Trip Fact:
Trek Code: BATE NEP 04
Trek Name: Annapurna Sanctuary
Grade: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4000m/13123ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Meal: All meal on trek & Bed & breakfast in cities
Transport: Flight or Private vehicle
Trek Days: 10
Total Days: 16

Trip Summary:

The aptly named Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most intensely scenic trek in Nepal. The Annapurna Range of mountains is a vast massif of numerous spectacular peaks that lies between the Kali Gandaki and the Marsyangdi river valleys forming a solid mountain bastion. Within its span of 40miles, it encompasses more than a dozen peaks higher than 7000m and numerous others of over 6000m. Leaving the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, we experience many changes as we trek up to Annapurna Base Camp through colorful rhododendron forests and bamboo groves to high desert like landscapes. The initial people of Aryan stock give way to those of Mongolian ancestry while the 4 dominant religion changes from Hinduism in the lower areas to Buddhism as we progress higher. We trek it Machhapuchare Base Camp on a ridge below the dramatic unclimbed holy mountain, Machhapuchare, or Fishtail Mountain and up to our destination, Annapurna Base Camp set within the vast spectacular natural amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary – an unbelievably beautiful setting where we are surrounded by fabulous, glistening peaks – a truly unforgettable scene.

Trek begins with warm traditional welcome and quick safety briefing followed by comprehensive trip briefing next day, introduction to your guide and entertain last minutes questions.

Outline Itinerary: 

Days	Itinerary	O/N
Day 01	Arrival in Kathmandu	Hotel
Day 02	Sightseeing of World heritage sites	Hotel
Day 03	Drive Pokhara – Phedi then Trek to Deorali	Lodge
Day 04	Trek to Ghandruk	Lodge
Day 05	Trek to Chomrong	Lodge
Day 06	Trek to Doban	Lodge
Day 07	Trek to MBC	Lodge
Day 08	Trek to ABC	Lodge
Day 09	Rest day at ABC.	Lodge
Day 10	Trek to Bamboo	Lodge
Day 11	Trek to Jhinu Danda	Lodge
Day 12	Trek to Birethati then drive to Pokhara	Hotel
Day 13	Sightseeing of Pokhara	Hotel
Day 14	Fly Pokhara – Kathmandu	Hotel
Day 15	Day at leisure	Hotel
Day 16	Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure	Lodge

 

 

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft (BB)
Arrival in Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to Hotel, just walking distance to any styles of good restaurants and shops. Our Representative will give you short briefing on hotel facilities and safety. Tonight we only have a short introduction to the area, just what you need to know before the main briefing tomorrow. O/N at Hotel Nirvana Garden in Kathmandu

Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites: (BB)
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you're fully prepared for the trip, and any last minute questions answered. After lunch we explore this medieval capital. We visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath, holy temple of Hindu where cremation takes place by the holy river Bagmati. Later we visit Patan Durbar Square. Evening: welcome dinner hosted by Basanta Adventure. O/N at Hotel Nirvana Garden in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara: 820m/2690ft, Lunch at Pokhara: (BB)
With a morning wake up guide will pick you up and transfer to the tourist bus station and drive (approximately seven hours with breaks) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas. O/N at Hotel Meera in Pokhara

Day 04: Drive Pokhara – Phedi then Trek to Deorali: 2095m/6873ft, Lunch at Pothana: (BB)
Fly or drive to Pokhara and a short drive to Phedi (1135m) and we are already trekking. The first hour is steep uphill so take it really easy. Though all uphill today is short enough, so we should take our own time. Up through beautiful forests it takes about an hour to reach Dhampus, a lovely village with rich farmland and well built houses. The views back over the Mardi Khola valley are already opening out, and continue to get better as we gradually rise to Potana (1970m), where we have lunch. Continuing along to the ridge itself through gorgeous oak and rhododendron forests, we reach the cross over into the Modi Khola valley at Bhichok Deorali. This is our excellent first night stop, with fantastic views in both directions, including our route ahead, the snowy peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli guarding the gorge into the sanctuary. A really excellent first day's trekking, which has brought us to a good height already forming a sound base for our acclimatization. O/N at See You Lodge in Deorali

