Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek
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duration 10 days
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from usd 568
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difficulty Challenging ⓘ
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best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
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max altitude 4,130m / 13,550ft (Annapurna Base Camp)
Trip overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Express Trek packs Nepal’s most iconic mountain scenery into just 10 days, reaching the 4,130m Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatre via Ghandruk, Chomrong, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp without the Poon Hill detour. Starting from $568 per person, this is the fastest route to stand beneath Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli, ending with a soak in Jhinu’s natural hot springs before returning to Pokhara. Rated challenging and best suited for fit trekkers with some hiking experience who want the full ABC experience on a tighter schedule. MountainKick provides licensed guides, porters, permits, and all logistics.
Not sure whether the Express or the standard ABC is right for you? Read our Annapurna Circuit vs Sanctuary comparison or our guide to Nepal’s best treks.
Key Highlights:
- Stand in a 360-degree glacial amphitheatre surrounded by peaks over 7,000m
- Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp with Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli all around you
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the descent
- Gurung village culture in Ghandruk and Chomrong
Who Is the Express ABC Trek For?
- Trekkers with limited leave: 10 days including Kathmandu arrival and departure
- Physically fit hikers comfortable with 5 to 7 hours of daily trekking at a faster pace
- Repeat Nepal visitors who have done Poon Hill and want to go straight to base camp
- Budget-conscious trekkers: at $568, this is $252 less than the 15-day version while reaching the same destination
Have more time? Our 15-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek adds Poon Hill sunrise, extra acclimatization days, and Pokhara sightseeing for a more relaxed pace.
Your Day by Day
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day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)
We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel on your own. In the evening we will hold a pre-trip meeting in the hotel lobby where you will meet your guide, review the itinerary, and ask any questions about the journey ahead.
Distance: Airport to hotel transfer (6-10km) | Time: 30-45 minutes drive | Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
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day 02Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)
After breakfast, board a tourist bus for the scenic journey to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city. The drive takes you through lush green hills and picturesque landscapes, following the Trishuli River for much of the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the evening is free to explore the famous lakeside area with its restaurants and shops.
Distance: 200km by road | Time: 6-7 hours bus ride | Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
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day 03Drive to Syaulibazar and Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,360ft)
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Syaulibazar (approximately 1.5 hours from Pokhara), which serves as our trekking starting point. From here, we begin our adventure toward Ghandruk village, following a trail that winds through terraced farmlands and picturesque villages. This traditional Gurung settlement offers spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain). The trek involves moderate uphill climbing through rhododendron forests with several rest stops along the way.
Distance: 35km drive + 8km trek | Time: 1.5 hours drive + 4-5 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast
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day 04Trek to Chomrong (2,170m/7,120ft)
Today features a challenging trek to Chomrong village, the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayan range as you pass through beautiful rhododendron forests and cross several streams. Chomrong is a large Gurung village and the last permanent settlement in the valley.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
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day 05Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,920m/9,678ft)
We begin with a steep descent to cross the Chomrong Khola (river), followed by entering the Modi Khola Valley. The trail passes through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees, and the villages of Bamboo and Dovan. After crossing the Modi Khola River, we make our final ascent to reach the Himalaya Hotel.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi | Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
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day 06Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft)
Today is the highlight of our trek as we make our way to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The journey begins with an uphill trek through thick forest toward Hinko Cave. From there, we navigate an avalanche-prone trail before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,139ft). After a short rest, we continue to Annapurna Base Camp, where you’ll be surrounded by mountains over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The panoramic 360-degree mountain views and the unique glacial basin setting make this a moment to treasure.
Distance: 7km/4.3mi | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
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day 07Trek to Bamboo (2,310m/7,695ft)
After enjoying the sunrise over the Annapurna range, we begin our descent from the base camp. We’ll first trek down to Machhapuchhre Base Camp through the moraine route, enjoying continued views of the snowy peaks. Following the Modi Khola river, we descend through forests of rhododendron and fir, passing Deurali and Himalaya before reaching Bamboo.
Distance: 16km/9.9mi | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
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day 08Trek to Jhinu Hot Spring (1,780m/5,840ft) and Drive to Pokhara
We begin our day with a trek to Jhinu Hot Spring, where you can soak your tired muscles in the natural thermal waters. The hot springs are located about 30 minutes downhill from Jhinu Danda, on the banks of the Modi Khola river. After enjoying the therapeutic waters, we’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river to reach the jeep station. From here, we’ll take a direct jeep ride to Pokhara, starting with rough country roads until Birethanti, after which you’ll enjoy a more comfortable drive on paved roads.
