Located in western Nepal, the Annapurna region is one of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal. Adorned by the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Macchapuchre, Nilgiri, and the world's deepest gorge, Kaligandaki, a single trek to the region is never enough to unravel the incredible beauty of the area. Although there are dozens of trekking destinations in the region, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Khayar Lake Trek, and Jomsom-Muktinath Trek are the top trekking routes of the region.
Traversing through the rich landscape of the Annapurna Conservation Area, visitors can play hide and seek with the snow-capped pinnacles all along the journey regardless of their final destination. Now that you have already imagined how trekking to the Annapurna region will feel like, let us help you plan your trip before you arrive in Nepal with our blog.
Best Tips before trekking to the Annapurna region:
Prepare yourself Physically and Mentally
Trekking is all about physical fitness and mental preparedness. And during your Annapurna region trek, you will come across different challenges that might break you in the worst possible ways. While the sights of the Himalayas will hype you up for every step you take, your low physical fitness might equally demotivate you as you walk for 4-6 hours every day during the trek.
Hence to make yourself comfortable with vigorous walks in the burning sun through the rugged trails, hike/trek/walk for an hour every day through the hills of your hometown. If you don’t have enough time for a hike or trek, at least make sure to do cardio exercises at home. Doing squats, sits up, crunches, step-ups, and pulls up will help you condition your legs and back of the body helping you to avoid injuries caused by the strain. Once you are physically prepared, nothing can hold you back from summiting the base camp and encircling the Annapurna massif during the trip.
Stay hydrated
The key to a happy trekking experience is keeping yourself hydrated. As you will be walking in the scorching sun for hours, staying hydrated will allow you to maintain energy and electrolyte levels in the body that will eventually decrease the chances of being dehydrated. Trekking in the state of dehydration may lead to some serious health hazards like heart attack and kidney failure. So, we recommend you to drink water more often and walk at your own pace enjoying the serene beauty of the Annapurna region.
Pack light
With a heavy bag comes a heavy realization that you should have packed light for the trip. Packing can be one of the most stressful things when you are traveling but you should always make a checklist including the things that are more important during the trip. As the bags can give you a hard time to your shoulder during the trip, we have prepared the list of most important things you might need during the trip:
Clothing
- Trekking shirts and trousers
- Baselayer
- Insulation layer
- Outer layer
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Raincoat
- Breathable underwear
Foot wears and Hand wears
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking and Thermal socks
- Outer and inner gloves
Head wears
- Cap/ Hats
- Scarfs
- Beanie
Other important accessories
- Map and compass
- Passport
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- Sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablet
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries
- Small locks
- Some books if you are a reader
- Portable charger
- Protein bars/ Granolas
- Teabags/ Coffee
Get your Travel insurance
This is by far the most important thing that you cannot miss during your trip. Having your travel insurance will help you cover any kinds of financial risks and losses that may occur during the trip.
The travel plan you purchase can cover the minor losses to a major one including the medical emergency overseas, accidents, trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical evacuation, and other different mishaps that you can face during the trip.
Hence, if you buy your travel insurance beforehand, you will get protection from uncertain loss and hazards while trekking in the region.
Acclimatize properly
Although the sights of the Himalayas will seduce you throughout your journey, keeping your pace and acclimatizing properly is very important for you and your health. As the altitude keeps on rising as you trek from Pokhara to ABC or Jomsom-Muktinath, having a proper acclimatization plan will allow your body to adjust to the low oxygen environment of the higher altitude.
The main reason behind recommending acclimatization is that it will decrease your chances of getting altitude sickness. And we repeat altitude sickness is no joke in the upper Himalayas. Hence if you are planning for your Annapurna Circuit trip, have at least two days of acclimatization in the ethnic village of Manang before summiting the challenging Thorang-La pass at 5416m.
However, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary may or may not have the extra day for acclimatization. So, if you feel like you have to let your body adjust to the change in altitude, feel free to have an extra day.
Bring more than enough cash
As you start your trek to the upper region, everything comes with a price tag. Whether you want to enjoy a hot shower bath or use wifi just to upload your pictures on Pinterest, you will have to pay money for every service you take.