Day 05: Trek to Ghandruk: 1940m/6365ft, Lunch at Tolka: (BB)
In the morning we descend again, mostly gradually but with a few steep sections on forest trails to reach the pretty village of Landruk (1630m). This is quite an early lunch stop ready for a longer afternoon. We can see our night stop just across the valley, but it’s a fair old descent to cross the Modi Khola itself, and even further slowly climbing the other side to the large handsome village of Ghandruk. This is the district centre of the Gurung region. There is plenty to explore including the headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation Project, but be sure not to get lost in the maze of little streets on route. O/N at Annapurna Lodge in Ghandruk

Day 06: Trek to Chomrong: 3210m/10531ft, Lunch at Timrung Khola: (BB)
A short day today before we start the climb into the Sanctuary. From Ghandruk we cross the ridge to the north with the view of the twin 'fishes tail' peaks of Machapuchare gradually unfolding as we go. Crossing the Khyumnu Khola, we ascend the wide hillside opposite, and then contour out to the ridge over the Modi Khola. Just round the corner we come to the comfortable lodges of Chomrong the last Gurung village on the route. Its a longish morning, but worth getting there for lunch, giving us a relaxing afternoon in this splendid location with the peak of Annapurna south now directly in front of us. O/N at Moonlight Lodge in Chomrong

Day 07: Trek to Doban: 2510m/8235ft, Lunch at Shinu Danda: (BB)
We actually start by descending the many steps through the old Chomrong village and crossing the stream at the bottom, before beginning our gradual diagonal climb of the opposite hillside though hamlets and the last isolated farmland. At the outer ridge, high above the Modi Khola, we can see all the way back to Ghandruk. Then entering the great oak and rhododendron forests beyond, we start the route up to the Sanctuary itself. The gorge becomes more and more alpine in feel as we gradually ascend deeper into it. The huge trees are frequented by grey monkeys who make their daily route at dawn and dusk from the river to the high ridges above. We reach some lodges known as Shinu Danda for lunch. Not surprisingly this is where these plants start to pre-dominate the undergrowth. In the forests beyond our lunch stop the path is craftily made, cunningly winding over smooth rocks and tree roots. Care should be taken as it can be quite slippery, especially in the wet. The forests turn to rhododendrons, and we should keep our eyes open for the many species of orchids that thrive in this clean mountain air. This heralds our arrival at Doban (2605m), our excellent lodge stop, is in a clearing in the narrowing valley. We are now right alongside the dramatic peaks of Machapuchare; from here its beautiful peaks visible across the valley from here up. O/N at Annapurna Lodge in Doban

Day 08: Trek to MBC: 3700m/12139ft, Lunch at Deorali: (BB)
Today we will enter the Sanctuary and there is a feeling of hushed anticipation as we head on up the valley's narrowing gorge. Soon we come to a little shrine to the gods of the Sanctuary at a wonderful waterfall in the Modi Khola itself ('beautiful but dangerous' as the sign reads, careful on the edge). We now wind our way up, close to the river, with the sound of water crashing down alongside. The trees gradually shrink to shrubs, juniper and azalea and the valley widens a little as we reach Hinko cave, the original shepherd's shelter on the route, the views opening out all rounds. Just beyond at Deorali (3230m) we have lunch, the last lodges before the 'entrance' to the Sanctuary. The beautiful peak of Gangapurna is straight in front of us, across the gap ahead, a tantalising first glimpse of what's to come. We can see the valley swinging round to the left up there and widening out. We move on expectantly. To say we enter the sanctuary 'suddenly' sounds daft, but that is really how it feels. As we round the ridge of Hiunchuli to the left we become aware of the wide space of the Sanctuary, so hidden up to this point. Already, even in this southern corner stunning peaks surround us. Above us on a ledge is Machapuchare Base Camp (3705m) where we will stop for the night. The name is purely historical as it is not permitted to climb sacred Machapuchare since its one ascent in 1955. Already, just in this corner of the Sanctuary, we are aware of our amazing surroundings. Tomorrow will reveal the full extent of this mountain paradise. O/N at Shikher Lodge in MBC

