Home Blog Page 6

Chadar – 10 Reasons why Chadar Frozen River Trek is the greatest adventure of all time

TrekNomads
-
0
Chadar – 10 Reasons why Chadar Frozen River Trek is the greatest adventure of all time

Let’s talk about the River Zanskar in Chadar Trek. Zanskar means white copper, which originates in the Indus Valley Civilisation. The first major tributary of the River Indus, the Zanskar, is more or less equal and, in some places, has heavier flow than the Indus. This river is an attraction for most tourists because it has enough flow for rafting in the summers and makes for the perfect frozen ground for trekking in winter.

The Chadar trek is essentially a trek over the frozen Zanskar river. A thin sheet of ice nestled in the high-rising snow-covered passes; the Chadar trek is challenging to undertake. This trek for people like us is a daily route for the locals since all the passes close during winter. 

Having set the base, if you are someone who has always dreamt of walking on water, this is the trek to take! And so, to add further fire to this enthusiasm, we are sharing with you ten fascinating facts about the Chadar trek!!

Ten fascinating facts about the Chadar trek:

1. Chadar trek is the most challenging trek in India, and hence one needs to have excellent health, a robust mental setup, and the ability to follow instructions strictly. You see, this trek involves you walking on a thin sheet of ice, so you need to come prepared accordingly. There are many casualties on this trek every year. To complete your trek safely, we suggest you respect nature and obey everything that your trek leader tells you.   

zanskar river

2. The Chadar trek route is a 1000-year-old path. Also known as Khado Sanglam in the local dialect, this one was a trade route between the Zanskar and Ladakh regions.

3. The Chadar trek is probably the only winter trek done in January and February. This is because the frozen layer gets thickened around this time only; hence, despite the extremely sub-zero temperatures, this trek becomes a safe bet.

chadar frozen river trek

4. The trek is 105 km long and given the terrain (and the literal sheet of ice), a lot of logistical planning is required too. The trekkers walk 10-15km daily and gains an average altitude of 3,657 m (12,000 ft) to 3,962 m (13,000 ft) overall. However, with TrekNomads you will be covering a distance of 60+ kms.

5. Contrary to the usual trekking expectations, the Chadar trek is a more or less flat trek. At times, when the ice layer breaks, one has to trek through the bank of the river (which may be a steep mountain climb). This may become tricky and tough.

chadar frozen river trek

6. The temperatures on the trek can go as low as -5 to -15 degrees (during the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (during the night).

7. The trek can get really surprising. For instance, there can be a sudden slippery sheet of ice, a stay in the caves may be required when the weather gets bad suddenly, and much more. Though they may sound difficult, all of these make this trek the most unique walk in the world.

8. The extremely low temperatures result in batteries of your mobile and cameras  losing their charge. Hence, ensure you have enough backup or enjoy the scenery and keep the charging of your phone intact, incase of an emergency.

9. The Chadar trek is also home to some rare sights, the biggest being the snow leopard which you may see if you are lucky. It is also possible that the leopard would be around, but thanks to its extreme camouflage, you may miss it! PS: They won’t come close to you, and neither should you wander around randomly because it is, at the end of the day, a leopard! If you are lucky enough, you may also spot some more exotic animals like blue sheep and ibex in the frozen surroundings.

ibex

snow leopard

10. The amazing frozen Nerak Waterfall will be one scenery that will leave you super amazed. Make sure you click pictures here!

Nerak Waterfall

The Chadar trek will give you so many tales to tell, and you will enjoy every bit of it. As someone who operates innumerable treks on the route, we know how every bit of the trek is worth it. However, a new road is under construction from Chilling to Padum. Once the road is completed, the trek will lose its charm because of the urbanization that may come along.

TrekNomads will still be there to ensure you have an unforgettable experience on this trek and others.

So, Nomads, that is all for this blog. But, we will be coming up with more blogs on the Chadar trek, so stay tuned! 

Why you should trek with TrekNomads!

  • 5 days of lifetime experience trekking on a frozen river
  • 4 Nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast at a premium hotel in Leh
  • 4 nights premium camping experience with all meals during the trek
  • See the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers
  • Airport pickup and drop
  • Personalised dri-fit tshirts and goodies
  • End-to-end experience.

You don’t have to worry about anything once you meet us in Leh 🙂

Useful blogs:

Chadar Trek 2021 | Your Guide to Trekking the Frozen River in Zanskar

Chadar Frozen River trek | Getting fit for the Chadar trek

How Running Can Help You Trek Better

Book your Chadar Trek today!