Other than this, charging your device, buying water or toiletries on the way can be equally expensive. Hence, carrying more than just enough cash will allow you to spend them in the way you want without any hesitation. Since there are no ATMs on the way, not having enough cash will give you nightmares as you have to stay in different tea houses every other day in the trekking trail.
Start early and always Pack your snacks
Starting your trek early in the morning is a great way to avoid the heat, cloudy views, and the wind of the mid-afternoon. Another perk of starting early is that you will be able to book your room in the teahouse way too easily if you arrive at the stop for the night early than the other trekkers.
If you are planning your ABC trek under the budget, packing your snacks will allow you to save money on the trail. Having nuts, dried fruits, protein bars, instant coffee, tea bags will allow you to enjoy them any time you please.
Don’t forget the Toiletries and Medicines
Squatty Toilets Alert!! On your trek to the Himalayas, you will come across the eastern toilets that prioritize the use of water to clean your anal. Hence, if you are not comfortable with the method, you might have a hard time. So, while you are packing don’t forget to include toilet papers and wet wipes. If you are a female trekker make sure to pack tampons/menstrual cups/pads according to your needs.
Other than the toiletries, make sure you have the medicines for headache, diarrhea, pain killers, water purifying tablets, and any other medications that you have been using. If you have any allergies, make sure that you mention them to the owner of the tea house or the guide/friends you are traveling with.
Pack your Camera and Power bank
Trekking in the Annapurna region means the stunning sights of the Himalayas throughout the journey will accompany you. Although you cannot stay in the Himalayas forever, you can capture the beauty of the region on your camera and keep it with you forever as a memory. That being said, don’t forget to soak yourself into the serene beauty as you capture the awe-inspiring sights of the Himalayas with your camera. First thing first, pack your camera to make the most of the moments amid the Himalayas memorable throughout your life.
As mentioned earlier, charging your electric devices in the upper region costs you money. Therefore, packing your Power bank will allow you to charge your device without any problem, and this will also reduce your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost.
Slow and Steady Wins the race
Listening to your body and walking at your pace is the key to a successful trip. Don’t force your body to walk at the pace of your friends and don’t worry about being left out. The trekking trail is filled with locals and trekkers returning or going for a trek. So, walk slow, enjoy the sights, and take breaks more often cause it's not a war, and you will definitely win if you take care of yourself during the trip.
FAQs
What is the best season for doing the Annapurna base camp trek?
The best season for the ABC trek is March to May and September to December.
What permits are needed for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek requires two permits, one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP) and another one is the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
What are the popular treks of the Annapurna region?
The popular treks of the Annapurna region are as follows:
✔ Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
✔ Annapurna Circuit Trek
✔ Jomsom and Muktinath Trek
✔ Mardi Himal Trek
✔ Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
✔ Khayar Lake Trek
What kind of Food and Accommodation can I expect in the Annapurna region?
During your Annapurna region trek, you will stay in the local tea house with twin-bed sharing. As the staple food of Nepal is Dal, Bhat, you can expect the same at a higher altitude. However, some of the tea houses also prepare Chowmein, Thukpa, and Pasta according to the needs of the trekkers.
Can I get the shortest Annapurna base camp trek itinerary?
The shortest ABC trek itinerary goes like this:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Chomrong (2170m/6-7hr)
Day 3: Trek from Chomrong to Himalayan Hotel (2900 m/6-7 hr)
Day 4: Trek from Himalayan hotel to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/6-7 hr).
Day 5: Trek down to Sinuwa (2360m/5-6 hr)
Day 6: Trek to Nayapul (6-7hr) and drive back to Pokhara
Day 7: Drive to Kathmandu
Read more on: Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days
Conclusion:
The above-mentioned tips are from the Trekking Guide Team Adventure family that might be useful for anyone trekking to the Annapurna region. Apart from the ones mentioned, don’t forget to rent or buy useful gear like Trekking poles, down jackets, and sleeping bags upon your arrival in Kathmandu. The trekking in the Himalayas might be exhausting but it will make you feel alive once you find yourself amid the soaring Himalayas.
We are ready to welcome you with the best services. So feel free to contact us for more information about ABC, EBC, and any other treks of Nepal.
