Friends, you are definitely lucky to be with us, because we have the best track program! These are not just words, this is the result of systematic improvements after each group held.
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) - is a moderately difficult route for those who love exoticism and mountains, but are not ready to work too hard for that. Despite the harsh fame of Annapurna peak, our trekking participants will only get a little tired, because we will walk at a comfortable pace, making pauses for rest and photos. Practically at each section we will pass a new climatic zone (and there are six of them), and each time we will be able to feel the amazing diversity of the nature of Nepal: noisy jungle, fast ice rivers and waterfalls, hot springs and, finally, breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped Himalayan mountains.
Our trek to Annapurna is a great opportunity to feel yourself in the center of this mysterious country, be face to face with the ancient Himalayas, touch the mysterious temples of Nepal, breathe the scent of blooming rhododendrons!
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
Experienced Kuluar teamleaders will accompany the group on all route, will make the trip as safe and unforgettable as possible! They have been to Nepal many times and know the country in details.
We have a list of checked lodges and we try to book only the best ones. Where possible - with amenities in the room.
In Pokhara and Kathmandu we stay in good hotels, understanding that you will want maximum comfort after the trek.
The Teamleader or our Nepalese partner will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the hotel. The guide will tell you and show you where to change money, buy souvenirs and equipment, what and where to eat...
The program of the trek was modified several times, we tried to make it as rich and comfortable as possible. That's why we have all the transfers on custom-made shuttles
The manager, who will advise you before the trip, herself was in Nepal and will tell you the details from personal experience!
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97,8% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
Впервые мы провели программу к Аннапурне в 2014 году. После каждого трека вносили некоторые правки, что-то добавляли, лишнее убирали. И сейчас, по нашему мнению, это самый лучший и оптимальный маршрут, который позволит взять максимум от классической программы АВС.
The favorite city of many travelers from around the world, including Reinhold Messner, who alone conquered all the 14 highest peaks of the planet. He called Kathmandu "the city of life. The restless spirit of Nepal's capital can be felt almost immediately. A couple of minutes after leaving the airport you go through the bustling streets in a cab to the district of Tamel, where you are waiting for a cozy hotel and an instructor. After a little rest, stroll the streets of Kathmandu, check out the souvenir shops and Nepali cafes, join a tour and touch the local flavor in the famous Durbar Square.
In the morning we board the bus. It will take the group to Pokhara, the third largest city in Nepal, the place where all the treks in the area start, and then to the tourist village of Nayapul. This is where the protected area begins and we need to register tims and permits. After this uncomplicated procedure, we will head out on a hiking trek to Annapurna.
What an unforgettable experience awaits us throughout the trek to Annapurna! Our trail is not just a treaded path, but a climb up the light stone steps, under the vaults of powerful old rhododendrons, among the cries of unknown bright birds and hidden monkeys. During the leisurely ascent, you can feel like a character from old Indian fairy tales or, if you want, just a young Mowgli. We will have dinner and sleep in the village of Ulleri. From here you can take great pictures of the ice pyramid crowning Hinchuli peak (6441 m).
Early rise today, early breakfast (at 7 o'clock) and start. We walk to Gorepani (2750 m), a small village next to Poon Hill (3193 is a hill in Nepal:). The blue roofs of the houses against the background of thickets of beautiful rhododendrons is just an amazing picture! Especially when they are all in bloom, in all their eight shades of pink. And, of course, the circular panorama of snow-capped mountain ranges against the blue sky - Dhualagiri (8167), Annapurna (8091), Machapuchare (6997). Here you can eat delicious cheese made of yak milk and no less delicious apple pies.
The steps will require some hard work, but all the hardships pay off with gorgeous scenery. As you climb, it gets more beautiful and interesting. We will get to Gorepani early, so we will have time to rest.
You want to get your energy back, don't you? Then you should definitely get up early and go to Poon Hill again - to meet an unforgettable sunrise. You won't regret it! Same mountains, same sun, but in the morning they are completely different. Now the snow on the peaks of the two Annapurnas (First and South), Dhualagiri, Nilgiri, and Machapuchare are first poured with delicate shades of orange, and then with a real golden luster. Many other tourists from all over the world will be watching this divine picture with you. If you don't get confused, you can meet interesting people.
After coming down to the village, we have breakfast, have a little rest and leave for the road. First we drive to Daurali, then to Tadapani, where we stay for the night. The scenery, as always, is unequalled! Below is the green jungle, above is the whiteness of snowfields, and between them are the harsh rocky slopes.
We get up early again, but not as early as yesterday. After all, today we don't have to go anywhere to enjoy another sunrise. We simply open the door of the room, walk out onto the terrace of the lodge, and stop in admiration! The majestic mountains became much closer. Today we admire Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hinchuli.
