out on the Rapti’s sandy banks where animals often congregate for a drink.
Tigers and elephants and rhinos, oh my! While many dream of taking an African safari, the Nepali version is unlike any other. From boat to 4×4 Jeep, spend the next few hours with an ethical safari guide, investigating the forests and alluvial grasslands. There’s a chance of seeing a one-horned rhinoceros. Or better yet – an elusive Bengal tiger!
It’s another night at the Sapana Village Lodge this evening to lounge on the wooden balcony and take in jungle sounds with a mango lassi in hand.
Accommodation: Sapana Village lodge or similar
Included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 18: Siddi Village
Rise and shine! Grab a day bag and hop in the van as you bump along into Nepal’s remote countryside. What a unique snapshot Siddi Village is of what life is like for the Chepang people, an ethnic Nepali minority. They speak their own language and led an isolated, nomadic existence until very recently. Here, you’ll connect one-on-one with a local family in the purest form – through sharing a meal.
Before lunch though, your guide will lead you on the last hike of the trip. You’re a well-seasoned trekker at this point so the short jaunt through the Chepang hills and up to the waterfall will feel like a breeze. This is a part of Nepal where tourists don’t typically venture. You’ll have the lush terraced hills and trickling streams all to yourselves.
It’s time to soak in more of nature’s solitude at Sapana Village Lodge tonight, for tomorrow you arrive back in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Sapana Village lodge or similar
Included: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
DAY 19: Kathmandu
As a final nod to nature, you’ll spend your last morning in the countryside, bird-spotting in the forest. Even if you’ve never tried birding before, your specialist guide will help you along. And if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Kashmir Flycatcher – this pipsqueak-of-a-bird is only found in this National Park.
Then it’s a quick, 30-minute flight back to the capital in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, there’ll be time enough to pack your belongings and flitter around for any last minute treasures. And tonight’s farewell dinner is a special one – hosted by your guide at one of their favorite haunts. This isn’t goodbye, it’s that we’ll meet again soon!
Accommodation: Manaslu Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 20: Farewell Friends
It’s time to bid a sorrowful namaste to your newfound friends and the gorgeous country of Nepal as you pack up and head to the airport. No doubt, beautiful images of her powdered peaks and fluttering prayer flags will be seared into your memories forever.
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on these trips is based on the following exchange rates:
6 May 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.67 USD
7 October 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.67 USD
A deposit of $1,350 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Visa On Arrival for Australian and New Zealand passport holders: There’s a form to fill out on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The cost for the Tourist Visa is USD 50 for a 30-day multi-entry. Carrying cash (USD) is recommended for paying the visa fee as digital payments are frequently unavailable. We’ll provide more information closer to the trip start. We ask that you travel with 8 passport-sized photographs of yourself. They all may not be required during your trip, but there are several occasions when they are necessary, including Visa on arrival, entering some trekking zones, and buying a local sim card.
Travellers who are double vaccinated for COVID no longer need a pre-departure COVID-19 (PCR) test to enter Nepal. However, you may be required to present your vaccination certificate on arrival.
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while travelling.
If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. At the group meeting, you will be asked to complete a self-screening health form and report any COVID-19 symptoms as well as any close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. It’s quite possible that the destination country may have different or more strict protocols in place in relation to a COVID-19 case from your home country.
Protocols may include hotel or hospital quarantine or quarantine for the group. Please check your government’s travel advice or contact the closest embassies to find out the details. We ask all travellers to continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader.
You will be trekking at high altitudes on this trip, up to 4200 m. We ask that you consult your doctor for direction on how best to prepare for it.
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.
We do not include lunches and dinners while trekking, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. The altitude and physical exercise can mean trekker’s appetites differ quite widely. The menus in the tea houses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Vegetarians are well catered for in Nepal. How much you need to spend per day will vary, but it could be anything up to US$60 per day for meals, snacks and drinks. Prices tend to get higher the higher you go on trek in response to the difficulty of getting supplies to the tea houses.
10 kg of luggage maximum for trekking
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
CONTINGENCY FUNDS – We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a force majeure event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
Suggested budget for meals not included: US$450 (AUD $650)
While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. We ask that you contribute 21,000 Nepalese Rupees (the equivalent of $230 AUD) in local currency to a tipping kitty at the beginning of the trip. Your tour leader will use this to cover small tips along the way for included meals, local guides, your trekking carriers, and your drivers. They will run a tally of expenditures which you are welcome to view. What is not covered is a customary tip for your tour leader of 13,000 Nepalese Rupees ($145 AUD approximately) per person, which we recommend gifting at the end of their service.
Bring your luggage in a duffle bag or backpack. A carrier will take your bag for you on the trek, and it should weigh no more than 10 kg. Your trek leader will assist you in packing it and can advise what to bring and what can be left behind in Kathmandu. Other items you will need are:
- Daypack – you will be carrying your own day pack which generally includes your valuables, a small jacket, water bottle, camera, equipment, etc.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and water purification tablets.
- Trekking boots (broken-in),
- Gaiters,
- Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers,
- Camp footwear,
- Several pairs of good-quality socks,
- T-shirts – highly recommended are synthetic quick-dry T-shirts,
- Thermal underwear/layers,
- Down jacket (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu).
- Warm mid-layers,
- Trousers – lightweight, loose-fitting, trekking trousers,
- Shorts or skirt,
- Tracksuit or fleece pants for evenings,
- Sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures,
- Warm hat and sunhat,
- Scarf/neck warmer,
- Gloves and mitts – waterproof and warm,
- Sunglasses with UV protection,
- Head torch (spare batteries),
- Sunscreen and lip balm,
- Lightweight towel,
- Sarong,
- Personal First aid kit,
- Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper,
- Hand sanitiser gel,
- Trail mix/nuts/muesli bars
Accommodation on the trek will be at local lodges – better known as tea houses. They are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a tea house, there are usually small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows, and sometimes they are dormitories.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers heli-rescue as you are travelling up to 4200 m.
