We have led hundreds of people to Annapurna Base Camp over the past 10 years! Here are ten reasons why you should choose Ian Taylor Trekking to the base of the world’s most dangerous mountain. We run around 10 Annapurna Base Camp treks per year.  Our full time staff are ready to lead you on all our trips across Nepal. We have more acclimatization built into our itinerary, giving better safety and success.

1). Our Award Winning Team

We have four guides for every group of ten trekkers on the trail! This sets up apart of other groups. We want to make sure all of our teams have the best chance at safely reaching their goal. With more staff on the trail with your team, they will be able to more efficiently manage your safety on the trail and also give you a better experience along the way.

We do not outsource any of our treks and we have our own office in Kathmandu. All of our guides hold current Wilderness First Aid Certificates. They are able to get you the help you need in case of an emergency. Also, our guides will carry satellite and local phones with them.  Read some REVIEWS from our treks.

2). Supporting the Local Community

We continue to support the local community in Nepal. In 2015 we helped establish the Goli Village Trust in Nepal. A lot of of staff come from the village of Goli in the lower Everest region of Nepal. We have built two schools in the Goli region and we have placed stoves in over 60 homes. We do need donations and help, therefore if you would like to donate, set up a trek to the village, give funds, clothes or school items, then get in touch. Please let us know and we can help you figure out how you can best help!

4). Expert Training Advice

We offer personal service with training advice for our clients, 5 days a week. A lot of people underestimate Himalayan trekking. We do not want to see this happen with our clients. Therefore, we want to make sure that you have the best information on how to complete the trek safely and successfully.

There are some long hiking days, covering over 600m/ 2,000 feet of up and down hill on steps or stairs while on the trail. We have professional training advice available to you 5 days a week and we can schedule calls with you as often as needed once you sign up to our trips.

5). 25 Years Experience

We have years of experience managing teams on the ground in Nepal. Our head guide has been at the forefront of tourism in Nepal for over 25 years. He is well connected on the ground with access to all the key organization and authorities. He is also passionate about the Sherpa culture, experience and preserving these traditions.

Anyone who has trekked with Dawa Chirri Sherpa will never forget it! Even if you just get to spend time in Kathmandu with him, you will love and cherish the experience. Dawa is married to Kay from Scotland, and they run our office together in Kathmandu. All of our clients joining trips to Annapurna Base Camp will experience the hospitality and quality service we have to offer.

6). 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu

We include two nights in a hotel in four star hotel in Kathmandu. One night before your trek and one night after. All of our trips are on a shared basis, but if you prefer a single room, this can be offered at an additional cost. We use the Buddy hotel in Thamel, which is the main tourist district of the city. You can also upgrade to 5 star hotel option if you like, just ask us for further information.

7). More Acclimatization

We have learned after years of experience that people need more time to acclimatize to the lower levels of oxygen, in order to have a safe and successful trip. Therefore, we live to include a trek to Poon Hill 3,210m/ 10,531 feet before heading towards Annapurna Base Camp. This added acclimatization sets you up nicely for for a great trekking experience into lower levels of oxygen. Having more days on the trail and more acclimatization increases safety, success and enjoyment.

8). Celebration Meal

We like to treat all of our teams to a celebratory meal at the end of your trek in Kathmandu! Ian’s favorite restaurant to enjoy after he is in the mountains is Fire and Ice Pizza Restaurant. Most of our teams will have the meal there as you can enjoy some delicious pizza after the trek (maybe even have a delicious mojito). This meal is included in the trip. You will be presented with your Everest Base Camp certificate of achievement and we will enjoy a beautiful meal before heading back to the hotel or a night out on the town.

10). Different Itinerary Options and Small Groups

We have multiple options for itineraries to Annapurna Base Camp. Our most popular itinerary treks to Poon Hill first, then treks to the main Annapurna Base Camp trail and back via the Jhinu hot springs.  We can also tailor your trip to suit your needs for a private group. Therefore, if you have 4 or more people joining a trip, we can cater your private itinerary at no extra cost!

We only work with small group sizes. The maximum number of people per team will be 10 people. Some of our groups are even less people with only 6 or 8 team members. This will therefore give you are more personalized experience on the trail to Annapurna Base Camp. You can move as a team and experience more of this world class trail.

Contact the Trekking Experts

Just drop us a mail and we can schedule a time to chat. for more information on our treks. Read some REVIEWS and book early to secure your space on this trip of a lifetime!