From here we have a steep descent and a smoother ascent to Chomrong, a village where we'll spend the night. As you guessed, we couldn't choose our overnight stay without dizzying views, so again we enjoy snow-white peaks and green canyons. By the way, you can leave unnecessary stuff behind today - we'll pass this trail on the way back, too, and then turn down to the hot springs. It's a real treat to take a warm bath after trekking!
In the morning a long descent to the bridge on the Chomrong Khola River awaits us. That's where else will you "run" 2114 steps (you counted it yourself in one of the tracks!)? Nowhere else. So - go ahead. All the more so, that further - the steps go up. And we are going to ascend for a long time, till Sinuva. It will be rather difficult, but we are in the Himalayas, and without this ascent what difficulties of trekking can you tell at home? Especially, all the other stages of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp will be easier.
The day will end in the village of Dovan. There we will have a delicious dinner and a good night's sleep.
We leave the Dovan and stomp along a winding path in the valley of the Modi Khola River. Jungle thickets line the path, and a high, high blue sky hangs overhead, backed by the snow-covered and icy peaks of Annapurna and Machapuchare. By the way, the name of the latter mountain is translated as "fish tail". Try to find the resemblance. We are sure you will do it :)
The higher we ascend, the harsher the surrounding nature becomes, the less green it is, the more deserted and stony slopes. The streams and waterfalls coming from the Annapurna and Machapuchar glaciers liven up the surrounding panorama.
Even here, Nepal cherishes its sacred places. This is the Hinku Cave, small and shallow, but the refuge of the holy hermit. Believe and feel this revered place. We have dinner and spend the night in Deorali.
After 6 hours of ascent we finally arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp (MVS). Fishtail Mountain is considered in Nepal to be the home of the main deity Shiva. Climbing there is forbidden. The only time in 1957 the conquerors tried to climb, but failed. Apparently, Shiva was not expecting such guests. So we are not going up there either =)).
We put our things in the lodges and walked to a small acclimatization walk on the neighboring ridge. Behind the ridge we have the most beautiful view of the Annapurna glacier moraine.
We get up after dark, two hours before sunrise. We dress warmly, take flashlights, and set out on the trail to the ABC. On the way, one of the most incredible and memorable spectacles awaits us - the starry sky of the Annapurna sanctuary. Most likely, you haven't seen stars so close and in such quantity yet!
Next up is Annapurna Base Camp, the goal of our trek across Nepal. The camp is sort of in the center of the valley, the edges of which are bounded by ridges of snow-capped mountains. At the camp you can, if not get acquainted, then look at those who will conquer Annapurna I. Daredevils. This peak is very treacherous, until 2008 it was the most dangerous in the world - 40% of those who dared to climb died. In the camp is often found commemorative signs about these people. One of them is the legendary Russian climber Anatoly Boukreev. Without oxygen he climbed eleven 8-thousanders. He climbed five 8-thousanders during one year - a world record. He died during an avalanche in 1997 while climbing Annapurna. Blessed memory to the heroes!
But here the lights of base camp became closer and the number of stars in the sky became less and less. One and a half hour and we are at the observation point, where we have the unique view of the Annapurna massif. The mountains are magnificent in the sunrise. The unforgettable circular panoramas of the peaks, shimmering with all the shades of the rainbow, are breathtaking. This is impossible to miss. So first we walk and take pictures, and then drink tea and go back to MVC. After breakfast we start going down, saying goodbye to the camp. Someone from the group will definitely come back here again. It is checked.
By passed roads we get to Bambu village, where we will spend the night and rest. It is warmer here, it is easier to breathe and you feel better. All around is still a majestic picture of mountain slopes, blue sky and white clouds.
In the morning we continue down into the gorge of Modi Khola, then by the hinged bridge we get to the already familiar steps in the number 2114. Now we climb them. It's a little harder. That's okay, we'll rest in Chomrong. And when we get to the village of Jinu Danda, we even take a hot bath that revives and soothes, warms and heals. Magnificent! The bravest can swim in the mountainous Modi River for a better contrast. And all together, see the great multitude of monkeys on the opposite bank in the jungle thickets.
Early in the morning, along a very comfortable path, without any sharp turns and descents we walk to Nayapul, to the bus, which will take us to Pokhara for lunch and a short rest. On the way we inhale the clean air, feel the energy of these places, look at the surrounding scenery and try to remember our impressions better, because we say goodbye to the wild nature of Nepal. Next, we are waiting for civilization, and nature is only seen from the bus window.
