Faq of Annapurna Circuit Trek

» How long is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Generally, Annapurna Circuit Trek is 14-18 days long but you can customize/personalize the trekking days and the itinerary according to your requirement with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.

» How expensive is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

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» What is so special about Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is available in both short as well as long versions and it provides an opportunity to encircle the whole Annapurna Himalaya passing through beautiful forests, picturesque landscapes, striking waterfalls, deep gorges, shining glaciers, diverse cultures and pristine lakes with awesome views of the snow-capped Himalayas all the way.

» What is the minimum budget for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

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» How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate grade trek which doesn't necessarily require previous trekking experiences. However, you must be physically and mentally fit and fine as well as some hiking experience will be additional merit. 

» Is it safe to go for Annapurna Circuit Trek after Earthquake?

The earthquake of 2015 had an adverse effect on the trekking trails and the local inhabitants back then but now after the patience and positive attitude of the people along with their effort and collaboration from several donors, the trails are totally recovered and fine for trekking again. Though the lifestyle of people is somehow still lagged behind in some reasons because of trekkers and their contributions, they’ve got a light of hope that they will rise again.

» What is the best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The best time to go for Annapurna Circuit Trek would be autumn or spring because the weather would be clear and the sceneries are vivid under the clear blue sky and lush greenery everywhere. Moreover, the blooming of rhododendron forest and other herbs and vegetations would be the major attraction of being there during autumn and spring as well it will reduce the risk of natural calamities and blockades from snowfalls.

 

» Are there any hospitals or medicals during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There are several health posts along the trail where basic medical facilities are available whereas there is a hospital at Manang which lies in the middle of the route. However, it is preferred to have your own first-aid kit and regular medicines along with you if you are using any.

» What will happen in the case of emergency during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

In the case of emergency, our highly experienced and determined trekking staffs and guides who are the inhabitants of this region and are professional in these fields would guide you with the best instruction according to the situation. They are well aware of every kind of risks and the solutions and they would be in touch with the company along with your trekking session, so there is no reason to worry about, just enjoy the trek.

 

» What foods and accommodations can we expect during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

During Annapurna Circuit Trek, you would be staying overnight at tea-houses or lodges and you will be served with traditional Nepali dishes like Dal-Bhat.

» Why to choose Nepal Mountain Trekkers for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Nepal Mountain Trekkers is a travel agency formed with the involvement of highly experienced and professional trekkers with an experience of more than two decades in trekking in the Himalayas. Moreover, we do have staffs from all the special parts of the country to provide you with the proper and adequate information and make you enjoy the best of your trip. In our years of experience, none of our clients had any complaint or dissatisfaction from our company and till now all our previous clients highly recommend our team to their friends and family which is the reason behind our dedication and diligence. Once you trek with our team, you will surely think of visiting Nepal time and again with us as our other clients.

» Why do we need a guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Though it is not compulsory to take a guide with you if you are trekking for the first time with the purpose of exploring the best of Annapurna Circuit Trek and each aspect of this trek, then a highly experienced and licensed guide is the most to instruct you, help you explore as well as to take care of you.

» Is the water safe to drink?

Since the trail of this trekking is mostly rural, the drinking water available during this trek would be tap water, well water or hand pumps and should be purified prior to drinking them. Hence, you should buy bottle waters or should have a water purifying pills or any other equipment to ensure drinking safe water.

» Is it important to have insurance before going to Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Well, it is not compulsory to be insured but as we already know “Prevention is better than cure”. If you are insured then you can have a relaxed trip without worries and enjoy with a free mind.

» Is it possible to get shower during the trek?

Yes, it is possible to get hot showers during Annapurna Circuit Trek on the lodges you would be staying overnight or during acclimatization.

» Is Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary customizable?

Yes, of course, with Nepal Mountain Trekkers you can customize/personalize the trek itinerary and services to be provided according to your requirements.

» Is Annapurna Circuit Trek safe for solo trekker or solo female trekker?

Of course, since Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most accessible treks and very popular among the trekkers, one can go for solo trekking without any worries. Because the people in there are very friendly and co-operative and you can also meet other trekkers along the way so that there won’t be any risk for solo trekkers or solo female trekkers to go for Annapurna Circuit Trek. Furthermore, our trekking staffs (guides) are highly experienced and dedicated to their job, so our company will be fully responsible for that note.

» Do we need a special permit for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, you will need a special permit for Annapurna Circuit Trek because of its existence within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you would need to request for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

 

» What religions and customs are practiced around Annapurna Region?

The Annapurna Region lies at the border of Nepal and Tibet and is highly influenced by the lifestyle and culture of Tibetan people. There are mostly Sherpa people, who are often considered as “the born Mountaineers”, as well as Gurung, Magar, and other ethnicities like Tamang, Brahmin and Kshetris etc and almost everyone in this region practices Buddhism which is the reason you can see Monasteries, Chortens, Prayer flags, Prayer wheels, Mani walls and Mani Stones abundantly along the trails. In a nutshell, there is a mixed culture in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.

