The Annapurna Circuit is likely one of the hottest treks on this planet; it’s magnificence will captivate you from day one. It is going to be difficult but manageable for the common particular person. When you take into account your self of common health then coaching for Annapurna Circuit success just isn’t mandatory.
Trekking within the Himalayan mountains is normally a as soon as in a lifetime expertise. Nonetheless, planning your journey is an amazing expertise.
We accomplished the trek in 2014 and compiled 26 suggestions for trekking the Annapurna Circuit. When you’ve accomplished the AC already, please add your recommendation within the feedback under.
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Our high 26 suggestions for the Annapurna Circuit trekking in Nepal!
1) Keep hydrated!
This is perhaps a very powerful factor you do whereas climbing Annapurna. Your physique will dehydrate faster at such excessive altitudes, so that you’ll must compensate by ingesting greater than you assume you want. *Suggestion: Get boiled water earlier than mattress, place the bottle in your sleeping bag to maintain you heat, and drink the cooled water within the morning with breakfast.
2) Select the appropriate backpack!
Backpack dimension for Annapurna Circuit: 40L – 70L
Be sure it has good sturdy hip straps and matches like a glove. It’ll prevent numerous ache and complaining! We LOVE the Osprey Aether 60L (lifetime assure)
3) Deliver good climbing boots and ensure to break them in
Even when it’s simply strolling round Pokhara for a couple of days beforehand. Some individuals get by on trainers/operating sneakers however I like to recommend correct climbing boots with a sturdy sole. Additionally, don’t neglect bandaids/plasters in case you get blisters.
4) Put on the appropriate Annapurna clothes!
Clothes decisions will rely on the time of 12 months you trek. Keep away from cotton, keep on with technical garments. Cotton absorbs sweat, will get heavy, and by no means dries! We trekked in the course of Could and it was scorching throughout the days and funky at evening. Don’t neglect a heat hat for nighttime and excessive elevations.
5) Go SOLO!
Which means: guides and porters will not be required as of 2014. Trek with pals although! We went with Keith and Sarah from One Journey at a Time. Don’t neglect a guidebook! Nonetheless whenever you hike the Annapurna circuit it’s close to not possible to get severely misplaced because the path is nicely marked.
Replace: Because the tragic earthquake that hit Nepal, you’re now not in a position to trek alone. You will have a information. Nonetheless I’ve additionally heard of some trekking doing the total Annapurna circuit with no need guides/porters. Do you personal analysis whenever you land in Nepal ????
6) Pack mild.
Now, pack lighter. You’ll be carrying the whole lot in your again ???? In case your Aanapurna Circuit backpack dimension is lower than 50L you’ll be sitting fairly.
If we made an inventory of Nepal trekking suggestions, this may be #1.
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is a severe endeavor. It is advisable to do be ready. What if you happen to break your ankle, get altitude illness, or fall off a cliff and get severely damage?! For roughly $50 USD you could be absolutely coated for an whole month in Nepal. So as phrases, journey insurance coverage is a no brainer.
Now we have used World Nomads journey insurance coverage for nearly 2 straight years and suggest them to any traveler. We’ve needed to file two claims and have been absolutely reimbursed for each, totaling over $3,800 USD. Shockingly easy course of to file the declare.
8) Trekking poles will save your knees.
Don’t assume twice! You’ll descend 3,800 meters the day of the go – not simple!
Brandon loves the Black Diamond Path Ergo Trekking poles.
9) Lodging prices are variable (controversial)
Whereas on the trek, you may be staying within the well-known Annapurna Circuit tea homes. These are basically simply primary visitor homes with eating places hooked up. Finishing the AC is already fairly inexpensive ($25-50/day), throughout off-season you will get your lodging without cost if you happen to be certain to eat all of your meals on the teahouse.
That is controversial as most teahouses don’t cost or earn very a lot (by western requirements).
When you go this route, negotiate upfront with the guesthouse / teahouse proprietor. One thing like: “If we eat dinner and breakfast right here, can we now have the room without cost?”
10) The standard in guesthouses ranges
The sooner you arrive at your last vacation spot of the day, the extra choices you could have. So begin your days early and spend a couple of minutes procuring round earlier than committing.
One of the vital rewarding components of our trekking Annapurna Circuit expertise was the standard time we spent with our climbing mates on the tea home. Downtime taking part in playing cards and ready for our meals was a bonding expertise I’ll always remember.
11) Diamox (acetazolamide) is your pal
Begin taking this treatment at 3,000m above sea stage to assist forestall AMS (Acute Mountain Illness). Fill up in Pokhara or Kathmandu earlier than you begin the trek. Additionally, earlier than placing any chemical in your physique – do your personal analysis!
