Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Why and how to book?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered as one of the most popular treks in the world. You may wonder why, but if you ask anyone who has previously trekked there, their answer will be that, Annapurna lies in one of the best trekking destinations, Nepal. You may still ask why and the main reason is that the Annapurna BaseCamp Trek offers you an exciting opportunity to trek up to the Base Camp of one of the highest mountain in the world, passing through some of the most stunning Himalayan landscapes and soaking up experiences of cultural lifestyle of the ethnic Nepalese people living up there in the mountains.

The trekking experience

Trekking in the Annapurna Region of Nepal is a blissful experience; this trek offers the most stunning vistas of the mountains. Not only you get to visit the AnnapurnaBase Camp, you can also enjoy the view of some of the highest mountains in the world like Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna. The trekking trail is also set alongside terraced rice paddies, lush rhododendron forests, and high altitude landscapes, with the Annapurna Range in view most of the times. Passing through the high hills and ethnic villages of Gurung and Managi inhabitants, the trek assimilates both natural and cultural wonders of the region.

Here are a few things that you can keep in mind before you head out for this dream trek.

How do I plan?

Do a bit of research on the internet; you will come across hordes of vendors promising to offer you the best services for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, it would be wise to get a hold of a proper trekking agency like the one I booked- Extollo Adventures. Please check out  their website and their history, these guys are very experienced. Honestly, I am not trying to market a particular agency, but I am simply putting down my good opinion towards them as they offered me the best experience for my Annapurna Base Camp Trek . These guys are travelers themselves, so they have been there and done the trek, which is precisely the reason on why they can offer best services and advice.

whoever you decide to go with, here is a list of few other things you can check, which will  help to finalize your decision.

•        List of the type of services your trekking company is offering

Most trekking websites already have their inclusion and exclusion lists on the websites, take a careful look at that. Here is an example of a typical include/exclude list on a travel website.

•        Get the best price

Choosing wisely is important when you begin, there are hundreds of companies out there, who will offer you this trip at the most competitive price. However, please also note that most companies that offer great prices may not have all the inclusions, services and credibility. A good price should include all the necessities of a trip, there should not be any hidden costs.

•        Your Treking guide is your best partner

There is no denying the fact that you will need an excellant and experienced guide on your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Once you book your trip with certain agency, see if you can communicate with them properly. You can ask the agency to connect you to your guides by various means like phone, Skype etc. Their  website should have an honest description of the staff and especially the trekking or climbing guides. see example here.

•        Where will you be staying in Nepal?

Most trekking agency websites list the address and weblinks of the hotels that they intend to accommodate you when you come to Nepal. Most of the accommodations during the trek will be in teahouses, which are small lodges up in the mountains for trekker.

There is a fair amount of research you can do before you embark on your trekking journey to Nepal and to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You will need a bit of patience to fact check and a good amount of fitness as for your outdoor adventure. For more details on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the things you will have to bring or pack you can visit sites like this, it will further provide you with full information. Choosing the right agency will save you a lot of time and money.

Have a safe trip!