Archives: FAQ

The Annapurna Circuit is a safe trek if you prepare properly and take a sensible approach. Start your preparation at least six months in advance, focusing on both physical and mental fitness. Be sure to pack essential items and obtain travel insurance. Nepal Sanctuary Treks provides experienced guides who have been with us for over a decade. They receive annual first aid training, carry a first aid kit, use an oximeter, and monitor clients’ conditions daily. Additionally, the guides stay in touch with our Kathmandu office for weather updates.

While on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can find electricity or solar energy for charging your devices at lodges and tea houses. Consider bringing two-pin (type C) and three-pin (type D) adapters, which can also be bought in Kathmandu. Charging in the upper regions may cost between USD 1-5, although many places offer free charging. To avoid any inconvenience, packing a power bank is recommended.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can purchase toilet paper at teahouse lodges, but it can be expensive, so it’s advisable to bring some along. We will also provide you with a packing list before your arrival.

Teahouse lodges along the Annapurna Circuit offer a variety of food options, including daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, eggs, potatoes, noodles, soup, pasta, and pastries. It’s recommended to eat vegetarian meals, as the menu often includes garlic, which aids in acclimatization. Also we encourage trying local  dishes such as daal bhat, dhindo, buckwheat pancakes, and Tibetan bread.

Most teahouses have western-style flushing toilets, but at higher elevations, you may find squat toilets, either a ceramic basin or planks over a hole, typically outside the room. Some lodges have attached toilets, while others share facilities.

On the trek, a porter will carry your bag, so you just need to bring a small daypack for personal items like your water bottle, and sunscreen.

Annapurna Circuit Trek can be somewhat challenging due to altitude and length. You’ll hike for 5 to 8 hours each day, so being fit is important. Most days involve about five to seven hours of walking, mostly uphill, with a long steep descent on the final day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 160-200 kilometers long, making it a popular trek in Nepal. It takes you through different landscapes, including green forests, terraced fields, and high deserts, with beautiful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

The Annapurna Circuit, or Annapurna Round Trek, circles the Annapurna Range, including Annapurna I, the world’s tenth-highest mountain at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet). This trek doesn’t need any prior experience, as long as you’re physically fit.

For Everest Base Camp trek, we conduct thorough risk assessments. While some risk is part of the adventure, we work to identify and manage hazards to ensure a safe experience for everyone. Please go through our risk assessment. Trekking in mountain involves inherent risks, including injury or death. Trekkers must accept responsibility for their actions. Flexibility is essential, as you may encounter extreme conditions, unpredictable weather, and itinerary changes.

The best time for trekking is from mid-September to May. From September to December, the weather is generally stable, featuring mild to warm days and cool nights. The optimal months for trekking are February through December.

The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderate; it doesn’t require technical skills but includes steep ascents, descents, and rocky terrain. Expect to hike for 5-6 hours each day. The trek reaches an altitude of 4,200 meters, with a low risk of altitude sickness if you stay hydrated and take necessary precautions.

NTC and Ncell offer coverage along the trek, though the signal may be intermittent, particularly at higher elevations. Wi-Fi is available at Australian Camp, Dhampus, Pothana, and Pitam Deurali. There is no Wi-Fi or reliable signal at Forest Camp, and connectivity becomes intermittent and slow from Badal Danda onwards.

Accommodation

Nepal Sanctuary Treks handpicked eco-friendly, locally operated tea houses that are basic but adequate. Rooms include mattresses, pillows, blankets, and sheets; bring a sleeping bag in peak season. Bathrooms are shared with squat or western-style toilets. Cold water is free; hot showers cost extra. Higher altitudes may have more basic facilities with limited water and no toilet paper.

Meals

The tea houses serve a variety of dishes, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the lodge, while lunch is served at trailside eateries. To avoid stomach issues, it’s best to refrain from eating meat and to use hand sanitizer regularly. Extra items beyond the set menu will cost more. Please notify us in advance of any dietary needs for appropriate accommodations.