Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Grade:Moderate

Location: Nepal

Altitude:4130 m

Duration:9 Days

Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is popularly known as the ABC trek. Given its international fame, the trek attracts many trekkers from all over the globe. Over a period of 6 trekking days, you gain the maximum altitude of 13,549 ft. The trail of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is breathtakingly beautiful. As you hike through the Annapurna Sanctuary, you come across the most striking flora and fauna. The grand view of the Annapurna Massif from the base camp almost takes your breath away. Views of the Hiunchuli, Machapuchare and, Annapurna South are a treat for the sore eyes. ABC is a moderate level trek. With the right experience, skill set and training you can attempt this trek and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal. The trek also gives you a chance to catch a glimpse of Nepali culture and hospitality. Scroll down for more information like Annapurna Base Camp trek blogs, weather details, route maps, itineraries and photos. Head to our FAQ section for the detailed packing list specific to Nepal treks.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Pokhara

Today you arrive in Pokhara. Meet our team and there will be a briefing and introduction session. Overnight in hotel..

Day 2

Drive Pokhara to Nayapul (3,812 ft); Trek Nayapul - Ghandruk (6,571 ft)

Distance: 40 kms + 11.6 kms

Duration: 2 hours drive + 5 hours trek

Today is the first day of the Annapurna Base Camp trek and our destination is Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village. We start with a 2-hour road journey to Nayapul from Pokhara. On reaching Nayapul, the trail first drops down to Birethanti, crossing an old suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi River. Birethanti is a beautiful village, where trekkers will have to fulfill the necessary check-in formalities at the office of ACAP. Then, the ultimate upward walk begins towards Ghandruk. Initially, the trail climbs gently on a dirt road till Syauli Bazar. Leaving the dirt road and the river bank from Syauli Bazar, you will start climbing a series of stone steps till Kimche. You will cross the dirt road a couple of times as you climb the steps to Kimche. From Kimche, the gradient eases out a little, but you are only done with half the climb. It will take another 2 hours to reach your lodge at Ghandruk, which is one of the cosiest villages on the trail. Ghandruk also houses a museum of local Gurung culture. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the Hiunchuli and Macchapucchre peaks from your teahouse in the evening.

Day 3

Ghandruk to Lower Sinuwa (7,414 ft)

Distance: 11 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Sinuwa is the destination set for today. Today’s hike is a roller coaster on foot. Once you hike through the entire village of Ghandruk, the trail climbs up 200 m gradually to reach Kimrong Danda, a small village perched on top of a ridge. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From Kimrong Danda, you descend 400 m sharply through oak and rhododendron forests, crossing the Kimrong Khola at the valley floor. Once you cross the river, you will pass through the lower Kimrong village before climbing up again to Chhomrong. It is a 500 m climb to one of the biggest villages (with authentic Italian coffee) in the valley - you will have to stop at an ACAP Checkpost here. Chhomrong stretches from the top of the ridge down to valley floor, and you will descend 400 m through the entire village down to the stream. The day is not yet done, and you must climb another 200 m up steep stone steps to reach Lower Sinuwa, our halt for the night.

Day 4

Lower Sinuwa to Deurali (10,400 ft)

Distance: 12 kms

Duration: 6 hours

You will start from Lower Sinuwa today and climb 250 m to the upper village. Upper Sinuwa offers brilliant views of the higher valley. The trail is level for the first few kilometres, passing through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. If you are hiking here in April, the rhododendron trees are in full bloom and the forest is alive with red flowers and birdsong. This section is one of the best parts of the trail. Once you reach Kuldigar, you will descend to Bamboo on the valley floor. The bamboo forests get denser as you climb gradually towards Deurali, passing through the villages of Dovan (look out for a giant waterfall crashing onto the river just across the village) and Himalaya - yes, that’s what the village is named. Just before you reach Deurali, you will pass the Hinku caves next to the trail and traverse a fan of avalanched snow and debris. The climb from Bamboo to Deurali is a whopping 900 m and should take 4 hrs - if you’ve prepared well! Deurali is a small village just at the base of Macchapuchhre - one of the most perfectly shaped mountains in the world.

