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.

7 or 8 Days, Shira Route

Accomodation
Tents on the mountain + hotel in Moshi
Arrival City
Kilimanjaro
Best Season
January–March & June–October
Guide
Guided
Language
English
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tour Availability
Available

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

The Shira Route is a beautiful and less-used trail that starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro. It begins at a higher altitude (Shira Gate) than most routes, offering dramatic views right from the start. The route crosses the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude moorland with wide-open landscapes and stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru. It then joins the Machame route and follows the Southern Circuit to the summit. The Shira Route is ideal for climbers looking for a quiet, scenic path with fewer crowds and excellent acclimatization.

Trip Highlights

Starts higher up (3,500m), skipping the rainforest
Crosses the wide and scenic Shira Plateau
Great acclimatization with “climb high, sleep low”
Less crowded, very photogenic
Flexible: can be done in 7 or 8 days, depending on acclimatization needs

Day 1 :

Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Evening briefing with your mountain guide and gear check.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2 :

Moshi – Shira Gate (3,500m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,610m)

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and continue by car to Shira Gate. Begin your hike across the high-altitude moorland of the Shira Plateau. Today’s hike is relatively easy to help you adjust to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp 1 (Tents)

Day 3 :

Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)

Hike slowly across the plateau with beautiful views of Kibo. Today’s walk is short, giving you time to rest and acclimatize. In the afternoon, take an optional hike toward Shira Cathedral for better acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp 2 (Tents)

Day 4 :

Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Today is a key acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy boosts your body’s adaptation to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp (Tents)

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Climb the famous Barranco Wall, then continue through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, your base before the summit attempt. After early dinner, rest ahead of summit night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp (Tents)

Day 6 :

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Start around midnight and hike to the summit under the stars. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebrations, descend to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp (Tents)

Day 7 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate where your team will be waiting to congratulate you. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved shower and rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi

8-DAY OPTION :

Extra Acclimatization Day

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Instead of going straight to Barafu, stop at Karanga Camp for an overnight stay. This gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp (Tents)

Day 6: Karanga – Barafu Camp
A shorter day that gives you time to rest and prepare for the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp (Tents)

Days 7 and 8 continue as above (Summit to Mweka, then descent to Moshi)

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7 or 8 Days, Shira Route

7 or 8 Days, Shira Route

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

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