Distance: 8km trek + 50-60km ride | Time: 4 hours trek + 4-5 hours drive | Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
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day 09Drive to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we board the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The 6 to 7 hour journey follows the same scenic road through the hills and river valleys. Upon arrival in Kathmandu in the late afternoon you will have time to rest, do any last-minute shopping in Thamel, and prepare for the farewell dinner. In the evening we celebrate with a traditional Nepali feast featuring dal bhat, momos, and local specialties accompanied by cultural performances.
Distance: 200km by road | Time: 6 to 7 hours | Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
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day 10Final Departure
We will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.
Distance: Hotel to airport transfer (6-10km) | Time: 30-45 minutes drive
- Meal: Breakfast
What's Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis (breakfast included)
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek on a twin-sharing basis
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return
- Private jeep transfers between Pokhara and trek start and finish points
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- All staff costs including salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- A duffel bag, sun hat, and MountainKick t-shirt as souvenirs
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (traditional Nepali feast with cultural show)
- All government taxes and local fees
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (15-day $30 / 30-day $50 / 90-day $125, available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- All meals during the trek (budget $30 to $40 per day, approximately $230 for the full trekking section)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except farewell dinner)
- Extra accommodation due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation coverage (mandatory)
- Personal expenses (hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills, bottled water, snacks)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Excess baggage charges
- Trekking equipment
Where You'll Stay
In Kathmandu and Pokhara:
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Standard hotel accommodation included in package
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Breakfast typically included at Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels
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Upgrade options available to higher-class hotels (additional charge)
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Single accommodation available in Kathmandu and Pokhara (additional charge)
During the Trek:
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Basic teahouse/guesthouse accommodation on twin-sharing basis
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Simple but functional facilities with shared toilet arrangements
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Wooden beds with basic mattresses, pillows, and blankets
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Hot shower facilities available at most locations (requires extra payment of $3-7)
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Limited availability of private rooms or attached bathrooms (where available, extra charge applies)
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Western-style toilets available in lower elevation areas, squat toilets more common at higher elevations
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WiFi available at most lower elevation teahouses for a fee ($3-5 per day)
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Faster-paced itinerary means one-night stays at most locations
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Accommodation options more limited than on the Signature Trek due to the specific route selection
Note: Accommodation facilities become more basic as you ascend to higher altitudes. The Express Trek prioritizes strategic overnight locations that balance proper acclimatization with maintaining an efficient pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why choose the Express Trek over the standard 15-day version?
The Express Trek is ideal if you have limited vacation time but still want to reach Annapurna Base Camp. It covers the same destination in 10 days by taking a more direct route via Ghandruk and Chomrong, skipping the Poon Hill detour. The trade-off is a faster pace with longer daily hours and less buffer time. It suits trekkers who are physically fit, have some prior hiking experience, and are comfortable with 5 to 7 hours of walking per day at altitude. If time allows, the 15-Day ABC Trek is the more relaxed and beginner-friendly option.
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How difficult is the Express ABC Trek?
Challenging. Daily hiking averages 5 to 7 hours with steeper elevation gains per day than the standard trek. The hardest days are Day 6 (Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp, 6 to 7 hours uphill) and Day 7 (descent from ABC to Bamboo, 16km). The faster pace means less time to rest and recover between stages. Previous trekking experience and good cardiovascular fitness are strongly recommended.
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Is 10 days enough for Annapurna Base Camp?Yes, 10 days is enough to reach ABC and return safely, but the pace is significantly faster than the standard version. You will trek 5 to 7 hours daily with steeper daily elevation gains. The route includes strategic overnight stops for acclimatization at Ghandruk, Chomrong, and Himalaya Hotel before the final push. We recommend this version only for trekkers with previous hiking experience and strong cardiovascular fitness.
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How fit do I need to be and how should I prepare?
You should be comfortable hiking 5 to 7 hours per day carrying a daypack of 3 to 5kg. Prepare with cardiovascular training four to five times per week for 2 to 3 months before departure: hiking, jogging, stair climbing, and cycling all work well. Complete several 5 to 7 hour practice hikes with elevation gain before you arrive. Leg and core strength training are also important given the sustained climbs and long descents on this route.
