Annapurna Circuit Trek

Accommodation

Teahouses/Guesthouses/Lodges are means of accommodation in the Annapurna Region. The hotel is the accommodation in the city. Camping tents are accommodations for camping treks or in the higher regions of unexplored or off-beat treks in this region. Teahouses are generally simple and comfortable with basic facilities. But, trekkers must pay additional charges for the use of Wi-Fi, electronic device charges, hot water buckets, laundry, and boiled water. In the case of camping treks, camping and kitchen equipment are provided.

Meals

Only Breakfast is provided during the hotel stay in the city. The full 3-course meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is provided during the trek. The meals are basic but healthy, hygienic, and appropriate for the trekkers’ health. Fresh homegrown vegetables are served in most parts of the trek. Nepali Dal-Bhat is the main dish served with vegetable curry, and pickles which is a good source of energy for the trekkers. The meal varieties are fewer during the trek. Besides Dal-Bhat, noodles, soups, hot drinks, roti, and fresh curries are served. In the case of the camping treks, a professional cook accompanied the trek. The cook prepares healthy food during the camping treks.

Drinking water

Water drinking during the trek is very essential as it keeps the body hydrated. In the Annapurna region, drinking water is available everywhere. One can purchase a mineral water bottle or fill up the water at the teahouses. If one needs boiled water, pay an additional charge. But, remember to carry water purifying solutions/kits for safe water treatment and to stay safe & healthy. Also, carry your personal water bottle to minimize the risk of using plastic bottles and keep the environment safe.

Communication

Mobile networks and internet facilities are easily accessible in the lower regions of the Annapurna region. The network connections are fair and stable. One can pay an additional charge to use the internet facilities in the lower region. But, in the higher regions of the Annapurna, the connections are unstable or not at all. Also, for using the phone and internet, one can purchase a local Sim and use the internet facility from the data packs.

Required Permits

1. ACAP permit cost charge: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)
2. TIMS permit cost charge: NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is compulsory while trekking in Nepal. It acts as a safety tool that prevents unforeseen and unwanted events during the travel journey. One must get travel insurance from a trusted insurance company. It must cover all emergencies, flight cancelations, loss/theft of luggage, altitude over 3000m, evacuations, and medical difficulties. Travel Insurance makes your journey stress-free.

Safety and our guides

The client’s safety is our topmost priority. So, when it comes to safety one can 100% trust us. Our guides are certified and have years of experience in this field. They are aware of the technical difficulties, altitude sickness, and health of the trekkers in the mountains. Thus, they are fully prepared and always carry necessary medical kits, safety tools, and experts in safety performances. From day 1 to the end of the trek, the client’s safety is taken into consideration and kept as a high priority. Therefore, all the program itineraries are carefully planned and scheduled with proper acclimatization and rest days to prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the higher altitude. We are 24/7 available at your service. Hence, feel free to ask queries and share your thoughts.

Best time for Annapurna Region Trek

All seasons have their beauty. But, when it comes to trekking in the Annapurna region, Spring and Autumn seasons are termed best. These two seasons are the best time to explore as the weather is clear, the days are bright, and trekking trails are easy to walk. During Spring, witness the blossoming seasonal flowers in this region. Spring and Autumn season is followed by the Summer season to trek in the Annapurna region. Winter and Rainy seasons are riskier due to muddy, slippery, and snowy trails. The weather is also uncertain and the chances of the temperature rising are high making it cold for the trekkers. It is advisable to properly plan before trekking in the rainy and winter seasons in the Annapurna region.

Annapurna Region Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Region’s Trek is easy to moderately challenging depending on the trek duration, elevation, and trail structure. The trek trails may include several steep ascends, and descends, rugged trails, and high elevations. The trek difficulty is the part of the trekking journey which is unavoidable. But, to minimize the difficulty during the trek, trekkers must be physically and mentally fit before the start of the trek. Trekkers can take part in physical training, exercises, short day hikes, cardiovascular exercises, and healthy diets. Take essential health tests and keep yourself motivated before the trekking journey. Here in Nepal, our assistance is always there throughout the trekking journey.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Altitude sickness is common at an altitude above 3000m. Here in Nepal, during trekking, altitude sickness chances are high. The high elevation, the weather, and the temperature play a key role. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness acclimatization is quintessential. Thus, the acclimatization rest days are carefully scheduled to adapt to the surroundings. All age groups and even healthy people can suffer from altitude sickness. But, no need to panic as its symptoms and precautionary advice is given below:

Altitude Sickness Symptoms

The symptoms of altitude sickness are primary at the initial stage and get extreme if primary symptoms are not taken into consideration.

Primary symptoms: Headache, vomiting, breathlessness, loss of appetite & sleep, tiredness, vertigo

Extreme symptoms: primary symptoms along with delusions & unconsciousness

Precautionary Advice

• Inform the guide immediately
• Stretch the body and do warm up before the start of the trekking journey
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals
• Urinate frequently throughout the journey
• Keep it slow and steady
• Take proper rest and sleep
• Avoid taking salty and unhygienic foods
• Avoid consuming alcohol, and smoking
• If it feels uneasy or difficult, immediately descend
• Consult a guide to take a medicine

Porter Luggage limitation

One porter is assigned to carry the luggage of two trekkers. The luggage limitation is a maximum of 15 kg per trekker.

Equipment checklist

Essential Documents

Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport size photos

Food

Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix

Shoes

Camp shoes, Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals

Clothes

Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters

Accessories

Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, and separate clean/dirty clothes

Equipment & Gears: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag, Carabiners, Crampons, Tapes/Slings, Ice Screws, Ice Ax, Harness, Rope, Spikes

Medicine: First-Aid Kit, Altitude sickness medicines, Insect repellents, Blister kits, Approved medicines

Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks

Winter Season: Light woolen clothing items

Personal Hygiene Kit: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, napkins, sachet shampoo, moisturizer, hand wash/soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, razor, and for ladies (menstrual kits)

Note: One can customize the above list. Only bring necessary items from the provided list from your home or one can rent or purchase here in Nepal.