» Which species of herbs and vegetations and wildlife are preserved at Annapurna Conservation Area?

The herbs and vegetations preserved at Annapurna Conservation Area are Silver firs, Birch, Rhododendron and Juniper trees whereas the wildlife inhabitant at Annapurna Conservation are Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Serow, Wolf, and even the Himalayan Black Bear and if you are very lucky you can also spot snow leopard, red panda, two varieties of dazzling pheasants – the Crimson-horned and the Impeyan Pheasants(national bird of Nepal), Marmots, Pikas, and Marten as well.

» Is it possible to take Drone at Annapurna Conservation Area? How much would it cost?

The rules and regulations for Operating UAV (drone) in Nepal as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are:

No one shall operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone in Nepal without obtaining permission as follows:
1.    Tourists intending to fly UAV during their visit in Nepal shall obtain prior permission from the following agencies:
•    Department of Tourism
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAV less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from ground level)
2.  For research and study purpose, the permission of the following agencies is required:
•    Line Ministry/Department relating to the subject matter of research/study
•    Ministry of Home Affairs
•    Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (not necessary for UAV less than 2 kg and below 200 ft from ground)
3.    UAV Pilots should be proficient in flying and have basic knowledge of rules pertaining to drone operation
4.    Do not fly UAV in a way that may cause a safety risk to the aircraft flying in the area.
5.    Small flying Toys can be operated inside the private premises.
6.    Flying UAVs in the public areas for fun requires permission from the local security agencies.
7.    The liability of any harm to the persons or damage to the property caused due to the UAV operation shall be the responsibility of the person flying the drone.
8.    Refer the following documents for detailed requirements for UAV operations in Nepal:
•    ‘Flight Operations Directive No. 7, May 2015’ of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
•    ‘Procedure for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flying’ of Ministry of Home Affairs
9.    Do not use UAV other than the scope of permission.
10.    Flying a UAV without due permission shall be considered Illegal and shall be subjected to the punishment in accordance to the prevailing civil aviation rules.

Likewise, the cost of flying a drone at Annapurna Conservation would vary upon the purpose of taking the drone so please proceed to inquiry along with the purpose of taking it.

» How adventurous and challenging is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is available as a short and easy trek to the Annapurna Region as well as adventurous and challenging version according to the ability and the requirement of the trekkers.

 

» Will I get altitude sickness during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There is a possibility of getting altitude sickness during Annapurna Circuit Trek but with proper acclimatization and health care as well as the guidance from trekking staffs, you shouldn’t face the trouble of altitude sickness.

 

» Could I use ATMs and Credit Cards during the trek?

ATMs and credit cards are accessible only on the major cities of Nepal, so during your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can use ATMs and credit cards only while you are on Kathmandu or Pokhara.

» What currency should I bring to Nepal?

You can bring any of the currencies to Nepal which is approved and acceptable by Government of Nepal and for your ease, Nepal Mountain Trekkers provide you with the facility of exchanging foreign currency at the market rate without any commissions and extra charge.

» How much should I tip to my guide and porter?

Well, the tip for guide and other trekking staffs like porters and drivers is not mandatory but since they contribute their time apart from family to make you enjoy the best of your trip ensuring your safety and satisfaction, we recommend you to contribute some amount of tip for them. In Nepal, it is practiced that 10% of the total amount you pay for your trek and tour is contributed as a tip.

» How busy are the trails?

The trekking trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek is mostly less crowded but during the trekking seasons, the trails get flooded with a number of tourists which result in making the trails busy. But since they are all trekkers, it would be fun joining along your trek and it won’t affect your trekking experience at all because of the pace of each trekker/groups.

» What gears and equipment do I need for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The gears and equipment required for Annapurna Circuit Trek are:

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts or thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants

FEET

Thin inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots

HANDS

Gloves
Creams

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries

» Is it possible to access the Internet during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, you can certainly get access to WiFi in lodges and also mobile data during Annapurna Circuit Trek for the Internet and to communicate with your friends and family. Whereas, some of the lodges might charge additionally for the use of WiFi. 

» How do I charge my electronic devices during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

While you are on Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can get access to electricity or solar energy for charging your electronic devices at lodges and tea houses but you can only get access to the two-pin adapter so you should bring a conversion plug or another converter if your device is not suitable with two-pin plug. Mostly, we prefer, Type - C or Universal Plug for trekking in Nepal. 

» What are the bathrooms like on Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The bathrooms are not so well furnished but still, you can get a good experience on Annapurna Circuit Trek.

» How much extra money should I take with me?

While you are embarking on your Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal, your all daily expenses will be covered within your package except for your personal expenses and other items that are not in the offered package. Hence, you will be requiring the extra money depending upon your desired personal expenses during the trek.

» How should I greet people during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

“Namaste” is the common form of greeting in Nepal which is often spoken as Namaskar. It is a traditional Hindu greeting and it is used both for salutation and valediction. Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest. While you are trekking in Annapurna Circuit or any other trekking trails in Nepal, this is the most common form of greeting in Nepal.