Annapurna Circuit Short Trek

Useful Information

1. Itinerary Disclaimer
   The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek organized by the Mountain Ram Adventures team will carry on according to the itinerary and during any unseen events the itinerary presented to the clients will be changed to ensure the safety of the clients and the team. The decision will be relayed to the clients as soon as possible. The clients are requested to coordinate with the clients during these circumstances and coordinate with the team members. The itinerary will only change if the factors are outside the control of the team or any medical situation arises during the trek.
   
   
2. Transportation provided   
   During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the Mountain Ram Adventures team will be responsible for arranging the necessary transportation for the success of the trip. The team will be arranging all the required transportation for the successful operation of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. The transportation managed by the team includes Airport Transfers, Commute from Kathmandu to BesiSahar, BesiSahar to Chame Public bus, Muktinath to Tatopani Public Bus, Nayapul to Pokhara commute and Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist Bus. The Airport transfer available during the tour is a complimentary service managed by the team during which a predetermined route is used for a swift transfer and any detour on request of the clients will incur in some additional charges not covered by the team.
   
   
3. Safety and Security    
   During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the team will be ensuring the safety of the clients as they will be accommodating the clients for the entirety of the trek as the safety of the clients will be the utmost priority of the team. The routes of the Annapurna SCircuit Short Trek is one of the prime destinations among trekkers as the views are immaculate and the accommodation sites are well established ensuring the safety of the trekkers at some level. The routes of the trail are well maintained with boards and signs indicating the trails ensuring the safety of the trekkers. The Mountain Ram Adventures team will be assigning experienced and skilled guides and porters for the trek to ensure the trekkers have a comfortable journey through the Himalayas. During the trip any uncertain events might arise which can change the course of the itinerary as the team will make decisions to ensure the safety of the clients.
   
   
4. Accommodations and Meals during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
   During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the clients traveling with the Mountain Ram Adventures will be provided with 3 star accommodations during their stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara which will be on B & B basis (bed and breakfast). The team will be providing the trekkers with accommodations on tea houses operated by the locals while in the himalayas. The rooms provided during the entire journey will be on twin sharing basis and solo clients will be provided with a single room.
   
   During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the trekkers will be able to enjoy the various comfort meals of various cuisines including Nepaleses, Tibetan, Indian made in local ways. The team will be responsible for the clients meals while in the Himalayas which includes three meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner any one item of the menu. The clients are suggested to have a healthy and balanced diet and avoid the consumption of meat at the higher elevation as it can cause an upset stomach leading to difficulty in trekking. The clients are also requested to mention any allergies, medical conditions they have before the beginning of the trek to ensure they have a comfortable journey through the beautiful Annapurna Region.
   
   
5. Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
   In order to  participate in the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the trekkers must have two permits which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS Card. The trekkers participating on the trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures on the adventurous Annapurna Circuit Short Trek need not to worry about the permits as the team will be applying and collecting the permits on behalf of the clients. The cost of the permits are included in the package and will not cost any additional charges.
   
   Cost of Annapurna Conservation Area Permit per person:
   1. 3000 NPR for citizens of Foreign Nations 
   2. 2000 NPR for citizens of SAARC Nations
   3. 100 NPR for citizens of Nepal.

   Cost of TIMS Permit per person:

   1. 1000 NPR for citizens of Foreign Nations 
   2.  300 NPR for citizens of SAARC Nations
   3. Not required for Nepali Citizens   
      
      
6. Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Difficulty
   Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is one of the most beautiful journeys through the Himalayas and yearly explorers from all around the world trek in the Annapurna Region to explore the majestic destination. The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek falls under the moderate trekking grade and will be taking the trekkers to a maximum elevation of 5416 M. The trek will challenge the trekkers with its demanding ascents and descents so the trekkers are suggested to be prepared for the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. The trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures is comfortable as the team will be assigning the trekkers with capable guides and porters who will be accommodating the clients for the whole journey. The clients are requested to share any discomforts which they face during the trek to their guides who will be taking care of them aiding them on every step.
   
   
7.  Best Time to Trek in the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek.
   The Annapurna Circuit short Trek is one of the most indemand trekking regions providing the trekkers opportunity to witness some of the best views of the high Himalayas. The trekkers can enjoy the favorable trekking conditions in the Himalayas during the months of March to May and September to November which fall during the season of Spring and Autumn respectively. During each season the trekkers can have a unique experience as the conditions of the Himalayas change during each of the four seasons: Summer/ Monsoon, Spring, Autumn and Winter.
   
