The Annapurna Sanctuary & Annapurna Base Camp

Nepal does not officially require any vaccinations for entry into the country, though the further off the beaten track you go, the more necessary it is to take precautions. For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Our Nepal treks will take you to higher altitudes, so it’s important to be aware of the causes and risks of altitude sickness, and how we manage them. You’ll be accompanied on your trip by a very experienced guide and we’ll be taking all the recommended (and more!) acclimatization days to allow you time to get used to the higher elevations. Altitude sickness is something that can occur above 2,400m or 8,000ft and affects everybody differently regardless of fitness (after all no-body is the same). Unless you live somewhere with high elevation, it's difficult to predict how your body will react to the higher altitudes, though there are some things you can do along the way to help you acclimatize.

One of the most important of these is to walk slowly and drink plenty of water – it’s really important your body stays well hydrated at all times and you never over-exert yourself. Also, eat light meals to make it easy for your body to digest food, avoid coffee and alcohol which dehydrate you and slow your breathing down, take plenty of rests and keep yourself warm at all times. If you are concerned or have any problems, please tell your guide straight away. If you are concerned, chat to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox which is proven to help with altitude. If you need any other information please get in touch – we know the place well and we can give you plenty more specific advice.

Learn more here about dealing with altitude

Accommodation

All accommodation on your trip is provided in Kathmandu and on your trek, so you don't need to worry about a thing. You'll stay at Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu and when you're out trekking you'll stay in guest houses also known as 'tea houses', with shared bathroom facilities. They are fairly basic by western standards but the location, views and warm Nepalese hospitality make it all part of a wonderful adventure. There is always an area to socialize with your fellow travelers and eat, drink, relax, read and rest your feet after another amazing day in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Meals

All your meals are included as described in the itinerary, we find most people enjoy checking out the variety of things on offer in the bigger towns. On your trek you'll eat in the local hotels (known as tea houses) with the main dish on offer being 'dhal bhat' a sturdy meal of lentils and rice that will set you up well for your day of hiking. If this doesn't take your fancy there is plenty of choice on the menu from chapatis, curry, rice, potatoes and even pizzas in some places! We recommend avoiding meat in Nepal and sticking to vegetarian fare so as to avoid any stomach upsets that may impact your experience.

Transport

You're mostly using the trusty transport of your own two feet in Nepal. There aren't too many roads in the Himalayas! You'll be using local trade routes and come across many local people selling their wares along the way, delivering goods by foot to businesses further up the mountains and travelling to visit their families. To get to the trek starting point we travel by plane to Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek, by plane to Pokhara and bus to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Guides

You will be accompanied on your trek by a local team of guides and porters. They will work closely together to ensure your trip is special, fun, hassle free, safe and successful. From organizing your lodgings each night to carrying your gear, this is a team you couldn't do without. They are used to working together, have a great team bond and are always looking for ways to make your trip special. They will keep you entertained, motivated and happy, even on the most challenging days. We are extremely proud of our guiding team in Nepal and the way they work together, and we look forward to you meeting them on your adventure.

As an Active Adventures traveler, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

We take up to 10 people on each Everest Base Camp Trek, 12 on each Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and 14 on each Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure trip. All our trips have an excellent guide leading the way along with a team of porters on the treks. We have found our trips tend to attract people with fairly similar interests and many people have commented the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Our trip fares are based on a twin-share rate (two people per room), and in the tea houses we will endeavor to place you in rooms of two people. However on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek ‘AST’ there are regulations which restrict the number of tea houses and rooms that are allowed to be built above the town on Chhomrong. For this reason, there is limited space and during peak season expect to be sharing with fellow Active Adventures group members where there will be four to six people sharing a room.
Some of the main lodges and hotels have a double bed option for couples, though the tea houses are usually twin share beds only, and some tea-houses may have bathrooms down the hall from your room or a few meters away from the main building.

Nepal’s currency is the Nepalese rupee - US$1 is worth about 135 Nepalese rupees (at the time of writing) - please check here for an up to date conversion.

We recommend you bring a variety of payment options with you to Nepal. US dollars are most easily exchanged, and a Visa Debit ATM card and a credit card should be carried in case of emergency. Nepalese rupees are the standard currency and are hard to sell outside of Nepal.

Cash is the easiest option and most widely accepted form of payment in Nepal. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some places, with additional transactions fees. Be sure to let your credit card company know you are travelling to these countries. If bringing US dollars to Nepal, bring brand new & good quality notes, the bigger the denomination the better.

Except in Solu Khumbu and on the Annapurna treks, changing foreign money is likely to be very difficult if not impossible, so bring enough money for the whole trek and don't count on being able to change Rs 1000 notes except in Namche Bazaar and Jomsom. Away from major centers, changing a Rs 1000 note can be very difficult, so it is always a good idea to keep a stash of small-denomination notes. Even in Kathmandu, many small businesses - especially rickshaw and taxi drivers - simply don't have enough spare money to allow them the luxury of carrying a wad of change.