Day 5

Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (12,070 ft)

Distance: 4 kms

Duration: 3 hours

Today is one of the shorter days of the trek. Although people generally used to hike up to Annapurna Base Camp on the fourth day of the trek, that is not possible anymore. Most of the teahouses and lodges at ABC were destroyed during the winter and spring in 2019, which makes it impossible to stay at ABC. We will hike up till Macchapuchhre Base Camp today. You will climb up 500 m , crossing the Modi Khola twice, and passing through sparsely vegetated slopes. As you climb higher up the valley, you will have to climb through accumulated snow from the winter. Macchapuchhre Base Camp offers excellent views of Macchapucchre, and even Annapurna South if you take a short walk from your lodge. Overnight at MBC.

Day 6

Macchapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (13,451 ft) to Bamboo (7,582 ft)

Distance: 17 kms

Duration: 7 hours

Wake up two hours before sunrise today, and hike the last few kilometres to ABC. You will gradually ascend over the right lateral moraine of the Annapurna glacier. The trail is an easy, pleasant climb. As you reach ABC and the sun starts coming up, you will realise you’re surrounded by massive 7000 m and 8000 m peaks. ABC is right at the foot of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South (7,219 m). To the right, you will see the main Annapurna (8.091 m) peak. To the east of Annapurna are Khangsar Kang, Tare Kang, Gangapurna and Annapurna III. A gigantic wall of steep rock and ice rises up from the glacier to the summit of Annapurna. It will be one of the best sunrises you will ever see. After enjoying the mighty Annapurna Sanctuary, we retrace the same trail that drops all the way down through Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan to Bamboo. After walking for about 6 hours, we finally reach the destination of the day, that is, Bamboo.

Day 7

Bamboo to Jhinu (5,659 ft)

Distance: 9 kms

Duration: 4 hours

Jhinu Danda is the destination set for today. From Bamboo, we first hike up to Kuldhigar, where the office of ACAP and the visitor center is located. We then hike down to the bridge across the Chhomrong River passing Sinuwa. We cross the bridge and enter a beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, a steep descent will take us to Jhinu Danda. The Jhinu hot springs is 15-20 minutes downhill from Jhinu Danda. A 15 minute descent from the village to the riverbed takes you to the hot springs - three pools brimming with naturally heated water - the perfect balm for your aching legs after 6 days of hard trekking!

Day 8

Jhinu to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Distance: 12 kms + 40 kms

Duration: 5 hours trek + 2 hours drive

Pokhara is the destination set for the day. Crossing the bridge over the Modi River, the trail initially passes through sporadic bamboo forest, which then crosses various small settlements up and downhill, decorated with terrace farms featuring seasonal crops till Siwai. The road intersects with the trail here, and you have the option of hiring a jeep to avoid hiking the last 8 km to Nayapul. If you choose to continue hiking, it will take another 2 hours to reach Birethanti where you will complete check out at the ACAP Checkpost. From Birethanti, it is a 10 minute climb to Nayapul, where you will board your vehicles for the drive to Pokhara. You can take a stroll along the Lakeside cafes and market, or actually go to Phewa Tal and sit by the lakeside bars or even take a boat out onto the lake. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 9

Depart from Pokhara

What's Included

Accommodation in Pokhara on Day 1 and Day 8
Accommodation in guesthouse/lodge on all trek days
Permits (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
Experienced guide

What's Not Included

Any Expense of personal nature.
Any meals during the trek/road journey/hotel accomodation
Any tip to porters or guides which is a customary thing in Nepal
Travel Insurance and Rescue Evacuation in case of emergency
Any kind of Insurance
Meals during the trek
Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
Gaiters, microspikes and sleeping bags (wherever necessary) are not included and thus have to rented from Pokhara by you.

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.

Moderate

4130 m

85 km

BRS Level Required

BRS 4

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.

If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:

we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
Woolen cap. Qty-1
Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
Plate. Qty- 1
Spoon.Qty-1
Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

Camera (Optional)
Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, at BRS 4 is suitable for trekkers with prior experience, having completed at least one BRS level 3 trek or equivalent.

If you can Jog/Run for 4 kms in 30-35 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 8 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.

If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.

A certain level of fitness and physical endurance are required to take on any high-altitude trail in the Himalayas. Basic knowledge about ascending & descending techniques for mountain trails, high-altitude attire and layering and mountain mannerisms will be helpful.

