Permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will need two permits, which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.
At Ammonite Adventure, we will make sure to get these permits beforehand for you. The 10-day package cost to the Annapurna Base Camp does cover the permit fee, which separately costs USD 20 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and USD 30 per person for the TIMS card.
Both are payable in Nepalese currency only, where the trekkers who are SAARC nationals can get the permits at a discounted price.
Meals during Journey to the Annapurna Base Camp
While you are in Kathmandu, lunch and dinner are not included in our package, and you are free to eat anything that you prefer. Thamel is specifically famous for its eateries, while the numerous cafes, pubs, clubs, and restaurants serve national and international cuisines.
Similarly, en route to the classic tea house trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, you can get typical Nepali, Tibetan, and globe menus, which can get limited to the more nutritious Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, an everyday Nepali dish usually with white rice, lentil soup, and leafy or seasonal vegetables. Worth a try!
Varieties of eggs, curries, tea, and coffee are available along with Tibetan bread, pancakes, and pizza, although the taste might differ for breakfast. However, we suggest you stick to vegetarian Dal Bhat and Tarkari, as they tend to nourish you and provide adequate protein and carbohydrates required for the high Himalayan hikes.
What kind of accommodation is available during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Like every other high-altitude trekking trail in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp route also features a mountain lodge called tea House, which is modest, open, and maintained by locals, and where you will be provided with bedding and meals.
The spring and autumn seasons are the busiest times of the year when you might have to share the rooms with two to five people alongside the Asian squat-style toilets, which is still a privileged option in such a remote area. Fine enough to ensure your comfortable stay in the local lodges and guest houses.
As per Kathmandu, we will be providing you with the best three-star hotel, including breakfast.
Drinking Water Condition on the way to Annapurna Base Camp
The teahouse and local lodges often provide safe, either boiled or treated, drinking water. Bottled water is also purchasable; however, it is not recommended as we are guided by the policies of ecotourism.
The rising concern due to plastic garbage is much discouraged, and hence it is better to get a thermos flask that is refillable at various stopping places for a minimal fee. Water from natural sources seems drinkable, but one must not do so without treating it properly.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek, combining both easy walking trails and some challenging uphill sections. It does not require prior trekking experience, making it suitable for beginners with good physical fitness.
Who can do it
This trek is ideal for beginners, adventure lovers, and anyone with basic stamina and a positive mindset for walking long distances in the mountains.
Fitness level
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or short hikes before the trek can greatly help in handling the uphill and uneven terrain.
Altitude challenges
Since the trek reaches above 4,000 metres, altitude sickness (AMS) can be a concern. However, with proper acclimatization, hydration, and a steady pace, most trekkers complete the journey safely.
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The best time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and the mountain views are at their clearest.
Spring season
Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests, green landscapes, and clear mountain visibility, making it one of the most beautiful times for trekking.
Autumn season
Autumn offers stable weather, fresh air, and crystal-clear views of the Himalayas after the monsoon, making it the most popular trekking season.
Weather conditions
Winter can be very cold with snow at higher altitudes, while the monsoon season (June to August) brings rain and slippery trails. However, with proper gear and preparation, trekking is still possible year-round.
Must you hire guides and porters to go Annapurna Base Camp Expedition
In the Himalayas, nothing can be predicted, be it weather or anything else; it can go pretty easily out of control. Therefore, yes, you must hire a guide for safe navigation of the route to the Annapurna Base Camp, where local guides can add much to the cultural immersion, bridging the gap between you and the Himalayan communities.
In case of an emergency as well, the license guides are very handy to provide you with instant assistance. We are offering government-certified and trained guides with well-versed English communication skills included in the 10-day package cost to the Annapurna Base Camp, including a porter.
Please note that a porter in Nepal is allowed to carry a total of 20–24 kg and can be shared amongst two hikers. Therefore, we advise you to pack only the absolute necessities.
What to pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Since the 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is comparatively a short expedition, you might not need to pack much depending on the season you are trekking to. However, make sure you are carrying all the necessary items and check before officially beginning the trek.
Here are some of the must-pack trekking gear, regardless of the time of year you are traveling to the Annapurna Base Camp:
- Trekking boots, socks, and pants
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece, insulated, or down jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen creams
- Water bottles and purifying tablets
- Extra snacks and energy bars
- Toiletries
Trekking group/single
Whether you are trekking alone, with a buddy, or with a larger group, we can arrange the Annapurna Base Camp as a private or a group trip. If you are trekking with a group, there may be "group discounts" (larger groups get larger discounts), but we do not provide group discounts when Ammonite Adventure forms a group.
We can happily manage any size groups and do provide an assistant guide for groups with 12 or more trekkers. We provide 1 porter for each 2 trekkers. Each trekker has a luggage limit of 9 kg per person.
Extra personal expenses on trekking
Most of the costs while trekking in Annapurna Base Camp are included in the package you purchased. But there will be a few costs that will not be included, like accommodation and meals in Kathmandu. There are a variety of accommodations in Kathmandu, ranging from cheap lodgings to 5-star hotels, and there are a number of websites to assist you in finding accommodation.
Please bring some cash for personal expenses, like food and lodging in Kathmandu, visa fees, travel insurance, snacks, tea/coffee, cold drinks, tips for staff, and souvenirs. Bring cash in major currencies to exchange for Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara, since villages along the trek accept only money in Nepali currency.
Book Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Reservations & Payments)
Start your journey to Annapurna Base Camp with confidence by booking through Ammonite Adventure, a fully licensed trekking agency in Nepal and a proud member of TAAN and NMA.
How to Confirm Your Booking
- Pay a 10% advance deposit to secure your trek
- Payment options: Bank transfer, Western Union, or online payment
Remaining Payment
- Pay the balance after arrival in Nepal
- Accepted methods: Cash, card, or bank transfer
Required Documents After Booking
Within 7 days of reservation, please provide:
- Passport copy (and dependents if travelling)
- Travel insurance details
- Passport-size photos
- Flight details
👉 Once confirmed, we handle all arrangements to ensure a smooth and stress-free trekking experience from start to finish.
