Did ABC last month and wanted to share some practical tips that I wish someone had told me before: 1. You do NOT need a guide if you are experienced, but TIMS card and permits are mandatory 2. Bring your own water purification tablets — buying bottled water adds up fast 3. The trail from Deurali to MBC is where altitude hits most people. Go slow. 4. Guesthouses in Bamboo and Himalaya have the best food 5. Start early from MBC to reach base camp for sunrise — totally worth it 6. Pack layers. It can be 25C at Jhinu and -10C at base camp on the same trek What tips would you add?
Great tips! Do NOT skip the hot springs at Jhinu Danda on your way back. After days of trekking, soaking in natural hot water with the river flowing next to you is pure bliss. Rs 100 entry. Go early morning.
Power bank charging gets expensive at higher altitudes. Rs 300-500 per charge at MBC. Bring a good 20000mAh power bank and charge fully at lower stops where its Rs 50-100.
Download offline maps before you go! Maps.me has the trekking routes and saved us multiple times when the trail split. Also Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour is real — unlimited refills give you the energy you need. Better than expensive energy bars.
Altitude sickness tip: bring Diamox and start taking it a day before going above 3000m. Also garlic soup at the teahouses — locals swear it helps with altitude. Whether its placebo or not, it works for me every time.