Frequently Asked Questions
Trekking in Nepal on various trails is a unique opportunity to experience both expected and unexpected opportunities. Annapurna Region Trek FAQs will answer most of the small and big questions that you might encounter during a spectacular trek on one of the most beautiful trekking routes on Earth.
How Difficult is The Annapurna Circuit Trek?
When it comes to the difficulty level of any trekking route in Nepal, we should not ignore the issue of altitude sickness. For most people, walking for hours at sea level or a little more is usually comfortable, but when you start to climb above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), those many hours seem to never end. The Annapurna Circuit Trail is the longest trail in the region and is a complete circuit of the Annapurna Massif. Comparatively, it is considered more difficult and longer than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This is because trekkers will cross the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,764 feet). In addition to the altitude, what really makes this trek difficult are the steep climbs and long distances as well as the low-down features. The trail is usually closed during the winter season due to heavy snow accumulation on the trekking routes. Since it is a long trek, you need to be physically fit so that you can walk for at least 5 to 7 hours each day. Even beginners can do this trek if they have trained themselves for at least 4 weeks before the trek. Cycling, swimming, acrobatics, hiking, running and cardiovascular exercises are some of the ways to train your body for a successful trek in the Himalayas.
Do I Need Crampons for This Trekking?
Generally, crampons are not necessary for this hike if you are hiking during the season. However, if you are hiking in the middle of winter or during the rainy season, crampons may be necessary. You don’t know what conditions you will encounter on the hiking trail until you get there, so it is better having your crampons and not using it rather than needing it and not having it if required.
How is The Weather in The Annapurna Region?
The weather in the Annapurna Area varies differently in different seasons. The snow-capped Himalayan region is never really hot, not even during summer season. The maximum temperature during the day reaches up to [25°C/77°F] while the night temperature falls as low as [-20°C/-4°F] or sometimes lower. Considering the whole trekking journey, the lower hiking regions are much warmer than the base camp. Spring season is relatively hot especially during the daytime when there is no cloud or snowfall.
What is the best time of year to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is the pre-monsoon months from March to May. The post-monsoon months from late September to December are also favorable for trekking. This trek can also be done in February and early September but the most suitable time for this trek is as mentioned above.
Is My “Trip” Departure Guaranteed Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Absolutely! Under normal circumstances, our booked trips are guaranteed to operate. Even if other trekkers cancel theirs, you will still be able to continue your trek. This is why AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions is different from other agencies, as we are a tailor-made company and the number of participants does not stop our operations. If your trip has been cancelled by your operator and you are under last-minute stress, do not hesitate to seek us out to help you make your travel decisions. Please do not hesitate to book your stress-free holidays with us. Unless there are circumstances beyond our control such as political unrest, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics or weather disasters, our trips are 100% guaranteed to operate.
Who Are My Guides in Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Rest assured that you will be in good hands with our experienced trek leaders, who have multiple years of experience trekking in Nepal. All of our guides, known as, are locals with a deep understanding of the mountain, its people, culture, health, hygiene, and most importantly, your safety. They are fluent in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trek. Our guides are passionate about their work and will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
What is the experience of the guides and staff for the Trek?
The guides have many years of guiding experience in trekking. Most have been exploring the Himalayas for years. Our guides are also trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. All our guides speak fluent English and are happy to share their in-depth knowledge of the culture, geography, flora, festivals, lifestyle with you. It is enough to take visitors to special places or special cultures, who can engage people in what they are experiencing, explain it well and entertain them. They are well versed in how to make the journey comfortable and safe while appreciating the beauty of the Himalayas.
What Clothes Should I Pack for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a lodge-to-lodge trek. You will sleep in teahouses or lodges rather than tent camp. Although it may not be as cold as a tent, again, you should be prepared with the right clothing. Please refer to our detailed clothing packing lists for Annapurna Trek.
Is there an age limit for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
No, there is no age limit for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, however, you must be in good physical health and have a positive attitude. We recommend that you visit your doctor before your visit and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as take medications when traveling at high altitudes. More information about Medications
Do I need travel insurance for Annapurna Region Trek?
Yes: We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and you must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved. More information: Travel Insurance
Where Am I Sleeping at Night Annapurna Region?
