Why didn't AlpineTrav Include the price in the package?

Price for the trip:

• The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
• The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
• The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
• Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
• The itinerary is published in full board services for the better understanding to the client. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the client can make his/her own choice
• The cost is also affected by the number of employees‒ guides and porters
• Please contact us for any information about in your selected package.

Nepal Visa Information

Visa on Arrival: Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Visa Fees: A 15-day multiple-entry visa costs USD 30, a 30-day visa costs USD 50, and a 90-day visa costs USD 125.
Application Process: Visitors should fill out a visa application form, which is available online or at the airport, and provide a passport-sized photo and payment in cash.
Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity and a blank page for the visa stamp is required. Ensure you carry sufficient USD cash for the visa fee as not all payment methods are accepted.

Useful Information

For your information, international flights and Nepal’s “entry visa fee” are not included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. So if you want to upgrade to better hotels in the cities, please contact us for your customized services.

Meals on the trek

During your Annapurna region Trek, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the tea-houses or from a lodge menu where you spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Accommodation on the trek

Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you stay at Hotel Vajra in Kathmandu, where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay single supplement price as stated in the trip costing. Regardless of whether you’re coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, come and unwind at the hotel beautiful garden, request some fine Italian espresso or a chilled Beer, and escape in the memorable surroundings of Kathmandu’s most adored Hotel Vajra.

Pokhara:

Our Address in Pokhara (Hotel Mount View Pokhara), with a spacious and comfortable room this hotel is a good place to chill and relax. Your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay single supplement price.

On Trek:

For accommodation on the trek, there are clean and friendly teahouses/lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window. Due to the limited teahouses/lodges in this area, during the peak season time, even dining rooms are occupied for the sleeping purpose. Your accommodation on the trek will be on a twin sharing basis. All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. The rooms are fairly basic. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we will provide a warm sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Group Size:

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. But if the size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.

Typical day on trek:

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.

After a hearty breakfast, you set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After few hrs, of walk, you stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and you usually arrive at your destination in time for afternoon tea. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, to wash your clothes or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, you will arrive at your destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, you will heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Guide:

We have a deep passion for alpine adventure and outdoor activities, and with our small professional team, we have gained extensive experience on some of the most remote trails and highest peaks. We take great pride in calling ourselves ‘high-altitude adventure specialists’. Therefore, your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter for every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide for every 4 participants.

History of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary has a rich history rooted in ancient pilgrimage and trade routes. Situated at the base of the Annapurna Massif, the sanctuary is a natural amphitheater formed by towering peaks, making it sacred. The Annapurna Sanctuary is home to several holy temples, including Annapurna, which is dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment. This site has been added to history since ancient times.

Furthermore, the route to Annapurna Sanctuary used to be a trade route between Nepal and Tibet, and many locals still use it today to transport goods and supplies. The route started gaining popularity worldwide after 1977 when disputes between Khampa guerrillas, the local populace, and the Nepal army were settled. However, the trek originally started in Dhumre, a market town on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, and ended in Pokhara, taking about 23 days to complete. But, with the development of road accessibility in the early 1980s, the trek now starts from Nayapul and ends at Pokhara, taking just 13-15 days to complete.

When to go on Annapurna Sanctuary trek?

You can go on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek throughout the year; however, trekkers must choose the ideal time to minimize the risk and maximize the enjoyment. Thus, we recommend that trekkers go to Annapurna during the peak seasons, spring and autumn when the trekking conditions are ideal.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the most preferred times of the year for trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas, including at Annapurna Sanctuary. While spring comes after a harsh winter, autumn comes after the monsoon season, and both come after off-seasons. The weather, temperature, sky, and visibility during the peak seasons (spring and autumn) are perfect, making the time best for the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary.

In contrast, trekkers who prefer a quiet and isolated experience can also go on the trek during the winter and summer seasons; however, they must be prepared for the potential challenges and risks. While summer brings heavy rainfall, winter brings harsh cold weather, offering trekking challenges. Thus, it is possible to trek to Annapurna Sanctuary throughout the trek, but trekkers must choose the ideal season for a smooth trip.