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Can altitude sickness be a problem on the Express ABC Trek?
- es, altitude is a genuine consideration on this trek. Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m and the Express itinerary ascends faster than the standard version, giving your body less time to adjust. Mild symptoms including headache, reduced appetite, and disrupted sleep are common above 3,500m. If symptoms worsen, particularly a persistent dry cough, loss of coordination, or confusion, descent is the only correct response. Our guides are trained to monitor and act on altitude warning signs. For a full breakdown of symptoms, prevention, and what to expect, read our guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks.
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What permits do I need and are they included?
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both are fully included in the MountainKick package price. You do not need to visit any permit office. MountainKick handles all paperwork on your arrival in Kathmandu.
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How long do I have to walk each day?
- Most days involve 5 to 7 hours of actual walking time. The longest days are Day 6 (trek to Annapurna Base Camp, approximately 6 to 7 hours uphill) and Day 7 (descent from ABC to Bamboo, approximately 6 to 7 hours). Day 8 is shorter at approximately 4 hours before the jeep ride to Pokhara. Your guide will set a sustainable pace with regular breaks for rest, hydration, and photography.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. During the trek you stay in teahouses on a twin-sharing basis with shared bathroom facilities. Basic amenities including hot showers (extra charge), Wi-Fi (extra charge), and charging facilities are available at most lower-altitude teahouses. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations. The Express Trek involves one-night stays at most locations due to the faster pace.
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What food is available on the trail and is it safe?
Teahouses serve a wide menu including dal bhat (the safest and most nutritious option), noodle soups, pasta, fried rice, pancakes, eggs, and momos. Vegetarian options are recommended above 3,000m as meat storage at altitude can be unreliable. For drinking water, use boiled water from teahouses or bring purification tablets. Do not drink unfiltered tap or stream water. Food prices increase with altitude.
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How much should I budget for meals and daily expenses?
Budget $30 to $40 per day for meals during the trekking section (Days 3 to 8), approximately $230 for the full trek. Additional daily expenses include hot showers ($3 to $7), Wi-Fi ($3 to $5 per day), battery charging ($2 to $5 per device), and snacks. Withdraw sufficient cash in Pokhara before the trek as ATMs are not available on trail and most teahouses are cash only.
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What happens in a medical emergency?
Your guide will assess the situation and provide first aid. For altitude sickness or serious injury, descent to a lower elevation is the immediate priority. If needed, helicopter evacuation will be arranged. Evacuation is typically available from most points on the route weather permitting and takes 1 to 3 hours to arrange. The cost without insurance is approximately $2,500 to $5,000. MountainKick maintains 24/7 emergency support and established protocols with helicopter evacuation companies and hospitals in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
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What medical facilities are available along the trek?
Basic health posts exist at Ghandruk and Chomrong with limited supplies. The nearest full medical facility is in Pokhara. Your guide carries a first aid kit and MountainKick maintains 24/7 emergency support with helicopter evacuation contacts. This is why comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.
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What essential gear do I need?
Key items: well broken-in waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles (essential on this route), warm layers including a down jacket, a sleeping bag rated to -5°C to 0°C, a sleeping bag liner, a headlamp, a reusable water bottle with purification tablets, sun protection (hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, UV sunglasses), and a 25 to 35L daypack. Keep your main bag under 10kg as it will be carried by your porter. Down jackets and sleeping bags can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
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What is the tipping etiquette for guides and porters?
Tipping is customary and an important part of trekking culture in Nepal. The standard amounts are roughly $8 to $12 per day for your guide and $5 to $8 per day for your porter. Tips are typically given at the end of the trek in Pokhara for the porter and in Kathmandu for the guide.
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What are the payment terms and cancellation policy?
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due on arrival in Kathmandu. Cancellations 20 or more days before departure incur a 20% charge. Cancellations less than 20 days before departure are non-refundable. The trip rescheduling fee is $200 per person. For full details see our Terms and Conditions page.
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What communication options are available during the trek?
Mobile coverage is available in most villages but can be unreliable. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for approximately $3 to $5 per day, generally suitable for basic messaging but not video calls. Signal strength decreases at higher altitudes. Local SIM cards from NCell or Nepal Telecom can be purchased in Kathmandu and are worth getting if you want more reliable connectivity in the lower villages.
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Should I build buffer days around this trek for my international flights?