Day 09: Trek to ABC: 4130m/13550ft, Lunch at ABC: (BB)
Its only a few hours up gradual slopes to our final lodge stop at Annapurna Base Camp (4130m), and the extent of the mountains surrounding us are continually revealed as we make our way up. Though this trek stays relatively low compared to others, it can still be fairly breathless stuff. This is a new altitude level that we are still adapting to, and there is absolutely no hurry. We walk deliberately slowly, controlling our eagerness to get there. It takes a long time to take it all in, stop and rest regularly. From just beyond the lodges the ridgeline of peaks is almost uninterrupted - from the snowy slopes up to Hiunchuli behind, to Annapurna South, then the appropriately named 'Fang' peak, to the massive south face of Annapurna itself, across Fluted and Tent peaks in the foreground, to Annapurna lll, Gandhara Chuli and finally the gorgeous north face pyramid of Machapuchare, guarding the narrow entrance. All before lunch! In the afternoon we can take the option to ascend the gentle northern slopes of Hiunchuli straight up from the base camp, where, from successive levels, the view keeps on get better. Soon the whole ridge line becomes visible, and we can see the full sweep of Glacier Dome as far as Gangapurna, connecting the two Annapurnas. In the foreground the majestic sweep of the peak terrain drops down to the glacier. Our lodge alongside seems dwarfed in this vast arena. It is possible to reach a fine height on these even slopes just by plodding on up. Sometimes there is snow on them and then the descent can be even easier - the old 'seated glissade', aka the 'bum slide'. Energy saving if you are not tempted to go up and do it again! O/N at Snow land Lodge in ABC

Day 10: Rest day at ABC: (BB)
Another whole day in the Sanctuary. In the morning we should go up to the Hiunchuli viewpoint if we did not do so yesterday or if it was cloudy. Afterwards we can explore right up the valley toward the awesome south face of Annapurna. Or we can just relax and enjoy being here. O/N at Snow land Lodge in ABC

Day 11: Trek to Bamboo: 2340m/7677ft, Lunch at Deorali: (BB)
As there is still time, the most hardy will be tempted by a pre-dawn excursion up the hillside to catch the magical moment of the sunrise at its best; be sure to take every item of warm clothing with you. The descent to Machapuchare Base Camp takes half the time of the way up, and we continue down to the comfortable and grandly titled lodge at Hotel Himalaya (2870m) for lunch. We should be very careful, however, as the descent can be slippery. Take it slowly. We carry on down as far as Bamboo, our lunch stop on the way up. O/N at Buddha Guest House in Bamboo

Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda: 1780m/5840ft, Lunch at Chomrong: (BB)
The descent is nicely split over these two days and soon we're back at the splendid comforts of Chomrong for lunch. From here we depart from our previous route to take the most direct return to Pokhara. Just beyond Chomrong the path drops steeply down the ridgeline, arriving shortly at the Brahmin (high caste Hindu) village of Chinu. There is not far to go this afternoon so we could choose to detour to a wonderful hot spring just north of the village, where a good soak can ease away any trail weariness. Back on the trail we continue along and down to the river at Himalkyo, popularly known as New Bridge (1540m), our night stop. This will be your last night with your trekking crew except trekking Guide. Trekking crew will organize a farewell ceremony, Nepali song and dance, staff members will be allowed to drink to join the party. You may want to try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N at Evergreen Lodge in Jhinu Danda

Day 13: Trek to Birethati then drive to Pokhara: 820m/2690ft, Lunch at Syauli Bazaar: (BB)
Alongside the river the trail is good and we usually cover the distance to Birethati in a long morning's walk. After some lunch we cross the river to the road and take the short drive back to lakeside Pokhara; comfort, hot showers and cold drinks at your Hotel. O/N at Hotel Meera in Pokhara

Day 14: Fly Pokhara – Kathmandu: (BB)
We take the short but thrilling internal fight past Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to Kathmandu. We are met and brought back to a warm welcome and the comforts of the Hotel. Time in the afternoon for more sights, shopping or shenanigans in the relaxed bars of Thamel. O/N at Hotel Nirvana Garden in Kathmandu

Day 15: Day at leisure: (BB)
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping etc. O/N at Hotel Nirvana Garden in Kathmandu

Day 16: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today either you’ll have your holiday extension for another tour or we will transfer you to airport for final departure flight.

