Do’s

• Gain altitude gradually.
• Dress modestly, especially in villages.
• Respect local culture.
• Ask before taking photos of locals or religious sites.
• Carry layers for unpredictable weather.
• Include essentials like rain gear, sunscreen, headlamp, power bank, and water purifier in a basic first aid kit.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use water purification tablets or carry a filter bottle.
• Carry cash in small denominations.
• Over the plastics use trash cans or carry your waste down.
• Download offline maps as the networks are limited.
• Ensure your guide is licenced. (Mandatory since 2023)

Don’ts

• Don't rush the trek as ascending too fast might increase the risk of Altitude sickness.
• Don't skip acclimatisation stops if you are feeling tired.
• Do not disrespect nature or culture.
• Do not touch prayer flags, tones, or local Shrines casually.
• Don't litter or pick plans.
• Do not rely on signal phones as the network is limited.
• Don't expect luxury amenities.
• Don't bargain aggressively As prices are fixed or modestly negotiable it takes effort to supply goods to that altitude.
• Don’t walk alone in the dark, avoid trekking. In the early morning or late evening.
• Don't drink alcohol as it increases the chances of dehydration and altitude sickness.

Best time for the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek

The best time to travel to Annapurna Base Camp is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Travel enthusiasts and thrill seekers travel during extreme weather conditions, but it is ideal to avoid harsh winters or monsoons.

Spring (March to May).

• Weather: Spring offers stable and moderate weather conditions.
• Temperature: Moderate temperatures and a pleasant Environment.
• Scenery: The surroundings are vibrant due to the Blooming of. Rhododendrons and other wildflowers.

Autumn (September to November):

• Weather: Clear atmosphere and stable weather conditions.
• Temperature: Moderate temperatures during the day and cool nights.
• Scenery: Clear visibility and a crystal-clear vista of the Himalayan crest.

It is advisable not to trek during the time of monsoon (June to August) due to heavy Rainfall, slippery trails and risk of soil erosion.

Even during the best season, the weather might get gloomy. So, stay updated about the weather forecast before planning your trek.

And be mindful to book your accommodation services in advance. During the peak seasons, it might be very difficult to secure. The accommodations and services for efficient.


Altitude sickness.

Altitude/ elevation sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles due to a lack of adequate oxygen. It typically affects people after ascending beyond 2500 meters (8,200 ft) and can escalate if ignored.

Common signs and symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin 6-24 hours after ascent and can range from mild to life-threatening. It's crucial to recognize early signs:

Mild Symptoms

• Headache (Most common)
• Nausea or Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping.

Moderate to severe symptoms:

• Persistent, worsening headache.
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath, even at rest.
• Difficulty walking (ataxia)
• Tightness in the chest.
• Severe fatigue.
• Bluish lips or fingernails.

Serious Symptoms:

High-altitude cerebral edema.

• Swelling of the brain.
• Symptoms include Confusion, hallucinations, poor coordination, Drowsiness or even coma.
• Life-threatening and requires immediate descent.

High altitude pulmonary edema.

• Fluid builds up in the lungs.
• Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, coughing (Possibly with pink froth), Tight chest, and blue lips.
• Fatal if untreated.

Preventive/solution measures.

• Ascend gradually.
• Stay hydrated and avoid. Beverages like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the early days of the trek.
• Consume a high-calorie diet with carbohydrates. Avoid overeating and spicy food that could lead to stomach upset.
• Climb high, sleep low.
• Consider medication. Often recommended for the high elevation trekkers, Acetazolamide is often taken 1-2 days before reaching high altitudes.
• And most importantly, know when to stop or descend.
• And most importantly, report about even the slightest uneasiness to the guide or fellow companion.