Is the Annapurna Sanctuary trek for beginners?

Yes, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is for beginners and requires no prior trekking experience. Compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek and other treks in the Annapurna region (Annapurna Circuit), the Annapurna Sanctuary suits novices and inexperienced people. However, the requirement of no previous trekking experience doesn’t mean any physical fitness requirement. Instead, a beginner planning a journey to the Sanctuary should pay much attention to physical and mental fitness and preparedness.

Preparation tips for beginners

• Start cardio and strength training at least 3 months before the trek.
• Focus on endurance and leg strength training.
• Involve in daily hikes with a full backpack to simulate trek conditions.
• Be involved in yoga activities that help to set a positive mindset.
• Be prepared for the challenges during the trek, as unpredictable circumstances may occur at any time in the Himalayas.
• Consider hiring a guide and porter for additional support.
• Invest in good clothing and gear.
• Choose a reputable trekking agency that prioritizes your safety.

Important landmarks on the Annapurna Sanctuary trekking route

Poon Hill

Within the Annapurna region at Ghorepani village of Myagdi district, Poon Hill is the significant landmark along the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary. Lying at an elevation of 3,210m above sea level, Poon Hill is a well-renowned destination famous for offering majestic sunrise views over the world’s tenth highest peak, Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Macchapucchre Base Camp, at 3,700m/m/12,139 ft, is another key landmark along the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp is the base of the Machhapuchhre mountain, one of the holiest peaks in Nepal. The Macchapucchre Base Camp is stunning, with a panorama of Mount Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other Himalayan peaks. The base camp is the acclimatization and resting point for trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp, marking the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna Base Camp is undoubtedly the prominent landmark along the trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. At an elevation of 4,130m, the base camp is the ultimate destination of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Standing at the top of the base camp offers trekkers a sense of accomplishment and worth of navigating every rough section smoothly. The view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna is the key highlight of the base camp. Additionally, the panorama of the rising sun and setting sun are also satisfying from the Annapurna Base Camp.

Do you need a guide and porter for your Annapurna Sanctuary trek?

Whether or not you need a porter for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek depends on the individual trekker’s choice and preferences. However, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) have made it mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide for all trekking destinations in Nepal, including for Annapurna Sanctuary, for the safety of trekkers. Thus, trekkers must hire a guide, whereas hiring a porter is optional.

Hiring a guide won’t make you regret it at all. They will help you with everything from managing your logistics to assisting you throughout the trek. The guide will be your valuable companion on the journey to Annapurna Sanctuary by providing information regarding the route, local culture, and weather conditions. Likewise, porters are unpraised heroes who will carry all your loads and allow you to focus only on the trip. Moreover, hiring guides costs around $25-$35 per day and $15-$25 for porters.

Things to consider before and during the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Before Trek

• Choose the right trekking season, as selecting the perfect season only helps you to complete the trek smoothly.
• Obtain all necessary permits for the trek. Without a permit, you can’t complete the trek.
• Make yourself physically and mentally fit.
• Involve in physical fitness and training for a couple of months.
• Pack the right gear, from clothing to footwear to other essentials.
• Choose a reputable trekking agency that ensures your safety.
• Buy travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation in emergencies, and medical treatment.

During Trek

• Focus on acclimatization by ascending gradually and letting the body adjust to the changed temperature.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water daily.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine as they lead to dehydration.
• Take rest whenever you need to.
• Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and don’t ignore them.
• Respect local culture and tradition while passing through villages.
• Eat energy-rich meals and vegetarian meals instead of non-veg meals.
• Avoid raw vegetables and meat.
• Dress warm in the morning and night, and the times are cold.
• Seek permission before taking photos of people and religious sites.

