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.

Costa Rica STEM Experience

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

In this immersive adventure students experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, geothermal activity, and agricultural innovations while engaging with local experts in coffee production, chocolate making, renewable energy, and conservation research. From rainforests and volcanoes to cloud forests and vibrant towns, the journey highlights how science and sustainability shape daily life in Costa Rica.

Highlights

Hands-On STEM Learning: Chocolate and coffee workshops, geothermal hot springs, and sustainability research bring science concepts to life.
Biodiversity & Conservation: Guided experiences in rainforests and cloud forests with naturalists and biologists focus on ecosystems, adaptation, and climate change.
Culture & Community: Local farms, towns, and shared meals provide insight into Costa Rican traditions and sustainable living practices.

Day 01 :

San Jose Arrival

• Beginning in San Jose, board your private motor coach with your tour director.

• Discover the magic of chocolate with a hands on workshop at Casa del Cacao.

• Dinner at Ikua and overnight in the San José area.

Day 02 :

Coffee, Volcanoes & Geothermal Energy

• Visit Hacienda Doka, a coffee farm, for a look into the coffee journey.

• Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Poás Volcano National Park to see its impressive crater and learn about geothermal activity.

• Travel to the Arenal region, famous for its geothermal energy and rainforest environment.

• End your day with a hot springs visit to learn about the geothermal systems beneath Arenal Volcano while relaxing in the naturally heated waters.

• Dinner at Kenko and overnight in La Fortuna.

Day 03 :

Rainforest Biodiversity & Sustainable Agriculture

• Enjoy breakfast before visiting Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you’ll walk through the rainforest canopy with a local naturalist to study biodiversity and adaptation.

• Lunch like a local visiting an organic farm and learning about Costa Rican agriculture, sugar cane, gas production from waste.Explore the town of La Fortuna, the central park, church and time for some souvenir shopping before dinner and return to hotel.

Day 04 :

Monteverde Sustainability & Nocturnal Wildlife

• After breakfast travel to Monteverde.

• Check in to hotel and before enjoying lunch in Monteverde.

• Participating in a sustainability and green technology workshop at a local research center.

• In the evening, experience a nocturnal wildlife walk to study the forest’s nighttime ecosystem.

• Dinner and overnight in Monteverde.

Day 05 :

Cloud Forest Science & Farewell to Costa Rica

• Enjoy a late breakfast.

• After breakfast, travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided hike with a biologist to explore microclimates, rare plant species, and climate change research.

• Enjoy lunch in the Cloud Forest followed by returning to San Jose.

• Some friendly games of bowling or mini golf on your last night in Costa Rica.

• Dinner and overnight in San Jose.

Day 06 :

Departure Home

Private transportation to the San Jose airport for your return flight home.

**activities and restaurants are subject to availability

Costa Rica STEM Experience

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Tour Information

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