The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. The trek starts from a town called Nayapul and passes through several small villages, forests, and alpine meadows before reaching Annapurna Base Camp.

The ABC trek, short for Annapurna Base Camp trek, is a highly sought-after trekking experience in Nepal. It has gained global popularity, attracting numerous trekkers from various parts of the world. The trail is exceptionally picturesque, winding through the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary, where you can marvel at the remarkable flora and fauna. Upon reaching the base camp, you are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna Massif, including the Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and Annapurna South peaks. Additionally, the trek offers an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and hospitality, making it an all-around enriching experience.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is of moderate difficulty and demands a reasonable level of physical fitness as well as prior trekking experience. With the base camp situated at an altitude of 4,130M, trekkers may face altitude sickness, particularly towards the higher reaches of the trek. The trail is characterized by steep inclines and declines, uneven surfaces, and some narrow and rocky pathways. Furthermore, the weather in the Himalayas is often unpredictable, with the possibility of rain, snow, and high winds, especially during the monsoon season from June to August.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be undertaken during two seasons - Spring (April) and Autumn (October). During the Spring season, there may be some hard snow at higher altitudes, but the daytime temperature is generally warmer than in Autumn. In contrast, during Autumn, there is typically no snow on the trek.

The accommodation for all days of the trek will be provided in a guesthouse or lodge, generally called tea houses in Nepal.

During the Spring season, temperatures during the day are comfortable at around 20 °C, but at night they drop significantly to nearly zero degrees.

In Autumn, the temperatures resemble those of Winter, with cool and chilly nights. In October, the temperature can drop as low as 0 °C, while daytime temperatures typically hover around 15 °C.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not considered to be a technically challenging trek, but it does require moderate levels of physical fitness and some trekking experience. The trail involves some steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, and some narrow and rocky paths, particularly in the first few days of the trek. Additionally, the altitude can be a challenge for some trekkers, with the highest point on the trek reaching 4,130 M. However, the trail is well-maintained, and there are no technical climbing or mountaineering skills required.

The base for the trek is Pokhara, which is well connected from Delhi by air and land through Kathmandu.

By Air: There are multiple daily flights from Delhi to Kathmandu.

By Rail: You can take a train from Delhi to Raxaul Junction in Bihar on the Indo - Nepal border. From Raxaul, take a 5 km bus/taxi to the border, from where Kathmandu is a 10 hour road journey. Buses and taxis are easily available at the border.

By Road: The road distance from Delhi to Kathmandu is 1,145 km. There is a Delhi Government luxury bus service from Delhi Gate for Kathmandu that takes around 36 hours. This is the most time consuming but budget-friendly option at INR 2300 for the bus journey.

Kathmandu to Pokhara: From Kathmandu, you can opt to fly to Pokhara, or take one of several shared cabs that ply on the route daily. Since the trek starts from Pokhara you can take regular buses and taxis that ply from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Pokhara is also accessible from Delhi by road or rail.

There is 3G connectivity for the local network, NCell, for most of the Annapurna base camp trek. Read more: Comprehensive Guide for Trekking in Nepal

The closest ATM to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be found in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

You will have to arrive at Pokhara on your own. It is a well established tourist location and is easy to reach to.

We will be staying overnight in Pokhara on Day 8. Depart early in the morning on the next day.

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is a vibrant, noisy city. Packed full of history, palaces and temples, it is also within touching distance of Nepal's premier attraction: the Himalayas. Kathmandu is home to places like Durbar Square (with temples dating back to the 12th century), Boudhanath Stupa (a world heritage site), and Pashupatinath Temple (the country's most important Hindu temple, on the banks of the Bagmati river). Another must-see attraction is the Royal Palace, the site of the infamous 2001 massacre of the Royal Family by the then Crown Prince, which is now converted into the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.

Pokhara is another popular tourist destination in Nepal that is known for its stunning natural beauty, scenic lakes, and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. You can visit Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply relax by the lakeside. Visit Bindhyabasini Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and is a popular destination for pilgrims. Davis Fall, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, and Mahendra Cave are other must-see attractions in Pokhara.

Safety equipment used for rescue such as static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys is carried by our trek leaders. Gaiters, microspikes and sleeping bags (wherever necessary) are not included and thus have to rented from Kathmandu by you.

