What are the difficulties of Annapurna region Trekking?

1. What are the difficulties of Annapurna region Trekking?

2. To trek in Annapurna region, you don’t have to face much difficulties because it is moderate trek even for non-professional trekkers. This region is full of natural wonders and allows you to have close glimpse of towering mountain peaks. The cultural diversities amazes you throughout the trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna circuit trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Poon Hill Trek etc. are the some of the best treks in Annapurna region. During the trek, you will get 360 degree panorama of snowy mountains. For Annapurna region trek, trekkers don’t need to be physically fit, average people with moderate physical condition can complete this exotic trek. Here are some of the difficulties that you need to know before going for Annapurna region trek:

3. Length of Annapurna region: The Annapurna region trekking starts from Pokhara, the city of lake. Depending on who you are and how experienced a trekker you are, you have to walk for 6 – 8 hours a day on rough mountain terrain. The length of trek would be difficult, if you are physically unfit person. The walking trail would be easier when you consider that the larger bags will be carried by porters. It takes about 7 – 9 days for Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek and 3 – 5 days for Poon Hill Short Trek. Although this doesn’t sound very long, the terrain can often be steep, rocky and depending on the season, icy and snowy. As the most of paths is in Himalayas, the trek is very up and down and you need to stop and rest often to prevent over-tiredness.

4. Altitude and acute mountain sickness Altitude is the major problem in Annapurna region trekking and this is what makes the relatively short length of the trek seem quite far. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is serious physical condition caused by the low oxygen level. The symptoms of AMS are headache, stomachache, tiredness, difficulty in sleeping, loss of appetite and soon. We have to make a quick downhill hike to lower elevation and make necessary medication as quick as possible. Starting from 900m at Pokhara, the trek enters deep into the Annapurna region and walk on a steep route. We walk on 2,000 – 3,000 meter of average elevation for several days. The gradual ascend and descend allows us to make proper acclimatization. It is very important that you seek medical advice before you start the trip at these altitude.

5. Training Plan You certainly don’t need to be hardcore athlete for trekking in Annapurna region. A moderately fit person with positive attitude can accomplish the trek successfully. Somedays will be easier that the others but you need to prepare for the tough ones and this means you must be proper trip plan. We recommend you to make training plan that includes long walks and cardio exercise.

6. Food and Accommodation Although Annapurna region offers great accommodation and meals facilities compared other trekking region, it might not be for those who seeks luxury. Don’t expect highly luxurious accommodation and meals during the trek. You will have to stay on local teahouse on sharing basis at high altitude. Hot water is provided instead of hot shower. Authentic Nepalese meals are major meals served during the trek followed by more common Italian, continental and Indian dishes. Bring sleeping bag with extra liners for more comfort. Carry your favorite snacks. Also don’t forget to carry toilet paper and sanitary stuffs.

7. Language • If you travel independently, language might be major problems for you. Although some people knows Basic English at lower elevation, people at higher elevation don’t know the English. We suggest you to accompany an English speaking guide which is very useful for the trek.