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.

Gurage Mountains with Langano

Just a short journey from the bustling streets of Addis Ababa lies a world of breathtaking beauty, profound culture, and timeless peace. Welcome to the foothills of the Guraghe Mountain Chains, a destination where authentic village life and stunning landscapes create an unforgettable travel experience.

A Sanctuary of Peace, Moments from the Capital

Imagine trading the city’s noise for the serene whispers of the highlands. Our Guraghe tours offer the perfect escape without the long travel time. You can be immersed in a completely different world—one of rolling green hills, fresh mountain air, and the tranquil rhythm of rural life—all within easy reach of Addis Ababa.

A Landscape That Takes Your Breath Away

The Guraghe Highlands are a visual masterpiece. Prepare to be captivated by:

Dramatic Vistas: Lush, terraced hillsides carved into the mountains, creating a patchwork of small farms and vibrant greenery.
Ever-Changing Skies: The highland climate brings majestic cloud formations and a light that makes the landscapes truly photogenic.
A Hiker’s Paradise: Gentle walks through the villages and more challenging treks up the slopes reveal new, breathtaking views at every turn.

Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Gurage Culture

This is more than a scenic trip; it’s a deep cultural immersion with some of Ethiopia’s most welcoming and resilient people.

The Warmest of Welcomes: The Gurage people are renowned for their hospitality. You won’t just be a spectator; you will be a guest, invited to share in their daily lives and traditions.
Witness Incredible Resilience: Experience firsthand the strong work ethic and community spirit of the Gurage. It’s a place where you can “find yourself” by witnessing a culture built on cooperation, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.
A Living History: Feel the weight and richness of history in the ancient traditions, the architecture of the homes, and the stories shared by the elders.

The “Tree Against Hunger”: A Hands-On Enset Experience

A highlight of any visit is encountering the Enset plant (the “false banana”), the cornerstone of Gurage life and culture. This is a truly unique, participatory experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Transportation
Minibus or 4x4
Accomodation
Homestay and Resort
Maximum Altitude
2700
Departure from
Addis Abeba
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking - Community Tourism
Language
English, Spanish, French, Amharic
Fitness level
2
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
74
Group Size
1 - 10
Destinations
Gurage Mountains and Villages, Surrounding Addis
Activities
Adventure, Bird Watching, Photography Tour, Trekking
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Child Friendly, Cultural, Excursion, High Altitude, Home Stay, Nature Friendly, Weekend Trips
Difficulty
Midium

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Dates

Review

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Dates

Review

Overview

This three-day journey is the essence of what we, as local specialists, do best: opening the door to a side of Ethiopia that few travelers ever see. Move beyond standard tours and step into the daily rhythm of life in the breathtaking Gurage highlands. This trip is designed for those who seek not just to see, but to connect—to live with a local family, share in their traditions, and explore a landscape of stunning beauty on foot. It is a perfect blend of gentle adventure, cultural exchange, and serene moments by the Rift Valley lakes, offering a profound and personal understanding of rural Ethiopian life.

Highlights

Authentic Homestay Experience: A rare opportunity to live with a local Gurage family, sharing meals, stories, and their way of life.
Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
Participatory Cultural Activities: Actively engage in daily routines like Enset food preparation, farming, or fetching water.
Scenic Hikes in the Gurage Highlands: Gentle, guided treks through a stunning landscape of rolling green mountains and valleys, ideal for amateur hikers.
Traditional Coffee Ceremony: An intimate evening of coffee, conversation, and community bonding.
Lake Ziway Boat Trip: A thrilling excursion to Bird Island, teeming with birdlife and the chance to see hippos.
Serene Lake Langano: Time to relax, walk, and swim in the safe, beautiful waters of this popular Rift Valley lake.

Itinerary

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Our reputation is built on creating journeys that are as real as they are memorable. This itinerary is a testament to that commitment. We don't just take you to a village; we welcome you into a family home. We don't just show you a mountain; we guide you on peaceful trails known only to locals. From the moment we leave Addis, every detail—from navigating the rugged road to your host family's doorstep to sharing an evening coffee ceremony with the community—is facilitated by our deep, personal connections. This is not a sightseeing trip; it is an invitation to participate, learn, and form genuine bonds in one of Ethiopia's most hospitable and scenic regions.

Altitude Unit:

M. FT.

Day 01 :

Arrival & Welcoming Hikes in the Gurage Highlands

After an early pick-up from Addis, we embark on the scenic three-hour drive to Butajira. The final leg of our journey is a 15km drive on a rough road, which builds anticipation as we climb into the Gurage Mountain chain—a lush, rolling highland characterized by emerald-green valleys, terraced farms, and eucalyptus-scented air. Upon arrival at the village, you will be warmly welcomed by your host family. After settling in, we will begin with an introductory two-hour hike through the stunning surroundings, offering breathtaking views and a chance to acclimatize. The evening is dedicated to connection: you will participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a sacred social ritual, shared with your host family and neighbors, fostering a genuine sense of community

3 hours

Homestay

Lunch + Dinner

Day 02 :

The Journey to Lake Langano

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the village. After a local breakfast, we set out on a more substantial three-hour hike deeper into the highlands. This is the perfect opportunity for amateur hikers to immerse themselves in the landscape and, if the timing is right, participate in daily activities with locals—whether it’s learning to prepare food from the Enset (false banana) tree, helping fetch water, or assisting with light farm work. We return to the family home for lunch, after which we pack and bid a fond farewell to our hosts. We then drive down to the Rift Valley, arriving at the shores of Lake Langano in the afternoon. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach or take a refreshing swim in its bilharzia-free, brown-hued waters before overnighting at a lodge.

Hotel/Resort/Lodge

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 03 :

Rift Valley Wildlife & Return to Addis

After a leisurely breakfast by the lake, we begin our journey back towards Addis Ababa. En route, we stop at Lake Ziway for a captivating short boat excursion. We will glide across the water to Bird Island, a sanctuary for thousands of vibrant waterbirds, including pelicans, storks, and fish eagles. Keep a close watch on the shores and water for a chance to spot pods of hippos basking in the sun. This final encounter with the Rift Valley’s rich ecosystem provides a perfect conclusion to our trip before we continue the drive back to Addis Ababa.

Breakfast + Lunch

A Sanctuary of Peace, Moments from the Capital

A Landscape That Takes Your Breath Away

Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Gurage Culture

The “Tree Against Hunger”: A Hands-On Enset Experience

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

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