An Useful Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Guide For the Inexperienced Trekkers

In the north of Nepal lies a 55km long, close-packed cluster of mountains, which is known as the Annapurna massif. Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) enables the hikers to rejoice the most remarkable section of this massif encompassing the vista of the tenth tallest mountain in the planet, Annapurna I. Placed north of the magnificent lake city, Pokhara, east of Poon Hill & Ghorepani & west of Mardi Himal; the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most renowned trekking destination in Nepal.

 

Routes that guides to the ABC:

Starting at Pokhara, the typical trail, that’s through Ghorepani Poon-Hill needs eleven days to arrive at the ABC & come back to Pokhra. The track starting from Nayapul passes all the way via Sudame, Hille, Tikhedhunga, Birethanti, Ramghai, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, Deurali, and Annapurna Base Camp. While getting back from the ABC, hikers will pursue the same trail down till Chhomrong & then carry on to Jinu Danda, Pothana and Bamboo, where the Annapurna Base Camp trek usually concludes. However, there’s good news for the travelers who can’t spend eleven days to get to the Annapurna Base Camp. Today, you can easily come across companies that offer short ABC trek and Annapurna Circuit trek, which enables hikers to accomplish the trek in only eight days. Nevertheless, trekkers always have the alternative of a route, if they have time & are looking to explore more.

 

Accommodation during the ABC trek:

Basic lodges, guest houses and teahouses are the accessible lodging alternatives during an ABC trek. The rooms are pretty basic with 1 or 2 beds & very little or no extra furniture at all. Some ABC accommodations provide attached bathroom; however, majority of the lodges provide shared bath & rest rooms. Some also provide hot shower amenity, nonetheless, in the absence of hot shower facility, hikers can always request for a container of hot water. Although the rooms are pretty basic, but are quite comfortable. Heater or AC facilities aren’t accessible, hence, it’s suggested to bring your sleeping bag. You can also book your accommodation in Homestays if you want to relish the local lifestyle & colony of people. This enables you to relish the local foods, tradition, culture and style of living of the locals by spending some time with them.

 

After Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most popular in Nepal and you must take advantage of this trek by choosing a reliable trekking agency. Wish you good luck!

Uncover The Concealed Sphere Of Mustang With A Well-Planned Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek uncovers the concealed sphere of Mustang – the iconic Buddhist Kingdom. This is a remarkable adventure to the untouched Tibetan villages on the other end of the Nepal Himalaya enclosing Tibet. Positioned to the north-west of the Annapurna on the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Mustang is an old town that represents the history of age-old Himalayan Buddhist Culture.

 

The province remained limited to the travellers until 1991, and still demands a special permission for the trip. The whitewashed buildings, enclosed by barley field, packed with many remarkable tiny monasteries & vibrant prayer flags, mirror the lasting Buddhist custom of the village.

Mustang Nepal trek is a remarkable experience which takes travellers to a dry province beyond the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail entails touring across desert-like landscapes, deep canyons, barren ridges, moraine valleys and eroded cliffs. Mustang trekking is truly one of the most rewarding experiences that you want to enjoy in Nepal. On this trek, you’ll a close-up view of the non-civilised society that has remained unaffected by the modernization for decades.

Upper Mustang falls in the rain shadow province of Nepal, therefore, hikers can also explore Mustang during the rainy season. Approximately a decade back, organized camping or tent treks were only accessible, now, simple tea houses can be discovered on the path. The residents of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they’ve a King only in name known as Jigme Palbar Bista. After the country of Nepal was announced a republic country in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official acknowledgment of Bista as the Mustangi King. Nevertheless, the inhabitants still honor him as their as their tribe leader.

 

Upper Mustang was a prohibited area till 1992 for outsiders. Today, outsiders are permited but can only get into Upper Mustang after they purchase a special permit of US$ 500 for 10 days. The tour to Mustang is only organized by licensed trekking firms of Nepal.

From the camp (Lo-Manthang) a brief climb takes you up to a glacial gorge with the views of reddish brown historical wall city during the return back. From here you can get an unforgettable image of the Upper Dolpo trekking and Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking.

 

Lo Manthang, the capital of the ex Tibetan Kingdom of Mustang is considered one of the finest preserved medieval cities in the planet. The quiet streets are undamaged by cars, lights, or the sound of modern society

Know How To Prepare For Your Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit is no doubt one of the most renowned treks in the planets; its awe-inspiring exquisiteness will enthrall you from the day one of your trek. It’ll be demanding yet steerable for the average fit individuals.

 

Accomplishing the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be overwhelming, so proper preparation is very essential. If you have accomplished the Annapurna Base Camp trek, here are a few tips on how to prepare for your Annapurna Circuit trek.

Stay Hydrated: This is the most important thing that you should keep in your mind while trekking the Annapurna Circuit. Your body will dehydrate much faster at such a elevation, so you will require to compensate by consuming adequate water.

Pick the right backpack: 40L – 70L is a good range. Ensure it feature nice and robust hip straps & fits like a glove. It will save a lot of ache during the intense trek.

