Annapurna Circuit Trek

Yes, travel insurance is very important before starting any trekking. Your insurance policy must pay for medical and emergency repatriation, as well as high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation costs. To secure the reservation, you must show evidence of travel insurance.

During your trek, you should carry a copy of your passport, passport-size photos, flight details, a VISA, a copy of travel insurance, and a permit for your trek.

You need two permits during this trek Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP).

Two permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

• Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

SAARC countries- NPR 600 (USD $6) per person 

Other countries- NPR 2000 (USD $200) per person 

• Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP)

SAARC countries- NPR 200 (USD$2) per person. 

Other countries- NPR 2000 ($200) per person

The month of spring and autumn is the most favourable season for the Annapurna Circuit trekking. During this season there are fewer difficulties compared to other seasons. Moreover, you can glimpse a clear view of mount Annapurna.  

You take a risk because you'll be hiking above 3000 meters. No matter how fit they are or how much climbing you have done, different people respond to altitude in different ways. Because of this, you should familiarize yourself beforehand with what altitude sickness is and how to recognize its symptoms.

Yes, wifi is available in most of the hotels or lodges during Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, the speed of the wifi depends on the weather conditions. The weather of high altitude areas is unpredictable.

At 5,416 meters above sea level, Thorong La Pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit and one of the toughest hikes to complete. There is only half as much oxygen here as there is at sea level. This basically implies that you feel as though you just finished a marathon with every step you take.

Despite being the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit hike, it may be the lowest method to connect the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, which contain the 10th and 7th tallest mountains in the world. mountains in the world, respectively. And it is, in fact, the world's highest pass at 5,416 meters. The Annapurna Massif's valleys, peaks, and rocky slopes are spread out like a beautiful blanket from the top.

Since the Annapurna roads have not yet reached this point, this route is nevertheless heavily travelled by local traders and trekkers during the high season. Although the majority of treks will be planned to coincide with the ideal weather for trekking in the Annapurna, mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and snow on the Thorong La pass is a possibility, especially in winter. Trekking is possible during the winter months when the air is especially clear, visibility is excellent, and there is frequently no one else to be seen on the pass. The cold, which can be bitter at altitude, and snow, which can block the pass and force you to turn around and go back down the Marshyangdi Valley, is the price to pay.

In the off-season, lodging in Annapurna could be less expensive. You're in luck if you're eligible for a group discount. For each trekker that comes to the lodge, the rooms are kept tidy and in good condition. It's hard to criticize them since they're so sterile and elaborate. You can pick from cheap to expensive hotels as well as double rooms with private bathrooms. However, do your homework about the hotel before making a reservation. Cheaper lodging is typically unclean and of poor quality. Spend the extra money and book a warm, comfortable place to stay instead because doing this could be unhealthy for your health.

The majority of hikers are eager to contribute to the housing service. Surprisingly affordable accommodations can be found along the Annapurna Circuit route. In terms of standards and quality of service, they remain high. You might have to get by with only the bare basics, though. The affordable guesthouses in Annapurna are well-equipped. The keeper offers the visitor with warm running water, blankets, and fresh bedding. Unfortunately, not all locations in the area have access to hot water. The other services that are suggested are actually too awful. However, it is still a wonderful offer because you are receiving the lodging for free. 

An intense exploration of the area's distinctive geology and wilderness is enjoyed by trekkers. As a result, Annapurna experiences an increase in yearly air traffic. As a result, guests come in droves to this resort and guesthouse throughout the entire year. The price of lodging in and around Annapurna may change significantly as a result of this. Teahouses have changed from being small dwellings with shared bedrooms to ordinary motels while maintaining their original moniker. And although such budget accommodations are fantastic, trekking can result in days when you simply want to get away to a tiny mountain hideaway. 

With its quiet atmosphere, glacier lakes, and mountains, Annapurna is a fantastic vacation destination for everyone. Visitors are drawn to the country's attractiveness because of the lush woodlands and enduring wildflowers. The combination of natural beauty and cultural diversity is seen in Annapurna is admirable. Recently, Annapurna Circuit Accommodation has become one of its critics. The upper Himalayas provide by far the nicest and most opulent service available. At Thorong Phedi, Annapurna offers lodgings with elevations ranging from 760 meters to 4600 meters.

Whether they are day-trippers or late-night guests, they have space for everyone. Perhaps not as lavish as those costing millions of dollars, these lodges and guesthouses are still comfortable.

If you are a beginner, then this trek will be a little challenging for you. It will be your first time facing high altitude problems. So if this is your first time, then you are totally unaware of the Annapurna circuit problems. So here we will discuss in brief how you will train your body to overcome the difficulties of Annapurna Circuit Trek.  

Training hikes
You probably already know that walking on various surfaces has varied effects on your body. For example, because a treadmill gives some degree of shock absorption, using one puts less stress on your ankles, knees, and hips. Additionally, treadmills don't strengthen your ankles the same way that unlevel ground does. In order to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek, training on a treadmill or paved surface is therefore not as effective as training outdoors. This is why we advise you to include actual hikes in your training.

