Readme before you journey
Without further ado, if you're planning a multi-day trek, Nepal is likely at the top of your list. We were no different, drawn to the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range. Honestly, if it weren't for the Himalayas, Nepal wouldn't even be on my radar. I wasn't sure what else there was to do there. Having trekked numerous mountains in Thailand and a few abroad, I figured a multi-day trek wouldn't be too challenging. So, we decided to start with conquering Base Camp, specifically the most popular route, "Annapurna Base Camp" in Nepal, also known as ABC.
We have been preparing since 2016. We have been researching, reading reviews, watching TV shows, and deciding on the dates. We have concluded that the Poom Hill + ABC route will take 12-13 days, so we have decided on April 6-17, 2018. We wanted to book tickets a long time ago, but we didn't have the money. In September 2017, there was a promotion for flights to Kathmandu (connecting in Delhi). We couldn't miss it, so we booked it right away.
The next important thing was the guide. I had been in contact with him since 2016, but I kept refusing him, saying that I wasn't going yet. Then, after I booked my tickets, I started looking for a guide seriously. I emailed several places, and then one day the guide I had been in contact with since 2016 messaged me on Facebook, offering me a price and selling me on his services. I agreed, even though there were other, cheaper options. I chose to go with this guide, Krishna, because... I forgot to mention, there are three of us.
Flight Tickets
Direct flights are available with Thai Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Lion Air (which began service in 2018).
Connecting flights with Jet Airways, Air India, and Malaysia Airlines.
Visa
It is recommended to do it in Thailand to save time. Doing it in Thailand costs Bath, while doing it in Nepal costs USD. It takes only 2 days to complete. The initial cost is no more than 900 Baht within 15 days. For more details, please refer to this thread: https://pantip.com/topic/36341557. Thanks to the thread owner.
Package
After discussing the details with Krishna, the final price was agreed upon at 645 USD per person.
Includes:
- Private jeep transportation: KTM to Pokhara and Pokhara to KTM.
- Ground transportation: Private mini coaster for all necessary travel.
- Accommodation: Pokhara (2 nights), KTM, and Mountain.
- Trek permits: All necessary permits for the trek.
- Guide: Includes salary, food, accommodation, and insurance.
- Porters: 2 porters for every 3 trekkers, including salary, food, accommodation, and insurance.
- Meals: Lunch, breakfast, and dinner with tea or coffee during the trek.
- Government taxes and service charges: All applicable fees covered.
- Transportation: Tourist van for Pokhara-Nayapul and Nayapul-Pokhara.
- Airport transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
Exclusions:
- Meals, except for one welcome dinner in Pokhara.
- Additional tea, coffee, mineral water, and bar bills during the trek.
- Tips for guides and porters.
Itinerary:
Our plan for Annapurna Sanctuary may deviate from the usual route due to time constraints (6 days up, 2 days down).
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and stay overnight.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tekhedhunga.
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani.
Day 5: Trek to Chuile.
Day 6: Trek to Sinwa.
Day 7: Trek to Deurali.
Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).
Day 9: Trek to Sinuwa.
Day 10: Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara.
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Fly to Thailand.
Currency Exchange:
Note: This section is in Thai and requires translation.
Due to the unavailability of Nepalese Rupees (NPR) exchange in Thailand, it is necessary to first exchange Thai Baht to US Dollars (USD) and then exchange USD to NPR upon arrival in Nepal.
**It is recommended to exchange money at Kathmandu for a better rate.
Daily weather conditions (only during my trip from Nayapul to ABC)
The trail from Nayapul to Tekhedhunga is very hot today. It is advisable to wear clothing that covers your skin well.
The section from Tekhedhunga to Ghorepani is not as hot, but be prepared for rain and hail after lunch. Bring appropriate rain gear, including a raincoat and possibly a hat.
Ghorepani - Chuile: The weather was pleasantly cool after noon, with little sunshine but some rain and occasional hail.
Chuile - Sinuwa The weather is good. I saw the first sunshine after noon and then it rained as usual.
Sinuwa - Deurali: Cool weather with light sun in the afternoon, rain after Deurali, and fog before reaching Deurali.
Deurali - MBC: Sunny all the way, no trees to block the sun, and frequent photo stops due to the magnificent views.
MBC - ABC: Expect snow instead, with the possibility of witnessing beautiful snowfall or encountering a snowstorm.
Luggage
Carry your own belongings: A daypack that is not too large to carry your daily essentials.
Clothing and Hiking Gear
Porters: Waterproof or not, porters will have plastic to cover your belongings in case of rain.
