Balcon Annapurna

Trip Facts

This trek leads to Annapurna Base Camp and traverses the hills on the southern slopes of Annapurna, passing through Gurung villages, rice paddies, terraced fields, and rhododendron forests. It offers stunning views of peaks over 8,000 meters high, such as Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, as well as other lesser-known but equally spectacular mountains like Machapuchare (6,993m) and Nilgiri (7,061m).

The route, which presents no particular difficulties, is ideal for a first taste of the Nepalese countryside.

What's Included

Airport pick-up and transfer to Kathmandu hotel (round trip)
Transfers: Private vehicle Kathmandu/Pokhara Pokhara/Naya Pool, Dhampus/Pokhara
Return domestic flight Pokhara/Kathmandu (35 minutes)
11 days full board (3 meals per day, excluding drinks) lodge accommodation
An experienced English-speaking guide (French-speaking upon request), their salary, transfers, food, and accommodation
Annapurna Park permits (ACAP and TIMS) 2 passport photos
3 nights at the Holy Himalaya or Moonlight Hotel
1 night at a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
A first aid kit, especially for the Nepalese team
One porter for every two people, their food, transfers, and accommodation
Insurance for the Nepalese team
Serials bar (one chocolate per day)

What's Excluded

Full meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara cost approximately €10-15 per meal.
Visa for entry into Nepal (you can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport).
International tickets.
Entrance fees to historical sites and monuments.
Insurance and medical evacuation in case of emergency.
Personal expenses during the trek (drinks, showers, internet, etc.).
Tips for the local team.

Essential Info & Equipments

Meals included in the package (during the trek only) The following meals are included.

Any additional consumption (food or drinks not mentioned) will be at the trekker's expense.

Breakfast

2 cups of tea or coffee
only Toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, or pancake, accompanied by an omelet or a fried egg.
Jam, honey, and butter.

Tea Break araound 10am

1 cup of tea or coffee
only 1 chocolate bar (Snickers, Mars, or Bounty)

Lunch

One main course of your choice
One cup of tea or coffee

No dessert

Tea break around 4 pm
1 cup of (tea or coffee)
2 biscuits only

Dinner

One main course of your choice
One soup
Two cups of tea or coffee
Fresh dessert included

Recommended clothing

Basic layers

Breathable thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Lightweight T-shirts (preferably synthetic or merino wool)
Insulating layers
Fleece jacket or sweater
Down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket (compressible and lightweight)

Outer layers

Waterproof and windproof jacket (with hood)
Waterproof pants
Trekking pants and shirts
Quick-drying trekking pants
Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection
For the head and hands
Wide-brimmed hat or cap for the sun
Woolen beanie or hat
for the cold Buff or neck warmer
Gloves
Thin gloves for indoors
Warm, waterproof gloves for outdoors

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots (already worn/well broken in)
Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp
Wool or synthetic trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
Gaiters (useful in case of snow or mud)

Backpacks

Large trekking backpack (50–70 L)
Small day backpack (20–30 L)
Waterproof cover for the backpacks

Sleeping equipment

Sleeping bag (suitable for the expected temperatures)
Sleeping bag liner (optional, for added warmth or hygiene)
Inflatable or foam mattress (if not provided by the agency)

Trekking accessories

Walking poles (adjustable and foldable)
Headlamp with spare batteries Sunglasses (UV protection)
Water bottles (total capacity of at least 2 liters) or hydration pack Water purification tablets or filter

Personal items