Annapurna Circuit
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Judy
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Best Time To Go: March-May and Sept-Nov
Himalayan treks don't get much better than the iconic Annapurna Circuit, popular for over 30 years. Starting from Syangje, you walk through lush tropical fields of rice and banana plantations before reaching the high altitude barren landscapes of Pisang and Manang. Continuing through these beautiful mountains you cross the Thorung La (5309m) before reaching the holy town of Muktinath with its 108 water spouts and holy temples which are sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. A final jeep trip to Jomsom before a spectacular 20 minute flight past Mt Dhaulagiri which takes you to Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town with views of Mt Machhapuchhare. This really is a spectacular trip not to be missed.
MORE GREAT CHALLENGING TRIPS WITH MHE
When you trek with MHE, you can be assured that we are backed by many years in the business of providing safe and sustainable adventure trips. The staff you deal with in the office, all the way through to the guides and porters on trek, have years of experience in safe and enjoyable trekking behind them. We can advise you on the right gear, the right training, and no question is too crazy for us to answer.
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. You will find that lodges and facilities higher up are not as luxurious as those in Lukla or Namche Bazaar, and attached bathrooms become just a memory at high elevations.
We use the best available teahouses, with attached bathroom where available. Please remember though that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all certified and trained, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30kg (the international standard set by IPPG as well as the Nepal government). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. You will find that lodges and facilities higher up are not as luxurious as those in Lukla or Namche Bazaar, and attached bathrooms become just a memory at high elevations.
We use the best available teahouses, with attached bathroom where available. Please remember though that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all certified and trained, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30kg (the international standard set by IPPG as well as the Nepal government). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
Dates: March to May, September to November
Trip starts from: Kathmandu, Nepal
No. of days of the trip: 14
No. of trekking days: 10
No. of driving days: 2
Maximum altitude: 5,416 m at Thorung La
Trekking Grade: Moderate, apart from Thorung La day
Trip starts from: Kathmandu, Nepal
No. of days of the trip: 14
No. of trekking days: 10
No. of driving days: 2
Maximum altitude: 5,416 m at Thorung La
Trekking Grade: Moderate, apart from Thorung La day
DAY 1: FLY TO KATHMANDU
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. If time permits, short sightseeing and exploring will be arranged for you. You may also use this time for any last minute trekking gear purchases. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: None
Meals: None
DAY 2: DRIVE TO SYANGJE. ALT 1,100M
This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel. We now have a stunning drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and along the Trisuli River to Mugling where one road goes to the southern plains and one goes into the hills of central Nepal. We follow the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then turn off again to follow the road along the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar. This used to be the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit and has many teahouses and facilities. From here we change to local jeep and continue on a rougher road up to Syange, with total driving time being approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on the road conditions. Our first night on the trail is spent in this village set at the transition from the gentle middle hills to the more dramatic landscape upriver.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 3: TREK SYANGJE TO TAL. ALT 1,700M TREK 5.5 HRS
After a hearty breakfast we leave Syange and making our northwards as the valley narrows and becomes a narrow canyon with some exposed sections taking you to the fascinating stone village of Jagat. Continuing onwards we have an undulating trail through forest with a sheer cliff on the opposite side of the river until we descend to the river and cross on a suspension bridge at Chamje. From here we begin a climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. We continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Following a climb up a zigzag path to the top of the hill we see the plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, this level area looks nice and easy going after the exposed mountain paths we have been walking along. We descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal where we will stay the night.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 4: TREK TAL TO DANAKYU. ALT 2,300M TREK 4.5 HRS
This morning we continue up the valley as it narrows and the path becomes high and winding. In severalplaces the trail is hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliffwalking before the path drops again to the river where we cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani. As we cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, the first Tibetan style village on our trail, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and fir, we reach Danaque, our resting place for the night.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Local Tea House
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 5: TREK DANAKYU TO CHAME. ALT 2,670M TREK 4.5 HRS
