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.

Druk Path Trek: Paro to Thimphu – bhutantravelerschoice

Overview

This 9-day journey combines Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with the classic Druk Path Trek, one of the country’s most popular trekking routes. Beginning in Paro, you will explore the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and the ancient Kyichu Temple before setting off on a 6-day trek through pristine forests, past sacred high-altitude lakes, and over scenic mountain ridges. The trail leads you from Ta Dzong to Jili Dzong, Jangchhu, Jimilang Tsho, Simkotra, and finally Phajoding Monastery, offering stunning views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain. After descending to Thimphu, you will enjoy an in-depth city tour featuring the National Chorten, Motithang, and Zulikha Nunnery before departing from Paro. This adventure perfectly blends Bhutan’s spiritual culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking Himalayan beauty into an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Hike through pristine forests and past sacred high-altitude lakes like Jimilang Tsho, renowned for its giant trout, while enjoying sweeping Himalayan vistas.
Stand in awe of the 7,570-meter Gangkar Puensum as you descend toward the historic Phajoding Monastery, a spiritual highlight of your trek.

Day 01 :

Paro Arrival

Welcome to the Thunder Dragon. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport in Paro. After checking in to your hotel, you will visit the National Museum, which houses lots of exquisite local artworks, Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), which offers you a beautiful river view, and Kyichu Temple, a small temple with beautiful views.

Day 02 :

First Trekking Day – Ta Dzong to Jili Dzong

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum you visited yesterday, to start your hike. It takes 5 hours to finish today's 7-kilometer hike. The altitude will go up from 2,500 meters to 3,500 meters and you need to climb on a steep ridge, so the speed can't be too fast. When you finally hike through a forest of firs and blue pines, you will reach Jili Dzong, the destination of today's hike.

Day 03 :

Second Trekking Day – Jili Dzong to Jangchhu

Today's hike is easier than yesterday. After ascending 300 meters at the beginning of today's hike, you will hike along a relatively smooth path; however, the altitude has reached 3800 meters, so the speed is still low. It takes around 5 hours to finish today's 10-kilometer hike, which will end at the Jangchhu Lhakhang.

Day 04 :

Third Trekking Day – Jangchhu to Jimilang Tsho

Jimilang Tsho is a beautiful lake renowned for its giant trout. It is also one of the sacred lakes in Bhutan. You need to hike to a mountain slope with an altitude of 3870 meters to reach the lake. Today's 11-kilometer-long hike also takes 5 hours.

Day 05 :

Fourth Trekking Day - Jimilang to Simkotra

You will trek past Janye Tsho, another lake located in a high-altitude area today. You may meet local herders during the hike. It takes around 4 hours to finish today's hike and the route is easier, so you can walk around for more sightseeing and take wonderful photos if you like.

Day 06 :

Fifth Trekking Day - Simkotra to Phajoding

After 4 days' ascending, your hike finally begins to go downwards today. However, the sceneries keep high! Especially when you are having a grand view of Gangkar Puensum. Standing 7570 meters above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Bhutan. When you finally reach Phajoding Monastery, the altitude will have gone down to 3700 meters. Spend more time exploring the monastery if you arrive early. Normally, it takes only 3 hours for today's hike.

Day 07 :

Final Trekking Day - Phajoding to Motithang

Congratulations! You are about to finish the tough hike now. Today, you will descend to Motithang Youth Center and take a car ride to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where you will stay overnight in a warm hotel room. Most of today's hike is downhill, so it takes only around 3 hours to finish it.

Day 08 :

Thimphu

You will visit some highlights in Thimphu, which include the National Chorten, Motithang and Zulikha Nunnery. After lunch, you will be transferred to Paro.

Day 09 :

Bhutan Departure

In the morning, after breakfast your tour guide will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations. See you next time!

Druk Path Trek: Paro to Thimphu

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

Paro Tshechu Festival Experience

A Glimpse of Drukyul: Himalayan Discovery

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

Paro Tshechu Festival Experience

A Glimpse of Drukyul: Himalayan Discovery

Related Trips

Bhutan: Mountain Biking & Cycling Tour

Eastern Bhutan Birding

Bhutan: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary