Annapurna Circuit Trekking - 15 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

1. All your departure is guaranteed to run?

   YES, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.

2. Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

   This is a difficult thing to measure. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

3. Can I add extra days to my trek or trip?

   Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please inbox us [email protected] for further information.

4. Do you use Yaks and porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

   Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly.

   If you are in private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible or if you were in group, then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.

5. Will there be a place to store items clothing not require for the trek?

   Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

6. Can I charge my digital camera, mobile or other equipment on my trip?

   The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 20% deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. 

7. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

   There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes of the Everest , Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Kanchenjunga region from which you can make international calls. All our guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. You may pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too. Also we have kept a satellite phone which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

8. Do you guys have a PAC portable altitude chamber?

   Yes, we do have PAC but it is not necessarily required for the trek, which is around 5,000 m level. If someone requires oxygen cylinder then it can be hired from the guesthouses as we use the guesthouse that has facilities of oxygen cylinder. If one needs PAC we will surely provide one if required and extra charge would be applicable for it. Please note: Using oxygen in the mountain can be very expensive so please make sure you are covered with good travel insurance policies so that you can claim your emergency medical expenses.

9. If I am sick can I continue the trek next day after a day rest?

   It totally depends on level of your sickness. Once you are sick in higher altitude you need to rest at lower altitude and it at least need 3 days to a week for the recovery. If you are in private or solo trip you can discuss and decide with guide depending on your health status. If you were in a group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with guide and catch up the group later on.

10. What if I am badly sick in the Mountain?

    Our guide will see the condition of sick label then immediately take decision whether wait for a while or return back to Kathmandu also advice us to send helicopter for the rescue.

11. Is Nepal Travel Expedition staff insured?

    Our Company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters. Please visit our company information page.

12. What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on the trek to deal with altitude sickness/accident?

    Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oximeter in order to track your oxygen level just to make sure you are fit enough to continue your high altitude walk. Guides also carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized. Our guide also carry satellite phone for incase emmergency. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

13. Do your guide have trekking guide certificate from the government tourism center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?

    Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).

14. What is the weather and temperature like in trekking?

    One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu,Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything. Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Himalayan region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

    Spring – March / April / May / June
    Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu,Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude. During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

    July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season
    This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during this season. There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. During springtime, the average temperature is 22 degrees C (71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

    Autumn – End of September / October / November
    Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu,Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle. The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters’ altitude.

    Winter- December/ January/ February
    Winter start from mid-December till mid-February. People still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period. The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters’ altitude. The above temperature is based on outside of the guesthouse temperature. No need to worry about the cold temperature as we provide the sleeping bag plus the extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough during the time of need.

     

15. What is the best session for this trekking?

    Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December are the best time to do trek in Nepal. From July to mid-September is raining season in Nepal.

16. What is your cancellation policy?

    Cancellation notice is required, minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

    If you do not cancel your trip prior to 20 days due to whatsoever reasons, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt of advance monies paid. If your trip is cut short due to weather/illness/personal reasons, there is no refund for accommodations unused.

     

17. Is it possible to reserve a trip now pay deposit later or do I have to pay deposit at booking reservation?

    The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 20% deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. 

18. Do we book own international flights to and from Nepal?

    Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us.

19. What is the alternative option if my flight to and from Lukla is delayed or cancelled?

    Twin Otter and Dornier is the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla, Jomsom & Dolpo This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights (to and from Lukla) may be cancelled due to mountain weather conditions or technical issues. In such case, Nepal Travels Expedition can help you to charter a helicopter to ensure you are on schedule for your trek or international flight. The helicopter can fly if the visibility is 1500m, while the twin otter and Dornier can fly if the visibility is 5000m, as per Nepal’s Civil Aviation rules. If weather is extreme and the visibility is lesser than 1,500m no helicopters are also operated for the flights. In such case we will reschedule your flight for next day we will give you alternative trek options.

     

20. What mode of transportation do you use?

    Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicule transportation to even horse rides on mules and yaks and porter. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, big bushes, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more traveling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are traveling in cooler areas. For domestic flights that need to used some remore destination from Kathmandu-Lukla, Kathmandu-pokhara-Jomsom, Kathmandu - Tumling tar, Kathmandu - Teiplajung, Kathmandu- Nepaljung-Jupal, Kathmandu- Nepaljung- Simikot,  Kathmandu- Nepaljung-Surkhet etc  we use Sita Air, Tara Air and Summit Air -popular domestic airlines.

21. How much additional money do I need per day for the trek?

    It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 20 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. Please note, higher you go the things would be expensive especially at higher altitude; all the goods are supplied either by helicopter, horse, mules or porters therefore  things are more expensive.

22. What are the opportunity will I have for the shower along the trek?

    At the lower altitude  in trekking route, the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all above showers, it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower would be expensive.

23. What is the drinking water facilities in the mountain?

    Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per liter. More higher, it would be more expensive. If you are planning to drink normal water, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drop is a must. One can purchase purification tablets or iodine in Kathmandu.

24. If I am vegetarian, is that a problem?

    No problem at all because mostly, the lodges in the Everest region serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

25. Is the food in mountain prepare to international standard in terms of safety?

    Most teahouses (lodges) in Trekking region trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (white rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps.

    Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at best possible places to eat.

26. What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house or guest house in the trekking route?

    Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.Where do we go to toilet along the trail?

    Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.

27. What short of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in the trekking?

    We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission.

28. What types of extra document do I need?

    Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.

29. Can I obtain visa for Nepal upon on arrival at airport?

    YES, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100.

30. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

    Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Nepal Travel Expedition signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in our tourist vehicle

31. What types of Shape do I need to be in this trip?

    Tamang hetitage Trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming and hiking are recommended before you embark on this journey. While on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized. Two rules you need to remember to prevent and beat altitude mountain sickness (AMS) are: drink lots of water (at least 3 liters a day) and walk slowly.