   During the Autumn Season: Autumn season regarded as the best time for trekking and expedition in the Himalayas. The trekkers during the Autumn season can experience arguably the most favorable conditions for trekking including clear views of the High Himalayas and perfect weather conditions for trekking. During the Autumn season the weather conditions are stable and predictable and the temperature drops gradually as the day ends. The trekkers from all around the world travel to Nepal to experience the best of the Himalayas and participate in various treks including the Annapurna Circuit short Trek during the Autumn season due to which the routes might be a bit crowded so the trekkers are highly suggested to make the reservation for accommodations and necessary arrangements in advance.
   
   During the Summer Season: In the Himalayas the Summer and Monsoon season can be experienced during the same time usually beginning from the month of June and ending in August. The trekking conditions during the season is considered to be the worst time for trekking as the routes will be much more challenging due to the constant rain's contribution to turn the offbeat trekking trail muddy and challenging to navigate through. The majestic views of the Himalayas cannot be enjoyed by the trekkers as they are hidden by the gloomy monsoon clouds. The weather conditions are also unpredictable during this time due to which the trekking is quite challenging. The trekkers can experience less crowded trails during the Summer season and can experience freshness in the air making it a unique experience. The trekkers are suggested to pack their waterproof gears and raincoats for the trek as it is mandatory for the success of the trip. The trekkers are suggested to be alert during the Monsoon season as the risk of Avalanches and Landslides is also quite high which can cause serious problems while trekking.
   
   During the Spring Season: During the Spring season which shortly begins after the harsh and freezing Winter season. The Spring season usually begins from March and ends in May during which the conditions of the Himalayas are pleasant and much more beautiful as the wildflowers bloom during this time increasing the beauty of the region significantly. The ancient Rhododendron forest of the lower regions of the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek start to bear flowers which turns the dense lush green forest into the vibrant shades of red filling the air with the aromatic smells as well. The trekkers can enjoy the views of the Himalayas without much interference from the clouds. The trekking routes during the Spring season are also a bit crowded as the conditions are favorable for trekking so the trekkers are requested to be prepared for their journey by making bookings in advance to ensure a stress free travel.           
   
   During the Winter Season: The trekkers can experience the true beauty of the Himalayas during the Winter season as the regions in higher elevations will be under a thick layer of snow mostly during the months from December to February. Navigating through the snow can become difficult for the trekkers so the trekkers are suggested to pack Crampons/ Microspikes for their trek and pack proper warm clothes for their journey. The trekkers will be experiencing the harsh freezing conditions of the Himalayas during this time making the trek much more challenging. The trekkers can witness some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas and during the winter season without capable and skilled guides and porters the trek will be significantly difficult so, individual trekkers planning to trek are suggested to have a proper team with them and trekkers planning to travel with the Mountain Ram Adventures need not to worry as they will be accompanied by experienced guides and porters for their journey.
   
   
8. Travel Insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
   The trekkers participating in the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team are to have a travel insurance package with them. The insurance acts as a safety net during the trip as any unseen events can arise during the trip as the conditions of the Himalayas can become harsh as it is unpredictable. During any emergency events the team can make decisions without hesitation as the insurance plan will cover the cost of medical treatment, emergency evacuation to Kathmandu via Helicopter. The travel insurance helps to ensure the team has a hassle free and comfortable journey.
   
   
9. Visa Formalities
   In order to participate in the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the travelers must have a valid visa of Nepal which they can get without much hassle by contacting the Embassy of Nepal or the Consultant Office of Nepal in their own respective country and for some selected countries Nepal offer visa on arrival at different entry points of the country including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The travelers can check their eligibility by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal. The travelers are also suggested to carry their documents with them while traveling including their vaccination cards even though the policies of Nepal does not require it as per the amendment of rules but the policies of airlines and transit countries might be different ensuring the travelers have a safe and stress free journey. 
   
   
10. Risks during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
    Landslides and Avalanches: During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the trekkers can experience some of the most beautiful landscapes the Himalayas has to offer. The trekking route of the Annapurna Region is filled with Avalanches and Landslide zones through which the trekkers need to navigate through. During the trekking season of Spring and Autumn the threat of avalanches and landslides is quite low but the risk drastically increases during the off season of Summer and Winter Season. The trekkers are suggested to stay alert if trekking during the off season to ensure their own safety while trekking.
    
    Altitude Sickness: The risk of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is quite high as the trekkers will be trekking to an elevation of 5416 M at which the oxygen level is considerably low from the sea level making it difficult to trek through. The trekkers are suggested to trek according to their own capability and speed and inform their guides and porters if they face any difficulty while breathing. The trekkers are suggested to not consume any Alcohol, Cigarettes and caffeine products during the trek as it causes dehydration leading to altitude sickness and other medical complications.
    
    Indigestion: During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the trekkers will be having nutritious meals which will provide them with a boost for their adventurous hike for the day. The trekkers are suggested to have a proper meal as improper/ imbalance meals can cause indigestion which might require emergency medical attention if need be. The trekkers who have any medical conditions, allergies and are vegetarian should inform their guides and team members about it so they can make the necessary arrangements for the trip accordingly. 
    
