Annapurna Trekking FAQS

How to reach Annapurna Base Camp from Kathmandu?

You have to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, local bus, or from plane to start the trek to ABC. You can either start the trek from Nayapul, which is 90 minutes’ drive from Pokhara. You can alternatively start the same trek from Phedi; 20 KM north from Pokhara. You can either follow the trail to Poonhill, Chhomrong and Annapurna base camp. The alternative route to Annapurna base camp takes you along Dhampus, Landruk, chhomrong and Annapurna base camp.

When is the best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The best time to trek in Annapurna Base camp are spring season March to May and September to December an autumn season. 

Is Porter and guide necessary for Annapurna Base Camp trek?

As you have to trek through dense forest, avalanche risk zones cross the raging rivers, and rough trails an assisting local guide will be very helpful for you to trek without fear and confusions. As for porter if you have not packed more than 10 kg of stuff, an average fit trekker can carry the pack by self. It is a personal preference whether to hire a porter and guide.

Tipping

Tipping is practiced in trekking to thank the trekking staff for their good service during the trek. The normal practice for tipping is giving 20persent of the wages. You can give them more if you are extremely happy because of extraordinary service or if you have a terrible experience due to their fault, you are not required to tip; which they do not deserve.

Currency and payment method

While in Nepal, the best and most practiced method for payment is cash. Many places such as travel companies, shopping mart hotels, restaurants are widely practicing the acceptance of cards those days but you have to pay 3 to 4 percent of bank charges. 

Are the Annapurna Base Camp trek, ABC trek, Annapurna Sanctuary trek and Annapurna Circuit trek is the same?

Annapurna Base Camp trek, ABC trek, Annapurna Sanctuary trek are pretty much the same trek those lead trekkers up to Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Circuit trek is entirely a different trekking trail, which is connected to the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Visa Nepal

Nepal visa can be obtained to the Tirbhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Kodari and Rasuwagadhi at Nepal China Border And at border entry points in Birgunj, Kakadvitta, Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border.

A visa also can be obtained at nearest Embassy or diplomatic mission outside of Nepal.

To renew a visa visit the department of immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA

 Valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background.

Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.

Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

The following visa fees will be effective from 17 July 2019 (as per the Nepal Government’s decision made on 26 May 2019. Source: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates):

Visa Fees for Tourist visa

For 15 days (Multiple Entry) USD 30.

For 30 days (Multiple Entry) USD 50.

For 90 days (Multiple Entry) USD 125.