Training hikes are also great for breaking in your planned trek's socks, boots, and rucksack. It'scrucial to break in your shoes and socks to make sure there are no kinks. The same holds true for your bag. You can determine whether the pack "functions" during these practice treks. Additionally, you should test the hydration pack to ensure that there are no problems. Building up your shoulder strength before the expedition can also be accomplished by hiking while carrying a bag. We advise putting your gear in your luggage for the Annapurna journey and taking increasingly strenuous hikes. 

Altitude sickness  
Altitude sickness is a big problem in high-altitude regions. If you want to complete your trek without any difficulties, then you should know how to overcome the altitude sickness problem. When the body cannot adjust to the low levels of oxygen and high air pressure found in high-altitude mountains, altitude sickness develops. Many hikers and mountaineers experience what is also referred to as acute mountain sickness. At an altitude of 3000 meters, the oxygen level starts to decline. As a result, trekkers from lower elevations may get altitude sickness at heights above 3000 m. If not properly managed, altitude sickness can be lethal as well. You will need to hike for a few days at a very high altitude to reach Annapurna Base Camp, which increases your risk of experiencing altitude sickness. There are three types of altitude sickness which are mentioned below-

Acute mountain sickness 
The warmest form of altitude sickness is called acute mountain sickness (AMS). When moving from a lower height to a higher elevation, it is the most typical type of altitude sickness. AMS symptoms typically appear 12 to 24 hours after ascending to a higher elevation. When the body adjusts, it becomes better in a day or two with enough rest, nutrition, water, and appropriate medicine if required. The main signs of altitude sickness are headaches and respiratory problems. At higher elevations, a severe headache could also be brought on by dehydration. Some of the symptoms of acute mountain sickness are headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of sleep, nose bleeding, e.t.c. 
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Advanced altitude sickness is known as high altitude pulmonary edema. It is a disorder brought on by an accumulation of extra fluid in the lungs' many air sacs, which makes breathing difficult. It is a dangerous type of non-cardiogenic pulmonary Edema that affects people from lowlands who quickly climb to higher altitudes, usually exceeding 2500m (8200 ft). Trekkers and those who go to high altitudes are at risk of getting high-altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE). This type of altitude sickness may result from the rate of climb, altitude reached, and amount of physical activity at high altitude while disregarding mild indications of AMS. 

If you have moderate altitude sickness, your overall health may deteriorate or your symptoms may become severe. If the symptoms are bothering you, you must immediately descend to a lower elevation (no more than 4,000 feet) and get enough rest. If HAPE is not treated and the proper measures are not done right away, it may be fatal. Some of the symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema ( HAPE ) are fever and fatigue, headache, cold, dry cough, blue tinged lips, e.t.c. 

Enhanced Cerebral Edema (HACE)
The most severe but extremely uncommon type of altitude sickness is high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). At considerably greater elevations, it typically affects those who travel at high altitudes (6000m or above). It may be brought on by the physiological reaction to high altitude travel, which results in leaky capillaries in the brain, causing fluid to build up and brain swelling. HACE may occur if the body is unexpectedly exposed to an environment with low oxygen levels and high atmospheric pressure. Though it is less common to get HACE while on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is still advisable to have a general understanding of the condition. Some of the symptoms are blurred vision, vomiting, headache, shivering, e.t.c.  

Some of the tips to prevent altitude sickness

To degrade the strength of your muscles, it is advised that you engage in various forms of strength training, such as jogging, cycling, push-ups, and gym work.

During the walk, you must stay hydrated 

Throughout the entire journey, you must eat properly.

As the most popular treatment for altitude sickness, Diamox must be brought with you on the trek. To find out whether it has a favourable effect or not, you should speak with your doctor.

​​Your body requires relatively more calories while you are at a higher altitude (over 3000m), which can be obtained from eating nutritious snacks that are high in whole grains.

You get immediate energy from chocolates that have substances like peanuts, lactose, egg whites, and caramel.

Avoid smoking as it might make it difficult to breathe and create shortness of breath.

While hiking to a high altitude, take your time. You should move slowly and carefully as you hike.

You must either stop immediately where you are or decrease some altitude if your body exhibits any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Maintaining good hygiene may also help you avoid altitude sickness.

Before hiking at an altitude more than 3000 m, you must thoroughly acclimatize.

Annapurna base camp acclimatization
Acclimatization is the process of progressively adapting to a new environment, whether it be a new climate or environmental conditions. Most people who rapidly transition from lower to higher elevations need to acclimate to the altitude. It aids your body's adjustment to the drop in oxygen molecule concentration at a certain altitude. The body creates extra red blood cells during acclimatization over a few days to weeks in order to handle the lower oxygen saturation in blood at high elevations. By slowly ascending to a higher location on the trail, the best strategy to avoid altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to gain altitude. 
Acclimatization is a crucial process that cannot be missed or hurried through. Fast trekkers or time-constrained trekkers may find this to be discouraging. On the same day, it can be accomplished by spending an impressive amount of time at higher altitudes and descending to lower altitudes for relaxation and sleep. The greatest techniques to avoid experiencing altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and to speed up the acclimatization process are listed below.

