Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone joining our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Since the journey reaches 4,130 meters, an ordinary holiday insurance policy may not provide adequate protection.
Before traveling to Nepal, make sure your policy specifically covers high-altitude trekking, preferably up to at least 5,000 meters, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment and repatriation. We also recommend coverage for trip cancellation, travel delays, lost baggage and unexpected interruptions.
In the event of illness or injury, our team will help coordinate medical assistance and emergency evacuation when required. However, helicopter rescue depends on weather conditions, aircraft availability and operational approvals. Your insurance company may need to authorize the evacuation, and advance payment or a financial guarantee may be necessary.
Important: Travel insurance is not included in the trek package. Please share your emergency contact details and insurance information with Amigo before departure.
Health, Fitness and Altitude Safety
The 10-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderately challenging Himalayan adventure. You don't need mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking approximately 5–7 hours on trekking days, including steep stone staircases and uneven mountain trails.
Regular hiking, stair climbing, cycling and cardiovascular exercise before your trip can help you prepare. We recommend beginning your preparation several weeks before departure.
Annapurna Base Camp stands at 4,130 meters, where altitude sickness is a genuine concern. Our short itinerary gains elevation relatively quickly, particularly between Sinuwa, Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp. Good physical fitness does not prevent altitude sickness.
Symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual fatigue should be reported to your guide immediately. Do not continue ascending with symptoms of altitude sickness. Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention and descent.
Our guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey and carry a basic first-aid kit and pulse oximeter. The itinerary may need to be adjusted, including additional acclimatization time or descent, depending on your condition.
Before traveling, consult your doctor or travel-health specialist about your fitness, existing medical conditions, regular medications and recommended vaccinations for Nepal.
Accommodation During the Trek
Our standard package includes two nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara at 3-star standard hotels with breakfast.
During the trek, you'll stay in locally operated mountain teahouses and lodges. These offer a welcoming place to rest, enjoy freshly prepared meals and meet fellow trekkers.
Accommodation is generally on a twin-sharing basis. Private rooms may be available at lower elevations, depending on the lodge and season. At higher stops such as Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp, accommodation is limited, and shared rooms may be necessary.
Most teahouses provide basic bedding and shared bathrooms. Hot showers may be available at selected stops for an additional charge, but availability becomes more limited as you ascend.
We recommend carrying a suitable sleeping bag, particularly during colder months. Amigo can arrange a rental sleeping bag and down jacket on request, as described in your booking inclusions.
Meals and Drinking Water
Good food is an important part of any trekking adventure. Our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek package includes breakfast at your Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels, along with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day during the trekking portion.
Mountain teahouses serve a selection of Nepali and international dishes. Common choices include dal bhat, vegetable curry, noodles, fried rice, soups, potatoes, porridge, eggs and pancakes.
Dal bhat, Nepal's traditional meal of rice, lentils and vegetables, is a particularly popular option among trekkers because it's filling and provides energy for long walking days.
The package also includes three cups of tea or coffee per trekking day, seasonal fruit after dinner and purified drinking water during the trek, as specified in the package inclusions.
Additional drinks, bottled mineral water and personal snacks are not included. We encourage you to carry a reusable water bottle and practice good hand hygiene throughout the journey.
Communication, Wi-Fi and Charging
Mobile phone coverage is available in parts of the Annapurna region, but connectivity can be unreliable, particularly in remote valleys and at higher elevations.
Some teahouses provide Wi-Fi and device-charging facilities for an additional fee. Internet speed and electricity availability vary, so we recommend carrying a fully charged power bank.
Your guide will maintain contact with our Kathmandu operations team whenever communication is available. If needed, we can help pass essential updates to your family or emergency contact.
However, daily communication cannot be guaranteed in remote mountain areas.
Itinerary Flexibility and Weather Conditions
We make every effort to operate the trek according to the published itinerary. However, travel in the Himalayas requires some flexibility.
Heavy rain, snowfall, trail conditions, landslides, road disruptions or health concerns may affect the schedule. The Annapurna Sanctuary can also experience snow and avalanche hazards, particularly during certain winter and spring conditions.
Your guide may recommend changes to the route, walking schedule or overnight stops when necessary for safety.
We recommend leaving some flexibility in your international travel arrangements. Any additional accommodation, transport or flight-change expenses resulting from unexpected delays may be your responsibility unless covered by the package or your insurance.
Why Travel with Amigo Treks & Expedition?
At Amigo Treks & Expedition, we believe a memorable trek depends on more than simply reaching the destination.
As a Kathmandu-based trekking company, we work with experienced local guides and porters who understand the Annapurna region, its communities and the challenges of mountain travel.
Our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes a government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide and porter support, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers under the standard package.
We handle your trekking permits, transportation, lodge arrangements and daily trekking logistics so you can concentrate on the experience.
We also understand that every traveler has different expectations. Whether you prefer a private departure, additional acclimatization time or a more comfortable hotel arrangement, our team can help customize the journey.
You can learn more about our company, responsible tourism practices and local operations on our About Amigo page.
What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp
Packing appropriately makes a significant difference to your comfort, particularly as temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly between the lower villages and Annapurna Base Camp.
Clothing: Moisture-wicking trekking shirts, thermal base layers, a warm fleece, insulated down jacket, waterproof and windproof jacket, trekking trousers, thermal bottoms and comfortable clothes for the evenings.
Footwear: Well-fitting hiking boots with good grip, moisture-wicking trekking socks, warm socks and lightweight shoes or sandals for use around the lodges.
Head and hands: Warm hat, sun hat, UV-protection sunglasses, lightweight gloves, insulated gloves, neck warmer and sunscreen.
Trekking essentials: Comfortable daypack, trekking poles, headlamp, reusable water bottles, suitable sleeping bag, power bank and waterproof bags for protecting clothing and electronics.
Personal items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, quick-drying towel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, personal medications and a small personal first-aid kit.
Documents: Passport, applicable Nepal visa, travel insurance details, emergency contacts and some Nepali cash for personal expenses.
You don't need to purchase every item before arriving in Nepal. Many trekking essentials are available in Kathmandu, and Amigo can help arrange rental down jackets and sleeping bags where applicable.
Nepal Visa and Passport Requirements
Most international travelers visiting Nepal for tourism require a visa. Eligible nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or arrange one before traveling.
As of October 2026, Nepal's standard tourist visa fees are:
Visa durationFee15 days, multiple entryUS$3030 days, multiple entryUS$5090 days, multiple entryUS$125
Visa exemptions and special arrangements:
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal but must carry an accepted travel identity document.
Eligible citizens of SAARC countries can receive a free tourist visa for up to 30 days on their first visit in a calendar year. Afghan nationals have additional conditions.
Chinese nationals are eligible for a gratis tourist visa under Nepal's applicable immigration arrangements.
Some nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling and are not eligible for visa on arrival.
Your passport should generally have at least six months of validity remaining. We recommend completing the online arrival information before departure and carrying a copy of your travel arrangements.
For the latest rules, please refer to Nepal's Department of Immigration.
Trekking Permits
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required.
Additional trekking documentation, including a TIMS card where applicable under current regulations, will be arranged according to the confirmed itinerary and traveler requirements.
All required trekking permits are included in Amigo's standard package. Our team will explain the documentation needed before your arrival in Nepal.
