Photo: Christoffer Voss
One of the major things to do in this area of Nepal is the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). We
were told that it was quite a though trip, and therefore we almost opted out of this experience.
However, we are here to tell you that it is very doable for pretty much any person at an
average fitness level.
Photo: Christoffer Voss
Preparations and packing
Guide or no guide?
In April of this year, Nepal implemented a new rule, requiring tourist to bring a guide on trekking trips like ABC. It is however still possible to go without, due to little enforcement of the rules. While some chose to go solo, we would recommend sticking to the rules and enjoying all the perks of having an experienced guide with you instead.
The best way to book a guide is through some local friends and contacts, which you are bound to make during your time here. Second option is to go to different travel agencies here at Lakeside. There are plenty of them, and it is smart to compare prices. Also, be prepared to bargain! For a big group of around 9 people, expect to pay roughly 230 USD for a guide including 3 meals a day and accommodation for 4 nights (5 days).
Clothes and equipment
Our experience is that whilst trekking in Nepal, you experience all sorts of weather. When the sun comes out mid-trek, you really want to be wearing shorts and a t-shirt, along with sunscreen and sunglasses. On the other hand, it can be really cold in the evenings, at night and in the morning, therefore you will also need several layers of wool. Some to sleep in as well. Don’t forget wool socks, gloves and a hat. There probably will be some rain too, so a rain jacket/poncho, as well as a rain cover for your backpack, is a must-have.
Packing for the warm weather in Pokhara, as well as all the equipment needed for trekking is a lot. Therefore, renting gear such as walking sticks, dune jacket, backpack etc. is very common, and preferred. Rental shoes however, turned out to be hard to find. Some of us ended up buying hiking shoes, costing anything from 300 NOK to 700Nok. A bit of a stupid expense, so I would recommend bringing shoes from home, if you can.
Photo: Christoffer Voss
A little travel diary from Christoffer:
“Right from the start, we gained experience with hights as we had to cross an enormous suspension bridge hanging securely about 150 meters above the ground. Perhaps the first day was one of the toughest. It rained quite a bit, it was hot and humid, and there were a million steps, several hundred meters uphill. Fortunately, we could enjoy masala milk tea and admire a spectacular sunset when we arrived at the teahouse.
In the following days, we had better luck with the weather. The clouds disappeared, revealing massive snow-covered mountains, including Macchapuchare and Annapurna I. At the same time, the air became thinner, making the final stretch to ABC utterly exhausting. However, the view made it all worth it. – Both at night in the cold moonlight and at sunrise when the warm light made the peaks glow.
Already on the way down, we missed the place. Fortunately, it was much quicker to walk down, so we could do it in one night instead of two. My knees were a bit fucked in the end, but otherwise, it was an amazing trip 🙂 “
Photos: Christoffer Voss
– Amalie