 

Chadar Frozen River trek – Getting fit for the Chadar trek

TrekNomads
-
0
Chadar Frozen River trek – Getting fit for the Chadar trek

Even though the Chadar trek has a simple and a plain trail with barely any steep ascends or descends, it is one of the most challenging treks in the country. The trek involves walking on a frozen sheet of a river (the Zanskar River). With its sub-zero temperatures and highly unpredictable weather, this trek requires significant physical and mental fitness. 

chadar trek
Chadar trek

Given that it is a high-altitude trek, the air here gets extremely thin, which means oxygen is scarce and difficulty in breathing is experienced. The good news is that the human body quickly adapts if given enough opportunity. For this reason, we at TrekNomads give acclamatization days so that the body can get used to the altitude and the weather.

However, the days given for acclimatization also won’t matter if you haven’t trained yourself well for the trek. Thus, let us now look at what should be the ideal training regime if you are looking at taking the Chadar Trek anytime soon.

chadar trek
Zanskar river

How to train for the Chadar Trek

In case you are an avid trekker, it would help. However, if this is your first time, you don’t have to worry either. The biggest thing you need to train for is the ability to process more work with lower oxygen levels. This is why cardiovascular exercises or cardio forms a significant part of the Chadar trek training.

  • The best allies that will help you survive during this trek are stamina and endurance. You will be walking for 5 to 6 hours on an average on the Chadar trek. Therefore, it is best to establish the habit so that you don’t fall behind.
  • Try to run at least for an hour in a single go. This has to be built over a period of 2-3 months – gradually. Running improves oxygen retention in the body, which is especially important at high altitudes. We recommend practising running in sprints, long runs and interval runs alternatively. 

running

  • You can gradually try to walk/jog/run on the incline mode on the treadmill. This will help build your stamina further. Train yourself to run/jog/walk for upto 30 minutes to an hour. Elliptical workout and stepper workout will also help you improve breathing and your lung capacity. Make sure that you keep on increasing intensity of your exercises.
running on treadmill
Treadmill running in incline mode
  • Also, as your trainer would anyway tell you, make sure you stretch enough to avoid any injuries. Focus specifically on your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles, and the shoulder region.
  • In case you are someone who prefers cycling over running, then try to cover long distances at a stretch with moderate intensity.  You can use any sports tracker app to monitor your routine and progress.
cycling
Cycling
  • Make sure that you do weight training. Focus on full body compound exercises like squats, benchpress, bent rows, overhead press, pushups and pull-ups. Consult your physician before undertaking any training regimen. Take expert advise from your fitness trainer for optimum results.
  • If you are someone who doesn’t like gym or running, you can also opt for sports, zumba, yoga, swimming or something which can help you build strength and stamina.

To make things easier for you, we are sharing a training schedule for at least two to three months of fitness training. This is specifically for gym goers. You can speak to your trainer and design a plan which is more suitable for you.

  • Start your first week with a brisk walk of roughly 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a jog and then an easy walk – all for similar durations. Add 1 to 2 days of body weight exercises.
  • In the second week, increase the time for all three activities by 5 to 10 minutes, and add some core strength training exercises.
  • Make sure you do cardio for three days and lift weights at least 2 times a week. On average, you will find yourself spending around 1 hour at the gym. Also include one rest day in the week.
weight training
Dead lifts
  • In the fourth week of your training, ensure that your easy walks are replaced by brisk walking and running. Training outdoors in different terrains will prove incredibly helpful when you go on the actual trek.
leg curl
Leg curl
leg extension
Leg extension
  • Start focussing on your leg training second week onwards. Running, walking, and hiking are excellent leg strengthening exercises. In addition to that, we suggest indulging in leg curl and leg extension workouts. Leg curls help strengthen the hamstrings and calf muscles. Whereas leg extension exercises help in strengthening the knees.
  • Go on smaller treks. We recommend you to check out our one day and two day treks. 

While this should help you sail through the trek, we recommend you train for the Chadar trek at least two to three months in advance. The thing is that we all are humans, and hence it becomes extremely difficult for us to stick to such a discipline. Thus, keeping a buffer always helps.

chadar trek
Chadar frozen river trek

So dear Nomads, this is it from our side for now. 

See you at the Chadar Trek Soon!

Click here to book your Chadar Trek Today! 

Related blogs:

Chadar Trek 2021 | Your Guide to Trekking the Frozen River in Zanskar

How Running Can Help You Trek Better

Winter Trekking is Back! All You Need to Know!