We have been leading treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal now for ten years. Developing unique itineraries for the best experience is what we do. We have developed an award winning team and service in Nepal.  Here is some training advice you need to consider before trekking to Annapurna base camp.

No matter where your training begins. There are are some keys processes you need to go through. If you are signed up to an Ian Taylor Trekking trip we can help you get the best information possible. We have our own office in Kathmandu with full time staff on the ground.

Picking the Right Itinerary for you

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is very different to the Annapurna Circuit trek. The Annapurna base camp trek encompasses 10+ days of continuous hiking predominantly on stairs or steps and lots of them. We trek up Poon Hill first as part of our acclimatization and world class mountain viewing. You will have to hike up and down lots and lots of stairs. Training on the stair master and stair training will be the most important part of your training.

What Does This Trek Involve

On this trek you will be carrying a backpack with 5+kg/ 12+lbs for hours up and down hills. You will be hiking for 4+ hours each day. Our Annapurna trek covers over 4,000m/ 13,123 feet of ascent and descent during the journey to Annapurna Base Camp and back.  On the way down you will be hiking 10+km/ 6.2 miles on uneven terrain up and down hills.  All of this will be done in at high altitude between 2,000m/ 6,561 feet and 4,130m/ 13,550 feet.  There will be 20% to 35% less oxygen getting to your muscles to help you move.

What Sort of Distances Will you Trek

Distance: The daily distances on the Annapurna base camp trek will range from 6 to 15km per day. You need to be able to walk 15km a day in your training on a multi day basis as you built up to the trek. On the trail you will need to have a proper back pack with waist strap and you will carry 5kg+/ 11lbs+.  With a lack of oxygen in your body you need to building up to training over time. You should be walking similar distances in your training as you prepare for the trek.

How do you Start Preparing for This Trek

You start hiking up above 2,500m/ 8,200 feet. This elevation is high altitude with 30% less oxygen than sea level running through your blood stream and muscles. On our itinerary you have to walk for 7 days before reaching Annapurna base camp at 4,130m/ 13,550 feet.  After an amazing experience you have to walk all the way back.

Return hikes back to Jhinu Hot Springs are going to be longer distances. You have to walk 60km+ return trip from Pokhara to Annapurna base camp and back. If you want your muscles and body to cover this distance in this environment, you need to train and condition your muscles prior to arriving in the Himalaya’s. You need to be getting this muscle conditioning or muscle memory in your body. This training needs to be done prior to the trek.

Use the Stair Master

I like to head out once a week walking 3 – 5 hours up and down hills. The key is building the weight in my back pack from 5kg to 10kg (11lbs to 22lbs) over a period of time. This should usually be 3 to 5 months before the trek.  I also add in 3 to 4 other training sessions per week depending on time available. These will range from 6k to 10k jogs, weight training, walking up hill with weight on a stair master.  Bike sessions all using a weighted back pack.

The key is getting active and trying to get as much hill work in as possible. I hike at a slow and steady pace. I try and stick to my optimal heart rate.  Trying to drink a liter of water for each hour of exercise. Let us help you prepare as we know most of you are coming from sea level with limited or no access to hills to training on. I hope this training advice for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek makes a difference. If you need specific advice for your circumstances do let us know.

Going to Altitude

Picking the right itinerary is critical. We have added extra days on our Annapurna base camp treks for your safety.  Giving your body time to acclimatize to the low levels of oxygen is critical for your success. These extra days help you adapt to the low levels of oxygen. Training on similar terrain to the Annapurna region is helpful. I can tell you there are a lot of stairs.

Making your body work harder at sea level is important in your training. If you are working harder on the trek you will not enjoy it.  Conditioning your muscles for a harder work load when we have a lack of oxygen in the body at high altitude. I hope this makes sense. If not pick up the phone a call us. We can take you through this key training advice for our Annapurna base camp treks.  This specific training will help lesson the muscle fatigue at altitude. It will help your recovery time at altitude so you can get back out on the trail fit and ready for the next day, and day after that.

You Should be Doing Multi Day Training

Training advice for your Annapurna base camp trek requires multi-day training or hiking prior to your Annapurna base camp trek. It is really important the closer you get to your trek. You will be walking for many hours at a time with 3 liter of water. You will also carry a down jacket or fleece depending on the day. Every day you will have rain gear, snacks, camera, medical kit, valuables and sun cream.  All this should add up to 6kg+/ 13+lbs.  If you haven’t been training with this weight, plus additional weight you are going to feel it.  You will have sore legs, back, shoulders and generally feel like crap.

