Can I extend my holiday like a day trip in Kathmandu or other Activities?
Yes, you can extend your vacation and see more of Nepal. If you are remaining in Kathmandu upon completion of the Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna or before your trek begins, there are day trips and activities available to make the most of your stay. From cultural tours to wildlife safaris and nature hikes to extreme sports–the opportunities are endless for further exploration into the splendour and diversity.
Free Airport Transport
Our team members know how important it is for you just to relax when arriving in Nepal. We offer complimentary airport pick up and drop off as we also try and make life easy from the beginning; your representative will be waiting with a Happy Land Treks board sign with your name at Tribhuvan International Airport. After the meet and greet, you then will be taken by your driver and guide to your hotel. On completion of your trek – once again, after a wonderful time in a trekking adventure if you choose us, we also arrange any drop off back at the international airport for flights home. Please provide us with flight details and leave the rest of the management to our teams to manage.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Yes, Happy Land Treks provides a trustworthy luggage storage service in Kathmandu to make your Annapurna trekking experience hassle-free. You can store your extra belongings securely at our office or hotel. We are here to help you leave them behind, have an enjoyable trek in the stunning Annapurna region and travel light for easy movement. Our luggage storage service is provided with the expectation of ensuring trekkers peace of mind while on their adventure. You may rest assured about the safety of your stored luggage and put your trust in us, who have been providing this service for years to people like you who are travelling towards Annapurna from Kathmandu. Your luggage will be safely kept with us until you arrive back in Kathmandu.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
If you are someone who likes to walk in your own company, then a solo trek offers you the liberty to set your pace and decide on your schedule. With the assistance of an exclusive guide or porter (or both), one can venture into the Annapurna region without any fellow trekkers. This is a suitable pick if you yearn for privacy. Be it a 10-day trek or 14 days, fast or slow, everything is at your choice and control with no added distractions. Your guide and porters will take care of everything else, allowing you to enjoy solitude without any concerns.
Private Trek
A private trek is for your group and customization; choose your own date and customize your itinerary to focus on your interest area and no other people in the trek. You can bring as many people as you like, travel in your own phase and decide how long you want to hike. Best suited for people looking for exclusivity & customized programs.
Group Trek
A group trek is when you join one of our scheduled departures and there are other people from all over the world that have also joined that departure. These groups usually vary in size from 2-10 people per departure, and it’s a great way to meet new people, make new friends and share this amazing experience. You follow the same fixed itinerary and dates but it is a much more social environment and cost-effective way to travel.
Family Trek
Family Trek in Nepal has been specially designed for families traveling with kids. We offer specially trained guides who take care of your family on the trail, especially if you have young children or elderly members in your group. The pace can be adjusted and also comfortable accommodation booked beforehand to make the trek as comfortable as possible for a family holiday.
Is Nepal Trekking and Hiking Safe for Solo or Female Travelers?
For female or solo travelers, trekking in the Annapurna region, including the classic trails, is safe if one travels responsibly. Solo women trekkers have successfully completed their trip here. Nonetheless, you can't predict situations. Options such as hiking with a local guide add to your safety and convenience. Local agencies and guides know the area & route well and can also help with other aspects of travel. We Happland Treks have long experience organizing solo travelers and solo female travelers trekking the Annapurna region as well. Women's groups have traveled with us before & we made it comfortable and safe for them along the way! The trails are easygoing, but a local guide can enrich you with information, ease logistics & make things all the safer.
Drinking water on the Nepal Trekking and Hiking
Sources of Drinking Water:
On the trekking route, you will find boiled or filtered water in most of the teahouses and guesthouses by paying some amount which is safe and convenient as well. Or, you can fill the water from taps or natural resources like a stream, but it needs to be purified.
Purification Tablets: These are easily available at stores, pharmacies and markets in Kathmandu or Pokhara. All you have to do is drop a tablet in your water bottle and wait for the directed time (usually 30-60 min).
Steripen: It’s a portable ultraviolet tool to kill bacteria and viruses. Better to buy in your own country, as it may not be available here in Nepal. How to use Steripen:
- Fill your bottle with clear water (if needed, allow sediment to settle before).
- Turn on the Steripen and put it in the water.
- Stir or leave in, depending on what kind of pricy thread it’s drinking (60-90 seconds).
- When the UV light is turned off it is safe to say your water is drinkable.
Annapurna ABCTrail Ban on Plastic:
Single-use plastic bottles are banned in the Annapurna region beyond Chhomrong. Actually, you can still get plastic bottles up to Ghorepani but you should try and avoid it and take a reusable bottle.