Har ki Dun Trek Guide: All You Need To Know

TrekNomads
-
0
Har ki Dun Trek Guide: All You Need To Know

There are innumerable treks in Uttarakhand, and the Har ki dun trek is an unusual one that stands out as the kind of adventure that you should try at least once in your life. Har ki dun literally translates to “valley of God,” and its inhabitants adhere to a number of myths and legends. It has a total height of 3,556 metres and is situated at the foot of the imposing summit of Fateh Parvat. This cradle-shaped valley known as Har ki Dun is home to a range of exciting activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and camping.

The location is filled with beautiful Himalayan flora, and the valley is teeming with a variety of exciting animals. It is the principal tributary that contributes to the Yamuna River and is connected to the Baspa Valley by way of the Borasu pass. People from all over the world embark on this hike each year in order to get a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and alluring vegetation that the valley has to offer.

har ki dun trek

Har ki dun Trek distance 

One of the most stunning hikes, known as Har ki Dun, is at an altitude of 3,600 metres. Har Ki Dun is a trek that takes between seven and ten days to complete. It begins from the Sankri base camp and it takes 47 kilometres to reach the Har Ki Dun mountain pass. 

The trip from Mussoorie to Sankri takes approximately ten hours. Once you reach Sankri, the hike officially begins at the base camp. Once your trip has begun, your first destination will be Pauni Garaat, and the path you take to get there will take you via Taluka, a tranquil and gorgeous location rich in Kamauni cultures. After leaving Pauni Garaat, the hike continues in the direction of Kalkattiyadhar. The distance between Kalkattiyadar and Har ki dun is only 10 kilometres, yet getting there will take you five hours. When you are making your way back, you will pass through yet another Himalayan village known as Osla before arriving at Sankri and then Mussoorie.

har ki dun trek

Attractions that will leave you captivated during your Har ki dun trek 

Dehradun – one of the oldest towns in India, which is situated between the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers. With its huge cantonments area, it is recognised as one of the most desirable locations for retirement. The city’s bold weather and attractive scenery have resulted in a significant increase in the number of tourists who visit there.

Sankri– Sankri is a quaint community that is home to a few different commercial areas and is known for its breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas. The climb to Har ki Dun begins in a varied landscape of Himalayan trees at this base camp.

One of the holy locations in Sankri that plays host to annual celebrations and fairs is the Someshwar Mahadev temple. The fact that this pahadi-style architecture temple features art made entirely of wood carved from deodars is what sets it apart from others of its kind. The temple dates back to the time of the Pandavas, and it offers a beautiful view of the Swargrohini peaks.

Taluka is a charming settlement that you will come across on the route to Har Ki Dun. Situated at an elevation of 2075 metres, it offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valley, and meandering streams run through the verdant marshlands.

A guesthouse run by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (G.M.V.M.), which provides lodging for hikers and is managed by the government, can be found in the village.

Osla: Osla is a secluded village located in the Mori Tehsil of the Uttarkashi District. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from this exquisite house are truly breathtaking. Your senses will be captivated by the picturesque meadows and peaks, as well as the uncommon flowers that decorate the verdant fields.

A temple for Duryodhana is built in this village. In some parts of the Indian states, locals worship Duryodhana. The temple has a historical story behind it, making the locals worship Duryodhana.  

It is said that when Duryodhana died at Kurukshetra, the locals shed tears which formed the river Tamas; hence the water from the river is not for drinking.

har ki dun trek

Har ki dun:

Situated at the foothills of Swargarohini peak, Har ki dun is one of the most popular trekking gateways in the Uttarakhand region. Har ki dun is a cradle-shaped valley in the Garhwal district with scenic views of nature’s bounty. It is home to the captivating Jaundhar glacier, where nature’s splendour enthrals every visitor. The Har Ki Dun is known as the “hanging valley of gods,” and there is a good chance of seeing wildlife there. While hiking through terraced mountain fields, conifer forests, and lush green grasslands, the scent of pine and the sight of deodar trees will entice your senses.

The Best time to visit Har ki dun 

Every beautiful place has the best time, and the best time to plan your Har ki dun Trek is between April to June and September to December. However, if you want to experience snow and go snow trekking, you need to visit in February and March. 

As the climate at Har ki dun is not something, you experience daily, ensure adequate time acclimating to the high altitudes. 

Har ki dun during summers

During the summer, the weather is nice, which makes trekking a very comfortable experience. The temperature could drop to -1 C, so even in the summer, make sure to bring warm clothes.

