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.

Black-Necked Crane Festival – bhutantravelerschoice

Overview

Every year, as winter approaches, the people of Phobjikha Valley eagerly welcome the return of the graceful and endangered Black-Necked Cranes, which are deeply respected and believed by many locals to be protective spiritual beings. Upon arriving and departing, the cranes are traditionally observed flying in circles around Gangtey Goempa, completing three loops that are associated with Buddhism’s Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Held annually on 11 November, the Black-Necked Crane Festival brings the local community together to celebrate these remarkable birds while promoting their conservation and preserving Bhutanese traditions. Founded in 1998 by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), the festival features colorful cultural performances, folk songs, school dances, and traditional masked dances in the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa, creating a memorable celebration of nature, culture, and community.

Highlights

Witness the arrival of these endangered birds in Phobjikha Valley; Gangtey Goempa
Experience the spiritual connection between the cranes and the historic monastery; Cultural Performances
Enjoy colorful masked dances, folk songs, and traditional performances celebrating Bhutanese heritage.

Day 01 :

Paro - Thimphu

Arrive at Paro Airport and meet your guide before enjoying a scenic drive to Thimphu, where you can acclimatise and experience your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. Visit Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang for panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, explore the National Memorial Chorten dedicated to the Third King, and finish the day at Kaja Throm, a lively weekend market featuring fresh local produce.

Day 02 :

Thimphu

Begin the day with a scenic trek to Phajoding Monastery, founded in 1224, with an optional extension to Thuje Dra for breathtaking views of Thimphu Valley and surrounding rhododendron forests. Return to Thimphu in the afternoon to visit the historic Changangkha Lhakhang, explore the National Textile Museum to discover Bhutanese weaving traditions, and experience the traditional craft of papermaking at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory.

Day 03 :

Thimphu - Punakha

Travel through the scenic Dochula Pass, home to 108 beautiful chortens and breathtaking Himalayan views, before enjoying a gentle hike through rhododendron, magnolia, and juniper forests to the Royal Botanical Park. Continue to Punakha Dzong, a magnificent 17th-century fortress located at the confluence of two rivers, followed by a visit to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, renowned for its unique Bhutanese architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Day 04 :

Phobjikha Vally & Black-Necked Crane Festival

Journey into the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of around 600 Black-Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan Plateau, and visit the historic Gangtey Goempa, a 17th-century monastery overlooking the valley. Join the community at the vibrant Black-Necked Crane Festival, featuring traditional cultural performances and conservation activities, followed by a peaceful nature walk and a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn more about these remarkable birds.

Day 05 :

Punakha - Paro

Visit Talo Village, a charming hillside village offering sweeping views of the Punakha Valley, before taking a scenic walk through terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and known for its association with fertility blessings. Continue your journey to Paro and explore the impressive Paro Dzong, a historic 15th-century fortress, followed by Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan.

Day 06 :

Paro - Chele La Pass - Paro

Journey to Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain passes, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Paro and Haa Valleys. Continue to the peaceful Haa Valley for a leisurely exploration and visit Katsho Lhakhang, before returning to Paro for an overnight stay.

Day 07 :

Bumdra Trek

Begin your adventure at Sang Choekor Buddhist College, where you will meet the ponies and trek through peaceful forests to Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang before ascending to the high meadow below Bumdra Monastery, also known as the “Cave of a Thousand Prayers.” Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, explore the monastery or hike to a nearby peak, and spend the night camping beneath the spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 08 :

Bumdra - Taktsang - Paro

After breakfast, descend through ancient forests along the monks’ trail to Sangtopelri, offering a spectacular first glimpse of Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery). Continue to the trailhead and trek across the gorge, crossing a traditional bridge before climbing to the iconic monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside, where you can admire its spiritual significance and breathtaking surroundings before descending and returning to Paro.

Day 09 :

Departure from Paro

Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon as you head to Paro Airport for your flight. Leave with memories of sacred valleys, vibrant festivals and the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you back again. Tashi Delek!

Black-Necked Crane Festival

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