Typical Day on Annapurna Nepal Trekking and Hiking
A normal day on the trek starts with a picturesque drive from Pokhara to Nayapul which takes about 1.5 hours or so. From the next morning, the real trekking adventure begins. Breakfast is served from 7am onwards in the teahouse dining hall (ordered our meals the previous night). After breakfast, pack your duffle bag for the porter and keep your small day bag ready. With packed lunch we start walking by around 7:45 am through the delightful vistas of Annapurna region. We walk normally between 5-7 hours per day including a lunch break at one of the teahouses on our way to our eventual destination. It’s an opportunity to rest, eat, and relax for an hour or so before hitting tired foot again for another couple of hours or so until late afternoon when we stop walking for overnight stay at a teahouse lodge - resting/ eating/ exploring; you have time enough till dinner which is usually served around 7 pm when guide briefs us about tomorrow’s program later in evening.
What To Expect Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna - 11 Days?
When trekking to Annapurna, you will hike through various landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. You will see some of the world's most magnificent peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will have a chance to experience the rich culture of local villages as you stay in tea houses along the way. With each day’s trek, the altitude rises, so climates do change.
Accommodation during the Nepal Trekking and Hiking Annapurna
Accommodation during the Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna is simple, clean, and basic tea houses or lodges run by locals. The rooms are twin-share except for a few locations where triple-share is the only choice. Beds are provided with comfortable foam mattresses (with a blanket) provided. But at altitude, in some places, mattresses, pillows, and blankets may not be as thick or of the same quality.
All accommodations will have a shared toilet and washing facilities, but remember to bring your own toilet paper. Generally, toilets are outside the room, so it is advisable to carry slippers/flip-flop shoes to go to the toilet passage. Tea Houses/Lodges at higher altitudes also provide additional blankets, but it’s better if you bring your own sleeping bag, especially in colder months. Private single rooms may be available in Kathmandu / Pokhara with additional cost if requested in advance.
Training Requirement For 11 days Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna Trip
Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna is moderately challenging. You don’t really need hard training before the trek, but if you do train a few weeks prior to the trek, it will be much easier for you. Simple exercises like walking, jogging, or climbing stairs will help you a lot to increase your stamina.
Do light cardio exercises and strengthen your leg muscles. You can go hiking on small hills/mountains around your area for short periods of time so that you get used to walking for long hours continuously.
Carry a backpack with you while hiking for a couple of days, as you may not be used to carrying backpacks at higher altitudes where everything is done by foot.
Last but not least, drink plenty of water and have mental preparation. No special preparation is required, but general fitness definitely helps you in making your trip more enjoyable and less tiring in this trail Annapurna.
Mountain Sickness in Nepal Trekking
During the Nepal Trekking and Hiking in Annapurna, you should be aware of the fact that you will be in a high-altitude area. The higher you climb, the greater your risk for mountain sickness. Symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common due to the body's slow adjustment to lower oxygen levels in air at high altitudes. Altitudes over 2,500 meters are likely to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) - above this altitude, extra care should be taken. AMS can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal.
Prevention on the Trek
In order to not have mountain sickness you need to ascend slowly so that your body is acclimatizing. You should drink a lot of fluid - drinking water is very important- and avoid alcohol and smoking. Take rest days, eat high-calorie food, and do not undertake a grueling exercise at the beginning of the trek. It may be a good idea to carry some altitude sickness medicines like Diamox after consulting with a physician). If symptoms aggravate, descend immediately, and if it does not go even after descending, seek medical options.
Food During the Annapurna Trekking Tour
During the Annapurna Trek, you will find plenty of food options as teahouses and lodges have elaborate menus. You can choose from Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. Do try the local meal Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice, vegetable curry, and spicy pickles) is recommended as it’s wholesome and provides energy for long trekking.
The food is hygienic but may taste different than what we eat in Kathmandu or Pokhara cities. You will also get pizza, pasta, and noodles to eat but with a local taste. For breakfast, you usually have porridge, eggs, Pancakes, tea/coffee, Fried Rice/ momo, or Soup for Lunch / Dinner.
Teahouses are non-veg, vegetarian‑ and even vegan‑friendly, though variety will change with altitude. One best high‑altitude food choices to try is garlic soup, which is reputed to help with acclimatization.
What is the Best Season for Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna?
Trekking to Annapurna can be done in both the off-season and the on-season. However, the peak season is from March to May and September to October. In the off-season, there are fewer trekkers, and during the off-season, you will see more trekkers. Weather and climate can change unexpectedly anytime during the trek.
Spring (March to May): During this time of the year, temperatures are moderate, and the trail is decorated with blooming rhododendrons. Mornings are usually clear, with some clouds in the afternoons, which makes it perfect for photography. Nights, especially at higher elevations, will still be cool.