We don’t provide rentals for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can rent it from the local market in Kathmandu.

You can collect your rented equipment from the local shops in Kathmandu, on Day 1.

Return all the rented equipment to the shops you rented them from in Kathmandu on the last day.

For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.

You can buy your trekking necessities from Kathmandu/ Pokhara. However we recommend that you do not leave anything essential for the last minute purchase as you might not find sufficient time for shopping.

Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.

(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)

You can leave your extra luggage in hotel cloak rooms on a paid basis.

Like any trek in Nepal, meals are not part of the trek fee. All meals will have to be purchased by the trekkers at the tea houses where we stay. The tea houses in Nepal offer a wide variety of healthy and nutritious food. Read more: Comprehensive Guide for Trekking in Nepal

Since we will be staying at tea houses, these accommodations have proper toilet facilities. Depending on the tea house, however, some may have shared toilets and some may have private toilets attached to the rooms.

In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.

Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions and there are helipads on some camp sites.

You will get electricity at the tea houses. But these regions are prone to power cuts so it is better to carry your power bank as a backup.

A copy of your Medical Certificate and original ID Proof are the mandatory documents required to be carried by the participants throughout the trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)

Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can speak to our post-booking team and they will arrange it for you. They will send you a payment link once the insurance has been purchased. Read more: Comprehensive Guide for Trekking in Nepal

Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.

Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.

On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.

Foreign nationals need a Visa to enter Nepal. For some countries, the visa may be obtained on arrival. Citizens of China and SAARC countries, which includes India, a tourist visa can be obtained without a charge (visa fees) but for other countries there is a fee depending on the duration of the stay. Visit http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa to get all the information on the required processes based on your home country.

This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country. Read more: Comprehensive Guide for Trekking in Nepal

If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.

The Nepal Himalayas are home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. As a trekkers’ paradise Nepal has countless trekking trails which take you through all kinds of terrain spread out across Nepal. A country of warm people, eight of the fourteen tallest mountains in the world, diverse geography, and a rich culture with multiple languages, ethnicities and religions; the first thing you notice on entering Nepal is that it is extremely welcoming and full of colour – a country with a lot of heart.

You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.

A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader

It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.

Our batch sizes for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.

In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.

We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.

We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks

Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!

Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?

This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.

Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?

On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.

A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.

Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.

Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.

Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.

Why Bikat?

Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.

Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures

Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.

Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.

Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.

Reviews

Cancellation Policy

Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Please Note:

Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

Blog Posts

Informative

Trekking Annapurna Base Camp: A Complete Guide

Trekking Annapurna Base Camp: A Complete Guide The trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) has several obvious perks. Besides being an absolutely stunning journey through the best that the Himalayas have to offer and good name recognition whe...

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Informative

5 Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Nepal Trekking Tips A goldmine for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nepal sees a massive number of visitors each year from every corner of the globe hoping to get a glimpse of some of the world’s most impressive mountains. No matter wher...

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Experiential

Meeting Annapurna: The Road to Base Camp

This is a tough blog for me to write, because it’s about my last trek with Bikat Adventures. Working and trekking with Bikat for the last two years has taken me on a whirlwind through the Indian Himalayas to some of the most famous and fascina...

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Informative

All You Need to Know About Trekking in Nepal- A Comprehensive Guide

Nepal, best known for being home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,848M) is much more than an access to the top most point of contact on the planet. Formerly known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, it is a landlocked c...

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Experiential

Seven Reasons Why You Should Go For The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

People who relish the mountain trails have a thousand reasons that make them strap rucksacks onto their backs and head out for their next great adventure. If you're reading this, I'm assuming that you are (a) familiar with trekking and have some basi...

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Informative

Everest Base Camp versus Annapurna Base Camp: How to Choose

Everest Base Camp Versus Annapurna Base Camp Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the two treks many outdoor enthusiasts carry on their bucket list for years, hoping to one day join the ranks of those who have made it to the top. One h...

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Experiential

Why I Liked Annapurna More Than Everest

Semi-unpopular opinion: Annapurna Base Camp is a better trek than Everest Base Camp. I know, I know… what?! Don’t get me wrong, no one can argue that Everest Base Camp isn’t the most famous or historically-mentioned. After all, b...

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Moderate