We recommend bringing about US$15-30 (or equivalent) cash with you per person, per day. It should be plenty for extra food or drinks, bottled drinking water and to charge up your cameras in the tea houses as well as any souvenirs you would like to buy. Drinks and things tend to get more expensive the higher into the mountains you go, so be prepared for the different prices in different places.

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a recommended packing list in your Account on exactly what to bring along. The recommended packing list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

Nepal has a huge variety of weather conditions throughout the year and as a result of having one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, its weather can also change very quickly as well. As Nepal sits in the tropical belt and the mountains here are very steep, it means quite often on your trip you’ll experience hot and humid tropical climates right through to sub-zero alpine climates. We recommend you follow the recommended packing list closely and pack for all situations. You may not have to use everything in your bag, but at least you have it just in case.

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

• vegan (no meat or animal products)
• vegetarian (no meat products)
• pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
• no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
• no pork (eat chicken & fish)
• gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
• lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

We recommend everyone sticks to vegetarian fare (even if you’re not usually vegetarian!) for the duration of your trek to avoid any stomach upsets. Your guides will let you know if there’s anywhere in particular to avoid meat.

Also, if you have a sensitivity to dairy or gluten, and you have a favorite snack or brand of snack which suits you at home, we suggest you bring some along. There are meal options for you and a plenitude of food however gluten/ dairy free biscuits, chocolate and muesli bars are hard to come by. Some long-life probiotics might be handy to bring along too (ones that don’t require to be kept in the fridge only!) to take one each day you’re away – this may help your stomach and is good in places when you cannot have yoghurt.
Bring alcohol-based hand wash, and wash your hands constantly to avoid stomach upsets. Your guide will also provide soap to properly wash hands at each stop.

There are a few local customs to be aware of with regard to food and meals in Nepal:

• Always use your right hand for eating and handling food. The left hand is considered dirty, so don’t use it to eat or pass food to other people.
• It’s important not to touch another person’s food.

The staple food of Nepalese people is "daal, bhaat, tarkari" (lentil soup or curried vegetables with rice) and this hearty meal is something you’ll certainly enjoy whilst out on the trails. The food in Nepal is healthy and nutritious, with things like lentils, potatoes, rice and vegetables making up the most basic meals. The restaurants in Kathmandu are varied and plentiful - you’ll find various restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian and all sorts!

The average cost of food in Nepal is 750-1000NPR (US$8-10) per day per person. A meal in a regular restaurant is roughly 250 NPR, a coffee will cost roughly 126 NPR (US$1) and a can of beer about 300-400 NPR (US$2.50-3.30)

The water in Nepal is not treated therefore contains different bacteria to what we’re used to at home. We highly recommend you do not drink it or use it for brushing teeth, even in Kathmandu. Use treated water at all times. This also applies if you’re travelling through a developing country on your way to Nepal.
Plastic bottles are causing a huge environmental impact in Nepal, with plastic bottles littering some of the highest and most stunning places in the Himalayas. We’re sure you’ll agree with us this is heart-breaking to see, so please use treated water rather than buying plastic bottles, or reuse the same bottle. Our purification tabs work perfectly, we’ll provide these for you at your trip briefing, and treated drinking water is provided in the hotels where we stay.

Nepal operates on a 220 volt / 50Hz system with round two- and three-pin plugs (C, D and M).

Electricity is becoming more available throughout the Himalayas, however it’s still unreliable in many places. Local residents here usually have solar chargers they offer to recharge your devices (iPods, cameras, etc.) for around US$5-7 per device, depending on power availability. Some people bring their own solar charger though this is not mandatory.

Most of the places we go are pretty remote so Wi-fi is not always available though it is available at the teahouses in Namche Bazaar, Deboche, Periche and Kumjung at a charge ~ around US$5-10 per day. Wi-fi is also commonly available throughout the Annapurna Valley.

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. If your trip uses lodges and tea houses that are either twin share, or sometimes even more people sharing, then the upgrade cost will reflect this.

Nepal is a safe country for all travelers, including women, however, women should still be cautious. Some Nepali men may have peculiar ideas about the morality of Western women, given Nepali men's exposure to Western films portraying 'immodest' clothing and holiday flings with locals. Avoid unwanted attention by dressing modestly; a good rule in Asian countries is cover your body from your elbows to below your knees. This means wearing clothes that cover the shoulders (no singlets) and thighs (no shorts) - take your cue from the local people if you need to gauge what's acceptable. You might find that a long skirt or sarong is very useful when visiting sacred sites.