As you have already noticed, our program is as full as possible. We get up in the morning and go boating on the picturesque Feva Lake, a favorite lake of the royal family who once lived here. We swim to the opposite shore, where a path through the jungle will take us to the Peace Stupa. There is a great view of Pokhara and the peaks of Annapurna Ring. Throwing a parting glance at them and going down to the hotel. Then we board the waiting bus and drive to Davis Falls. The waterfall drops off in a small trickle into a vertical cave. The waterfall itself isn't all that remarkable or exciting, if it weren't for one "but". Off to the side of the main entrance is a very interesting underground temple of Shiva. The supreme god is represented in the form of a six-headed serpent imprisoned in a cage. Behind the cage an underground passage leads deeper... Follow it and come out to the foot of the waterfall! Very interesting and sacred place.
After sightseeing, we board the bus and set off for Kathmandu. It is after dark when we get to our hotel.
This is the end of our wonderful trip. We recommend that you take your tickets in the evening so that you have more time to see Kathmandu. You can buy souvenirs, wander through the streets of Tamel or go sightseeing - you can choose for yourself. Whichever you prefer. Our guide can help you organize virtually any activity.
Most travelers who make it to Nepal come back repeatedly. So, we are not saying goodbye to you, we are saying "see you soon"! Thank you for the company and the beautiful trek!
Additionally after the trek you have the opportunity to go to Chitwan National Park to ride through the jungle on elephants, on narrow boats on the river with crocodiles, to see the dancing of the local natives and much more. Allow +3 days for this at the end of the program. Our guide will help you with your tour arrangements. See more about Chitwan in the video:
The manager will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, share information on hotels and excursions. You make payments and purchases yourself. If you want the manager to buy a ticket for you, then this is possible, but for extra money, because this is a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the guide has the right to make changes to the route.
Visa to Nepal is issued directly at the border, the cost of visa for 30 days of stay - $50. Detailed instructions on how to apply here >>. To get a visa you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the trekking you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list here.
After trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we recommend the following routes:
You should buy your tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek. The cheapest option is AirArabia and FlyDubai, which costs $500-700. Also fly Turkish Airlines, Qatar, etc., with more convenient connections, but ticket prices start at $1000 and higher. Please keep in mind that luggage may not be included in the price and you must order an extra 20 kg at the time of purchase, or take a package at once, including 1 piece of luggage. When you check in at the airport you may be asked to show your card with which you paid for your tickets - don't forget it!
You need to be in Kathmandu on the first day of the program during the day, time is not important. If you arrive in the morning, then you will have time to have a rest from the road, if necessary, go to the market to buy some equipment, change currency. Next day at about 6 am we fly to Lukla.
We recommend to take return tickets for evening flights at the 18th p.m. at the last trekking day, or the next day, as there is a possibility of delays or postponement of domestic flights.
If you plan to visit Chitwan National Park (elephant safari through the jungle, canoeing on the river with crocodiles...), then add +3 days.
After purchasing tickets send the details of your arrival/departure flights to your manager.
To find the cheapest tickets you can use the form below:
To participate in the program, you need to take good insurance that is valid at altitudes up to 6,000 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikers".
Along the route there will be a mobile connection, 3G internet, but in some places will be lost. To buy a local SIM card you will need a passport and a 3x4 photo (can be taken from home or made there for an extra fee). Wi-Fi is available in every lodge, its cost 100-300 rupees. In larger towns there is free internet in cafes. Charging is available in almost all lodges, the cost may be per hour or per device, price 100-700 rupees.
Type of outlets in Nepal
In Kathmandu we will stay at the Hotel Arts 4*. Standard accommodation in 2-bed rooms.
During the trek we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters with a public shower and toilet (sometimes in the room). Food we order in the same lodge where we live. Rooms are very simple, small, for 2-3 people, not heated. Of furniture there are often only beds. Beds are made with linens, but it is recommended to take your sleeping bag and sleep in it. Upon request, you can ask the hosts for a blanket. Electricity is available in almost all the loggias, but in the rooms there are rarely outlets.
To better understand the living conditions, we highly recommend watching some examples of lodges from our tracks. Click on the name: a nice lodge in Namche Bazar with a shower in the room, a basic lodge in Dole - no shower and with ice in the sink, cool rooms at the Eco Resort in Gokyo, a standard lodge in Chukung, a mug of tea after a night in a room in Gorak Shep. Even if you sleep in other localities, the lodges will be about the same level.
Individual accommodations are possible for the entire program, it costs +$250. Be sure to notify the manager in advance.
The menu at all lodges is extremely varied (different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, rice). An interesting feature is that the same dishes in different lodges may be cooked differently and taste completely different! Food prices increase proportionally with altitude. On average, it will take $15-$25 per day to get a decent meal.
For an example, we recommend looking at some of the most expensive prices on the route in the village of Gokyo, and here is a folder with photos of menus and food from other lodges on the trek to Everest.
Let's face it, some people like Nepalese food a lot, but there are also those who "don't get it". Meat is usually scarce on the trek, so you can take some lard and a stick of sausage with you.
