Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek - 5 days

Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Start

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will await you with a pamphlet displaying your name. They will greet you warmly with a traditional marigold garland and transport you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

We advise that you arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek's departure (by 3 PM) for final preparations. The trek typically starts in Pokhara, and you can travel to Pokhara by bus (which takes about seven hours) or by air. From Pokhara, we will drive you to Samrung, a four-hour journey, before beginning your trek to Sinuwa, which takes another four hours.

Accommodations

The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes stays in comfortable lodges. You'll spend four nights in twin-sharing rooms at Sinuwa (2 nights), Annapurna Base Camp, and Deurali. Hot showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi are available in the trekking regions for an additional cost.

Meals

To fuel your trek, we provide nutritious meals throughout the journey. Due to the high altitude, food options may be more limited than in urban areas, and prices tend to increase with elevation. We carefully select the best lodges that serve hygienic and delicious food. The menu includes traditional, Asian, and Western cuisines, though options may narrow as you ascend.

The trek package includes full-board meals (main course): five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners. To combat altitude sickness, we recommend consuming fresh vegetables and fluids such as garlic soup, lemon tea, ginger tea, etc. We advise against eating non-vegetarian items, dairy products, alcohol, or caffeinated beverages.

Please note that drinks and personal meals (snacks, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, and hot drinks (tea, coffee, etc.) are not included in the trek package.

Luggage

We provide porters to carry your luggage with a limit of 9 kg per person. Each porter will carry luggage for two trekkers, with a combined weight not exceeding 18 kg. We suggest packing lightly and only bringing essential items for the trek. We also provide complimentary luggage storage in our office store for excess items.

Facilities and Essentials

• Water

We recommend using a refillable water bottle and purchasing boiled or filtered water from the lodges or tea houses along the trek. We can provide water purification tablets if you don't have your own. Please do not drink untreated water from taps, wells, or rivers, as it may not be safe for consumption.

• Communication

You can purchase local SIM cards in Kathmandu. However, mobile coverage signals at high elevations may vary depending on your network. We remain in touch with all trekking teams at least once a day via mobile to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. Moreover, we are always ready for emergencies.

Travel Essentials

• Visa

Foreigners (except for Indian citizens) require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationalities can obtain an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport, but certain countries may need to apply for a visa before arrival. For an on-arrival visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months, a passport-sized photo, and a visa application fee. The current visa fee for a 30-day stay is USD 50. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official Nepal Immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/.

• Travel Insurance

It is essential to have appropriate travel insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation by helicopter up to the highest trek altitude (4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp). We recommend confirming that your insurance includes medical expenses and helicopter rescue.

• Currency Exchange

The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the official currency, and exchange rates are approximately 138 NPR for 1 USD. Currency exchange facilities are readily available in Kathmandu and Thamel. There are no exchange services in trekking regions, so exchange enough currency in Kathmandu, preferably at legal money exchanges, before the trek. You can use an international card to withdraw NPR from ATMs in Kathmandu, but withdrawal fees may apply. Please ensure your (major) foreign currency notes are in good condition, as old or damaged notes may not be accepted.

• Extra Expenses

While the trek package covers most expenses, you must cover additional costs such as meals and accommodations in Kathmandu, extra meal courses, visa applications, travel insurance, beverages, snacks, tips, and souvenirs. We recommend budgeting USD 10-20 per day for personal expenses during the trek.

Trek Season and Weather Conditions

The trek is possible year-round, but the best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) due to clear skies, moderate temperatures, and low precipitation. Winter (December-February) is cold and snowy, while summer (June-August) is the monsoon season, which may cause slippery trails.

The temperatures during autumn range from 0°C to 10°C; summer from 10°C to 23°C; autumn from 5°C to 20°C; and winter from 0°C to -10°C at high trek altitudes. Spring sees rhododendron blooms, and autumn coincides with major Nepali festivals, creating a festive atmosphere.

Typical Day

Each day begins with a cup of tea or coffee, followed by breakfast. The trek typically starts between 7-8 AM and lasts till mid-day, when you stop for lunch. After lunch, you'll rest before continuing in the afternoon for 2-3 more hours of trek that should take you to your planned destination. You are then free to spend the time. We serve dinner at around seven, followed by the next day’s briefing from your guide. Then, before going to bed, you can spend the evening playing games, reading, or learning Nepali words.

Trip Conclusion

• Farewell Dinner

After completing the trek, we organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your achievement. Later, we will present you with a trek achievement certificate. It is also a great time to provide us with your feedback.

• Departure

On the day of departure, we will provide a free airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport from your hotel. Please share your hotel name, room number, and departure time with us so we can provide this service. It marks the end of your trek, and we hope it has been a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Trek Bookings

• Private Treks

We offer private treks only and do not add anyone to your group. We can handle all group sizes and provide discounts based on your group size. Moreover, we add an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.

• Safe Trek Bookings

Discovery World Trekking is a government-authorized trekking operator in Nepal, affiliated with the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To confirm your trek booking, we require a 10% advance payment. You can pay via bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card.

After booking, please provide the necessary documents—such as a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, travel insurance details, and flight information—within one week. You can pay the remaining balance upon your arrival in Nepal through cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card. We will email you a detailed guide on payment options for your convenience.

• Last-Minute Bookings

Although we prefer advance bookings (at least one month in advance), we understand that plans can change. We have a last-minute booking provision, but you must confirm with full payment at least 24 hours before the departure date.

While we strive to ensure your trip proceeds as scheduled, last-minute bookings may experience delays due to factors like adverse weather, landslides, or limited accommodation availability. For further details, please contact Paul at +977-9840055491 or info@discoveryworldtrekking.com.

• Flexible Schedule

If you have a tight schedule, we can accommodate flexibility in your trek plans. Though our treks have fixed departure dates, we will work with you to adjust departure dates or trek itineraries as needed.

• Trip Extension

If you have extra time after your trek, we offer various trip extensions, such as sightseeing in Kathmandu, a jungle safari in Chitwan, or even another trek.

DWT Family

At Discovery World Trekking, we consider all our valued clients and employees part of the DWT family. We are committed to providing a warm, friendly, and safe environment throughout your trek. Our skilled and government-licensed guides and Sherpas will accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring an unforgettable trekking experience. They are trained in wilderness first aid and ecological conservation.

Our guides bring years of expertise and a deep connection to the high Himalayas. They are well-compensated and insured, and their meals and accommodations are fully covered during the trek. By prioritizing the well-being of our team, we ensure they deliver the exceptional service that makes your trek truly special.

Ecotourism Practices

We prioritize sustainable trekking practices. We operate eco-friendly treks in collaboration with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and follow leave-no-trace principles to minimize environmental impact.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is customary in Nepal, and while it is optional, it is greatly appreciated. It’s a way to show gratitude for excellent service. We recommend tipping collectively at the end of the trek - based on the quality of service received, trek length, and costs.

We will be delighted to guide you on your trek to Annapurna Base Camp.