Changes in weather and temperature during the trek

The weather and temperature on the journey to Annapurna Sanctuary vary throughout the trek depending on location, elevation, and season. Here are the weather and temperature changes during the trek at different points and in different seasons:

Pokhara – (827m) 12°C-30°C, clear skies and plant weather 18°C to 32°C, humid and heavy rainfall 15°C to 30°C, clear skies 5°C to 20°C, cool mornings
Nayapul – (1,070m) 10°C to 28°C, warm 16°C to 30°C, rainy 13°C to 27°C, stable weather 4°C to 18°C, chilly morning
Ulleri – (2,050m) 7°C to 22°C, pleasant 12°C to 24°C, cloudy and rainfall 9°C to 21°C, cool nights -2°C to 12°C, cold nights
Ghorepani – (2,750m) 5°C to 20°C, comfortable 10°C to 22°C, foggy with rain 7°C to 19°C, fresh air -4°C to 10°C, cold weather
Poon Hil – (3,210m) 5°C to 18°C, amazing sunrise view 10°C to 20°C, foggy with rainfall 6°C to 17°C, clear skies -5°C to 10°C, freezing morning
Tadapani – (2,630m) 5°C to 20°C, mild 10°C to 22°C, occasional rainfall 7°C to 19°C, fresh air -3°C to 10°C, cold morning and nights
Chhomrong – (2,170m) 7°C to 20°C, comfortable 10°C to 22°C, humid 8°C to 20°C, dry trails -2°C to 12°C, chilly nights
Dovan – (2,580m) 3°C to 18°C, cool 8°C to 20°C, west and misty 5°C to 17°C, stable -4°C to 8°C, extremely cold nights and morning
Macchapuchhre Base Camp – (3,700m) -2 to 12°C, cold but pleasant 5°C to 15°C, foggy and rainfall 0°C to 12°C, stunning views -10°C to 5°C, freezing and snowfall
Annapurna Base Camp – (4,130m) -5°C to 10°C, windy nights with mild day 3°C to 12°C, rain -2°C to 10°C, stable weather with clear sky -15°C to 5°C, extremely cold with snowfall
Bamboo – (2,310m) 4°C to 18°C, fresh morning 9°C to 20°C, humid 6°C to 17°C, stable weather -3°C to 10°C, cold nights
Jhinu Danda – (1,760m) 8°C to 24°C, warm and pleasant 12°C to 26°C 10°C to 22°C, comfortable weather 0°C to 15°C, cool morning

Acute mountain sickness during trekking

Acute mountain Sickness (AMS) is a concern while trekking above the elevation of 2,500m. The journey to Annapurna Sanctuary takes trekkers up to an elevation of 4,130m, making the issue a major concern during the trek. The issue generally occurs as trekkers ascend to higher altitudes, where oxygen levels decrease, causing the body not to adjust properly due to thinner air pressure. Additionally, if Acute Mountain Sickness is left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). 

The symptoms of Acute Mountain sickness include: 

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Swelling of hands, feet, and face
• Increased pulse rate
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing

Here is how you can prevent Acute Mountain sickness during the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek:

• Do not ascent rapidly; let your body adjust to the changed temperature by walking gradually.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water every day.
• Eat a balanced diet to maintain your energy level.
• Avoid strenuous activity and rest properly if you experience altitude sickness symptoms or feel unwell.
• Consider taking medication like Diamox that helps to prevent or reduce the risk of AMS symptoms.

Difficulty of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a moderate difficulty trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Likewise, with proper preparation and a moderate fitness level, trekkers can smoothly complete the trek. Still, trekkers with a good fitness level can also complete the trek. Reaching the highest elevation at 4,130m above sea level, the trek lies in the yellow zone in terms of altitude sickness. Moreover, the factors that add to the trek’s difficulty include steep ascent and descent sections, quite high elevations with a risk of altitude sickness, varied terrain, and a multi-day trek that involves walking for 5-6 hours daily.

Additional Information

Other information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Visa and Passport etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.

FAQs

To plan a trek and get off to a good start, it’s always a good idea to learn a little more about the area and even catch a few checkpoints. These FAQs will answer your most important question marks and provide tips to plan your trek with confidence. So, let’s get into them.