General Information on Treks:

Best Time to Trek:

Spring (February-April) 

Spring is a good time to trek especially the latter half. This is the time for a wide variety of wild flowers to bloom. Along the trek routes, many hillsides look spectacular with rhododendrons blossoming in many hues. During this season, the hillsides above 5000 meters turn into beautiful landscapes. It is mildly warm at lower elevations, and as you climb higher (above 4000 meters), the mountain views are superb and the temperature is quite moderate.

Pre-Monsoon (May-mid June) 

It gets that much hotter, hazier and unsettled in May & early June. The warming Asian landmass has begun drawing up air from the south, ushering in the pre-monsoon – a season of erratic weather and increasingly frequent afternoon storms. If you are looking for solitude on your trek, this is a good time to go. It is also a good time for going high but be prepared for rain, especially in the traditionally wet areas of Annapurna and eastern Nepal. 

Monsoon (mid-June to September) 

Few foreigners trek during this period because of the rain, mud, leeches, travel difficulties caused by landslides and general lack of mountain views. However, some treks in Nepal’s far west are sheltered from the impact of the monsoon. And even in wet areas, mornings are often clear, and wild flowers and butterflies can be seen in abundance.

Autumn: (October to November)

Autumn is the possibly the best time to trek and visit Nepal in terms of weather, festival activities. The main festival of Nepal takes place during October and November called Dasain and Tihar (festival of light). The disadvantage of this season is heavy tourist traffic, BATE have been encouraging valued guest to visit in spring if possible in order to avoid busy tourist season. 

Winter: (December to January)

This is consider cold season, there are many group visit Nepal to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Trekking is possible in most of the area including Everest base camp. This season is ideal to visit Pokhara and Chitwan National Park where temperature is much warmer than Kathmandu. 

Clothes and Other Tips:

While having the right kit with you for a trek is important, high-tech kit is not essential, especially for the lower treks which some people do in trainers, especially in the warmer months. Mountain Travel treks provide porters who will carry personal belonging but it is an idea to have a day-pack for essentials such as a water bottle, torch, gloves, hat, sun cream etc. Bring plenty of sun screens and never underestimate the power of the sun at high altitude. (We shall send you detail check-list on request)

Packing:

We recommend that the best type of luggage on trek is a good sized, strong, cylindrical bag with a top-length zip. In addition you will require a day-pack and an additional bag for things that you may wish to leave in Kathmandu.

What to leave in Kathmandu: 

Basically, leave whatever “smart” clothes (if any) you have brought for evening and city day wear. Things are very informal at even the best hotels in Kathmandu and many visitors wear clean trekking clothes throughout the day. Bags can be left in the safe-keeping of your hotel whilst on trek as hotels in Kathmandu hotels are well-versed in the habits of trekkers and mountaineers. Do not leave valuables in your luggage. Arrange with the manager for them to be deposited in the hotel safe. We suggest leaving valuable documents, ornament, original passport and anything you think that you do not need on trek.

What to wear on trek:

You must anticipate your daily clothing requirements at the beginning of each day and you will be assisted in this choice by your Sherpa leader or sirdar. Mornings and late afternoons are cool in the mountains, so you will start the day’s walk warmly clad and proceed to shed clothes as the sun’s heat increases. For example, you may start the day in trousers and pullover but by midday shorts and a light shirt will do. This is where the day pack comes in handy.

What you carry on trek:

On an organized trek you will just need to carry your day pack which should be a small, soft, light rucksack, comfortable enough to carry throughout the day. Fully packed it should weigh 5-7 pounds and should hold your warm or lightweight clothing, jacket, pullover, trousers or shorts. Also, a lightweight waterproof, water bottle, camera, notebook, map and other personal effects should be kept with you - try to anticipate what you will need for the day as the rest of your luggage will be ahead or behind you with the porters. Keep your day pack light or else misery will result!

What will be carried for you?

The porters will carry your bag containing clothes and personal items not required during the day and are carried from camp/teahouse to camp/teahouse in a pannier on a porter’s back.