Accommodation in the Annapurna region is considered to be the best with a high level of service compared to other places in the upper Himalayas. It is up to you to decide where you want to sleep – guesthouse, hotel or resort, or teahouse. Guesthouses range from high-end to very budget and low-quality. For a comfortable lifestyle, especially after a day of trekking, there are hotels and resorts, some of which boast expensive amenities. These hotels or resorts may not be as deluxe as those in urban areas, but they are definitely better than the cheap lodges or budget guesthouses. Teahouse accommodations are the most popular among trekkers in the Annapurna region and they come equipped with furnished wooden beds and solar-heated showers. You will have a two-bed room with a pillow, mattress and blanket as well as Western toilet facilities. As you climb higher, the accommodation will become more and more basic, perhaps with a shared toilet and bucket shower.
Is There Wi-Fi & Electricity in The Annapurna Circuit Trek?
During the trek, electricity is available at all teahouses where you will spend the night. You can recharge your phone, laptop or iPad from micro-hydropower and solar panels for a nominal fee. Regarding W-iFi, there are no free hotspots along the trek route, so we do not encourage you to bring your laptop. Some teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi services by the hour, but do not expect high-speed connectivity on remote trails.
What I am Eating During The Trek in Annapurna Circuit?
Trekkers will enjoy 3 delicious meals on each day of the trek. Typically, you will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where you will spend the night. Lunch will be provided at tea shops or small restaurants along the trail. You are free to choose your meals from the menu wherever possible; they will provide you with the best food items – our leader will ensure that you are provided with the right food. Throughout the trek, you will be fed fresh and organic fruits, either brought from Kathmandu or sourced locally in local villages. The meals include a nutritionist-designed balanced diet containing complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The chefs are trained by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in hygienic food preparation and allergy safety. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher diets can be arranged if required with prior notice.
Sample menu for Annapurna Region, Trek
Breakfast:
- Beverage: black tea, milk tea, ginger lemon honey tea, lemon tea, hot lemon with honey, black coffee, milk coffee, hot chocolate
- Toast with jam or honey, toast omelet, pancake, Tibetan bread, porridge/muesli
- Eggs on your choices
- American breakfast or Continental breakfast
Day Lunch:
- Rice item: veg fried rice, egg fried rice, mixed fried rice, dal-bhaat
- Noodle item: vegetable fried noodle, mixed fried noodle
- Potato item: chips, fried potato, hash brown potato, veg fried potato, boiled potato
- Burger: veg burger, chicken burger, veg sandwich, chicken sandwich
- Pasta: spaghetti tomato sauce, macaroni cheese sauce
- Pizza: veg pizza, tomato cheese pizza, chicken pizza, mushroom pizza
- Momo (Nepali style dumplings): veg momo, chicken momo
- Meat item: chicken sizzler, chicken steak, yak steak
- Beverage: black tea, milk tea, ginger lemon honey tea, lemon tea, hot lemon with honey, black coffee, milk coffee, hot chocolate
Dinner In Night:
- Soups: vegetable soup, mushroom soup, chicken soup, chicken noodle soup, Rara noodle soup, French onion soup, pumpkin soup, potato soup
- Main Meals: (Dinner in Night)
- Rice item: veg fried rice, egg fried rice, mixed fried rice, dal-bhaat
- Noodle item: vegetable fried noodle, mixed fried noodle
- Potato item: chips, fried potato, hash brown potato, veg fried potato, boiled potato
- Burger: veg burger, chicken burger, veg sandwich, chicken sandwich
- Pasta: spaghetti tomato sauce, macaroni cheese sauce
- Pizza: veg pizza, tomato cheese pizza, chicken pizza, mushroom pizza
- Momo (Nepali Dumplings): veg momo, chicken momo
- Meat item: chicken sizzler, chicken stake, yak stake
- Dessert: apple pie, chocolate cake, carrot cake, apple fritter, canned fruit
- Beverage: black tea, milk tea, ginger lemon honey tea, lemon tea, hot lemon with honey, black coffee, milk coffee, hot chocolate
Is There Cell Phone Reception on The Route?
