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.

Himalayan Xtri – Patan Adventures

Himalayan Xtri

Accomodation

Teahouses
Maximum Altitude

4,000 meters
Best Season

May
Tour type

Xtreme Triathlon
Meals

All Meals During the Trek
Fitness Level

Elite
Transportation

Domestic Flights
Walking Hours

6-7 Hours

Overview

Himalayan Xtri is one of Nepal's most extreme long-distance triathlons and an official partner race of the XTRI World Tour. Held annually in Pokhara, the race takes you from the calm waters of Phewa Lake to the high-mountain trails of Mardi Himal.

The challenge begins with a 3.5-kilometer open-water swim on Phewa Lake. From there, athletes tackle a 165-kilometer road-bike course along mountain roads beneath the towering Annapurna range. The final and most demanding stage is a 43-kilometer trail run, climbing from Kande at 1,740 meters to Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,000 meters, then descending to finish in the remote village of Lwang at 1,400 meters.

But the race is only one part of the experience.

We have designed our Himalayan Xtri Full Package to give athletes and their support crews the time and space to experience Nepal beyond race day. Instead of arriving just before the event and leaving after the finish, you will spend time getting to know the country, its people, and its mountains.

The journey includes an acclimatization trek to Mardi Himal, giving you time to review the run course, adjust to the altitude, and experience Nepal's mountain communities, remote villages, and ancient cultures. Before race day, you'll also have the opportunity to review the bike course, understand the ascents and descents, and become familiar with the roads and surroundings.

What Makes This Different

The Race: A 3.5-kilometer night swim across Phewa Lake, a 165-kilometer bike ride climbing from 800 meters to 1,740 meters, a 43-kilometer mountain run along the Mardi Himal route, and a finish in the remote homestay village of Lwang.

The Journey: Our full package includes a guided acclimatization trek along the actual Mardi Himal run course, with nights at Forest Camp, High Camp, and Low Camp along the way. You can even push higher toward the 4,000-meter turnaround point. You'll cover sections of the same trail you'll race later, but this time at a slower pace, with time to look around, meet people, and take in the mountains.

The Place: You won't just pass through Nepal between transitions. You'll explore Kathmandu, experience Pokhara, ride through the hills, trek into the Annapurna region, and spend time in communities most visitors never encounter.

The People: Children shouting “Namaste” as you cycle through mountain villages. Locals cheering from the roadside. A Nepali-style celebration with your support crew after the race. And a homestay village welcoming you in for the night after what may be the hardest day of your year. Himalayan Xtri runs on Nepali hospitality as much as on watts, pace, and endurance.

Highlights

Race an official XTRI World Tour partner event in the heart of the Nepal Himalayas.
A 3.5-kilometer pre-dawn open-water swim across Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
A 165-kilometer mountain bike course with approximately 3,800 meters of elevation gain.
A 43-kilometer off-road mountain run through the spectacular Mardi Himal region.
Reach 4,000 meters at the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint, the highest point in the world triathlon.
Finish in a remote homestay village in Lwang and celebrate with authentic Nepali hospitality.
Guided acclimatization trek through sections of the actual race course before race day.
Bike course familiarization ride to understand the climbs, descents, and road conditions.
Explore the bustling cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Experience traditional Himalayan villages and local communities along the race and trekking routes.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,310 meters) - April 29, 2027

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by our airport representative with a traditional Nepali welcome. From the airport, a short drive takes you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu.

After checking into your room, take some time to rest and recover from your journey and jet lag. Later in the afternoon, meet your group leader and fellow athletes in the hotel lobby for a detailed group briefing. This session covers everything you need to know about the race, the trekking route, accommodations, local lodges, and the days ahead.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine while watching a cultural performance that introduces you to the country's rich heritage and traditions.

Overnight: 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Welcome Dinner

Day 2 :

Half-day Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,310 meters) and Afternoon Flight to Pokhara (820 meters) - April 30, 2027

After breakfast, meet your local guide and head out for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit two of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explore the history, architecture, and culture that make the Kathmandu Valley unique.