Monsoon (June to August): Monsoon season from June to August has heavy rainfall with trails being slippery and clouds obstructing the mountain views. It's generally not recommended for trekking because of the risk of landslides, and also the issue of accessibility to remote areas.
Autumn (September to November): This is considered one of the best seasons for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. The weather would be clear with moderate temperatures; the skies are usually blue, and mountain views are excellent. You can expect more trekkers along your way there in Nepal, which makes the houses fully booked and also busy trails.
Winter (December to February): Winter will grant you crystal clear skies, but it can get really cold, especially at night and at high altitudes; also, many lodges will be closed during this season. Snow fall in the trail makes the trail way more challenging.
Equipment and Trekking Kit Necessary for Nepal Trekking
For the Annapurna trek, you need a proper trekking kit to enjoy a comfortable and safe journey. You require durable backpacks (40-60 liters) in size and sleeping bags that are rated for cold temperatures. As for clothes, go for moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layers (fleece or down), and waterproof/windproof outer jackets. Sturdy hiking boots because, at times, trails can get very rocky, and lightweight trainers for lounging in lodges. Don’t forget your trekking poles, personal first aid kits and must-haves like sunglasses, hats and gloves. Read our blog for more details.
Toilet and Shower in the Mountain Lodge
On the Annapurna trek, most of the mountain lodges have western as well as squat toilets (western toilets are more common). Some lodges do not provide toilet paper; therefore, it is always good to carry some with you. Hot showers are either provided through hot bucket water or gas geyser showers, and extra charge /costs about USD 3-5 per person. In an effort to make your trek comfortable.
we recommend carrying your own personal toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toilet paper (sometimes, these items may be missing, especially in the higher regions of Annapurna, where fewer trekkers go). This is important, especially if you want to enjoy privacy while taking a bath or so.
Mobile, Camera Battery Charge, and WIFI on the Trek
Charging:
There are no sockets to charge your devices in your teahouse room. You’ll need to charge in the teahouse dining area, and it will cost you an extra 3-5 dollars per device per charge. Better to carry a power bank or spare batteries with you as well so you don’t run out of battery.
WIFI:
Teahouses on the Annapurna trails do provide WIFI, but due to the high altitude, it is usually slow and unstable. WIFI can cost anywhere between 3–5$, but sometimes it doesn’t even work. It is more advisable to get a local SIM card with data for emergencies and connectivity.
What is the highest altitude of the Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna?
Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) is the highest point you’ll reach on this trek. The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. This is a relatively moderate trek suitable for most hikers.
Money exchange in Kathmandu
When you are trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal, it is better to do the currency exchange in Kathmandu before you begin your trip. Thamel in Kathmandu is a popular tourist area where you will find many banks, money exchange counters, and over 1000 ATMs. Your hotel might also help you with currency exchange if you are staying there. But when you reach the trekking regions after that, there won’t be any facility for currency exchange.
The tour operators will guide you, but still, it is better to have Nepalese rupees of smaller changes with yourself as all your expenses on the trail have to be made by these Nepalese rupees only. There are some ATMs available in towns like Pokhara and Kathmandu, but at the mountain trails, they are very scarce, so keep ready cash with you for tea houses, meals, and small purchases during a trek. Also, credit cards are not accepted everywhere on the trail.
Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna Difficulty Level
The Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna is a moderate trek and does not require technical climbing, as you will be walking ups and downs on mountainous trails. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but no prior experience is necessary if you have the willpower to acclimatize to higher altitudes. Walking 4–6 hours each day with easy, gradual slogs uphill for the physically less active people; it can even be managed by interested people with below-average physical strength.
The trail is generally in good condition and well-graded, oftentimes stony but rarely slippery; one must still always take care when ascending or descending, however. Teahouses or lodges along the way provide comfortable accommodation; therefore, first, as well as even more experienced trekkers, can thoroughly enjoy this journey, offering amazing views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.
Weather in Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna
Weather in the Annapurna region changes significantly with seasons, altitude and also time of the day. So, before you start on this mesmerizing trek, it's an amazing idea to know about the weather in Annapurna at a given point in time.
January:
Annapurna sees extreme cold in January, especially at the higher elevations. Night temperatures can go as low as -10°C in high regions, while daytime temperatures stay around approx 10°C. The top trails are usually snowed over, which makes trekking strenuous but one with big rewards for those who are ready to tackle the terrain.
February:
Approx temperatures range from -8°C - 12°C. Snow and ice will still be present at higher altitudes. However, clear skies mean good visibility, which can mean great photos and not so many tourists.