Once you have packed your duffel bag in the morning, you will not see it until the next camp or teahouse is reached in the late afternoon. A duffel or soft canvas bag should be used, not a suitcase as it has to be packed into a basket. Crushable or fragile items in the bag are prone to damage if not well-padded with clothes...

Food and drink: 

BATE Full Support treks provide each person with substantial and delicious food throughout the day. Early morning your Sherpa leader will wake you with tea and coffee and hot water for washing. A light breakfast of bread, butter, jam and crackers will then be served - the point of the light breakfast is that the early start allows you to make the most of the day on the trail, frequently the best mountain views are in the morning.

Brunch on the trail will consist of porridge, eggs (usually with sausage or meat and beans), potatoes, bread, jam etc. with tea or coffee. On arrival at the campsite it is possible to have tea consisting of a hot drink, bread, crackers, jam, peanut butter and probably cheese (depending on local supply). The evening meal will consist of soup, main course, sometimes a dessert and hot drinks. 

For those doing a teahouse trek, the teahouses are well stocked for trekkers offering a staple diet of eggs, porridge, custard, chocolate and muesli amongst other foods. Often, the international delicacies promised on the menu are unavailable… Local dishes of dal bhaat, chowmein, packet noodles and seasonal vegetables are readily available unlike much of the western food on offer.

Trek Permit:

Due to a recent change in government regulations many areas no longer require trekking permits. However, should one be required we will forward you a trekking permit application form which should be completed as soon as possible and returned to us with 3 passport sized photographs and photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport. Your actual trekking permit will be handed over in Kathmandu.

For those planning to trek independently you will need to look into whether or not you need a permit. Permits are no longer required for the standard routes in the Annapurna, Everest and Langtang/Helambu/Gosainkunda areas. However, National Park Fees and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) are required before entry.

Permits are still required for treks passing through the restricted areas of Kanchenjunga, Olangchung Gola, Rolwaling, Manacle, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Mugu, Humla and Api-Saipal. Permits for these routes must be obtained by or through a registered agency, and for some routes a government liaison officer is required

Different Types of Trekking Arrangement: 

Trekking, the meaning of which is “travel by foot along mountain trails”, can be done for just a few days or for a month or more, in the same style as exploratory or mountaineering expeditions. Whilst trekking, Sherpas serve as guides, interpreters, cooks and camp staffs. Porters, horses or yaks carry all food, fuel, camping equipment and your personal belongings so that you need only carry what you might want during the day. At night either you can stay in tents or local lodges known as tea-houses and sleep in sleeping bags, all of which are carried with the trekking party.

Full Support Treks: 

Full Support treks provide a charming angle to trekking in the Himalayas. Accommodation is in the form of luxury tents, which are put up at the end of each day by BATE’s expert porters who carry the equipment from place to place throughout the trek with the help of pack animals. 3-course meals are prepared and cooked for you by our trained chefs that accompany you on your trek. Fresh supplies of vegetables, eggs and meat are purchased locally wherever available. Warm water is provided for washing in the mornings and evenings.

Full Support Group Treks & Expeditions: 

We have offered some popular trekking and tours in Nepal and Tibet on a fixed departure basis. These trips are joined by our valued clients from all around the world and are normally comprised of between three and ten participants. Most of the trips are guaranteed to operate with only two persons without affecting the cost. 

Tailor - Made Full Support Treks:

BATE designs customized itineraries for individuals, families, and small groups of friends wishing to trek alone with full support services.

Full - Arrangement Tea House Treks: 

BATE highly recommends this Eco-friendly arrangement of trek wherever the lodges have been built so money can be spent locally. During this trek client will spend night in a cozy tea houses which is a normally built in a traditional Nepali house with private room with 2 beds with bedding, bathroom normally shared by 2 or 3 rooms. We provide with a guide as well as a porter for your personal belongings and sleeping bags. Meals are taken in the restaurant of tea houses.

Part - Arrangement Tea House Treks: 

We also arrange guide, porter, accommodation support for the more independent-minded trekker who do not mind organizing their own meal as per their budget.  We set you on your way with one of our experienced guides and a porter to carry your equipment.

Expedition Services:

We cater for major full scale Himalayan expeditions. Our involvement can be tailored to suit the budget of the Expedition but in most cases we cut out the bureaucratic hurdles involved with obtaining permission as well as provide the support of some of our top Sherpas.