You need to consider getting out training on a multi-day basis at least 12 to 16 weeks prior to you trek. These back to back hikes and training sessions will help your fitness a lot.  This specific physical conditioning is needed to make a safe and enjoyable journey to base camp. You have invested the money to do the trek. Bought all the gear.  You should take our training advice seriously so you can enjoy your Annapurna base camp trek.

Make Sure you Come Prepared

You need to consider the group you are trekking with and don’t show up unprepared. We don’t want to have to turn you around,  because you couldn’t find the time to train. Remember is a potentially life changing journey. You need to respect the mountains, the team you are going with and our team on the ground. So come prepared and make sure you find the time to train and make sure it is the right training. As I always say, we are happy to talk you through a specific training advice for Annapurna Base Camp Treks. You need to have a training plan that will work with your time and the facilities you have available.

Personal Training Program

Training advice for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. There is no one size fits all training plan. So I don’t delay. We need to talk to you individually about the best way you can prepare for your trek. You might be living in New York city, Melbourne, Hong Kong or Dublin. Where you live and what facilities you have available to you will determine the best training advice for the Annapurna base camp treks. By starting with easier treks like the Inca Trail, or climbing Mt. Toubkal in Morocco you will build your experience for longer treks to higher altitude.

If Annapurna base camp is for you then you need to come prepared. Please don’t show up on one of our treks without having done this prior training. This training advice for our Annapurna base camp treks is tried and tested over the last decade. I have trained numerous people for this trek, climbing Everest and other major peaks. You need to come prepared. Call us, set up a skype call. We want to help you prepare fully for your Annapurna base camp experience. We have the experience so why not sign up to one of our trips and we can help you.

Training advice for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In the final two months of training before your trip you can add interval training to your weekly training schedule. This can be done once or twice a week.

If you have signed up to an Ian Taylor Trekking Annapurna Base Camp trek, then we will send you a comprehensive Dossier on the trip.  The dossier will give you a complete kit list and all relevant information on your journey to Nepal.  We lead 10 treks to Annapurna Base Camp each year.  Our preferred itinerary includes a trek up Poon Hill as part of this amazing adventure. This gives you more acclimatization as well as some of the most stunning views in the region.  We have made this video to show you what Ian will pack for his upcoming Annapurna Base Camp trek.

What Ian will Pack

We understand the clothing that will work best for all conditions you may encounter on your trek to Annapurna. This video is designed to show what Ian would bring on his trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Ian has made the journey to Annapurna Base Camp over 10 times, stood on the top of Everest and led hundreds of treks in different conditions. This is the gear and clothing Ian has used on his numerous treks and expeditions in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Our Top 10 Tips

Remember that the gear you bring will also depend on what time of year you are doing the trek. You will need warmer layers if you are trekking in February, March, November and December.

No One Size Fits All

Packing for your Annapurna Base Camp trek is very personal. Some people feel the cold in different places than others and others don’t feel the cold at all!   Likewise, some trekkers may have specific pieces of gear that they like to hike in, that Ian does not include in his packing. You may need warmer layers, different hiking boots, thicker or thinner socks, layers, or gloves.  We are here to help you make the right decisions on what gear you will bring on your trek.

Learn from Experts

Once you have signed up to one of our treks to Annapurna Base Camp, you will have access to our team five days a week. We want to help you answer any questions you have.  Be careful what you read on the internet. Don’t take advice from someone who has trekked in the region just one time. Get your advice from professionals! Call us and get the information you need in your preparation for Annapurna Base Camp trek.

The Best Experience

Our itinerary has been developed to give you the best acclimatization and experience for Annapurna Base Camp treks. Once you sign up with us, we will send you our 30 page dossier, helping you get the information you need. We also are available to you 5 days a week. We want to get you trained and preparation for the journey into the Annapurna region. Just get in touch and our world class team will help you in preparing for your once in a lifetime adventure trek in Nepal.

Packing for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal

Packing for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal does require some serious consideration.  Therefore, if you sign up to one of our trips, then we will send you our trip dossier and we are available to help you gather the right clothing, gear and kit. We can help you understand the training and everything required to safely and successfully reach Annapurna Base Camp.