After the tour, enjoy lunch before transferring to the domestic terminal for your scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight takes about 25 minutes and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan landscape on a clear day. After landing at Pokhara International Airport, transfer to Mt. Kailash Resort in Lakeside, located close to the Himalayan Xtri swim start..

Take the rest of the day to settle into Pokhara, explore Lakeside, or simply relax beside Phewa Lake.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 :

Himalayan Solo P5 Race Day and Bike Course Review - May 1, 2027

Today offers a unique opportunity to experience another Himalayan endurance race. It is race day for the Himalayan Solo Point 5, an XTRI World Tour race offering 100 X-Points. Athletes or support crew members may participate, subject to the amended package arrangements. Please contact the race team for details.

For those not taking part in the Himalayan Solo P5, today is dedicated to becoming familiar with the Himalayan Xtri bike course. You’ll review the full bike route by vehicle and have the opportunity to take your bike out and ride sections of the course. This is a valuable opportunity to become familiar with the roads, climbs, descents, and surroundings before race day.

You can also watch the start of the Himalayan Solo P5 near Mt. Kailash Resort, accompany an athlete during the race, or take part in the 21 km run course as a non-competitive athlete.

Transport from the Panchase finish back to Pokhara can also be arranged.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 :

Drive to Kande (1,740 meters) and Trek to Forest Camp (2,520 meters) - May 2, 2027

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara and drive to the trailhead at Kande to begin our four-day acclimatization trek. From Kande, we trek and run through the steep stone-paved staircases towards Australian Camp. Then, you’ll follow the forested path and descend towards Pothana.

You’ll make a quick stop at Pothana’s Tourist Checkpoint to verify your permits. From Pothana, the trail winds through lush forests and mountain terrain, with spectacular views gradually opening up as you climb. After nearly six hours of steady uphill, you’ll reach Forest Camp at 2,520 meters.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

Trek to High Camp (3,580 meters) - May 3, 2027

Today, we continue deeper into the Mardi Himal region. The trail from Forest Camp to Low Camp passes through a cloud forest blanketed in moss, lichen, and tree ferns. Later, the forest thins, and the landscape opens into alpine terrain, offering increasingly impressive views of the surrounding Himalayas.

You’ll continue the ascent along a sharp ridgeline lined with shrubs and bushes. The final stretch to the High Camp is steep and strenuous, offering stunning views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

For those who want to go higher, there is an opportunity to continue toward the Mardi Himal Viewpoint at around 4,000 meters, which is also the turnaround point on the Himalayan Xtri run course. This is an important part of the acclimatization process. Rather than reaching 4,000 meters for the first time on race day, you can experience the altitude beforehand and understand how your body responds.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

Hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Trek to Low Camp (3,050 meters) - May 4, 2027

Wake up early for the opportunity to return to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint for sunrise. The early-morning views from the high trail are among the highlights of the acclimatization trek, with the mountains rising above the surrounding ridges as first light reaches the Himalayas.

After exploring the higher section of the course, we retrace the route to Low Camp for the overnight stay. The lower elevation gives you a chance to recover while still spending time at altitude. There is also an opportunity for some easy running along the trail to help your body adapt to the terrain and altitude.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 :

Trek to Lwang Village (1,460 meters) - May 5, 2027

Today, we complete our preview of the Himalayan Xtri run course. From Low Camp, the trail gradually descends under the shade of the rhododendron forest. Initially, you’ll retrace the route from Low Camp to Forest Camp, then head through the terraced fields towards Kalimati.

The trail gradually descends past small settlements, rice fields, and pastures towards the traditional village of Lwang. This is the Himalayan Xtri finish line. Reaching Lwang during the acclimatization trek gives you the chance to see where your race journey will eventually end and understand the final section of the course before race day.

After lunch in one of the community-based homestays in the village, we take a jeep ride back to Pokhara.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 08 :

Social Swim and Race Registration - May 6, 2027

After several days in the mountains, today is a chance to slow down. Start the morning with a relaxed social swim on Phewa Lake, then enjoy coffee and time with fellow athletes and the support crew.

