How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Mt Kenya LAKES EDITION , Chogoria Ascent – Naro moru rt. Descend

The Chogoria route is arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular.

Accommodation on this hike is 4 nights camping on all nights on the mountain

Minimum Age
9
Maximum Age
78
Group Size
1 - 32
Destinations
Kenya, Mt. Kenya
Activities
Hiking, Peak Climbing, Trekking
Trip Type
Budget travel, Camping Safaris, Mt. Climbing, Weekend Trips

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

The Chogoria route is arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular.

Accommodation on this hike is 4 nights camping on all nights on the mountain

Day 1 :

Nairobi- Mt Kenya Chogoria Bandas Camp (2,900m)

Depart from Nairobi at 0630hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town where we link up with the Porters, cook and your Guide. Continue to drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mt Kenya Chogoria gate Campsite.

Dinner and overnight at the Meru Mount Chogoria Campsite.

Main Destination: Mt. Kenya National Park. Chogoria Gate
Overnight: Camping at Chogoria gate Campsite (Camp located inside Mt. Kenya NP)
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner; (Drinks not included)
2 Litres Drinking Water Provided. 1^st day only

Day 2 :

Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,540m)

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. Visit the Nithi waterfalls and back on trial for a slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,540m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.

Main Destination: Mt. Kenya National Park. Lake Ellies Campsite
Overnight: Camping at Lake Ellies Campsite (Camp located inside Mt. Kenya NP)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner; (Drinks not included)
Drinking Water Provided. Sourced from the River

Day 3 :

Lake Ellis – Lake Michaelson Camp. (4,100m)

This is a long day comparatively so an early start is inevitable. You start on a well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathe taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Lake Michaelson campsite 4,100m for our night’s rest. Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the edge of the Lake drain is well worth the effort.

Main Destination: Mt. Kenya National Park. Lake Michaelson Campsite
Overnight: Camping by the LakeMichaelson (Camp located inside Mt. Kenya NP)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner; (Drinks not included)
Drinking Water Provided. Sourced from the River

Day 4 :

Lake Michaelson— Austrian Hut 4790m

The fourth day is yet an interesting one starting off after breakfast on a trail that rans alongside the Nithi River. The Terrain is a bit steep raising sharply, it’s a gravelly climb. Along the way when you turn back it’s a beautiful view of Lake Michaelson and the Gorges valley. The second slope levels at upper Simba Turn where we turn left for another steep incline past the Square yarn to the top of the Ridge overlooking Macmillan peaks, Delarmere peaks, another 400m and you are at the Austrian hut.

At 4,790 meters above sea level, the Austrian hut is the highest point in Kenya one can sleep. The journey to it ushered us into a true alpine climate that one wouldn’t expect so close to the equator.

Main Destination: Mt. Kenya National Park. Austrian Hut Campsite
Overnight: Camping by the Austrian Hut.(Camp located inside Mt. Kenya NP)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner; (Drinks not included)
Drinking Water Provided. Sourced from the River

Day 5 :

Austrian Hut-Pt Lenana (4,985m)- Met Station camp 3300m)

Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0500hrs and you hike for about one and a half hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker’s summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Austrian’s hut camp for breakfast.

After breakfast, begin a 5 hour descent via Teleki valley to the Met Station. The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp here you will be picked by car driven to Park gate for signing out then transfer to Nairobi arriving late evening. You Bid the Guide, Porters and the Cook Farewell at the Met Station.