These people are porters who carry your things for money. One porter can carry no more than 24 kg. The cost of this service is about $ 20 per day, but you can take one porter for two - it will be twice cheaper! It is not customary to feel sorry for porters, no matter how much they might unload on themselves. Nor is it customary to invite them to your table. Porters have their own room in the lodges where they eat and sleep with their friends. The best thanks on your part would be a tip equal to the porter's daily wage. So prepare an extra $20-30 to tip the porter and the Nepali guide. For more details about the porter's work, see the article "Porter on the trek - to take or not to take".
As in other regions of Nepal, there are two seasons for trekking in the Himalayas, spring (mid-March to late May) and fall (mid-October to mid-December). If you go in early spring, you should be prepared for the fact that there is still a lot of snow on the pass and the approaches to the lakes, and the lakes themselves are hidden under the ice. Closer to the middle of April the first lakes will melt, the snow on the trail will remain only on the approach to the base camp. A big plus during this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which against the background of snow-white mountains create incredible contrasting pictures. In the afternoon in spring the sky is often covered with clouds and at about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon it may rain or snow. But by this time we usually arrive at the boat house. Also, spring is the active season for climbers of Everest and Lhotse, so the sections of the classic trail will be oooh-full of people and cargo animals. But there is an upside to this - April and May are the base camp full of life, with lots of tents and would-be climbers. Autumn is warmer, there are hardly any clouds, the snow is already melted everywhere; base camp is empty.
Most of the trek is at moderate altitudes. Temperatures will be around +20 degrees during the day and can drop to freezing at night. At the highest overnights the temperature can drop to -15 outside, and to 0...-2 in the rooms. Rains are not frequent. Characteristic weather for the mountain regions is clear mornings and cloudy evenings.
The currency of the country is the Nepalese rupee. The exchange rate is approximately 100 rupees to 1 dollar. You can exchange at the hotel reception or at the exchange office, with which we have long had an agreement for a more favorable rate. The teamleader will take you to the right place. It's noteworthy that Nepalis are very careless about paper money - so don't be surprised if you get a bundle of rupees punctured with a stapler - it's quite normal. All expenses en route are in rupees only. Exchange about $500 for them before the trek. Bank cards are only accepted at some points in Kathmandu, so be sure to take cash. Also, there are big restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals and fees are racked up.
You should buy souvenirs at the stalls in Thamel (the tourist district of Kathmandu), not at the sights. Always haggle with Nepalis; sometimes the price can be discounted several times over.
If you are going to Nepal for the first time and want to see as much as possible, to experience the diversity of the Himalayan landscape, to walk through the jungle and forests and to reach the highest mountains of our planet - you are on the right track. This track is considered the easiest and most accessible in Nepal, so often in the group signed up beginners who are not confident in their strength and tolerance of heights. In addition to the great variety of nature (jungle, gorges, rivers and waterfalls, canyons, mountains large and small) you will also often encounter monasteries and other Nepalese shrines, where you can visit puja, imbued with the spirit of Buddhism. The main highlights of the route are the viewpoints where we go out to meet the sunrise. You will have to get up early and get a little frosty, but the views of waking up mountains will remain the most vivid impressions of your life.
Thanks to the fact that we sleep and eat in the lodges, the backpacks on the route will be light. Besides there is always a possibility to hire a porter, which we highly recommend to all the participants. He will carry the main part of your luggage (up to 12 kg), and you will have small rucksack with warm jacket, water, documents and money. The trek to Annapurna base camp is the easiest by Nepalese standards, and can be done by anyone with an active lifestyle. But just to get up from the couch and pass the track will be very difficult. The best preparation for the mountain trek is running (about 5-7 km 2-3 times a week), squats, cardio exercises, which will not only increase your endurance, but also train your legs for the daily transitions. The better your physical condition, the easier you will tolerate altitude, acclimatize and enjoy the trek and the scenery around you more.
Everyone probably knows that Nepal is famous for extremely cheap travel gear. Well, it really is! You can buy a flicer for $5, a down jacket from $30, trekking poles from $10. But you have to understand that despite the tag - it's not branded equipment, but made somewhere in the local basements. There are stores with the original, but prices are the same as ours. In general, do not necessarily carry a whole pile of equipment from home, most you can buy cheap already on the spot. Tourist stores simply unreal number. Read more about equipment in a separate article =>>.
Total mandatory expenses not included will be approximately $350 + airfare. Take a few hundred dollars for souvenirs.
*Please, pay your attention: it's not the manager's task to choose a flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares the flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
To reserve a place in a group, you need to pay a $200 deposit. This money is needed to make passes and hotel reservations. Methods of payment and conditions of return in case of cancellation or leaving the route here. The rest of the payment you are to give to teamleader at the first day of the program.
Friends! We kindly ask you to pick up dollar bills of 2003 and newer. Dollars from the 90's are not accepted in many countries and we sometimes have problems with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)