Yes, cell phone networks are available on all trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Most small villages and trekking routes have cell phone coverage via Ncell or NTC networks. However, in some areas, network coverage may be very poor or may not be available at all.
Can I Prevent Altitude Sickness During The Trek? HOW?
If you are planning to conquer the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Thorong La Pass without the problem of altitude sickness, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips from our experienced guides and trip planners to avoid altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Thorong La Pass trek.
- Slow ascend with proper rest and enough acclimatization
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Eat enough and balanced food
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco during the entire trek
- Be head-strong and mentally prepared
- Train your body to cope with uphill hikes with enough cardio or gym workouts 4,5 weeks s before the start of
- the trek
What Are The First Signs of Altitude Sickness?
Typically, the first symptoms begin to appear 12-24 hours after reaching high altitude. Different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms. Mild, short-term symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, general lack of energy, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, these symptoms may be accompanied by headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Do I Need Oxygen on The Annapurna Region?
No. Generally, oxygen is not required during the trekking program, so it is possible to do sufficient environmental acclimatization. In addition, we provide Diamox from the beginning to prevent illness, which suppresses the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, in case of severe altitude sickness, we will immediately descend to a lower altitude, which is extremely rare in Annapurna region trekking.
Should I Take Diamox on The Annapurna Region’s Trek?
Diamox is a medication that is usually taken as a preventative measure for altitude sickness, not to cure its symptoms. The risk of altitude sickness is lower on this trek compared to the Everest Base Camp trek. However, we will give you the medication from the start as a precaution. No need to worry as your trekking leaders are equipped with first aid kits and enough Diamox tablets. It is advisable to consult your doctor about any allergic reactions or side effects that the medication may cause you.
Does Caffeine Help with Altitude Sickness on The Trek?
Caffeine can contribute to altitude sickness because it can cause altitude sickness, which can lead to dehydration. In contrast, caffeine is known to stimulate your brain, kidneys, and respiratory system, all of which are useful at high altitudes. People who have been drinking caffeinated beverages for a long time and suddenly stop drinking them while hiking may experience severe headaches.
How Are Emergencies dealt in The Mountains?
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions has a capable team of trekking guides teams who are highly skilled in dealing with any difficulties or emergencies that may arise during the trip. If you feel sick with altitude, the first thing you should do is inform your leader so that he or she knows what to do. With years of experience, he or she can sense the severity of the situation and respond accordingly, either by bringing you down to a lower altitude or by using a helicopter to rescue you. If for some reason a helicopter is unable to fly, we will use our local staff and contacts to coordinate alternative rescue and treatment procedures, which may mean using a horse or stretcher to transport the sick person down the mountain to the nearest health post or a safe helicopter landing site.
What If I Cancel The Trip, Do I Get My Refund?
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions offers a lifetime deposit policy that gives you the flexibility to transfer your deposit to anyone or any other trip. If you wish to cancel your booked trips, certain cancellation fees apply. Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions for detailed information.
How can I book Annapurna Circuit Trek?
All bookings are made through AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. based at Boudha 6, Kathmandu, Nepal. Travel Booking Terms To book your holiday you must send us a completed booking (enquiry) form or email us directly with details, for information. Learn more about our book. How to Book a Trip?
Which is Easier, Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek?
With regards to the accessibility, Annapurna Circuit Trek is certainly much easier while in terms of comfort, Everest Base Camp Trek is more comfortable because it is more commercialized and lodges and guesthouses on the Everest Base Camp have been built to accommodate tour groups to provide more comfort and other amenities. Based on our years of experience and with the views of our trek leaders as well as our trekking customers who have embarked on both these treks, a majority of them voted Annapurna Circuit Trek as the easier one. The starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trek lies at an altitude of 827m (2,714ft.) and takes a longer time to reach from Kathmandu while the starting point of Everest Base Camp lies at 2,860m (9,383ft.) and can be reached within a mere 25 minutes. It means that you will already be exposed to quite a higher altitude before you actually begin to trek to Everest Base Camp. The Annapurna Circuit Trek has more green vegetation and due to a comparably thicker oxygen level even in the higher elevation, chances of altitude sickness in this region is minimum. For more details, please read website and blogs or contact us
