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Annapurna Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s second most popular trekking destination. What accommodations are available during the trek? There are a variety of options.
Many tourist-friendly and budget-friendly accommodations are available along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. You will pass by numerous charming villages with cozy and traditional accommodations. These provide a resting place for the trekkers after trekking for 5 to 6 hours a day. A good night’s sleep is vital to rejuvenate the energy for the next day’s trek. They also provide meal services.
Accommodations play a crucial role in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek experience. At specific stops, they offer a resting place for acclimatization. So, it impacts your overall trekking experience. It also provides a cultural experience for the trekkers.
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These accommodations are usually run by the locals and provide basic facilities. Since there is a lack of infrastructure, amenities are also limited. The services and facilities get more basic as you go to the higher elevations. You can find some luxury accommodations in the lower regions of the trek.
Different types of accommodations are available at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. The services and price can differ depending on the type of accommodation. Trekkers can choose the one that matches their preferences and budget. Let us further explore the accommodation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek!
Accommodations Along The Annapurna Base Camp Route
Tea houses
The tea houses are the most common accommodations along the Annapurna Base Camp route. These are the traditional accommodations that offer shelter and food to trekkers. The rooms are usually twin-sharing with facilities like wooden beds, blankets, pillows, and mattresses.
There are mostly shared squat-toilet bathrooms. However, you can find Western-style bathrooms as well. The dining space is communal. Usually, a massive stove is in the center of the communal room for heating purposes. Locals often run tea houses, so they are budget-friendly.
They serve traditional Nepali cuisine with menus like momo, noodles, sandwiches, pasta, and more. They also offer drinks and beverages, including local alcohol. Tea houses are excellent for the best local experience and cheap accommodation options.
Mountain Lodges
You will generally find mountain lodges at higher elevations. These accommodations are specially established to cater to trekkers and travelers. Compared to the tea houses, these are more comfortable and cost more.
The mountain lodges offer more comfortable rooms with insulation. You can find single and twin bedrooms. The accommodation provides comfortable beds, thicker mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Likewise, bedrooms with attached bathrooms are also available.
Some standard amenities available at mountain lodges are charging fasciitis, solar-powered electricity, hot showers, internet/WiFi, etc. However, you have to pay an additional charge for these. Likewise, these accommodations provide various meal options, including Nepali cuisine.
Homestays
Homestays are, as the name suggests, staying at the homes of the locals. The local families rent out the rooms to the trekkers and travelers. It is a great way to immerse in the local culture and lifestyle. These accommodations are also budget-friendly options.
You will get a simple room which you may have to share with other trekkers. Homestays usually have basic shared bathroom facilities with limited amenities. The bathroom can have squat or Western-style toilets. Hot showers, internet, etc may or may not be available.
The best part of homestays is that you will get to taste home-cooked meals. You will get the real taste of authentic Nepali cuisine. Likewise, you can interact with the families and learn about their lifestyles. Moreover, staying at homestays contributes to the local economy.
Luxury Lodges
The luxury lodges offer superior services and facilities to trekkers. They also provide the best comfort and ambiance among all the available accommodations. However, these are usually available in lower regions and are costlier than others.
Luxury lodges offer spacious and well-furnished rooms. The rooms are comfortable with heating systems and attached bathrooms. Likewise, these accommodations can also have services like spas, massages, therapies, and saunas. They also have well-trained staff for personalized services.
A very limited number of luxury lodges along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route exist. They are great options for unwinding and relaxing after a challenging trek. These accommodations also offer a great selection of meal options, including Western cuisine. Furthermore, they also provide internet services and charging stations.
Camping
Although different accommodations are available, you can also opt to camp out. However, we suggest you do so during the best season. As accommodations are readily available, only so many trekkers choose to camp out. You will need proper camping equipment and supplies for camping.
Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nepal experiences four seasons annually. It consists of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, the ideal time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is spring and autumn. The reasons that trekkers most favor these two seasons are as follows:
Spring (March to May)
The spring season brings vibrancy and color to the landscapes. Flora and fauna are the most active in this season. Likewise, the rhododendron forests bloom in red, pink, and white shades. The weather is warm and perfect for trekking, with minimum chances of rainfall.
The view is gorgeous during springtime. You can see the gorgeous snow-peaked mountains without obstruction. The average daytime temperature of the lower region ranges between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the daytime temperature in the Annapurna region ranges from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, the nighttime and morning temperatures can get colder.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is a peak season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for many reasons. The season has stable weather with long, sunny days. The air is crisp with brilliant visibility. Likewise, the vegetation is the most vibrant and green at this time. You can enjoy the best views while trekking on the route’s dry trails.