Transport and luggage 

In Nepal, driving is often of a low standard and is poorly regulated. There is a lot of traffic in Kathmandu, a lot of unlicensed drivers, and poorly maintained cars. Many routes beyond the Kathmandu valley are vulnerable to landslides during the monsoon season (June to September) and may become inaccessible.

For every one of our transfers, we stress using a high calibre of vehicle and driver. While we strive to employ vehicles that do have rear seatbelts installed, this cannot always be assured since it is not required by law in Nepal for automobiles to have seatbelts installed in the back. 

Internal flights between Pokhara and Kathmandu and Jomsom have extremely tight weight restrictions of 10 kg for your primary equipment bag and 5 kg for your day bag. The airport employees will weigh your luggage, so it's crucial that you stay within these restrictions. There is potential for your pack to be significantly heavier when you are on the journey since the porters can carry up to 15kg in the main equipment bag. For the Jomsom flight, you might need to transfer stuff into your daypack. Pack everything in your main equipment bag.

Budget 
You won't be able to purchase this before you travel because the Nepali Rupee is a closed currency. It is advised to bring US dollars on your trip since they are generally accepted. It is crucial that US bills are brand-new (from after 2006), sharp, and undamaged. We can take you to an ATM or a bank if you need some local currency. Alternatively, you can change money at any of the hotels in Kathmandu. Since the teahouses prefer local currency to dollars, we advise you to bring local currency with you on the actual hike. In Kathmandu, you will also receive a better exchange rate. 
Build up legs and lungs
Long treks are excellent preparation for the Annapurna trek, but they shouldn't make up your entire physical regimen. Try to incorporate both aerobic and weight training each week. Cardio involves raising your heart rate with exercises like burpees, cycling, running, and cycling. Strength training is the process of building muscles by applying resistance, weights, or your own body weight. The more time and effort you put into your training before your vacation, the more pleasurable it will be overall.
Protect your skin and eyes
You should take precautions to protect your skin and eyes when hiking the Annapurna Circuit. Not everyone considers it before beginning a chilly trek over the Himalayas. But keep in mind that the sun's rays are more harmful at high altitudes since there is less atmosphere for them to go through. In fact, travelling uphill increases your exposure to UV radiation by up to 10%. The Annapurna Circuit takes us up to well over 5,000 m above sea level. 

Before starting your trek, you need two permits for entering the Annapurna region one is the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), and the other is the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP). 

Trekkers Information Management System ( TIMS ) 

A database called TIMS, also known as the Trekker's Information Management System, improves the safety of all hikers in Nepal. Your name and intended itinerary will be added to the system after payment of the fee. Local government agencies can use the information to better prepare for sustainability in certain locations, but this database will also be useful in case you get into trouble in the mountains and need to be rescued. 

Not just the Annapurna Circuit but most hikes in Nepal require the use of TIMS. Through the system of prompt information service as and when necessary, the primary goal of TIMS is to restrict unlawful trekking operations and maintain the safety and security of trekkers in general trekking regions. 

TIMS permit cost

1,000 Nepali Rupees per person for foreigners

For SAARC nationals, TIMS cards cost 300 Nepali rupees per person.

For Nepali person- free

TIMS regulatory provisions 

• All hikers are required to get a TIMS Card before entering any of the designated hiking areas or routes.

• TIMS must be carried by a free individual trekker (FIT) or an organized group of hikers at all times.

• TIMS must be made available upon request to TAAN/NTB officials, checkpoints at national parks, conservation areas, and police checkpoints.

• Trekkers must have copies of their passports with them at all times for verification.

• The TIMS shall be non-endorsable, non-transferable, and only good for one entry.

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP)

ANCAP which is also known as Anapurna Conservayton Entry Permit, As the name implies, the permission and the amount you will pay help to preserve the area. Applications for TIMS and ACAP follow fairly similar procedures. You must have 4 passport images in total to complete this process, including your passport once more and an additional two passport photos. Then, you must complete a form very similar to the one above and provide information regarding your insurance, trekking route, and intended schedule.

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP) cost 

For foreigners, the ACAP try permit costs 3,000 NPR, or around $30 USD.

Cost of an ACAP entrance permit for residents of SAARC: 200 NPR

Permit for TIMS: 1,000 NPR (around $10 USD).

Annapurna regulatory provisions 

• This admission permit is only valid for one use (entry). It is not transferrable or refundable.

• The Conservation Area's authorized areas are all accessible to those who have a valid permit.

• The National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973 and any rules enacted pursuant to this Act must be followed by anyone accessing the conservation area.

• This admission permit must be carried at all times during the walk and must be shown to conservation area staff members upon request.

• None of the checkpoints along the conservation area's perimeter will be able to grant entry permits. Therefore, it is highly advised that any hiker seeking to access this conservation area already possess the necessary permissions before doing so.

• Upon payment of a 100% extra fee and under special conditions, entry permits may be obtained from the checkpoints along the trekking route.