Monsoon 

Plan your trip to Har ki Dun outside of the monsoon season, when the trail is likely to be blocked by landslides and even the roads are closed. So going to this place during the rainy season can be a little risky.

Winters 

The winters at Har Ki Dun Valley are absolutely breathtaking. Snowfall is common throughout the region throughout the winter months. However, the journey will become more challenging as there will be fewer options available for overnight stays. Bring along warm clothing such jackets, raincoats, fleece jackets, thermals, and other similar items. The temperature during this time ranges from -15 degrees Celsius down to 10 degrees Celsius.

Har ki dun trek difficulty level 

The Trek ranges from easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. It has a beautiful view that is great for both first-time trekkers and those who have done it before.

If this trek is on your list of things to do, but you’re worried about how fit you are, all you have to do is add walks and cardio to your daily routine a few days before you go on this trip. This is because you will get used to walking, so your body won’t get tired as quickly.

Har ki dun trek

Things you need to carry for your Har ki dun Trek 

Clothing and Gear equipments 

  • A fleece Sweater
  • At Least 9-10 quick drying t shirts
  • 2-3 long sleeve t-shirt to wear on the short ones or arm sleeves
  • 2-3 Cotton t shirts
  • 10-12 underpants (4/5  sports bras for women- Sports bra will be a better choice when it comes to comfort)
  • A wind cheater or a Poncho
  • Raincoat
  • Thermal pant and t-shirts ( 2 should be enough)
  • 3-4 Trek pants
  • Cap and woollen gloves
  • Fleece buffs
  • Trekking shoes
  • 3-4 pairs of woollen socks
  • Flip-flops or slip ons for when you are not trekking
  • Polaroid Goggles – 3 with categories
  • Night wear (2-3 pairs should be enough)
  • Knee braces if you have even a bit of knee trouble
  • Woollen beanie or a monkey cap
  • Casual wear during your travel and sightseeing

Layering up is very important during your trek. Try to wear at least 2-3 layers of clothing in general and a minimum of four layers at higher altitude to keep your warm and protected.

Things to carry in your Toilet Bag 

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Face Wash and wet wipes
  • Sunscreen with SPF 50+
  • Lip balm with SPF 30+
  • Quick dry towels
  • Band aids
  • Pain relief balm
  • Medicines for AMS ( Trek nomads carry their own first aid kit anyway)
  • Paracetamol and Electral/ORS packets
  • ONLY biodegradable pads for the ladies.

Essential Travel Electronics you need to carry 

  • Power bank
  • Phone
  • Camera +respective lenses with extra batteries
  • An e- reader or a Booklight
  • Chargers and Cables
  • Headlight
  • Electronics organiser bags

Your Daily trek bags for Har ki dun 

Following are some essential items that you should keep along with you all the time

  • Energy bars
  • 2l of water
  • Water purification tablets
  • Raincoat or a Poncho
  • Jacket

Itinerary for your Har ki dun Trek 

  • Day 1: Arrive at Mussoorie 
  • Day 2: Travel from Mussoorie to Sankri 
  • DAY 3: Travel from Sankri to Taluka and Trek to Osla 
  • DAY 4: Trek from Osla to Har ki Dun base camp 
  • Day5: Trek from base camp to Har ki dun- Jaundhar Glacier/Hata valley & back to base camp 
  • Day 6: Trek to Osla from Har ki dun base camp 
  • Day7: Trek from Osla to Taluka & travel to Sankri 
  • Day 8: Travel from Sankri to Mussoorie 
  • Day 9: Travel back home

For detailed itinerary, visit TrekNomads’ official website https://www.treknomads.com/har-ki-dun

har ki dun campsite

Things to remember before your trek 

  • Consult your physician before embarking on this journey. They will prescribe medications that must be taken if you fall ill during your trip.
  • Carry all emergency contact numbers with you for Uttrakhand.
  • Carry a sturdy, comfortable, and durable sleeping bag. Carry a durable backpack that can withstand wear and tear, and make sure it has a watertight cover to protect your possessions.
  • To prevent frostbite, use proper high-quality footwear. Wear the right socks for blood circulation and carry extra pairs. 
  • Take care of yourself and be kind to your fellow trekkers, and you will leave Har ki dun with the nicest memories.
  • Never leave your teammates and always stick with the group
  • To enjoy this hike, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol and other intoxicants.