Autumn is also a harvest season. Dashain and Tihar, the biggest Nepali festivals, coincide with the season. The daytime average temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in the lower regions. The temperature of higher elevations is colder and can drop to below 0 degrees Celsius at night.
Documents And Paperwork For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A few documents and paperwork are required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These include the following:
Visa
Foreigners can get a Nepal visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Their passports must be valid for six months before their expiry date. They can also apply for a visa from their home country.
The cost of a visa varies depending on the duration of your stay. The visa fees are as follows:
- 15 days single-entry: USD 30
- 30 days single-entry: USD 50
- 90 days single-entry: USD 125
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The insurance should cover medical and emergency expenses, including high-altitude sickness, helicopter rescues, and evacuation. Although the trails of Annapurna Base Camp are safe, accidents or unforeseen events can occur. Travel insurance helps to provide a safety net at such times.
Similarly, travel insurance can also cover baggage loss and damage, trip postponement, or cancellation. Ensure that you understand the terms and policy of the insurance while taking one.
Permits
You will need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The TIMS card records the trekkers’ personal details, itinerary, and emergency contacts. It helps to ensure the trekkers’ safety and security and can be life-saving during natural calamities and emergencies. The card can be obtained through government-registered trekking agencies.
The cost for the TIMS card varies for individual and group trekkers. Likewise, the fees for SAARC nationals and non-SAARC nationals are different. Take a look:
- SAARC nationals: NPR 600 (about USD 6) per person for individuals and NPR 300 (about USD 3) per person for groups
- Non-SAARC nationals: NPR 2000 (about USD 20) per person for individuals and NPR 1000 (about USD 10) per person for groups
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek route goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, you will need the entry permit for the conservation area. Trekkers can obtain the permit from government-registered trekking agencies.
The cost of ACAP is different for SAARC nationals and non-SAARC nationals. Take a look:
- SAARC nationals: NPR 1000 (about USD 10) per person
- Non-SAARC nationals: NPR 3000 (about USD 29) per person
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour
The Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is a luxurious way of getting to the Annapurna Base Camp. There is no need to physically strain yourself with the challenging climb with this heli tour. This one-day tour provides a grand view of mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri ranges, and more.
The helicopter flight offers a gorgeous eagle-eye view of the landscapes, including the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can witness the vibrant and beautiful Annapurna region. Once you reach the base camp, you will explore the whole area. Likewise, you will have 30 minutes of photo session time.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour is perfect for those with a limited time but want to experience the magical Annapurna Base Camp. Likewise, those who cannot do the challenging climb to the base camp can also benefit from this tour. It is an experience of a lifetime with a touch of luxury and comfort.
Annapurna Base Camp Yoga Trekking
What could be better than meditating on the lap of some of the most gorgeous mountains in the world? Get in touch with your inner self and peace with Annapurna Base Camp Yoga Trekking.
This trek combines yoga and trekking and offers an adventurous experience to the Annapurna region. It is a 12 Days trek experience where you will learn, feel, and experience yoga and meditation every morning and evening. The serene nature and yoga perfectly complement one another.
You will explore the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek route and its rich biodiversity and culture. Additionally, you will practice yoga, making you more aware of yourself. This tour focuses on achieving peace of mind, lightness of heart, and strength of the physical body.
The itinerary is carefully crafted to ensure you get the optimum experience during the trek. You will witness the beautiful mountains, landscapes, and scenery. Similarly, you can experience the Gurung culture and hospitality while on the trek.
If you want to connect with your inner peace and awareness and an enriching experience, you must try the Annapurna Base Camp Yoga Trekking.
You can contact us at Nepal Alternative Treks via our website for further information or inquiries. You can contact us directly by phone (+977 9851130491) and email (info@nepalalternativetreks.com).
FAQ
What accommodations are available during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Tea houses, lodges, and homestays are the most common accommodations during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Luxury lodges are also available in lower regions of the trek route.
How safe are the accommodations?
The accommodations along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route are generally safe and secure. However, take care of your belongings and always keep your valuables with you.
Are accommodations at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route cheap?
The accommodations found during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are usually budget-friendly and cheap. However, the luxury lodges are comparatively expensive. Services like hot showers/water, heating facilities, etc., will cost you extra. The price of the accommodations gets higher as you move to higher elevations.
What kinds of facilities do the accommodations provide?
Most of the accommodations along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek provide basic facilities. These include rooms with twin beds shared, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. They usually have a shared bathroom and communal dining space. However, luxury accommodations may have wider rooms with attached bathrooms. These luxury lodges may also provide extra amenities.
Is internet/WiFi available during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Internet/WiFi service may be available at accommodations along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. You have to pay extra for the service. However, the connectivity is poor. It may not be suitable for data-intensive work. The internet/WiFi service may be non-existent as you go to higher elevations.
