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.

Thimphu Festival - Tashi Pelbar Bhutan Tours and Treks

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Experience Bhutan during one of its most vibrant and spiritually significant celebrations — the Thimphu Tshechu.

Held in the capital, the festival brings together monks, local communities and visitors for several days of sacred mask dances, traditional dances, religious music and colourful cultural performances. The festival is more than a spectacle; it is an important expression of Bhutanese Buddhist heritage and community life.

This 6-night, 7-day journey combines the Thimphu Tshechu with Bhutan’s spectacular landscapes and cultural landmarks. Beginning in Paro, the journey continues to Thimphu for the festival before travelling through Dochula Pass, Punakha and Gangtey, and finally returning to Paro for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Along the way, discover ancient monasteries, magnificent dzongs, mountain valleys and traditional Bhutanese culture.

Highlights

Experience Thimphu 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, your Koji Bhutan Expeditions guide and driver will welcome you.

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 relaxed walk around Thimphu town, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of Bhutan's capital and prepare for the festival experience ahead.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 02 :

Thimphu Tshechu & Thimphu Cultural Highlights

After breakfast, begin your festival experience.

Head to the Thimphu Tshechu and spend the day witnessing the vibrant religious and cultural performances.

The festival features traditional mask dances, sacred Cham performances, music and cultural dances, with locals arriving in their finest traditional Gho and Kira.

The dances are deeply connected to Bhutanese Buddhist traditions and are regarded not simply as entertainment but as sacred performances carrying spiritual meaning.

Depending on the official festival programme and timing, visit:

Memorial Chorten
Buddha Dordenma
Centenary Farmers' Market

The combination of festival activities and city sightseeing provides an opportunity to experience both Bhutan's religious traditions and contemporary daily life.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03 :

Thimphu Tshechu & Punakha

After breakfast, return to the Thimphu Tshechu for another day of festival celebrations.

Enjoy additional mask dances and traditional performances according to the official festival programme.

After the festival activities, drive towards Punakha.

Stop at Dochula Pass, approximately 3,100 metres above sea level, where you can see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and, weather permitting, enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.

Continue descending towards Punakha Valley.

Check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 04 :

Punakha Valley & Gangtey

After breakfast, explore the cultural heritage of Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, associated with the revered Bhutanese Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman.

Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortresses, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

After lunch, continue towards Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley.

The valley is famous for its beautiful landscape and as the winter habitat of the endangered Black-necked Crane.

Check into your hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight: Gangtey / Phobjikha

Day 05 :

Gangtey Monastery & Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery, an important centre of Bhutan's Nyingma Buddhist tradition.

Explore the monastery and its traditional architecture.

Later, enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle walk through pine forests, farmland and traditional settlements.

The trail offers beautiful views of Phobjikha Valley and an opportunity to experience the valley's peaceful rural environment.

If the season permits, visit the Black-necked Crane Centre to learn about the cranes and conservation efforts in the valley.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Gangtey / Phobjikha

Day 06 :

Gangtey to Paro & Tiger's Nest

After breakfast, drive from Gangtey towards Paro.

Upon arrival, prepare for the highlight of the journey — the hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's Nest.

The round-trip hike generally takes approximately 4–6 hours, depending on pace, fitness and stops.

Perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro Valley, Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan's most sacred Buddhist sites and is traditionally associated with Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).

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 :

Paro Cultural Experience & Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, visit Rinpung Dzong and/or the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong).

Take a final stroll through Paro town and enjoy some time for local shopping.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Tashi Delek and safe travels!

Thimphu Festival

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

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