Clothing
- Raincoat (Outer Layer/Hard Shell)
- Down jacket (Mid Layer/Soft Shell)
- Fleece jacket (Mid Layer/Soft Shell)
- Heattech shirt and pants (Base Layer)
- Quick-drying hiking pants
- Waterproof pants
- Windproof pants
- Comfortable T-shirt (athletic fabric preferred)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Gloves
- Wool socks
- Regular socks
- Sun hat
- Beanie
- Arm sleeves
- Buff
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Walking stick
Food
Don't take too much because the food there is delicious. The picture shows too much food. 55
Essential Items for Trekking in Nepal
Food:
- Maggie noodles: A versatile and easy-to-cook option for adding flavor to your meals.
- Instant noodles: Choose either packets or cups for convenience.
- Pre-cooked packaged food: Bring a variety of options to supplement your diet, especially if you're concerned about the local cuisine.
- Snacks: Pack chewing gum, chocolate, and candies for quick energy boosts.
Medical Supplies:
- Band-aids: Essential for treating minor cuts and scrapes.
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage headaches and muscle aches.
- Paracetamol: A common medication for fever and pain relief.
- Diamox: Consult your doctor about this medication for altitude sickness prevention.
- Muscle relaxants: Useful for alleviating muscle tension and cramps.
- Motion sickness medication: If you're prone to nausea, pack medication to prevent discomfort during travel.
- Decongestants: Help relieve nasal congestion.
- Anti-diarrheal medication: Essential for treating stomach upset.
- Electrolyte powder: Replenish lost electrolytes during strenuous activity.
- Nail clippers: Surprisingly useful for various tasks.
- Knee brace: Provides support and stability for your knees.
Electronics:
- Phone: Stay connected and capture memories.
- Camera: Document your adventures with high-quality photos.
- Power bank: Ensure your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
- Charging cables: Bring the necessary cables for your phone and camera.
- Tripod: Enhance your photography with stable shots.
I originally intended to bring a drone, but the guide informed me that flying is not permitted at ABC. Obtaining permission would have been a complex process, so I decided against it. It's a shame.
Travel Insurance
Summary of Expenses
Flights: Jet Airway roundtrip (connecting in Delhi) - 9,788 THB Guide: 645 USD (approximately 20,111 THB at an exchange rate of 31.18 THB) Visa: 15-day visa - 900 THB Travel Insurance: AIG Plan B - 1,320 THB Pocket Money: 355 USD, exchanged for 255 USD (approximately 7,950 THB) - 100 USD remaining upon return
The total cost was approximately 40,070 baht, excluding clothing and equipment (I spent more on equipment than the guide fee, haha! However, if you are on a tight budget or want to save money, I recommend going to Decathlon, which is located in Lotus department stores. http://www.decathlon.co.th/th/ )
App Recommendations
Download Maps.me and then download the Nepal map again. Use it offline while walking. The GPS is very fast and accurate. It can be used to check how far you have walked today, how high you are, or whether you are walking up or down. I use it all the time, even the guides ask to see it! 55+
***Precautions***
Beware of unsolicited assistance at the airport
Upon exiting the airport terminal, be cautious of individuals offering to assist with luggage or trolleys. These individuals may not be providing a free service and may request tips, specifically in 100 rupee denominations. At the time of arrival, most travelers will primarily possess Thai baht and USD, and may not yet have rupees.
Day 1: April 6, 2018 - Overnight stay in KTM
Departing from Suvarnabhumi to New Delhi for a layover.
The food on the plane was not worth mentioning, to say the least. 55+ The person next to me also shook their head.
The Delhi airport looked good. I almost missed my flight because I ran to the wrong gate, but it was delayed, so I survived. 55+
It's time to board the plane again, heading to Kathmandu.
I have safely arrived at Kathmandu. It doesn't look like an airport at all.
After receiving the bag, we walked out feeling like celebrities. 55+
Emerging, I looked for the guide Krishna ............ There he is!!! I've seen him on Facebook often, so I recognized him. 55+
Pretending to help with pushing and lifting luggage, then tricking people into giving them tips (the two people below). Oh man! Be careful.
We then took a car to our accommodation, Mountain Gateway, in the Thamel district, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Everything you need and more, available for purchase at Thamel. A true paradise for travelers, where you can arrive empty-handed and leave with everything you desire.
All I see are colorful prayer flags.
For my first meal in Nepal, I went to Yak Restaurant and had fried rice and pizza.
Day 2: April 7, 2018 - Drive to Pokhara
Waking up early to prepare for a road trip to Pokhara. Why not fly? We're on a tight budget. Taking the car allows us to enjoy the scenery at our own pace.
Krishna introduced us to our guide for the ABC tour, whose name is Ram. I seem to recall reading a review about a guide named Ram, but I'm not sure if it's the same person. Haha.
According to Maps, it is approximately 200 km and takes 6-7 hours to get out of Kathmandu. Sigh...
The entire journey was sleepless due to the poor road conditions, forcing us to drive along the shoulder. The heat was unbearable, and despite having air conditioning, it remained switched off. The promised "chill" ride turned out to be far from relaxing, leaving us frustrated and disappointed.
