How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Land of Thunder Dragon

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Bhutan is known for its unique culture and traditions. Bhutan Cultural tours offer a unique insight into the culture and tradition of the nation. It provides an opportunity to interact with the native people. Cultural tours highlights are Tshechu (annual festivals) where Buddhist teaching are dramatized and shown through mask dances. It also takes you to visit Dzongs (Fortress), Monastery and other religious monument.

Day 1 :

Paro to Thimphu

Fly from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, Delhi, Singapore, and Thailand each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom. On arrival you shall be received by our representative who will be waiting eagerly to welcome you with khaddar’s (Welcome Tradition) and after which we take a 2hour drive (55km) towards Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. As you are about to reach Chuzom(Confluence of two rivers Paro and Thimphu) we stop to visit Tamchoe Lhakhang Built by Tangtong Gylepo,( The great brigde builder of Bhutan he is said to have made iron bridges with his bare hands) and now preserved by his descendants. Along the way we have many more scenic beauties to be enjoyed. On arrival in Thimphu we check-in to the Hotel, and in evening we will have light sightseeing around Thimphu town .Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu

After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit to the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practised. The Painting School, where young men and women’s learn the art of Buddhist Thangkha Painting ,mask maker , weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.After Lunch, we headoff to Kuensel Podrang where the we can see the Buddha Dordenma Statue, measuring at a height of 51.5 meters making it one the world’s largest Buddha statue. On our way back you can visit the kings Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Majesty’s subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.We then move towards Tashichho Dzong, ‘fortress of the glorious dharma’. It is the centre of government and religion, site of the King’s throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Evening, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 :

Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast we drive to Punakha, on the way you can visit Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Later ,visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played an important role in the building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to the local market there. Then visit, Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, the newly built stupa. After that drive to Wangduephodrang and visiting the Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Along the way we stop at Chimmi Lhakhang built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the “Divine Madman” the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley (1455-1529) who built a chorten on the site. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 4 :

Punakha to Paro

After breakfast you can drive to Paro and visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom originally built as a Watch Tower. Since 1967 it has been serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight in the hotel at Paro.

Day 5 :

Paro

After breakfast you can drive to paro Drukgyel Dzong the ruined fortress from where the Bhutanese repelled several invasion by the Tibetan army. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While returning to Paro town enroute we visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 6 :

Departure

After an early breakfast, our representative will drop you to the airport for your destination.

Land of Thunder Dragon

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

The Trip Cost Includes

The Trip Cost Excludes