Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Essential Info

Climate & Weather

Nepal has a two season monsoon climate. The rainy monsoon dominates from June to September while the dry season lasts from late September to May. The best time of year to trek in the Annapurna Region is from early October to late April. The most popular months for trekking are October/November and February to April although the trails can be busy at peak times. The colder periods in the middle of winter reward you with clear crisp skies, although night times do get very cold at altitude.

Most days start clear and dry and even in the middle of winter the warm sunshine makes for very pleasant trekking weather. Often the afternoons will cloud over and, as soon as the sun sets the temperature does drop rapidly. At altitude the temperature regularly drops to -10C and in the middle of winter may go down to -20C at night. Problems can arise in winter with snow and avalanches sometimes making the trail impassable beyond Dovan.

Grade & Fitness

This holiday is graded strenuous and you should be in good physical fitness and have experience of multi day trekking or walking trips prior to undertaking a trek to Annapurna Sanctuary.  Expect 5-7 hours of walking per day.The effect of the high altitude should not be underestimated. The trails are are generally well maintained and provide a good walking surface.  

Accommodation

Whilst on trek you will stay in traditional Nepali Guesthouses (also known as tea houses), these are traditional mountain lodges operated by local people (10 nights). The lodges have a comfortable central living and eating room which is heated and individual twin share bedrooms. Toilets and washing facilities are shared. Hot showers are available at some of the lodges at an additional local charge. In Pokhara (1 night) you will stay at a comfortable lakeside lodge with stunning views. While in Kathmandu you will stay at the 5 star Hotel de l’ Annapurna or Hotel Shanker which are opposite the Royal Palace, within 5 minutes walk of the busy tourist area of Thamel (3 nights).

Single Rooms

This trek is not available to solo walkers but, if you are travelling as a group of friends and there is an odd number in your group single rooms are available in Kathmandu. All of our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing so if this is the case there will be a single supplement payable. It may also be possible to book you a single room in the tea houses please just give one of our experienced team a call.

Meals

In Kathmandu your accommodation includes breakfast. You should allow around £10-15 per day for lunch and dinner. At the hotel in Pokhara all of your meals are included.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included whilst on trek as is water, tea and coffee at meal times. Food while on trek is good but does get more basic the higher you climb as fewer ingredients become available. Pancakes, bread and cereal form the basis for breakfast, lunch is normally a warming noodle soup at a convenient tea house on the trail. The evening staple dish while trekking is dal bhaat. This is a filling dish of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables.  

Transport

All in country transfers are included. Transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport are by private vehicle. In this itinerary we have included a return road transfer between Kathmandu and Nayapul (6 hours) where your trek begins. Instead of travelling by road you may wish to take a short flight between Kathmandu & Pokhara (30 mins). These are by small passenger plane operated by a local airline. If you would like us to give you a quote for this please just give us a call. It only alters the price a little.

Your Guide

Our Nepalese guides are fully qualified and trained according to Nepalese law and all have many years experience of guiding trekkers in Nepal. All speak fluent English and they will add hugely to your experience of trekking in Nepal. As well as guiding you on the trail they bring a wealth of knowledge to your journey and coordinate all your porters, accommodation and meals. Nepalese guides are fully trained and experienced in dealing with cases of Altitude Sickness.

Baggage/Porters

While trekking you will only have to carry a day bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your camera. Your main bag will be moved by a porter. Each porter carries 2 clients’ bags which must be of a duffle bag or backpack design and weigh a maximum of 15kg. Hard cases are not suitable for this trek.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which includes evacuation cover and covers trekking at altitude is a requirement for this holiday. The highpoint on this trek is Annapurna Base Camp which is at 4130m. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to this height. We will require proof of cover and the insurance company emergency number prior to your departure.

Health & Vaccinations

You will require certain vaccinations to visit Nepal. For detailed advice on travel health please visit the NHS Fit For Travel Website. Alternatively, Nomad Travel Clinics around the UK can provide vaccination & health information.

Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a concern when trekking in the Annapurna Region. On this trek you will reach a maximum altitude of 4130m.

Although our itinerary is designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected differently by altitude. Our pre-departure information pack has detailed information on recognising the signs of AMS and minimising the risks. 

Our guides are all fully trained in dealing with AMS. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more susceptible to AMS we recommend you consult your doctor before booking this trip.

Equipment

Your pre-departure information pack & free guidebook both contain a detailed section on equipment. The main things you will require are a down sleeping bag, down jacket, day pack (30-40L), duffle bag, trekking clothes, thermal base layers, walking boots, fleece layers, hats and gloves, sunglasses and a first aid kit with personal medication. Down sleeping bags and jackets are available to hire in Kathmandu. Please have a look at our blog for advice on equipment.

Recommended Reading

Nepal - Lonely Planet Guides

Himalaya – Michael Palin

Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer

Annapurna Region Maps