12) Altitude Illness (AMS) isn’t any joke
I don’t care what number of triathlons you probably did final 12 months, Annapurna Circuit health has little to do along with your endurance. Altitude illness can have an effect on anybody.
The very best altitude you’ll attain is 5,416m at Thorong La go. As quickly as you get to round 3,500m, keep put and acclimatize for two nights minimal. Most individuals do that in Manang. As a basic rule, as soon as you’re above 3,000m/10,000 toes, don’t enhance the altitude at which you sleep by greater than 300-500m per evening. When you begin to really feel AMS signs, take rapid motion – individuals die from this yearly.
13) It’s a marathon, not a dash
Go gradual, take breaks, and don’t evaluate your tempo to others. Acclimating to the low ranges of oxygen takes time, so take heed to your physique!
14) Begin early
Keep away from warmth, rain and cloudy views. PLUS, you’ll get an excellent room which is big throughout excessive season.
15) Deliver your digital camera
Many individuals discuss being unable to cost your digital camera battery, or that the trek is simply too strenuous for the additional weight. Charging is obtainable almost all over the place (though generally comes with a small worth), and also you do NOT need to miss capturing these reminiscences. You in all probability packed too many shirts and pants, take a kind of out.
16) Pack some snacks from Pokhara/Kathmandu.
You’ll get monetary savings and there isn’t a lot selection on the path. Snickers bars price $2-4 USD on the path. You’ll want little pick-me-ups once in a while all through the trek! As well as, bringing your personal tea luggage/prompt espresso to assist your price range. ????
*Learn why Brandon fairly espresso chilly turkey
17) Deliver a deck of playing cards!
You’ll have tons of downtime on the teahouses to loosen up and relaxation earlier than the subsequent days trek. Playing cards, tablets, a pocket book and books are only a few concepts to maintain you entertained. Right here’s the within of a median Annapurna tea home…
18) Don’t neglect moist wipes!
TP is obtainable all over the place for buy. Moist wipes are handy bathe replacements!
19) Don’t underestimate the ability of the solar!
Defend your self from solar and wind by bringing loads of sunscreen, Chapstick, a wide-brimmed hat and a bandana. At that elevation, you’re extra uncovered to sturdy UVA/UVB rays.
20) Deliver greater than sufficient money!
There aren’t any ATM’s on the trek till you’re over the go and in Jomson. Plan for between $15-20 USD per day minimal.
21) Don’t drink an excessive amount of (alcohol)
It’s costly, dehydrates you, and will increase your probability for AMS signs. Trekking is tough sufficient with out including a hangover to the combination.
22) Dal Bhat Energy.
This common Nepalese dish is served all over the place and it’s what all of the porters and guides eat. It’s by far the very best worth for meals on the menu AND it’s all you’ll be able to eat! Dal Bhat is actually an enormous plate of rice with a pair sides together with dal, potatoes, and normally some form of veggie.
Whereas we loved our Dal Bhat it doesn’t maintain a candle to the contemporary and scrumptious Vietnamese meals.
Different Annapurna circuit meals staples embody: pasta, pizza, soup, beer, espresso, and tea.
23) Meals takes between 45-75 minutes to organize.
Keep in mind these Snickers bars you obtain? Eat one to subside starvation. And people playing cards?? Play a couple of fingers…
24) Take a relaxation day round Manang
Manang sits at roughly 11,500 toes above sea stage. Most individuals spend 2 nights in Manang as their physique acclimatizes. Use this time for relaxation by solely doing a fast day hike. Manang additionally has “film theaters” to entertain you, with popcorn and tea included! Loads of outlets and a clinic as nicely that hosts free lectures on recognizing the assorted altitude sicknesses.
25) Test the climate
Be good. Just lately there was a devastating storm that killed and injured MANY trekkers.
26) Be current and soak all of it in!
Take photos and seize moments, however take time away from the lens, too. It is going to be a reminiscence you’ll always remember!
Now you’re able to trek by means of a few of the largest mountains on this planet whereas reaching 17,768 toes on the high of the go!
In search of extra trekking suggestions?
- Climbing Mt Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia was an excellent 3 day trek. Unbelievable magnificence and more difficult than the Annapurna Circuit.
- Climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in Sri Lanka offers an superior view for dawn whereas combing an attention-grabbing cultural expertise with the native pilgrims.
- Different treks in Nepal in addition to the AC – MoutainIQ.com has a fantastic overview of trekking in Nepal and past.
Climbing the Annapurna Circuit was one of the rewarding issues I’ve ever performed! Sadly this was the one Annapurna Circuit weblog submit we wrote, hopefully you discovered it helpful!
Any suggestions we missed?
Anne
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