Bring a cool pair of trekking boots and ensure to break them in: Put your hiking shoes even if it is just walking around Pokhara for a few days. Some people prefer running shoes, but I suggest appropriate trekking shoes with a nice sole. Also, don’t ignore plasters or band-aids in case you experience blisters.

Put on the proper outfit: Clothing options should rely on the time of the year you hike. Ignore cotton clothes because cotton soaks in sweat, gets bulky, and never dries. Don’t overlook a warm hat for nighttime & high elevations.

Get your travel insurance before you trek: This should be a no-brainer. Hiking the Annapurna Circuit is a sober endeavour. You require to do be ready. What if you break your ankle, experience altitude sickness, or fall down from a hill and get seriously injured?! For about $50 USD you can be completely covered for a whole month in Nepal.

Don’t forget your trekking poles: You will descend 3,800 meters the day of the pass – not easy! So, don’t forget your trekking poles which can save your knees from extreme pain while trekking in the hilly mountains.

 

It is a marathon, not a sprint. So, go slow, take breaks in regular, and don’t compare your speed to other trekkers out there. Acclimating to the low levels of oxygen takes time, so listen to your body!

Bring more than adequate cash! There are not any ATM’s on the Annapurna Circuit trek until you’re over the pass & in Jomson. Plan for between $15-20 USD per day minimum.

Mustang Trek – Get Ready to Explore the Unspoiled Tibetan Culture

Mustang is one of the few places in the Himalayan province that has retained its typical Tibetan culture unspoiled. Mustang (which interprets as “fertile plain”) is the ex Kingdom of Lo & now is a part of Nepal. Majority of the populace of Mustang dwells close to the Kali Gandaki River at approximately 2800 to 3900m above the sea level.

The Kali Gandaki River is the major hydrographic feature of Mustang. The river flows southward towards Nepal Terai, intersecting Mustang. Paths paralleling the river once catered as a premier trading route amid India and Tibet, particularly for salt. Parts of the river gorge in the south of Mustang, forms by some measures the deepest valley in the globe.

 

Climate In Mustang:

Mustang is mostly dry and & with annual rainfall in the range of 250–400 mm) because of its position in the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif & the Dhaulagiri Range towards the south.

Best season for Mustang Nepal trekking:

From April-November are the most suitable months to hike Upper Mustang. Well, Upper Mustang is a rain-shadow region, hence, you can trek in this region of Nepal even during the monsoon month (mid-June-mid-Sept), whereas during monsoon, Everest base camp, Annapurna base camp, Upper dolpo trekking, and Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking isn’t recommended.

 

Acute Mountain Sickness:

A good Upper Mustang trek itinerary should be planned keeping AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in mind. Moving too fast can cause a medical condition that’s serious enough to take life. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there will be in the air. Crossing tiny passes aren’t that demanding & Upper Mustang hike does not demand additional acclimatization day but slow & steady ascent is essential for bit-by-bit acclimatization process in the thin air. Thus your itinerary should be planned smartly allowing adequate time for steady acclimatization. People with heart or lung disease should consult their doctor prior to taking on the trek. Fever, mild headaches, stomach disorder or loss of appetite are the typical symptoms of AMS.

Upper Mustang Trek takes trekkers through a voyage of barren moonscape of scoured sandstone pillars & intermittent moraine patios. Thousand years old monastery, the city wall & the 4 storey palace in Lomanthang, caves, local tribes & exciting views of mountains such as Nilgiri, Annapurna & Dhawalagiri makes the trip to Upper Mustang more enticing.

Upper Mustang Trek was closed for outsiders till 1991 as the government didn’t wish this area to be influenced by western culture. Nonetheless, after 1991 Upper Mustang Trek has been opened & since then it has made itself as one of the most popular hiking routes in Western Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit Trek! Know When Is The Best Time to Travel

Deciding the ideal time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is certainly an elimination game. You can ignore December through February – exceedingly cold. Eliminate May from the list as it tends to be too hot. And you surely don’t wish to trek during the summer – because it remains too wet. From June to September is the monsoon season, when as much as seventy percent of the annual precipitation takes place. This is also the time when rock fall& landslides are most expected to take place.

 

That leaves 2 times when Annapurna Circuit trek is best: from October to November & mid-March to mid-April.

How long is the Annapurna circuit trek?

Annapurna located in the North central of Nepal is the 10th highest mountain in the globe, it is massif – the tallest point of the 34 mile long range reaches an elevation of 24,545ft, about 3000ft below Mount Everest.

Since the Annapurna massif is measured as the most risky to trek of all the 8,000m summits, a lot of travelers are just happy to stroll around it. Every year approximately 115,000 people tour the province & a lot of them do accomplish the 100 to145 mile long Annapurna trek. (the hike distance differs, relying on how far you at first go through truck or van.)

 

Weather advice for Annapurna circuit trekking:

Though tourists hike the province throughout the year, we suggest ignoring the heavy rain of the monsoon month that make the route muddy and slick and make rivers to rise. In monsoon season, flight maybe canceled, sights are often concealed by dense clouds, and leeches appear in full force.