Expedition Support Treks:

For major Himalayan expeditions we also organize special support treks to expedition base camps for families & supporters of the expedition members.

Recreational Climbing: 

Today, many of the smaller Himalayan peaks can be successfully climbed by recreational mountaineers on a relatively short holiday expedition. Considering the distances one must fly, the costs can be quite reasonable, and a small expedition to Nepal need no longer be an impossible dream. We organize short-duration expeditions to a number of 20,000-foot Himalayan peaks.

School Expeditions:

We also offer a complete Himalayan treks & expedition service to schools. We can advise on the appropriate region and destination in the Himalayas to suit the school's objectives. We will handle all the arrangements, supplying detailed itineraries, comprehensive information booklets and equipment lists. 

Gap Year Programme:

• BATE have been successfully organising long and short term Gap Year program for both student experience individual since 2001. 
• BATE is official Nepal representative for Oyster Worldwide, United Kingdom. www.oysterworldwide.com
• BATE is the official Travel partner of Future for Nepal, an INGO that has organized charity treks to raise funds for their charity activities www.futurefornepal.com/charity treks
• BATE also provides logistic support to volunteers from (FOTWA) friends of Tibetan woman association. www.artrefugee.com 

Special Interest Treks:

Many individuals or organizations want to arrange a special interest trek which is precisely tailored to suit their particular interest. These trips might be culturally orientated or specifically for bird watching and the like. Together with our associate companies we are also able to provide trek leaders with expert knowledge on specific subjects. BATE have already organized Ayurvedic Tour, Buddhist Pilgrimage tour both in Nepal and other outbound destination, Tour of Power places.  

Quid Pro Quo for Trekking:

It is up to the trekker as to what sort of trek he/she would like to do and this can be discussed with BATE’s expert team of advisors when you come to book your trek. Trekking does involve an element of fitness and obviously, the more strenuous the trek, the better it is to be fit. People of all ages, standards and abilities trek through the Himalayas - whatever your specifications, BATE can fulfill them.

If your trek goes through any of the national parks or conservation areas a separate entry ticket is required. In most cases the fee is simply collected at entry point; however, for Annapurna treks tickets must be bought in advance in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Children under 10 receive free admission.

Other considerations before embarking on a trek include good insurance that covers “hazardous sports”. It is also a good idea to register with your embassy in Kathmandu as this will speed up the rescue process in the highly unlikely event that you will need rescuing. 

Trek Cost: 

Full support trek prices include:

• All meals on treks cook by our chef.
• All communal equipments such as sleeping, dining, toilet tents, chair and table, crockery etc. 
• The service of an English speaking guide, Sherpa crew, cooks and all portage. 
• Trek staff insurance. 
• Trekking permit. 
• National Park Fee and government formalities.
• Back up support of BATE in case of emergency.
• Overland transportation to and from trek initiation point as necessary.

Full arrangement tea house treks include:

• Accommodation in Lodge en-route.
• The services of an English speaking guide and all Porterage. 
• All meal major meal en-route (breakfast, lunch and dinner). 
• Trek staff insurance. 
• Trekking permit. 
• National Park Fee and government formalities.
• Back up support of BATE in case of emergency. 
• Overland transportation to and from trek initiation point as necessary.

Part arrangement tea-house trek include:

• Accommodation in Lodge en-route.
• The services of an English speaking guide and all Porterage. 
• Trek staff insurance. 
• Trekking permit.
• National Park Fee and government formalities.
• Back up support of BATE in case of emergency. 
• Overland transportation to and from trek initiation point as necessary.

Note: All part arrangement tea houses and meals must be paid for directly.

Health:

No inoculations are legally required for Nepal. However, we recommend shots against Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, and Polio & Hepatitis. Please also check on your polio immunization. Please consult your doctor well in advance of departure as some jabs require 3 doses over a period of 3-6 weeks. And carry certificates as proof of immunizations, should they be required.

Malaria: 

Malaria is present throughout India and lowland Nepal, especially in the more heavily populated plains. Anti-malaria courses in tablet form are advised during the warmer period (February – May).