    
11. Personal Expenses and Emergency Funds
    For the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek the trekkers are required to carry Nealese currency (NPR) with them for their personal expenses and emergency expenses as the accommodation sites and locals only accept it as a form of payment. The trekkers are required to withdraw an estimated amount of around 10 USD equivalent in NPR per day for personal expenses and around 150 USD in NPR for emergency cases. The trekkers can withdraw the required sum from ATMs in Kathmandu for their trip. The bank charges a certain fee per transaction so if they have cash they can exchange it to NPR in Money exchanges in the Thamel area and to get the best possible rate make sure to be up to date about the exchange rate.
    
    
12. Complications During the Arrival
    If the trekkers flight schedule changes due to any unfortunate events the trekkers are urged to inform the Mountain Ram Adventures team as soon as possible as the team representatives will be arriving at the airport for their arrival and will be reserving a private vehicle for their arrival. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport and you are unable to locate the Mountain Ram Adventures team, the clients can contact the team via a number which the team provides shortly before the beginning of the trip.
    
    
13. Team Contact Details:
    Inorder to contact the team the clients can reach the team for any updates about the plans and inquire about the trip.  The team will be always there to accommodate the needs of the clients and will be reaching back to the clients as soon as possible. 
    Travel expert contact:  +977 9851074270 (Sim, Viber or Whatsapp)
    Head Office at Z-Street: +977 14701168 (in operation during the office hours of 10 AM - 6 PM)
    Mail: info@mountainramadventures.com.
    
    
14. Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Tips:
    Internet: Internet facility can be enjoyed for the majority of the trek but at the higher elevations the facility is not there. The Internet facility available in the route is unstable and slow so the trekkers are requested to not get their hopes up for a good Internet facility. The Internet facility may cost some additional charge which is not covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures team. The trekkers can also purchase data packages by first obtaining a Nepali Sim.
    
    Hot Shower: During the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek Hot shower is available and can be enjoyed by the trekkers but are strongly advised to not shower at the higher elevation as it can cause temperature fluctuation in the trekkers body causing problems while trekking. The trekkers might need to pay a certain fee per hot shower and it is counted as the personal expense of the clients and not covered by the team.
    
    Charging: The trekkers are suggested to carry a fully charged power bank for their journey to charge up all of their electronics as the trekkers can charge their devices while trekking. The accommodation sites at the higher elevation can charge a fee for charging the devices which is not covered by the team. The devices can be charged for free at the lower elevations so the trekkers are suggested to charge their devices fully while at lower altitude as it can last them for a longer period of time.
    
    
15. Guides and Porters during the Annapurna Circuit Short Trek
    The Mountain Ram Adventures team will be assigning the clients with experienced guides and porters. The guides and porters assigned for the trek will be well versed about the Himalayan terrain,  weather and Himalayas and will be sharing it with the clients alongside different tips for trekking. The guides assigned by the team will be able to communicate with the clients in English and will be taking care of the safety of the clients. The porters assigned by the team will be carrying the bags of the trekkers. One porter will be assigned for two trekkers bags totalling to 20 KG (10 KG each). The insurance, salary of the trekkers and porters are covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures team (not tips). The team requests the clients to treat the guides and porters with respect for their dedication and assistance as they are the members of the Mountain Ram Adventures family. The trekkers can show their appreciation towards their team members by providing a generous amount of tip for assisting them for the entirety of the trek.
    
    
16. Extending the Trip
    The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek is a 14 day journey which includes 11 days of trekking (1 day for acclimatization). The trekkers can extend their journey by directly joining the tour after completing their trek. The Annapurna Circuit Short Trek takes us to Mustang via the Thorong Pass from where trekkers can join the Upper Mustang Driving Tour or Upper Mustang Trek directly if they want to as the packages offer a thrilling adventure to the rain shaded area of the Annapurna region and an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Lho Community. The packages offered by the Mountain Ram Adventures are flexible and the team can design the itinerary fitting the travel demands of the clients.
    
    
17. Ethics to respect the Nepalese culture and tradition

1. Use “Namaste” as a form of common greeting while introducing yourself to someone or beginning any conversation.
2. While entering any shrines, temples, host/friends house make sure to take off your shoes while entering the premises.
3. Always dress modestly while visiting any sites having religious and cultural significance and avoid showing affection in public places as it is frowned upon.
4. If going around any temple, stupas or monuments always go in a clockwise direction as it is believed that going anti clockwise will disturb the frequency of the surroundings.
5. Don’t touch any monuments and statues without permission and while wandering look for signs to see whether tourists are allowed in the vicinity or not.