During the journey, the guide stopped for lunch. Unsure what to order, we opted for chicken. We ended up having delicious chicken steaks.
As you approach Pokhara, keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of the Himalayas, weather permitting.
We soon arrived in Pokhara and stayed at Pokhara Eco Resort.
Climbing to the rooftop of the hotel, the view of the Himalayas unfolded before me. Honestly, it's visible even without going up there. 55+
After packing your belongings, take a stroll around the city. If you haven't finished shopping, the last station is the place to be. There are still plenty of items for sale. We bought our trekking poles here. Feel free to bargain for the best price.
While some people enjoy trying local cuisine when they travel to a foreign country, our group prioritized finding KFC.
The menu item that is not available in Thailand is Smoky grilled. KFC is known for its fried chicken, so it's unclear why they offer grilled options. Regardless, it's delicious and a must-try!
Stroll and take photos by the serene Lake Phewa, where the tranquil atmosphere invites you to unwind with a refreshing drink.
On Saturday nights, the lakeside road is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian street for tourists.
And finally, Momo closes out the day.
Day 3: April 8, 2018 - Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Ready to conquer the basecamp! First, we'll take a one-hour car ride to the starting point. Our theme shirts are here, Thailand, hooray!
Swaying back and forth, I'm truly tired of the roads here. As soon as we reached the porters, they began to handle our luggage.
Luggage is ready. If anyone doesn't have water to drink on the way, you can buy it from the shop here. Ready, let's go!!!
The hawker stall has already closed. Was it because we had too much stuff? 55+
As we walked, the guide asked us various questions. I understood some of them, but not others. My language skills are really bad.
Upon reaching the permit checkpoint, if you are accompanied by an agency, they will handle the process for you. You can simply wait or walk ahead.
We continued walking after everything was ready. The sun was starting to come out, and there was some dust. It was time to use the various tools we had prepared.
Crossing this bridge marks the official start of our journey.
Wandering through the village, gradually absorbing the atmosphere.
For lunch today, I had chicken fried rice and pre-made food that I brought with me.
Despite their small stature, our porters are incredibly strong.
We continue walking in the afternoon, even though the rice hasn't finished digesting yet.
Excuse me.
During certain periods, the train is extended. During Songkran, there are too many tourists.
The first few days were relatively easy, reaching the accommodation village early. There are no photos inside the room, only outside. I forgot to take them.
Dining Room and Dinner Today
This is a simple and concise translation of the Thai phrase "ห้องอาหารและมื้อเย็นวันนี้". It maintains the original meaning while using formal academic English.
Every night, the guide would bring us desserts, mostly rubies, bananas, and sometimes apples. Then, the guide would sit down and chat with us to get to know each other better. It was a great opportunity to practice our language skills as well. 55+ After that, Ram would tell us the plan for the next day, where we would go and how long it would take.
Wifi is available in every village, but it requires payment and its reliability can vary from day to day. Electricity is free and readily available for charging devices. It is recommended to bring a three-pin plug adapter for convenience.
Day 4: April 9, 2018 - Trek to Ghorepani
Today, I have to face the 55+ age group, which is like going through the five levels of hell.
Foreigners can do it, so why can't Thai people? Right, everyone?!
Today, the view from the side of the road shows the mountains as steps.
These children enjoy having their pictures taken and asking for chocolate. If you have any, please share it with them.
There is no text to translate in the provided input. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.
How do you manage to carry such a heavy load, hawker?
Each house has a unique and striking color.
Our destination today, as indicated by the sign.
After walking for a while, you will see a stone platform like this. I don't know what it is either.
The lunch spot today had a beautiful view, but it was quite cloudy.
Association of Street Vendors and Local Residents
Would it be awkward if I sat with him? 55+
We shall now walk through the grove of ancient roses.
When walking with a horse and a mule on a narrow path, avoid the side with the cliff.
The path is now more shaded than this morning.
A fellow Thai tourist, who was with a different guide but the same agency as us, chatted with us as if we were traveling together. (Photo taken by the tourist)
The heavy rain and hail prevented us from taking out our cameras. Upon reaching our accommodation, one of our companions began experiencing a headache. Initially, we suspected AMS, but after resting and moving slowly, the symptoms gradually subsided.
The dining room has a fireplace where we can dry our clothes. We were all soaked because we didn't bring waterproof pants. It rained so hard that even waterproof shoes couldn't keep us dry because the water flowed down our hiking pants into our shoes.
The guide informed us of tomorrow's plan. We will wake up early, even earlier than we do for work. At 4:30 AM, we will trek to Poon Hill. Our shoes have been left out to dry all night.