Annapurna Circuit trekking in the fall & early spring does not assure clear blue sky & comfortable temperature. Even during the best time, the climate in Annapurna province may alter as you arrive at higher altitudes.

Keep in mind that these are the majestic Himalayas! On absolutely clear sky day, an unexpected storm can appear from the Bay of Bengal & drop up to more than 36 hours of snow on the trail. These dense snows at higher altitude can cause serious risk to those not familiar with the trail, lacking the appropriate gear or hiking without an experienced local trek guide who understand the trail & the weather patterns as well.

 

Be it Annapurna circuit trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal is always going to be a fascinating destination for the trekkers.

Upper Dolpo Trekking – An Enthralling Experience

Upper Dolpo is the home of herbal territory, untouched trans-Himalayan cultures, Buddhist monuments and distinctive human civilization at a higher altitude is worth a trip. Hiking around the Dolpo province is a memorable voyage in every traveler’s life to witness diverse rain shadow landscapes with incredible mountain vistas, wild flowers and a lot more. With sweeping & windswept high altitude desert panoramas, Dolpo assures to enthrall each hiker who possesses the courage and strength to get into this land of classic Tibetan culture.

 

What’s the best trekking season?

The Upper Dolpo trekking season prolongs from mid- September- May. From early September the monsoonal rains drop. By the end of September through to December the climate is generally stable with temperate to warm days, chilly nights. March, April, May, June, October, and November are the most favorable time to accomplish this trek.

Trip Highlights

• City tour at historical monuments in Kathmandu

• Explore the divine mountain kingdom at the foot of mighty Himalayas

• The biggest, beautiful, glistening lake- Shey Phoksundo Lake

• Witnessing the amazing ethnic culture

• Fully supported camping trek.

• Trekking through the biggest National Park of Nepal.

• Crossing over Kangla Pass

The trail starts becoming very hectic but once you cross the river twice on well made bridges, you then make a steep ascent on a very narrow path, hugging the cliff face. Having descended to the river again the trail takes another steep ascent requiring frequent stops to watch the panorama of the landscapes and also for rest. You may camp on the side of Suligad River.

 

Shey means crystal - this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang Gompa which is west of Shey. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang has been a meditation centre to many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects.

The trail is generally well compacted making the going underfoot easy, much easier than loose shale, but it is steep. It is only a 2 hour climb to reach the top of the Jeng La. From the top of the pass there are good views of the Dhaulagiri massif, glittering in the morning light. A rough track descends towards the Tarap valley. By the afternoon you find a green valley which leads you by a pleasant track down towards the Tarap Chu. Tarap is a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending 20kms along the river Tarap Chu. It has ten villages with cultivated fields, many Gompas and Chortens of both sects. You halt for the night at Tokyu monastery. This monastery also belongs to the Chaiba sect.

 

If you have sufficient time Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as well as Mustang Nepal trek can be done for more adventure.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking – A Massive Adventure In Itself

The Annapurna circuit trekking can be a massive adventure with the advantages of exploring the incredible splendor of the nature. This trail is exceedingly renowned in Annapurna & all over the world. Therefore, travelers come to this region from each corner of the globe to enjoy all this circuit has to offer. The circuit passes through 4 popular regions which are Mustang, Manang, Lamjung and Myagdi. It also provides stunning sights of lovely villages & subtropical gorges that flood the circuit.

 

It’s also recognized for its incredible waterfalls, splendid forests and majestic cliffs. The Manang province is quite admired since it’s where the Hindus pay pilgrimage to the Tibetan-Buddhist Muktinanth. Besides the incredible nature, you will also have the opportunity to explore the rich culture of this region. The Annapurna circuit is usually made of awe-inspiring vegetations, wildlife, landscapes, rivers and peaks making it a perfect stop for adventure and nature lovers.

Best Annapurna circuit trekking time:

The Annapurna circuit trekking can be best enjoyed in spring between the months of March-May. This is also the most favorable time to relish some peak climbing in the area. The wild flora encompassing rhododendron blossom during this time offering views that you will love to watch again and again. The temperature stays gentle even at the higher altitude. September to December is also an idea period to trek the circuit.

 

How to get ready for your trek?

• Decide whether you want to go sole or in a group and if you require guides. Keep in mind that, guides make sure you don’t miss the untouched features of the circuit.

• Get your hiking kit ready relying upon how long you want to trek. Take into account the days & all the resources you require. Trek supplies will generally include jackets, sleeping bags and foods.

• Buy walking socks composed of materials with sweat wicking attributes to keep your feet as dry as feasible.

• Buy personal trekking equipment and gear such as walking sticks and the proper outfit to balance the temperature. Not all trekking equipment is provided in a tour package, so find out what you may require to bring yourself.

• Pick the proper footwear as you have to walk for long making it really essential to have comfortable yet protective shoes. You will also like to have lightweight boots to make walking in the slopes easier. Scooped ankle cuffs will be great in keeping irritation at bay.

 

I recommend both Annapurna base camp trek and Everest base camp trek alongside Annapurna circuit trek for pure adventure.