Health on trek: 

Blistered feet, coughs, colds and minor stomach upsets are the most common troubles on a trek in Nepal. If your feet feel sore, sit down at once and apply a moleskin or fabric Elastoplasts. Do not delay or a blister will form and cripple you for days. We cannot emphasis too strongly the need for comfortable well-fitting training type shoes on low altitude treks and well-broken in boots for those higher altitude treks. Look after your feet!

Sore throats must be guarded against since they are common and can often lead to long-lasting colds and coughs. Ensure that you keep warm especially in the evenings and early mornings.

Stomach troubles do occur while trekking and water is the usual culprit – you need to drink plenty of fluids on your trek. However clean and clear a mountain stream looks assume that all running water is contaminated and is in need of being treated. Bring a supply of purification tablets or iodine crystal solution as an extra precaution if you like. Given sufficient time these will sterilize possibly-contaminated water. To make it more palatable orange-flavored tablets such as Redo on (available from chemists) are a good idea.

For Full Support treks do not on any account drink water that is not boiled for you first by your trek Sherpas. Upon request, water will be boiled in the evenings for use in your water bottles the following day.

Fitness: 

Prior to embarking on a trek it is best to have a medical check-up especially if you are in any doubt about your health. Certain chronic heart and respiratory complaints may be aggravated by physical exertion at high altitudes so inform your doctor of your intentions and the altitude to be reached.

Mountain or Altitude Sickness: 

Mountain or Altitude sickness normally manifests itself at altitudes in excess of 11,000ft and respects no one. A young fit sportsman may suffer when the other older less fit members of the party do not. Every year we arrange treks for many people well into their 60s and 70s and they experience no discomfort; in fact they are probably less susceptible for they tend not to race around the routes as the younger generation do and are more willing to admit they feel unwell. The golden rule is doing go too high too fast. Take things at a leisurely pace in the mountains for trekking is not a forced route march and with this basic rule adhered to, altitude sickness should not be a problem. Above 3000m, the daily net elevation gain should be no more than 500m. Drink plenty of fluids at altitude as the air is extremely dry – the rule of thumb is that unless your pee is clear, you are not drinking enough. Symptoms of Mountain sickness include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and swelling of the hands and feet. One or two of these shouldn't be cause for panic but they are a sign that your body hasn’t yet adjusted to the elevation. You shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better or if you do keep going, be prepared to make a hasty retreat if the conditions get worse. Serious symptoms (persistent vomiting, delirium, loss of co-ordination, bubbly breathing and bloody sputum, rapid heart rate or breathlessness, blueness of face and lips) can develop within hours and, if ignored, can result in death. The only effective cure for Mountain Sickness is descent. Anyone showing serious signs of the illness should be taken downhill immediately, regardless of the time of day or night, preferably by porter or pack animal. Recovery is usually dramatic, often after a descent of only a few hundred vertical meters. Barraged by medical advice and horror stories, trekkers all too often develop altitude paranoia. The fact is that just about everyone who treks over 4000m experiences some mild symptoms of mountain sickness but serious cases are very rare and the simple cure, descent, almost always brings immediate recovery. In addition to being physically fit, trekkers should also be prepared to adopt a mental flexibility during the trip. Nepal is a beautiful country with delightful people but a developing country nevertheless and world apart from home. One must adapt accordingly when traveling through a region where there will be different cultures, customs and values.

Other health considerations on the mountain: 

Understandably, much emphasis is placed on the prevention of Altitude Sickness but frostbite and hypothermia also pose a threat to trekkers, especially those trekking above 3000m.

The symptoms of hypothermia are similar to those of Mountain Sickness – slurred speech, fatigue, irrational behavior and loss of co-ordination. Low body temperature is the surest sign. Heat is the treatment. Put the victim in a good sleeping bag, preferably with another person for body heat, and ply with warm food and drink.

Frostbite appears initially as small white patches on exposed skin, caused by local freezing. The skin will feel cold & numb. To treat, apply with warmth. Avoid a second dose of frostbite as this can lead to permanent damage.

