NEPAL ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (ABC TREK)

Meals budget: $6 – $10 per meal

LOA is not responsible of any:

• Extra expenses incurred due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek (for any reason). Assistance with arranging extra accommodation can be provided
• Any personal expenses: laundry, baggage handling charges, phone calls, charging electronic devices, bar bills, alcoholic and bottled beverages, boiled water, hot/cold showers, additional porters, etc.
• Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
• Unforeseen expenses: costs arising from flight delays, political strikes, adverse weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control

Recommended Activities Near Your Hotel:

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) – A 45-minute walk from your hotel, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• Durbar Square – South of Thamel, featuring historic temples, palaces, and streets dating from the 12th to 18th centuries.
• Pashupatinath Temple – Located 5 km from Thamel, a sacred Hindu temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation Notes: You will be accommodated in shared double rooms, usually with twin beds, in guesthouses or lodges. Single rooms are generally not possible, except during the off-season. Most lodges have electricity and a large communal dining area. Showers and toilets may be located outside. Do not confuse guesthouses and lodges with city hotels. The word lodge in Nepal is often misunderstood. These accommodations are more similar to mountain refuges than to “eco-lodges” or standard hotels. They are usually homes adapted to welcome trekkers, offering shared rooms, a common living area, and a kitchen. Comfort decreases with altitude, and insulation (thermal or sound) is limited. Some lodges offer chalet-style rooms with private bathrooms and even TVs, but these are not included in our standard pricing.
Between Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, Machhapuchhare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, lodges are limited. Outside peak season, private rooms are generally not available. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with dormitory-style shared rooms being the standard. Overnight at a lodge.

Porters During the Trek & What to Pack
Our porters are seasoned professionals, accustomed to trekking in both mid- and high-altitude regions. Many come from the mountainous areas of Eastern and Northern Nepal, where carrying loads in rugged terrain is part of daily life. Porter work is a seasonal occupation, and during the off-
season they return home to farm or pursue other work. More recently, many young students have joined the profession to help fund their studies.
Porters are an essential part of your trekking team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your journey runs smoothly, and they always appreciate a friendly conversation or a moment of connection along the trail. Occasionally, when lodges or guesthouses are full, porters may be accommodated in a nearby home. During camping-style treks, they sleep either in local houses or together in a shared kitchen tent.
Throughout the trek, your main luggage will be carried by the porters, leaving you free to walk comfortably with just a daypack (30–40 liters) containing your daily essentials.

• Weight Regulations for Porters
• Maximum 12 kg per person for trekking loads
  One porter for two trekkers, carrying a maximum of 24–25 kg in total

Drinking Water
Until Chhomrong, trekkers can easily purchase bottled water at lodges and teahouses. Prices generally range from USD 1 at lower altitudes to USD 2 per liter higher up.
Beyond Chhomrong, the sale of plastic bottles is prohibited by the Annapurna Conservation Area. From this point onward, you must either treat your own water or buy refillable purified or boiled water directly from the teahouses.
For environmental and practical reasons, we use Katadyn filtration systems to purify water from natural sources throughout the trek. This solution is both eco-friendly and economical, as it eliminates the need to purchase bottled water.
Please bring a reusable bottle (suitable for hot and cold liquids) and, if possible, a hydration bladder for easier access while walking.
If temperatures drop too low for the Katadyn filter to work efficiently — or in the rare case of a technical problem — we recommend buying boiled water from the teahouses to ensure that your drinking water remains safe.

Showers During the Trek
In most villages along the route, teahouses offer showers with running water. However, at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), proper shower facilities are not available due to altitude and limited infrastructure. In these locations, you can request a bucket of hot water, typically costing USD 2–4 per bucket. One bucket is
generally enough for a full wash.

Charging Electronic Devices
Nepal uses the same electrical standards as Europe: 230V, 50Hz — which means no adapter is required for European devices. In the mountains, electricity often comes from solar energy, so availability may vary depending on sunlight. Charging electronic devices such as camera batteries or phones usually comes with a small fee. To avoid running out of power, bring two batteries or a power bank.
Yes, you can charge your electronic devices during the trek, but be aware that charging outlets are limited and usually come with a small fee. Prices vary by altitude and lodge, but range from USD 1 to 3 per device.

Telephone & Wi-Fi
Yes, staying connected during the trek is possible. Your guide carries a local mobile phone, and you may use it if needed by simply covering the call costs. If you prefer to use your own phone, you can easily purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our team will assist you with registration and setup.
Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses along the route, though the connection is often slow and there is usually a small charge for access.

Currency in Nepal
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Indian Rupees are commonly accepted, especially in border regions. Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange offices in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
If needed, ATMs are available in major cities, allowing you to withdraw Nepalese Rupees directly.

Tipping
Tipping is a well-established tradition in the Nepalese tourism industry. Since guiding and porter work is seasonal, tips are an important part of their income.
While never obligatory, tipping is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for the team’s effort and care.
A reasonable guideline is USD 80 per participant for the entire team (guides, assistant guides, porters). If you are very satisfied with the service, offering a bit more is always warmly appreciated.