Yes, strongly recommended. Schedule your international departure at least one full day after your planned trek completion. The Kathmandu to Pokhara and return bus journeys are long road days on mountain roads and occasional disruptions from weather or road conditions can cause a delay. One to two buffer days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip is the sensible approach.
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Can I customise this trek or add extra days?Yes. MountainKick offers private departures on any date, itinerary modifications, and extensions including Mardi Himal Base Camp, a Chitwan National Park wildlife stay, or paragliding and rafting in Pokhara. If you want to convert this into the fuller 15-Day ABC Trek with Poon Hill added, we can build that itinerary for you. Contact us with your dates and preferences before booking.
Good to Know
A medical check-up before departure is recommended, particularly if you have any history of heart or respiratory conditions. The Express ABC is rated challenging and is not recommended for first-time trekkers. Previous hiking experience and a solid cardiovascular base are important. The itinerary moves faster than the 15-day version with longer daily hours and less buffer time. Prepare with 8 to 10 weeks of dedicated training including regular cardio, leg strength work, and practice hikes of 5 to 7 hours before you arrive.
The trek reaches 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp. The Express itinerary ascends faster than the standard version, giving your body less time to adjust. Altitude awareness is especially important on this route. Mild symptoms including headache, reduced appetite, and disrupted sleep are common above 3,500m. If symptoms worsen, descent is the only correct response. Your guide will monitor you closely and will always prioritise safety over the schedule.
Day 6 is the hardest day of the trek, pushing from Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp in 6 to 7 hours. The terrain above MBC is exposed and can receive snow at any time in season. The descent on Day 7 is 16km and equally demanding on the knees. Trekking poles are essential, not optional, on this route.
The Kathmandu to Pokhara journey is by tourist bus and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. If you are prone to motion sickness take medication before boarding. On the return, the same bus journey brings you back on Day 9. A Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic flight can be arranged for approximately $120 to $150 extra if preferred.
Withdraw all the cash you will need before leaving Pokhara. There are no reliable ATMs once you leave the city. Budget $30 to $40 per day for meals on trail (approximately $230 for the full trekking section), plus extra for hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, and snacks. Most teahouses are cash only.
Travel insurance is mandatory and must include emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation coverage to 5,500m or above. A single evacuation without insurance can cost $2,500 to $5,000. Carry your policy number and emergency contact at all times.
Kathmandu sightseeing is not included in the 10-day Express package as Day 2 is used for the Pokhara bus journey. If you arrive a day early and want a Kathmandu tour, we can arrange this for an additional fee. Just let us know when you book.
Pokhara is your base before the trek begins. The lakeside area, Phewa Lake, and the International Mountain Museum are all worth your evening on arrival. If you would like to add paragliding, white-water rafting, or a Chitwan National Park extension to your trip, MountainKick can arrange everything. Just ask before your departure date.
Packing Checklist
These items are considered absolutely critical by our Mountainkick guides. Based on our extensive experience in the Himalayas, we strongly recommend prioritizing these items:
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Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
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Comfortable hiking boots – Well broken-in with excellent ankle support and water resistance (especially important for this challenging trek)
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Daypack – For carrying daily essentials while trekking
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Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration (critical on longer hiking days)
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Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions
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Trekking poles – To provide stability and reduce stress on knees, especially on the many stairs
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Sleeping bag – Rated for at least -5°C to 0°C
| TRIP STARTS | TRIP ENDS | STATUS | COST | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2026 | April 27, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| April 25, 2026 | May 04, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 11, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| May 9, 2026 | May 18, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| May 23, 2026 | June 01, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| May 30, 2026 | June 08, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| June 6, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| June 13, 2026 | June 22, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| June 20, 2026 | June 29, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| June 27, 2026 | July 06, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| September 4, 2026 | September 13, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| September 11, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| September 18, 2026 | September 27, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| September 25, 2026 | October 04, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| October 2, 2026 | October 11, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| October 9, 2026 | October 18, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| October 16, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| October 23, 2026 | November 01, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| October 30, 2026 | November 08, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| November 6, 2026 | November 15, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| November 13, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| November 20, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| November 27, 2026 | December 06, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| December 4, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| December 11, 2026 | December 20, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| December 18, 2026 | December 27, 2026 | Available | $568 | |
| December 25, 2026 | January 03, 2027 | Available | $568 |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | PRICING FROM (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 895 |
| 2-3 | 568 |
| 4-9 | 465 |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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