Another hearty tea house breakfast and we head on up the valley, passing a stunning waterfall on our way into Temang Besi. We continue uphill on a rough trail through magnificent forest to Lattemarang and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. We then cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of Kotho from where we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan mountains! From here the trail climbs through a fir and pine forest to Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 6: TREK CHAME TO PISANG. ALT 3,200M TREK 5 HRS
With Lamjung Himal [6893m] sparkling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bratang. In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. We now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. We can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on, we come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 7: TREK PISANG TO MANANG. ALT 3,540M TREK 5 HRS
Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hongde, we come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above us. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV [7525m] also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short steep climb we reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region and a delightful place to stay, amidst the fluttering prayer flags which adorn the houses.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 8: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY IN MANANG. ALT 3,540M TREK 4 HRS
We have an important rest and acclimatisation day today before crossing the Thorong La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice-fall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 9: TREK MANANG TO LETDAR. ALT 4,018M TREK 4 HRS
From Manang, we climb to the next village of Tengi, with the magnificent Annapurna Himal in view all the way, while behind us we can see Manaslu and Himalchuli in the distance. We are now past the treeline and the vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Climbing the path past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorong La which we will cross tomorrow. The trail is up and down as the elevation gradually increases and we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Letdar.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 10: TREK LETDAR TO THORUNG PHEDI. ALT 4,500 TREK 4 HRS
Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 11: TREK OVER THE THORUNG LA (ALT 5,416M) TO MUKTINATH. ALT 3,760 TREK 8 HRS
We have an early start today for our crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it’s compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to
Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast lunch and dinner.
Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast lunch and dinner.
DAY 12: MUKTINATH TO JOMSOM. ALT 2,720M
Today we will trek down to Jomsom via Lupra village (2,790 m) where there is a Bonpo Monastery. It is a great route that trekkers on the Annapurna circuit don’t normally use, so we will be far away from the crowds and the jeeps on the trail to Jharkot. We'll celebrate our trek through 'forbidden' Mustang with a few cold beers at the Jomsom Mountain Resort in the evening!
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 13: FLY JOMSOM TO POKHARA
This morning, weather permitting, take the spectacular mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying through the Kali Gandaki gorge past Himalayan giants such as Nilgiri (7,061m) and Dhaulagiri (8,071m). If flights are cancelled, you will reach Pokhara by road. In the evening stroll lakeside to enjoy sunset, and there's a large range of restaurants and bars to choose from to enjoy the view.
Overnight Hotel. Included meals: breakfast.
Overnight Hotel. Included meals: breakfast.
DAY 14: FLY TO KATHMANDU AND CONNECT WITH YOUR AFTERNOON FLIGHT HOME
Fly to Kathmandu, and connect with your flight home.
COST INCLUDES:
- 13 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, trekking lodges on trek, on twin sharing basis.
- 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, and 11 Dinners.
- All government taxes included.
- Fully qualified trekking guide throughout the trek
- Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (on a 1:2 ratio)
- All necessary documentation for the trek: trekking permits, TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area ticket.
- International/Domestic air fare or train fare.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations and illness.
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses of a personal nature - tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
- Visa fees and international airport charges
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION TERMS:
Special payment and cancellation terms apply to all our Nepal treks
CANCELLATION:
Special payment and cancellation terms apply to all our Nepal treks
- ₹10,000 deposit Non refundable to secure your place
CANCELLATION:
- Between 60 and 45 days: 15% cancellation incl non refundable deposit
- Between 45 and 30 days: 50% cancellation
- Between 30 days and trip start: 100% cancellation
Gear List and Trekking Tips - Tea House Treks
What we supply for your trek:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local trek guide and leader of the trekking crew (which depends on group size):
Sherpas and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help (down jackets and sleeping bags can be rented in Kathmandu).
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
Note: These days most of these items can be purchased in Kathmandu. There are now several leading brand stores selling their own equipment and there are many stores selling cheap imitations and some well established local stores selling under their own labels. Please ask us if you’d like some advice about where to go to get any gear. If you need to do any shopping for gear, please let us know with enough time to do this before leaving for trek!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!). These dry bags are readily available in Kathmandu.