The stunning natural scenery of the Himalayas will leave you speechless and in wonder when you complete the trip to Har ki Dun. Have a good time on this hike, and cherish it as an exciting and rewarding experience when you look back.

har ki dun

Why Treknomads 

Treknomads was started in 2016 in Bangalore for the small community that loves to explore and adore nature. From multi-day high-altitude Himalayan treks to one-day treks around Bangalore and two-day treks in Western ghats, they are still exploring newer trek trails for nature enthusiasts. 

Their philosophy is to help people explore the abundant beauty that nature has to offer through trekking. The best thing about Treknomads is that your Himalayan treks are covered with insurance. To learn more about Treknomads, visit here. 

Related blogs:

How to get fit for the himalayan trek

Winter Trekking is Back! All You Need to Know!

Travel Photography Tips A Complete Guide

 

 

Goechala Trek Guide: All you need to know

TrekNomads
-
0
Goechala Trek Guide: All you need to know

Northeast India is one of the country’s most untouched and unexplored parts. Rich in culture, jaw-dropping beauty, and a tour of nature that you can never forget in your entire life. You learn so many things about life, people, culture, and nature when you set out to travel. To experience the beauty of the North East in its full glory, Goechala trek is one of the best things you can take up. Goechala trek is an inviting destination in the heart of Sikkim with beautiful mounting summits with gurgling streams meandering through expanses of meadows. 

goechala peak
Gigantic mountains on the way to goechala trek

This exhilarating trek will take you through the spine-tingling beauty of the Sachen while pacing towards Bhakim, Tshokha, and Dzongri. The mystifying Dzongri peak will offer a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga and Pandim peaks. At the same time, Goechala pass trek will enchant you with its enrapturing mountain views from a majestic pinnacle of 4,940 m

The Goechala trek is considered one of the most romantic treks. Get ready to be enchanted by the stunning mountains, the fascinating culture, and the people. The mesmerising trail will lead you to some of the most breathtaking views. Enjoy the romantic walk through the forest regions, lush meadows, and startling blue waters alongside the trail. 

Goechala Trek distance 

The overall trek distance of this beautiful expedition is around 90kms, and therefore it will be an 11 to 12 days journey. Even though it is 11 to 12 days, once you reach the finishing line of this trek, you and your fellow trekkers will be mesmerised by the view it offers. 

Goechala trek campsite
Goechala trek campsite

Major Attractions of the Goechala trek 

Yuksom: Yuksom is the start of the spectacular Kanchendzonga trekking trail. It was the first capital of the Sikkim kingdom that handed over its title to Gangtok.

Yuksom literally translates as “the meeting place of the three learned monks,” the monks who chose Phuntsog Namgyal to be the first king with the title “Chogyal”in 1642 AD. It is part of the Geyzing subdivision and is a popular tourist destination for adventurers and hikers. Several monasteries surround it, as does the ancient kingdom’s coronation throne, which can still be seen here. Yuksom is surrounded by lush greenery, with pristine lakes and spectacular hills.

Sachen – In terms of accommodation, Sachen has limited resources, few developments, and other facilities. Trekking your way from the town of Yuksom through the green meadows alongside the Rathong river, you can reach Sachen. Sachen lies at the pinnacle of 2,195 m with an array of beautiful log huts, which can be seen lining below the trails with the gushing waters of the waterfall that sings throughout the meadows. 

Tshoka: It is a small village with little houses floating on the edge of the valley that drops down from the other three sides. It is the only thriving settlement in the Kanchenjunga National Park region. Tshoka offers bushy shrubbery with vertical gradients and thick impenetrable forests ornamenting the trekking trails. It is home to many Himalayan birds and is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Dzongri: Dzongri will offer you an impeccable view of the breathtaking Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Dzongri is the meeting place of men, mountains, gods, and nature. There are various trekker huts in the region, and it is an admired campsite for trekkers. On the log trail leading to Dzongri, one can see Rhododendron blooms spread across acres of meadows. The Dzongri Top viewpoint is 4,168 m high, with Tibetan prayer flags adorning the views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Pandim peaks.

Thansing: It is a beautiful valley that stands at a majestic elevation of 3,932 m; the trail to Thansing is layered with abundant meadows at the base of the Jopine ranges. It is surrounded by chortens, or Buddhist worship sites, and is perfectly framed by the snow-covered Pandim and Kanchenjunga Peaks. Thansing is a beautiful meadow perched on the slopes of Mount Pandim.

