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 too, 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 a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a 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. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The 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 the offseason. 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 the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Paro Festival - Tashi Pelbar Bhutan Tours and Treks

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Experience Bhutan’s vibrant spring festival season with the Paro Tshechu, one of the country’s most celebrated religious and cultural festivals.

Held in the historic setting of Rinpung Dzong, the Paro Tshechu brings together monks, local communities and visitors for days of sacred mask dances, traditional performances, music and colourful celebrations.

This 6-night, 7-day journey combines the festival with the cultural treasures of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Explore ancient temples and monasteries, discover Bhutanese architecture and traditions, travel through the spectacular Himalayan landscape and experience the peaceful valleys surrounding Paro and Punakha.

The journey culminates with the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, giving travelers a memorable combination of festival culture, spirituality, nature and adventure.

Highlights

Experience Paro Tshechu: Witness sacred Cham mask dances, traditional dances, music and religious performances at the historic Rinpung Dzong while experiencing one of Bhutan's most important annual festivals.
Explore Bhutan's Cultural Heritage: Visit Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and discover Bhutan's rich Buddhist and architectural heritage.
Hike to Tiger's Nest: Complete the journey with the iconic Tiger's Nest hike, one of Bhutan's most spectacular and sacred experiences.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Koji Bhutan Expeditions guide and driver.

Drive towards Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city.

En route, stop at Chhuzom, the confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers meet.

Continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel.

Later, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu city and enjoy your first evening in Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 02 :

Thimphu Cultural Experience

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Thimphu.

Visit the Memorial Chorten, an important religious landmark where local Bhutanese regularly gather for prayer and circumambulation.Continue to Buddha Dordenma, the enormous seated Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley.

Afterward, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum offering an introduction to traditional Bhutanese lifestyle through cultural performances, traditional food, butter tea and activities such as archery.

Later, explore the Centenary Farmers' Market, where local farmers sell fresh produce and traditional products.

Return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03 :

Thimphu to Paro via Dochula & Punakha

After breakfast, drive towards Punakha. Stop at Dochula Pass, approximately 3,100 metres above sea level, where you can see the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Continue towards Punakha Valley.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with the revered Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortresses, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

After sightseeing, begin the journey towards Paro.

Overnight: Paro

Day 04 :

Paro Tshechu

Today is dedicated to the Paro Tshechu.

After breakfast, head towards Rinpung Dzong, the historic fortress where the festival is held.

Spend the day experiencing the vibrant festival atmosphere.

Witness:

Sacred mask dances
Traditional dances
Religious music
Colourful costumes
Buddhist rituals
Local communities gathering in traditional dress

The festival offers a unique opportunity to observe Bhutanese culture as a living tradition, rather than simply as a tourist performance.

Enjoy the festival at your own pace before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Paro

Day 05 :

Paro Tshechu & Paro Cultural Experience

After breakfast, return to Rinpung Dzong for another day of the Paro Tshechu. Experience additional performances according to the official festival programme. After the festival, visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong). The former watchtower offers an introduction to Bhutanese history, art, religion and cultural heritage. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's important ancient temples.

Return to Paro town and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Paro

Day 06 :

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Begin the day early for the highlight of your Bhutan journey — the hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's Nest. The round-trip hike generally takes approximately 4–6 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level and stops.

Perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro Valley, Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan's most sacred Buddhist sites. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated here in the 8th century. After completing the hike, return to Paro and relax.

For guests interested in Bhutanese wellness, a traditional hot stone bath can be arranged as an optional experience.

Overnight: Paro

Day 07 :

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Your Koji Bhutan Expeditions guide and driver will bid you farewell.

Tashi Delek and safe travels!

Paro Festival

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Highlights

Itinerary

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You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Thimphu Festival

Bhutan’s Majestic Journey: A Journey Through the Land of Happiness

Thimphu City Tour

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Thimphu Festival

Bhutan’s Majestic Journey: A Journey Through the Land of Happiness

Thimphu City Tour

Related Trips

Punakha Festival

Bhutan in a Glimpse: Himalayan Wonders

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