Annapurna trek: duration, price, itinerary, accommodation... all you need to know
To better prepare your Annapurna trek, here are some questions that all hikers have asked themselves before starting this superb hike, which is quite easy to organize.
How long to plan?
From Kathmandu or from Pokhara, it takes an average of fifteen days to complete the Annapurna trek. Due to the recent construction of many roads, the hike can even be done in less than 10 days depending on the routes. We offer a 10-day itinerary on our site, it goes through Tilicho Lake. When planning your vacation, planning three weeks in Nepal seems to us enough to complete the Annapurna trek.
What budget should you plan?
With 15 euros per day of hiking per person, we were very wide. To manage your budget well, just keep in mind that prices increase with altitude due to supply difficulties (special mention at Tilicho Lake, where there is a huge crowd and therefore a certain increase in prices).
Are there still accommodations? What happens if there is no more space?
On the whole hike, we found a place to sleep. Find out beforehand by asking people you meet during the hike or withmaps.meto find villages with accommodation. We were in Nepal in high season and we always had a bed. If ever there is no more room (dedication to Tilicho Lake, link to the article), you will be accommodated in the common rooms, no one will let you outside.
In addition, we had thought of taking a tent but, given the number of accommodations on the way, it is really not necessary for this hike.
How not to pay for hosting?
Try to negotiate la nuit against breakfast, it is a very common practice on the trek.
What is the TIMS, what information to give and where to get it?
TIMS is needed as it governs the trekking in Nepal. Having a centralized database of information about hikers and hiking routes is used to keep hikers safe. It is therefore mandatory to obtain the TIMS card before starting your trek by presenting your passport and two identity photos.
Make sure you have the following information when applying for a TIMS card:
-
Entry and exit dates for the hike. You can provide a rough estimate;
-
Entry and exit points for trekking;
-
Trekking route;
-
Emergency contact during your stay in Nepal ;
-
Emergency contact information in your home country;
-
Insurance policy number, including their contact details.
The easiest way to get the TIMS in Kathmandu is to go to the Nepal Tourism Board office.
How much does TIMS cost?
The fee also varies depending on who is requesting it. The fees to be paid (as of April 2019) are as follows:
-
For group hikers - NR. 1000;
-
For free individual hikers - NR. 2,000.
How to reach the start of the trek?
Again, this depends on the route planned for your course. In the option offered on our site, the start of the walk is from Bhulbhule after walking from Besisahar. To reach this city, it is possible to take a bus from Pokhara or from Kathmandu (at “New bus stand ” in the northwest of the city).
Where to stop the trek?
After Ranipauwa, the trails give way to gravel paths heavily used by coaches, cars or motorbikes. Result: walking in these conditions means struggling not to swallow dust all day. So we stopped the trek at this place.
To return to Kathmandu, we then took a bus to Jomsom where we spent one night. The next morning, we took a bus (booked the day before) to Pokhara. The journey, epic amidst laughing Nepalese watching western heads after every bump or every precipice crossed, lasts all day. After a few days of rest in Pokhara (or not), return to Kathmandu.
Is there still à to eat?
Along the way, there are many accommodations where it is possible to eat. For our part, we had taken some dried fruit for the day and we took breakfast and dinner in our accommodation.
Can we still charge our cameras and laptop?
It is possible to pay to have access to an electrical outlet in most accommodation. Otherwise we advise you to take a solar charger or an external battery.
Exterior of Nepal Tourism Board office