What about gear I want to leave in Kathmandu?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes’ and anything you don’t want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel) or your guide to store it for you. If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose.
Tea house facilities:
You will share a room on your trek, unless you specifically request a single supplement (a small charge is required to cover the cost of taking an extra room for you). Please note that at peak trekking times a single
room may not be available. Tea houses sometimes have attached bathrooms and hot showers, but the lodge owners may (or may not) charge an extra fee and this can fluctuate depending on demand. So this is not included in the price of your trek. You can simply pay for these if and when you desire them. Tea houses are simple accommodation, not hotels. They are often located in remote areas and getting supplies is expensive and time consuming – you can’t expect 5 star facilities, but what you get will be
for by the friendliness and hospitality of your hosts. They will be doing their best, so please keep your expectations firmly grounded in the reality of where you are.
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items available on a tea house trek! Please bear in mind that all items not locally grown are carried up the trail you walked up and that waste is not often carried back out again. Beer bottles pile up behind many tea houses! Please also consider the energy required to cook different menu items and consider ordering the same food for the group, rather than a different dish for each group member, which will not only take longer, but burn a lot more energy and resources.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled in Nepal we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing
your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Nepal has the widest altitude range of any country on the earth. Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness:
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some Nepalese rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no strict rules about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an
amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that Nepal benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm
hearted Nepali hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Your attempts at speaking some Nepali will open hearts and bring huge smiles!
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways. You may not agree with everything you see and you may want to intervene or say something. Please remember, you probably do not fully understand what you are seeing and in any case your role here on your holiday is not to change Nepal. If you feel strongly about it then that’s great...there are many avenues for volunteering or long term work here to support positive, sustainable change for Nepal!
What we supply for your trek:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local trek guide and leader of the trekking crew (which depends on group size):
Sherpas and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help (down jackets and sleeping bags can be rented in Kathmandu).
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
Note: These days most of these items can be purchased in Kathmandu. There are now several leading brand stores selling their own equipment and there are many stores selling cheap imitations and some well established local stores selling under their own labels. Please ask us if you’d like some advice about where to go to get any gear. If you need to do any shopping for gear, please let us know with enough time to do this before leaving for trek!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!). These dry bags are readily available in Kathmandu.
What about gear I want to leave in Kathmandu?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes’ and anything you don’t want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel) or your guide to store it for you. If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose.
Tea house facilities:
You will share a room on your trek, unless you specifically request a single supplement (a small charge is required to cover the cost of taking an extra room for you). Please note that at peak trekking times a single
room may not be available. Tea houses sometimes have attached bathrooms and hot showers, but the lodge owners may (or may not) charge an extra fee and this can fluctuate depending on demand. So this is not included in the price of your trek. You can simply pay for these if and when you desire them. Tea houses are simple accommodation, not hotels. They are often located in remote areas and getting supplies is expensive and time consuming – you can’t expect 5 star facilities, but what you get will be
for by the friendliness and hospitality of your hosts. They will be doing their best, so please keep your expectations firmly grounded in the reality of where you are.
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items available on a tea house trek! Please bear in mind that all items not locally grown are carried up the trail you walked up and that waste is not often carried back out again. Beer bottles pile up behind many tea houses! Please also consider the energy required to cook different menu items and consider ordering the same food for the group, rather than a different dish for each group member, which will not only take longer, but burn a lot more energy and resources.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled in Nepal we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing
your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Nepal has the widest altitude range of any country on the earth. Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness:
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some Nepalese rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no strict rules about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an
amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that Nepal benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm
hearted Nepali hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Your attempts at speaking some Nepali will open hearts and bring huge smiles!
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways. You may not agree with everything you see and you may want to intervene or say something. Please remember, you probably do not fully understand what you are seeing and in any case your role here on your holiday is not to change Nepal. If you feel strongly about it then that’s great...there are many avenues for volunteering or long term work here to support positive, sustainable change for Nepal!
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