Getting into shape: 

For all but the most strenuous routes, walking is the best training for trekking. Do as much as you can in the weeks prior to your trek. If you are a regular hill walker or rambler you can cope with almost any trek in the Nepal Himalayas. Trekking is not a tough, masochistic exercise, but a slightly strenuous walk through some of the world’s most magnificent mountain scenery. If you are reasonably fit and healthy you will enjoy it all the more. However, for long treks at high altitude you cannot be fit enough and we advise a serious training programme. 

High altitude treks are quite safe provided that you are physically fit and prepared for walking. Treks follow trails through the mountains and merely require walking not climbing. Going too fast is a certain recipe for trouble and this is why our expert Sherpa sirdar gauges the pace of the trek according to the physical abilities of each individual.

Water: 

On camping trek, our staff will boil and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On half arrangement lodge trek, you will be able to buy safe hot drinks in the tea house. We recommend you to bring water purification pills iodine tablet to treat water, use one each tablet for one liter of water and leave half an hour to enable iodine to be effective. You can now buy iodine and neutralizer in one pack in local pharmacy. Speak to your BATE guide for assistant.

Important note:

In the event that you have an accident or become seriously ill whilst on trek it may be necessary to bring you back to Kathmandu by helicopter. Should this happen you are required to pay for the helicopter and any other subsequent charges plus the mandatory 10% service fee. These costs should be paid directly before you leave Nepal. We require all participants on trek to sign a “Risk and release guarantee” form prior to departing on trek to agree to this and other matters.

Insurance: 

Please note that it is essential that you are fully insured. Proof of insurance may be requested after your arrival in Kathmandu. We advise that helicopter evacuation is also included. Insurance is not readily available in Nepal.

First Aid Kit:

We supply a first aid kit with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. It would be better if you bring your own medical supplies. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions and enough medicine if you are taking any routine medicine. Age is no barrier to take an unforgettable trekking experience.

Finance: 

Whilst credit cards are now widely accepted we suggest that you rely on traveler’s cheques or cash.

On arrival, change some money into small denominations – useful for tipping ( new regulation 10% services charge normally included in restaurant, hotel bills) and paying taxis (no-one ever has any change). A word of warning – do not accept any torn or damaged notes as these will be difficult to pass on. 
Discourage begging: you will notice many beggar

Rescue/Evacuations: 

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expense incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

Insurance: 

you must bring insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, burglary and emergency repatriation.

Responsible Travel:  

The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one.  BATE is extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible. 

As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.

Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

Trip Extensions: 

In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tours .If you wish, you may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan. 

Social Responsibility: 

BATE has been involved in various social activities working closely with some dedicated local NGO and INGO to help underprivileged communities with various activities including community work. BATE currently maintain garden belong a refugee camp.  BATE have been also engaged in community development project through its gap year project since 2001. BATE provide all the necessary logistic travel arrangement of Future for Nepal... www.futurefornepal.com 

Care for Porters and Staff: 

We ensure that all porters and all other staff going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We make sure each of our field staff are insured and continue providing training to improve their efficiency and for their personal development. 

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements:

All our Trek Leaders are well experience and professional. They are humble but highly respectful in trekking field and capable of handling extreme situation. We request our valued customer not to underestimate their capability and treat them with respect.

A Typical Day on Trek:

• Early morning your Sherpa will knock on your door offer bed tea.
• Followed by a basin of hot water to wash in. 
• Then it's time to order breakfast.
• Pack up your kit. 
• Trek Begins.
• Reach next overnight place, check-in lodge or camp. 
• Serve tea/coffee.
• Dinner is served.
• Trek briefing for next day, some leisure time.
• Good night sleep.

Pre Trek Briefing:

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day.   We will that that point introduce you to your trek Leader and will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the trek and to introduce you to other team members.

Accommodation:

During lodge trekking accommodation are mainly in lodge. We provide twin bedded room with shared bathroom. Most Lodges now provide hot shower for extra charge. 

In cities, we provide accommodation in one of the best known Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and of course per our client's preferences.  For best value we use Hotel Nirvana Garden www.nirvanagarden.com located in a quiet area of famous district of Thamel where all facilities are in walking distance and in Pokhara we use Hotel Meera, a landmark of Pokhara located in the Lake Side owned by ex. British Gorkha officer.  www.hotemeera.com.  

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