So you’re planning to conquer Annapurna Base Camp—but not solo, not even duo. You’ve got a full-blown squad, a team, maybe even a mini football roster heading to the Himalayas.
First of all—respect. Managing a group on a high-altitude trek is a rewarding but complex beast. It’s the kind of experience that can either build lifelong memories… or lifelong group chats full of blame.
Whether you’re a family reunion crew, a college hiking club, a yoga retreat on the move, or just a bunch of friends who said “yes” after three drinks—this guide is for you.
Why Large Groups Struggle on the ABC Trek (and How to Fix It)
Trekking to 4,130 meters (13,550 ft) is no joke—add 8 to 20 personalities and it can get chaotic fast. Here’s where it gets tricky:
1. Pace Differences
Some people will be mountain goats, others will be sloths in hiking boots. Trying to keep everyone together all day = disaster.
TrekHeaven Tip:
Divide into pace groups (fast, medium, slow). Agree on rendezvous spots like tea houses or lunch stops. Let each group move at their natural rhythm—no guilt-tripping slow trekkers!
2. Accommodation Shortages
Teahouses in the ABC region are limited in size—especially in villages like Deurali and ABC itself. A group of 12+ can easily be split into multiple lodges if not planned well.
TrekHeaven Tip:
- Book ahead if you’re traveling during peak seasons (March–April, October–November).
- Carry a group gear list (e.g., sleeping bags, liners) in case you end up in basic overflow lodges.
- Designate a fast team member to scout ahead and secure rooms.
3. Meal Time Mayhem
Imagine a dozen hungry trekkers arriving at 7 p.m. asking for 12 different dishes at once in a teahouse kitchen run by two people.
TrekHeaven Tip:
- Pre-order meals during check-in or in the afternoon.
- Stick to a short group menu (e.g., dal bhat, veg fried rice, noodles) to make it easier for the kitchen.
- Take turns helping with tea orders or serving (some owners really appreciate the gesture).
4. Altitude = Mood Swings
Altitude doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your vibe. Someone might feel nauseous, someone anxious, someone might just need space.
TrekHeaven Tip:
- Keep open communication: normalize not feeling 100% every day.
- Include acclimatization days, especially if you’re doing side hikes like Poon Hill.
- Appoint a wellness buddy system: every person checks in with another.
5. Guides & Porters: Hire Enough
One guide for 15 people? That’s not going to cut it. Your group deserves support—don’t try to save costs by stretching your crew too thin.
TrekHeaven Recommendation:
- 1 guide per 6–8 trekkers
- 1 porter per 2 trekkers (or per 25 kg max)
- Have a lead guide + assistant(s) for split groups
Bonus: If someone gets sick or needs to descend, an assistant guide can handle that separately.
Group Travel Logistics: The Smart Way to Do It
- Pre-Trek Meeting: Have a briefing in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Go over gear checks, expectations, and emergency contacts.
- Shared Packing List: Set group rules—who carries meds, who has the water filter, who’s bringing the portable charger?
- Use a Messenger App: Even in the mountains, some teahouses have Wi-Fi. Having a WhatsApp/Signal group helps coordinate meet-ups or room sharing.
- Assign Roles:
- Navigator (with map/itinerary)
- Money handler (collecting cash for permits, group meals)
- First-aid person (trained and equipped)
- The Cheerleader (yes, someone should carry snacks and morale)
Hidden Perks of Trekking in a Group
It’s not all logistics and crowd control—big groups bring big magic:
- Card games in the teahouse after dinner
- Group photos with giant backdrops (ABC group shots are epic)
- Shared gear economy (one sunscreen, multiple faces)
- Endless conversation (you’ll never lack a trail buddy)
And best of all: When one person’s exhausted, another one’s always ready to motivate, distract, or feed you a Snickers bar.
The Final Word: It’s Not About Perfect Coordination—It’s About Shared Imperfection
Trekking Annapurna Base Camp as a group is not going to be seamless—and that’s the point. It’s those moments when someone loses a sock in the river, or when the last person finally arrives after sunset to a cheering team—that’s when you realize: this is the good stuff.
Plan smart. Be flexible. Laugh a lot. And let the Himalayas humble you as a team.
Need Help Organizing a Large Trekking Group?
At TrekHeaven, we specialize in helping large groups find the perfect guide-to-group ratio, the right lodges, and the best experience—without the stress. Hit us up, and we’ll make sure your group trek isn’t just doable—it’s unforgettable.