First aid

It is recommended for all travellers to have first aid kits with them to deal with any sort of minor injuries and to avoid further complications as the trip involves several levels of risk due to its nature and elevation. It’s recommended to aat least the following first-aid kits:

• Antiseptic liquids
• Diamox
• Band-aid
• Cotton bandage
• Portable suture
• Painkillers
• Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide)
• Antacids (Pantoprazole)
• Antibiotics (Azithromycin for upset stomach/ respiratory infections)
• Cough lozenges (strepsils / syrup)

Wound care and Bandaging

• Adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic ointments
• Antiseptic wipes/ solutions
• Medical tape
• Elastic bandage
• Blister Patches or moleskin

Tools & Accessories

• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Thermometers (Compact Digital one)
• Pairs of gloves (non-latex or latex)
• Face mask.
• Hand sanitiser

Optional (recommended)

• Eye drops (dust or irritation)
• Lip balm (with SPF)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent.
• Cold and flu tablets.
• Hydrocortisone cream (for itching or rashes)

Note: Anyone who needs to be under regular medication, please bring an adequate amount of medication while on the route and also have insurance in case of emergency evacuation by helicopter.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a generous act to do as a gesture of generosity towards the crew member accompanying you for your trip.

Porter and Guide Hiring Process & Formalities

Hiring a guide or porter is highly recommended for the ABC Trek—not only for convenience and safety but also for cultural enrichment and local support.

• Guide

A licensed trekking guide helps with navigation, logistics, permits, accommodation and overall emergencies. They also share insights, culture, and history, enriching your overall experiences.

• porter

A porter will assist you in carrying a heavier backpack or duffel bag, allowing you to enjoy the trek with minimal load. Each porter usually carries 20-25 kg of combined luggage for two trekkers.

Hiring process

• Through agencies: The most reliable way, agencies handle permits, insurance, and wages, and ensure experienced and government-licensed guides/porters.
• Independent guides: You can also hire freelance guides in Pokhara or Kathmandu, but ensure they are licensed by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)

Cost (approx):

• Guide: $25-35/day
• Porter: $ 15- 25/day

An agency will manage:

• ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
• Travel insurance for guides and porters (already included when booked via the agency)

You should have:

• Copy of passport
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Proof of insurance for yourself (must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)

Internet / cellular services on the ABC trek

Mobile network coverage

• Ncell & NTC are two major network providers in Nepal. However, in the ABC trekking route it’s recommended to get an NTC sim as it provides better network coverage.
• The providers have good coverage in lower elevations.
• Mid-region (Sinuwa-Deurali): As for Ncell coverage starts to fade gradually, whereas NTC works better even in dense and isolated spaces.
• Upper section (MBC to ABC): mobile signals are limited to none. Even when available, it may only support basic texts or occasional calls.

Note: The usage manual for data and other procedures comes with the SIM card.

If you plan to use mobile data, NTC has slightly better coverage overall, especially above 2,500m.

Wi-Fi and internet services

• Tea houses and lodges along the trail offer paid Wi-Fi, usually referred to as “Everest Link” or local wifi services.
• Rates vary from Rs 200-500 ($2-$5) per device for a set of data per day.
• Upto elevation of Chhomrong, the access is descent, but beyond that speed drops due to limited connection.

Electricity for charging

• Charging facilities are available at most tea houses and cost Rs 100-300 ($1-$3) per hour/device.
• The cost of charging devices rises as you go higher.
• Bring a power bank and multi-port USB charger to stay powered up.
• Tea houses mostly use solar power, so charging can be slower or restricted during cloudy days.

Equipment list

Hands

• Mittens
• Hand-warmers
• Trekking poles
• Fist wraps
• Woollen gloves

Footwear

• Four pairs of woollen socks
• well-gripped waterproof boots
• Flip-flops
• Crampons

Toiletries

• Soap bars
• Shaving kits
• Nail kits
• Hand-sanitisers
• Toothbrush
• Mid-sized towel
• Sanitary napkins
• Shampoo sachets

Additional

• Notebooks
• Cameras
• Water bladders of min. 2-liter capacity
• Chargers and power banks
• First-aid kits
• Regular medicines
• Multi-purpose Swiss army knife