Nepal Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. It is +5:45 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

There are many activities to enjoy and places to explore in and around Kathmandu, whether you want to experience some of Nepal’s rich culture and history, take some time to relax and reflect upon your time in this amazing country, or keep the adventures coming! If you’re keen to stick to the city, then you could head out and explore the vibrant streets and shops of Thamel, browse for souvenirs and relax with a cheesecake and cup of Nepali tea up on one of the rooftop cafes. Or you can choose to escape the hustle and bustle and soak up the serenity of the Garden of Dreams, just a 2 minute walk from hotels in Thamel and a million miles away from the city. There are also some awesome day trips just a short bus or taxi ride away. Patan is famed for its local arts and craft scene and museum, or you can wander the cobbled streets of Bhaktapur, the country’s best-preserved medieval town. Or head for the hills! Hire a guide and go for a day hike up Nagajun hill!

If you fancy getting a glimpse into the beautiful melting pot of religions in Nepal, visit the spectacular Pashupatinath (Hindu) or Bodhnath (Buddhist) temples, just on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Nepal is also famous for being one of the world’s best outdoor adventure destinations, which is one of the main reasons we love it here so much! So if you’re keen to hit that adrenaline high or try something a little different whilst you’re here you’ve got heaps of options to choose from – take to the water and learn to kayak, or go white water rafting on one of Nepal’s mighty rivers; mountain bike in the Kathmandu Valley, bungy jump 160m at the Last Resort, go canyoning and abseil into a waterfall, or hone your climbing skills at the climbing wall in Kathmandu and imagine yourself summiting one of the many famous peaks you’ll have seen along the way!

Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreign visitors, so being aware and following them, when you can, will add so much to the whole experience. In the busier tourist areas, like Kathmandu or Pokhara, there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but when we head further afield and away from these places, you should be sensitive to local customs. For example, shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; instead make a great first impression by pressing the palms together in a prayer-like gesture and saying Namaste (nam-ast-ay).
A few social conventions we recommend to follow are:

• Women should dress conservatively and keep shoulders and legs covered (a good rule of thumb for Asian countries is have your elbows to knees covered)
• Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites
• Public displays of affection between men and women are not seen as appropriate
• Footwear should be removed when entering houses, especially kitchens, or shrines
• Seek permission before entering a temple, and do not take leather articles inside them
• Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place

There are so many great stories to come out of the Himalayas, probably because the landscape and the people inspire such creativity and adventure. Here is a list, gathered from across the Active Adventures family, of recommended reads:

• Seven Years in Tibet and the sequel Return to Tibet. Two autobiographical travel books written by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer. Seven Years in Tibet is based on Harrer's real life experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951 during the second world war and the time before the Chinese People's Liberation Army invaded. The book quickly became a best seller and has now sold millions of copies and been made into a movie twice - most recently in 1997, starring Brad Pitt!
• The Snow Leopard is an account by Peter Mathiessen, of his and George Schaller's 1973 journey to Crystal Mountain, in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau. They went in search of the extremely rare Snow Leopard that exists only in the high parts of Asia. Published in 1978, The Snow Leopard is regarded as a classic of modern nature writing.
• A more recent book, Michael Palin's Himalaya accompanies the successful 2004 BBC series. If you're looking for a great coffee table book to help get you inspired, this is it! There are some awesome images by Basil Pao interspersed regularly with Palin's fantastic sense of humour and easy-reading stories.
• You can't go past Into Thin Air, by best selling author Jon Krakauer. This is a hair-raising tale of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster when eight climbers were killed and several others were stranded during a rogue storm. Whilst a little more 'extreme' than our Everest Base Camp trek, this book definitely portrays another element to mountaineering in the Himalayas! Since it was published it has raised many questions surrounding the morality and competitive nature of summiting Mt Everest.
• For those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, The Path to Enlightenment by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is a must read. In 1959 the Communist Chinese Government forced the non-violent Tibetan Buddhist Government into exile. Having spent the majority of his life in India, the Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, has spent this time advocating for Tibetan's inside and outside of Tibet. Along with defining the Lam Ram, which are the stages on the spiritual path, the Dalai Lama describes the difficulty of attaining Nirvana (full Buddhahood), but urges determination.
• Sherpas: Reflections on Change in Himalayan Nepal by James F Fisher is a fascinating snapshot of how tourism and modernisation have affected the traditional way of life of the Sherpa people - both positively and negatively. Fisher first visited the Sherpas of Nepal when he accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964, to help build school houses. One of the by-products of this new school building was a small airstrip, which dramatically increased tourism to the area.
• Touching My Father's Soul by Jamling Tensing Norgay offers a great insight into the Sherpa world. Jamling Norgay was a mountaineer in his own right, who was a climbing leader on the ill-fated 1996 Everest IMAX expedition. As well as a first-hand account of the 96' tragedy, this book also tells little known stories of Tenzing's historic climb.