Pharmacy, Vaccines & Health
Your guide is not a medical professional and cannot administer medication. They carry a basic first aid kit for the team, but you must bring your own personal medical kit suitable for a 5–8 day trek, including:

• Painkillers (paracetamol, aspirin)
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics (8-day treatment—requires prescription)
• Throat lozenges, nasal spray
• Anti-diarrheal medicine and intestinal antiseptic
• Medication for stomach discomfort
• Water purification tablets (Micropur, Hydroclonazone, etc.)
• Earplugs
• Blister care (bandages, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment like Terramycin)
• Scissors, elastic bandage, sterile dressings
• Muscle-relief gel, eye drops, anti-inflammatory cream
• Vitamin C, lip balm, sunscreen, and a soothing skin cream (e.g., Homéoplasmine)
• A consultation with your doctor before departure is strongly
  recommended.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Many trekking routes in Nepal reach high altitude, often above 3,500 meters, where the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) becomes significant. The only effective treatment is immediate descent to a lower elevation.
AMS occurs when the body fails to acclimatize properly after a rapid ascent. It can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
Typical symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms usually appear 4–12 hours after reaching higher elevations. They often improve with rest and acclimatization but will disappear quickly after descending.
Risk levels increase with altitude:

• About 15% of people show symptoms at 2,000 m
• Up to 60% at 4,000 m

Preventing Altitude Sickness on High-Altitude Treks
To reduce the risk of AMS, especially on demanding routes like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp :

• Walk at a steady, comfortable pace — avoid rushing.
• Take acclimatization days as recommended.
• Drink 3–4 liters of water per day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Eat nutritious, energy-rich meals.
• Use sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
• If you develop headaches, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, do not go higher. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.

Trekking Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trekking programs. Your policy must include emergency medical evacuation by helicopter up to the highest altitude reached during your itinerary. A good insurance plan should also protect you against the unexpected — such as flight delays or cancellations due to weather, medical expenses, theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings during your trip. Having proper coverage ensures peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your adventure in Nepal with complete confidence.

For all trekking itineraries, mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover a minimum of USD 10,000–15,000, depending on the altitude and region. If you choose not to purchase insurance from an accredited provider, Nepal Authentic Trek will require you to sign a liability waiver. Please be aware that helicopter evacuation costs start from USD 5,000 to 10,000 per hour of flight.

Important

• Carefully check your insurance policy before departure.
• The agency cannot be held liable for the lack of proper insurance
  coverage.
• Upon arrival in Kathmandu, please provide us with a copy of your
  trekking and helicopter rescue insurance, without waiting for a
  reminder.

Agency Authority

Your safety is our top priority. All our guides are fully authorized to adapt, shorten, or cancel the itinerary at any moment if necessary. These decisions may be based on weather, trail conditions, or the physical condition of participants. In such situations, no compensation is provided.
If a problem arises, our office is available 24/7 throughout the trekking season. Please contact us immediately by phone or email — do not wait until the end of your trip. We are here to support you.

Risks & Responsibilities
Nepal Authentic Treks & Expedition cannot be held responsible for personal injury or accidents. We maintain the professional liability insurance required by Nepalese law for our local team, but this does not replace your personal travel insurance. Every participant must have comprehensive coverage including:

• Rescue and repatriation
• Medical expenses
• Luggage loss or theft
• Trip cancellation

By joining a trek, you acknowledge that high-altitude and adventure activities involve inherent risks, including limited access to medical facilities. You agree not to hold the agency, guides, or service providers responsible for incidents that may occur. Transportation providers (airlines, ground vehicles, tourist buses, private transport) hold their own insurance and are solely responsible in case of accidents. Our agency acts only as an intermediary.

Role of the Guide & Local Team
In the mountains, the guide is fully responsible for group safety. Their instructions must be followed strictly.
If a participant chooses to ignore the guide’s advice, they assume full responsibility for their decision, and the agency cannot be held accountable.

Health Conditions

Travelers must be aware of the health challenges associated with high-altitude trekking and ensure they meet the medical
requirements of the areas they plan to visit. While there are no mandatory vaccines for Nepal, some regions reach extreme altitudes.

Consult your doctor before departure to ensure you are fit for high-altitude travel.

Travel Tips & Spirit of Adventure

Because flights may be delayed and luggage can arrive late, always carry the following in your hand luggage:

• Hiking boots
• Warm clothing
• Mountain jacket

Adventure travel in Nepal may involve unexpected situations — domestic flight cancellations, roadblocks, vehicle issues, or delays. Your guide will always do their best to manage any situation, but we kindly ask you to maintain a positive and flexible mindset. For any concerns during your trip, please reach out to us immediately. Internet and mobile networks are available in almost all regions.

Do not wait until you return home — most problems can be solved on the spot.

Trekking Tips for a Successful Journey

• Physical preparation: Train by hiking up and downhill with a loaded backpack.
• Equipment: Use comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing, and a suitable sleeping bag.
• Hydration & nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat energy-rich meals.
• Acclimatation: Ascend gradually and take rest days when needed.

Gear & Equipment Checklist

To ensure comfort and safety during treks above 3,000 meters, we recommend the following gear:

• Bags: 40 – 50 L daypack
• Footwear: High-ankle hiking boots, Lightweight sneakers, Flip-flops, Gaiters
• Clothing: 2–3 pairs of trekking socks, High-mountain or ski gloves, Windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar), Light down jacket, Fleece sweater, Two trekking pants, Waterproof over-trousers, Shorts for warm, low-altitude sections, Thermal leggings, 3–4 T-shirts, One long- sleeved shirt
• Accessories : Sunglasses (sun and snow protection), Minimum 1-liter water bottle, Headlamp, Sunscreen (high protection), Earplugs, Towel, Sleeping bag and silk/fleece liner, 2–3 large trash bags, Sun hat or cap covering the neck, Trekking poles, Water purification tablets (Micropur, etc.), Hand sanitizer
• Personal Medical Kit : (Adapted to your needs and medical advice).