March:
Spring begins in March, and the temperatures are a little higher than in February with min. The month is good to start some new trekking as more flowers like Rhododendrons start blooming, and the trails look beautiful to walk on. Views are usually always clear in March.
April:
April is one of the best months to trek in Annapurna. The temperature may range between 5°C 20°C, which makes it easy to scale and view the mountains. All Rhododendron forests, countryside and hills look so spectacular with pink-red mixed Rhododendron blooms.
May:
May marks the beginning of summer in Tibet, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C. The weather is generally warm, although increasing humidity towards the end of the month may cause some rainfall. Late-spring flowers also line the hiking trails, with relatively more difficult conditions for hikers.
June:
The season of monsoon starts in June with heavy rain and increased humidity. The temperature goes from 12°C minimum to 20°C maximum. The trail gets muddy and slippery, and the view may not be clear all the time.
July:
July is the month of peak monsoon when the region experiences the heaviest rain. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 20°C. Trekking becomes quite difficult with wet trails, possible landslides and scarce visibility.
August:
Rainfall starts to decline towards the end of August. The temperature will be anywhere from 15°C-20°C. The trails are still wet; however, later in the month, conditions start to improve, making trekking slightly easier.
September:
With the monsoon season over, September marks the beginning of dry trails and clear skies. Temperature ranges between 10°C-18°C. The lush green landscapes with clear views make it a preferred month for a trek.
October:
October is the most popular month for trekking to Annapurna. The temperature during these months ranges from 8°C – 15°C, and the weather remains stable. With clear skies, fresh air, and colorful landscapes, there can’t be a better time to trek.
November:
Cool and dry conditions with temperatures ranging between 5°C to 12°C. Less crowded trails with clear skies and great visibility. Trekking in November is great before winter starts.
December:
Winter begins in December when the temperature ranges from 0°C to 10°C. The higher altitude trails might be covered in snow, making it difficult to trek. But if you are an experienced trekker, December is also a good time to visit as there will be a clear blue sky and less crowded.
Travel and Trekking Insurance in the High-altitude
When you go trekking in Nepal’s stunning Annapurna region, you must have insurance. HappyLand Treks highly advises our guests to buy insurance coverage, including emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and coverage for possible mishaps and accidents.
Otherwise, the cost of an evacuation or treatment will be your responsibility. In case of any sickness or accident, while traveling in the Annapurna region, you will be airlifted to Kathmandu, which is expensive. This also covers the costs of accidents, illness, lost luggage, and trip cancellation because of strikes or delayed arrival of international flights to Kathmandu. Please kindly provide a copy of your insurance policy services certificate to us before you start your trek.
How are the Trails of Nepal Trekking and Hiking to Annapurna?
The trails to Annapurna Base Camp trek are incredible and, at points, diverse. The wooden made – iron bridge trail built on local materials definitely sometimes crosses rivers. If you are going up today, then there is a higher possibility that you will be going down tomorrow. You have lush green hills, and stepping down or uphill greets your journey & eyes.
From Ghandruk to Nayapul, partly -graveled & partly cemented roads can be taken through. That is approximately about three hours of walking underfoot along the road or, you can simply take a local vehicle. If not interested in walking anymore, then taking transportation should also work for you.
Village walk-through gives close encounters with Buddhist natives, enhancing cultural aspects and steeper uphill’s followed by soothing or morning evenings During our trial.
Nepal Visa Information
All visitors to Nepal must hold a passport valid for six months or more, with at least one blank page to be eligible for a visa. You will need one passport-sized photograph and USD cash to buy an on-arrival visa.
Fees vary depending on the duration of stay: 15, 30 or 90 days.
Here is short information about the Nepal tourist visa
If you are taking any extensions, trekking or hiking in Annapurna, it will be important your visa covers the whole itinerary, so make sure how long you want before you leave. Check with Nepal’s official Immigration Department for changes.
Tipping - Tips to the guide and porter
You should tip the guide and porter at the end of your trekking journey. There is no hard and fast rule about how much; it's totally up to you. Tipping is a reflection of your appreciation for their work, effort, and help during your trek.
It is expected and has been a tradition here in Nepal for generations that if you feel happy with the service provided by them then you will surely give them tips as gratitude. Trust us; your little support will mean a lot to them, so be generous enough while tipping your guide and porter since they have been with you all the way, supporting you essentially.
Trekking Feedback
After your trek, Happyland Treks organizes dinner in Kathmandu, there you can talk about your trekking experience and feedback. We formally talk during the dinner, where you can recommend things to be changed or improved on, reviews also could be left on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews. Your feedback is important for us and new trekkers as well.