Day 5: April 10, 2018 - Trek to Chuile
I don't want to wake up yet. The guide has already called. It's extremely cold. Prepare your cold-weather gear and start walking up Poon Hill. You need to move your body slowly now to prevent AMS.
The sight of the towering skyscrapers filled me with a sense of relief, confirming our arrival.
Meet the masses!!!
The sky is overcast, so I can't see the top of Mount Macchapuchare. What a shame.
Almost everyone has to take a picture at this spot.
After returning to the accommodation and having breakfast, I prepared to continue my journey. However, the pants I had hung to dry the previous night were still damp. Therefore, I resorted to using this special drying rack.
The fat cat and the little boy are covered in crumbs.
Today will be the same as yesterday, climbing stairs and passing through many thorny bushes.
It may seem like a path to heaven, but it's not!
To return or to continue, left or right.
It's time for another break. This sun is tiring.
In addition to protecting against the sun and dust, the fabric also enhances the quality of photographs.
The rain was about to start, so we had to hurry to reach the shelter and have lunch before it started raining. As soon as we arrived, it started raining heavily, and then hail started falling. We were exhausted!
I'd love to try Nepalese food, but I haven't dared to yet.
We continue walking in the rain, our destination today is Chuile.
The translation of the sentence is:
"I kept asking the guide how much longer it would be, and the answer was always at least an hour. 555+ And then we finally arrived."
Exhausted and chilled by the cold water, but I had to take a shower anyway. After showering, I sat down to play with the Wifi in the dining room because there was no internet signal in the bedroom. Sad.
Day 6: April 11, 2018 - Trek to Sinuwa
A beautiful view and a refreshing breakfast
I found my brothers and sisters again.
The view today is quite beautiful.
Greetings of "Namaste" were exchanged throughout the journey.
I don't know what you're talking about, but I'd like to join in. 55+
Unable to communicate, I will take a picture and keep it.
Based on past observations, we can confidently predict that rain will occur every day after noon. This prediction has been consistently accurate.
It's lunchtime now.
While waiting for the food, I caught a glimpse of a crow. It was in a good spot.
Students from other faculties also come here to rest and have lunch.
Continuing on, most people will rest at Chomrong, which has fresh coffee, numerous cafes, and stunning views. However, our guide instructed us to continue walking, much to our disappointment. Nevertheless, we continued our journey.
Passed the checkpoint
Despite the rain, we arrived at our accommodation. As the only available room was large, the three of us shared it with two other people from the same agency. We had no issues with this arrangement, as they were also Thai. (The guide books accommodation on a day-to-day basis.)
Day 7: April 12, 2018 - Trek to Deurali
I woke up to see his fish tail.
Today's route was incredibly challenging, so much so that we had to beg for mercy. 55+
From this day forward, the consumption of meat (chicken, beef, and buffalo) is prohibited within this sacred area.
Walking up and down like this consumes a lot of our energy.
The group stopped for lunch at Dovan. The guide told the porters that they were hungry and that they would eat at the Himalaya according to the original plan.
Then, they braved the rain to reach the Himalayas, getting soaked in the process.
The camera felt like a burden to carry, so I put it away and headed to my destination. No photos from here on out. - -
We had a big dinner tonight.
For many evenings, the guides and porters would eat their dinner after the tourists had finished, but they would eat in the kitchen. Today, the kitchen was full, so the guides went out to eat in the dining room. We saw the guides eating their rice with their hands, and they were very skilled at it.
Tonight, we slept together with our brother as usual. The room was smaller than before, but it was warm and cozy. We got close to each other quickly. 55+
Day 8: April 13, 2018 - Trek to ABC
Wow, coming out of the room is amazing.
Continuing our journey, today we must reach the basecamp.
The morning walk was slow because we were busy taking pictures of the magnificent view.
No matter how strong the sun is, we will fight to the end.
Lunch break at MBC. Honestly, I wanted to take more photos because the view is stunning.
A view from our own backyard. 55+
I saw H just now. People were flocking to take pictures.
The previous group reported encountering a snowstorm yesterday on their way to ABC, but on our day, the snowfall was light and fluffy. 55+
The blue area in the distance is where we had lunch at MBC.
Don't just keep walking forward, try looking back. It's so beautiful.
Oh, there's a puddle here?
The person in the picture is the one who stayed with us.
The long journey has finally led to the fulfillment of my dream.
Take a picture with the guide too.
A photo with our accommodation staff.
April 14, 2018 - ABC
The morning atmosphere
Has H arrived to pick us up?
A large crowd gathered to watch H.
In the dining room, tourists were putting up pictures of themselves. We were among them. 55+
The return journey took us two days, which was quite strenuous, but I won't go into details.
I never thought I would reach this point. It is something truly grand and magnificent. Seeing it in pictures is nothing compared to the real thing.
"The destination inspires the journey, the journey creates the story."
Thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed our journey. Please like, share, and care for us.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:44 PM