The rest of the day is dedicated to recovery and race preparation. Head to one of the halls at Mt. Kailash Hotel to register and pick up your race materials. You can also use the day to check your equipment, organize your nutrition, and make your final preparations for race weekend.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 09 :

Race Briefing and Final Preparation - May 7, 2027

Today is another day for rest and preparation before the big one. Spend the morning and afternoon relaxing, recovering, and getting your equipment ready for race day.

Later, attend the official Himalayan Xtri race briefing, where you'll receive key details on the course, transitions, safety procedures, checkpoints, support, and race-day logistics. With the bike course reviewed and the entire run course already explored on foot, you should now have a much clearer understanding of what to expect tomorrow.

Enjoy an early breakfast and get an early night. The race starts tomorrow at 4:00 AM.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 :

Himalayan Xtri Race Day - May 8, 2027

Race day is here. Head to the race start at Basundhara Park by 3:30 AM. A vehicle and driver are provided for the entire race day and will be available at the start.

The Himalayan Xtri begins at 4:00 AM sharp in the darkness of Phewa Lake. After a 3.5 km swim, you take on the 165 km bike course through the hills around Pokhara, then transition at Kande for the final 43 km mountain run toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The run climbs to about 4,000 meters before descending toward the finish in the remote village of Lwang.

After crossing the finish line, you'll spend the night in the village instead of returning to the city right away. Enjoy a well-earned meal, rest, and celebrate your achievement with your support crew and fellow athletes.

Overnight: Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 :

Drive to Pokhara (820 meters) and Race Celebration - May 9, 2027

Wake up in Lwang and enjoy a relaxed breakfast after your Himalayan Xtri adventure. Take time to explore the village, meet the local community, and reflect on the journey before heading to Pokhara around 10:00 AM.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, return to Mt. Kailash Resort and take some time to rest and recover. In the evening, join the official Himalayan Xtri Race Party. The celebration begins at 6:00 PM with a Nepali-style meal, drinks, the finisher ceremony, and the presentation of your official Himalayan Xtri finisher T-shirt and medal.

This is your chance to celebrate properly with your fellow athletes, support crew, race team, and the people who helped make the journey possible.

Overnight: Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 :

Fly to Kathmandu (1,310 meters) - May 10, 2027

After breakfast, you'll drive to Pokhara International Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free. You can use the time to explore Kathmandu, shop for souvenirs, enjoy a final Nepalese meal, or simply rest in the comfort of your hotel after the race.

Overnight: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 :

International Departure - May 11, 2027

Your Himalayan Xtri journey comes to an end today. Depending on your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport.

On behalf of the entire Patan Adventures team, thank you for choosing to travel with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next Himalayan adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes

Two-way domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Bike transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Welcome dinner on arrival in Nepal.
Personalized check-in assistance at your hotel.
Half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
12 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as mountain lodges during the acclimatization trek.
Bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and Mt. Kailash Resort in Pokhara.
4-day acclimatization hike and run training through the Mardi Himal region.
Guided Himalayan Xtri run-course review, covering the actual mountain run route before race day.
All meals during the acclimatization hike, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Additional Annapurna Conservation Area National Park permits required for the acclimatization trek.
Full bike-course inspection by 4x4 jeep/car before race day.
Personalized race registration assistance at the hotel base in Pokhara.
Car hire with driver on race day, providing dedicated transportation and support throughout the event.

Cost Excludes

Himalayan Xtri race registration fee
Nepal visa fees and any related immigration charges.
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Travel and trekking insurance, including coverage for high-altitude trekking, mountain running, and triathlon participation.
Emergency evacuation and any costs related to medical treatment during the trek or race.
Personal expenses, including laundry, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, phone calls, and other personal purchases.
Meals and drinks outside the package, including meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara that are not specifically mentioned as included.
Bike rental, spare parts, repairs, or mechanic services beyond the transportation and course-support arrangements included in the package.
Triathlon equipment and personal race gear, including wetsuit, helmet, cycling shoes, running shoes, nutrition, hydration systems, lights, and other mandatory race equipment.

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Overview

What Makes This Different

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes