Q1. Can I get Nepal visa on arrival or do I need to apply online?
You have the option of both. You can get on arrival tourist visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You can obtain it at the airport. It is also available at the nearest Nepal Embassy.
You will need $25 for 15 days of tourist visa from the date of issue, $40 for 30 days, and $100 for 90 days. You might also need two photos.
You can apply online visa at http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ .
Q2. Do I need travel insurance for trekking in the Annapurna region?
Of course Yes, you need to purchase travel insurance. Make sure your travel insurance covers trip cancellation, travel delay, loss/damage of baggage, medical emergencies, and medical evacuation as well. In case of any confusion, please contact us.
Q3. What are the extra documents I should carry?
Beside the visa, for trekking here in Nepal you can bring a copy of your insurance, your passport, and copies of photos (passport size) for the permits. Talking about the requirement of permits for trekking in Annapurna region, as this place has no as such restricted region, you will just need a TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). We will be dealing with all the process regarding the permits and card. You don’t have to worry at all!
Q4. Is trekking in Annapurna Region safe?
After the devastating earthquake in 2015 April, many tourists and trekkers have this big question in their mind. Though the earthquake heavily affected the trails, now it is completely fine. Despite the news of accidents, freak weather events, and occasions hazards are common.
All in all, Nepal is safe for trekking and so is Annapurna Region.
Q5. Is it economic to trek in Annapurna region?
As Nepal is fully set up well for trekking, there are abundant of affordable lodges and tea houses providing good fooding and lodging. Trekking in Nepal is cheap as they charge lower amount compared to other countries.
Similarly, trekking in Annapurna region is economical. The rough estimation for the normal expenses are as follows:
- For the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 20
- For TIMS (Trekkers’ Informational Management System) card: USD 10-20
- For food and accommodation per day: USD 15-20
- Trekking Guide per day cost: USD 25-30
- Porter Charge per cost: USD 15-18
Q6. Do I need a guide to trek this region or can I go on my own?
Both of them are advantageous in their own ways. But hiring guide and porter is more enjoyable as you will have to bear less worries and heavy bags. With them you won’t have risk of getting lost and they will even help you in the case of any emergencies.
Q7. How long can trekking in Annapurna Region be?
This totally depends on the route you want to take, and the level of adventure you want to experience.
Some trek with the Annapurna region are as long as 20+ days whereas the short treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Royal trek completes within 3-4 days. Both have their own gig and enjoyment. It will completely depend upon your choice regarding time, finances, fitness, and interests.
As the Annapurna Region is fully functioning, the possibilities are almost endless. Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are two most popular routes with numerous trails around.
Q8. How difficult is it to trek in Annapurna Region?
This is quite difficult to answer exactly as trek in higher altitude can be hard even for physically fit people. But if you are fully prepared both mentally and physically then the journey will get easier.
Also, there are various level of trekking grade here in Annapurna. You have the option of easy treks like Royal trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to strenuous trek like Annapurna Circuit Trek. So depending on your stamina, confidence, and experience, you can make your choice. This will make your trip more fruitful and enjoyable.
Also to mention, the itinerary you follow will determine the easiness of your trek. Design your trek in such a way that you walk a comfortable distance each day and have enough power to endure next day.
Q9. When should I go trekking in Annapurna Region?
Among 14 highest peaks (> 8000m) in the world, Nepal homes eight of them. And, about half of them lies here in Annapurna region. So, the stunning views of high massifs are for sure.
As Annapurna Region itself have many trekking options, different region lie in various geographical conditions. But as Annapurna region belongs to rain shaded area, most of its trekking options like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek can be done all over the year.
But if you wish more lush views and want to avoid unnecessary obstacles, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best season to prefer.
Q10. What is the condition of temperature and weather in the region?
Weather in high mountains is always hard to predict. This totally depends on the location, altitude, and time of year. Generally, the days are warm and nights are a bit cool.
Moreover, due to the Annapurna’s location, weather here is significantly different than other regions. Thus, the trekking region has variable climatic changes.
As the large portion of Annapurna is rain-shadow area, trekking is possible throughout the year.
The region takes you through sub-tropical region to the alpine peak section. Thus, you experience the every level of geographical and climatic zones.
The temperature drops as the altitude increases.
October- November
Being the busiest trekking season, the weather is calm and cool. The average day temperature is 14-17 degree Celsius and that of night is above freezing. With the crystal clear view, the chances of rainfall is very low.
December- February
The coldest weather period in the region is comparatively less preferable season climatewise. The day temperature is very cold and the nights are totally freezing. In this winter period, the days are even cloudy, dull, and dry.
Rain is not frequent but snowfall or avalanches are highly possible.
March- May
As this lies in the spring season, the average temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius and nights are below 1 or 2 degrees.
It could be hot at lower sections and even arid in some regions.
June- September
This is the monsoon period characterized by heavy downpours, huge mudslides, and crawling leeches. Though the rain does not really affect the region as most of them are rain-protected. The lower regions may receive 800mm of rain whereas the rate is 50mm at Jomsom and Marpha region.
Q11. What are the possibilities of getting altitude sickness?
The chances of having altitude sickness doesn’t relates with how fit you are. Though the effects of altitude sickness are mostly likely to come on when you’re above 3000 meters. It would be wise if you don’t ascend 300-400 meters per day after that altitude. This means short walk within couple of hours.
Always remember not to ascend too high or too quick. Also, good health, proper care, and drinking plenty of water are the obvious prevention ideas.
Moreover to be familiar with the heights, we have prepared itinerary focusing proper acclimatization. If you get any symptoms on the trail, then we will immediately descend to lower altitude. In the case of emergency, our professionals also provide medical support. Helicopter rescue is also available.
Q12. Where will I stay?
At Kathmandu and Pokhara, we will arrange a three-star hotel with breakfast included. Whilst on the trekking routes, for night stay, there are options of lodges, tea houses, or even camping. Amongst, the tea house is the most popular one. The accommodation will be simple, comfortable, and clean. They generally provide basic facilities with a mattress and a quilt/blanket. The rooms are either single or double bedded.
Here, in seasonal month, you may even have to share your room or sleep in the dining hall. Thus, it is better to carry a sleeping bar fulfilling your own sleeping requirement.
Talking about the latrine service in the teahouse, toilets are always outside the room with basic facilities. Most tea houses have western flushing toilet but in higher region the simple squat toilets are available.
Q13. What will I eat?
We get paradise of food especially in the cities areas especially in Kathmandu valley. We have a lot of restaurants with different cuisine in city but during the trek we get to eat from Continental and Nepali menu especially choices like Pasta, Pizza, Mo. Mo, soup items, Potatoes items, Dal Bhat, Hot drinks Tea & Coffee etc.
While there are many options and menus on fooding list too. From basic dal bhat to there are pasta, momo, curries, pizza, pancakes, porridge, eggs, and potatoes.
The foods are freshly cooked in the kitchen. There are different varieties of delicious Nepali and continental dishes. The local, daal bhat (rice and lentils) with some mixed vegetables is the best choice. Also, the garlic soup will help you with acclimatization.
To go vegetarian in the mountains is an excellent idea in every aspect.
Talking about drinks, you will find all common types of drinks like coffee, tea, hot lemon with honey, green tea, ginger tea, soft as well as hard drinks.
Good to veg all over the trek. Choose vegetarian dal bhat for lunch, a combination of rice, dal, and vegetables. They are real worth and healthy from all aspect.
Q14. What about drinking water on the trail of the Annapurna region?
You need to carry the means to purify water like iodine or a fine ceramic filters as the streams could be contaminated. You also have the option of bottled water but the disposal of plastic bottles is the problem.
We recommend the mineral water but boiled water is as always much preferable. That doesn’t make any harm to your digestive system.
Q15. What is the mode of communication while we are trekking?
For communicating, there are telephone in some village along the routes. They can even make international calls. Moreover, our guildes will carry the local mobiles. As the Nepali communication lines like Nepal Telecom and Ncell has good network coverage, you can have national as well as international call directly and easily.
Q16. What is the condition of charging electronic device on the trail?
As Nepal is a developing country, electricity on several trekking cities can be scare. Even in the trekking areas with electricity resource, you may face load shedding. Due to which you may have to pay 100-800 Nrs per hour to charge your gadgets and others. Same is the case in Annapurna Base Camp.
So, it is better to carry extra necessary electronic gadgets like power bank, batteries, torches, solar panels etc with you.
Q17. What to wear while trekking in Annapurna region?
This depends on where and which season you trek as not all treks are of higher altitude. But independent of your location, always remember to carry warm clothes like down jackets, thermals, and warmers. This is the preparation for unseasonable cold and unpredictable weather on your route. The above list on clothing and equipments will surely help you.
Q18. What type of preparation should I do for trekking in Annapurna Region?
Trekking regions are of various range. Trek like Royal trek are short and easy, whereas Annapurna Base Camp is of moderate range and Annapurna Circuit trek is comparatively hard.
Thus, an average people with moderate fitness is able to trek this region. No previous experience is even necessary. Though short hikes and walks are highly recommended. Also, some physical fitness programs targeting cardiovascular and strength training will make your journey more sophisticated.
You can go from normal swimming to stair training, pull ups, sit-ups, crunches, and even light weightlifting. The thing to remember is always listen to your body and don’t train over the limit.
Similarly, for mental conditioning, keep yourself healthy by following healthy habits. Keep yourself properly hydrated, have healthy intake like food rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
Moreover, you can do some yogas and meditations to bring optimism and sooth your mind. It would be also useful to have conversations with trekkers who have already trekked the region. Also, keep on digging informations on your trekking region as much as you can.
Q19. What are the options and preparations regarding safety and security?
The foremost concern while trekking on higher altitude should always be safety and security. From the day of your arrival to the date of your departure, we are always there to help you by all means.
Regarding safety, we have remedial services like first aid kit, oxygen bag, etc. With trained staffs, you also can get remedy for in case physical loss or altitude sickness. Not to worry, we have full planned itinerary focusing on acclimatization to avoid unnecessary obstacles.
Helicopter service for emergency rescue is also available.
Q20. Are there tailor-made trips/program for trekking in Annapurna Region?
Yes, there is! Though we have pre-planned itineraries for all treks in the Annapurna Region, you are free to create your own. If you have any specific ideas on some regions or multiple treks or want to combine trips, we can surely arrange. So, send us your probable plans and we will work out on it.
Just contact us. We will be more than happy to help you in any way!