How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Paro Tshechu Festival Experience – bhutantravelerschoice

Overview

In the mystical kingdom of Bhutan, amidst the serene beauty of the Paro Valley, unfolds the vibrant and spiritually significant Paro Tshechu Festival, one of Bhutan’s most celebrated cultural events. The festival attracts visitors and local communities to witness colorful masked dances, traditional performances, and profound Buddhist rituals. One of its most sacred moments takes place on the final day, when a large sacred Thangka of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled at Rinpung Dzong in the early morning for a few hours. It is believed that simply viewing this sacred painting can cleanse one of their sins and bring spiritual blessings. The 7-day Paro Festival Tour offers an immersive journey through Bhutan’s rich culture, ancient traditions, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, taking travelers from the historic streets of Thimphu to the majestic valleys of Punakha and the peaceful landscapes of Gangtey, before culminating in the spectacular Paro Tshechu. This journey is an invitation to explore Bhutan’s heritage, experience its vibrant festivals, discover its stunning landscapes, and connect with the timeless charm and spirituality of the Himalayan kingdom.

Highlights

Paro Tshechu Festival – Witness vibrant masked dances and the sacred unveiling of the Guru Rinpoche Thangka at Rinpung Dzong.
Thimphu & Punakha – Explore Bhutan’s cultural landmarks, historic dzongs, and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Gangtey Valley – Experience the peaceful beauty of the valley and Bhutan’s traditional rural lifestyle.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Paro – Thimphu

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide before taking a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, where you can acclimatize to the altitude and experience your first glimpse of Bhutanese culture and traditions. Explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong, a historic fortress and Buddhist monastery beside the Wang Chhu River. Continue to the lively Centenary Farmers’ Market, where local farmers sell fresh produce and traditional products, before visiting Buddha Dordenma at Buddha Point, home to a magnificent 169-foot bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley and surrounding mountains.

Day 02 :

Thimphu Tour

Day two offers a deeper journey into Bhutanese culture, traditions, and heritage, beginning at the National Folk Heritage Museum, where you can explore a traditional rural Bhutanese home and discover folk artefacts and cultural relics. Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to witness the traditional art of making Deh-sho paper from the bark of local trees, followed by the National Textile Museum, showcasing Bhutan’s intricate weaving traditions and beautiful traditional textiles. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, the takin, before concluding the day at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest surviving fortress, renowned for its beautiful Buddhist paintings, carvings, and its important role in Dzongkha language education.

Day 03 :

Thimphu - Punakha

Today, travel from Thimphu to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, with scenic stops along the way. Begin at Dochula Pass, renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan views and the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, before visiting the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple, built to commemorate Bhutan’s monarchy. Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and dating back to 1637. The day concludes with a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, crossing a picturesque suspension bridge decorated with colorful prayer flags and enjoying peaceful views of the surrounding valley.

Day 04 :

Punakha

Following an overnight stay in Punakha, journey toward the remote and beautiful Gangtey Valley, combining Bhutanese spirituality, architecture, and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” before passing through Wangdue Phodrang to admire the hilltop Wangdue Phodrang Dzong from outside. Continue into the scenic Phobjikha Valley, a peaceful glacial valley and wildlife preserve known for the arrival of black-necked cranes during the winter months. Visit the historic Gangtey Goempa Monastery, a magnificent 17th-century monastery overlooking the valley, and experience local Bhutanese life by staying in a comfortable hotel or enjoying a unique homestay with a local family.

Day 05 :

Punakha - Paro

On the fifth day, journey back to Paro, a picturesque valley rich in Bhutanese culture, history, and natural beauty. Enjoy views of Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s third-highest peak, before exploring the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture, and the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong and showcasing Bhutan’s rich collection of art, textiles, weapons, and cultural artefacts.

Day 06 :

Paro Tshechu

Experience the vibrant Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most celebrated festivals, where monks perform colorful masked dances and sacred rituals honoring Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Witness the festival’s spiritual highlight—the unveiling of the enormous sacred Thangka. Continue your exploration with a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched on a cliffside, followed by a visit to the historic Drukgyal Dzong Ruins, offering beautiful views of Mount Chomolhari, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temples.

Day 07 :

Departure from Bhutan

After an unforgettable journey through Bhutan’s cultural landmarks, sacred monasteries, scenic valleys, and vibrant traditions, bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan and take your onward flight, carrying home wonderful memories, photographs, and experiences from this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. Tashi Delek!

Paro Tshechu Festival Experience

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Archives

Categories

Featured Trips

Black-Necked Crane Festival