Lamuney: Lamuney is the campsite that offers the new attraction of Lake Samiti, located across mountains and ridges, alongside picturesque meadows and green grasslands. This lake has crystal clear blue-green water that blends so well with the mountain backdrops that you will be mesmerised by its natural genesis. The enchanting change in snow landscapes must be witnessed as the sun and cloud passages change. The Sikkimese regard it as a holy lake and its rocky areas filled with boulders.

Goecha la: Beautiful mountain summits with crystal clear water streams flowing through the green meadows’ expanse is one of the best ways to describe Goechala. The Goechala pass is the highest trekking point with an astounding elevation of 4,940 m. The journey to Goechala is filled with Glacial moraines, a frozen lake covered with snow, and of course, the gigantic peaks of Kabru, Pandim, and Kanchenjunga. Goechala is the destination of the mystifying trekking expedition. 

Best time to visit Goecha la. 

Summer is the best season to experience the feeling of the Goechala trek. During this season, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it more suitable for trek lovers to set on the expedition. During summer, many animals come out of their shells for various reasons. You will be able to see a lot of them while you are on your way to the Goechala top.  

The other season this trek can be done is in winters.  The trek can be done from October to February. The Goechala weather during the winter months December to February are quite extreme. The month of January is the peak winter season in Goechala and it is advisable that only experienced trekkers who have proper physical training should avail this trek during winters.  

goechala trek trail
Trekkers on the Goechala trek trail heading towards the summit.

Short itinerary for the Goechala trek 

  • Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra (IXB) & transfer Yuksom
  • Day 2:Trek from Yuksom to Bakhim 
  • Day 3: Trek from Bakhim to Phedang 
  • Day 4: Trek from Phedang to Dzongri 
  • Day 5: Acclimatisation trek to Dongrilla 
  • Day 6: Trek from Dzongri to Tansing 
  • Day 7: Trek from Thansing to Lamuney
  • Day 8: Trek from Lamuney to Goecha la and trek back to Thansing 
  • Day 9: Trek back from Thansing to Tsokha 
  • Day10: Trek from Tsokha to Yuksom 
  • Day 11: Travel to Darjeeling and stay 
  • Day 12: Departure from Darjeeling to your home city. 
goechala trek
Beautiful sunset at goechala trek

For a more detailed itinerary, visit treknomads official page at https://www.treknomads.com/goechala-dzongri-trek. 

Things to carry during this trip 

1. Clothing and Gear for the Goechala Trek 

  • 2-3 cotton t-shirts for sleeping in 
  • At Least 10 quick drying t-shirts 
  • 1 long sleeved t-shirt to wear on the short ones 
  • A fleece sweater 
  • 10-12 underpants ( carry 4-5 sports bras for women for the better comfort)
  • A wind-cheater or a Poncho 
  • Thermal pants and t-shirts – 2 should be enough 
  • 3-4 Trek Pants 
  • Cap 
  • Woollen Gloves 
  • Fleece Buffs 
  • Trekking shoes 
  • 3-4 pairs of woollen socks 
  • Flip flops or slip ons 
  • Knee braces ( if you have knee trouble ) 
  • Sunglasses – Polaroid with 3 categories and above 
  • Night wear 
  • Woollen beanie or a Monkey cap 
  • Casual wear for travelling and sightseeing

2. Things you need to carry in your Toilet Bag 

  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste       
  • Shampoo 
  • Facewash 
  • Wet wipes 
  • Sunscreen with Spf 50+ 
  • Pain relief balm 
  • Medicine for AMS ( We at Treknomads do carry a first aid kit) 
  • Paracetamol 
  • Electral/ORS powder 
  • Lip balm with spf 30+ 
  • Band aid incase you get any blisters 
  • Quick dry towels 
  • ONLY Biodegradable Sanitary Pads for women 

3. Essential Travel Electronics you need to Carry 

  • Phone 
  • Power Bank
  • Camera + respective lenses+ Extra battery 
  • An reader or extra battery 
  • Chargers and Cables 
  • Headlight 
  • Electronics Organiser Bag 

Things to remember before you set out for your Goecha la trek 

  • This trek has some crazily harsh trekking conditions. So proper, warm clothing and other protective gear will keep you safe from the chilling cold. Keep your trekking gear safe and essentials such as a wind-proof jacket, dry socks, and caps. 
  • Carry a good and sturdy sleeping bag for an excellent, durable, and comfortable night’s sleep. Ensure that you choose correct and good quality footwear and fitted boots to avoid frostbite. 
  • Always carry a good-quality backpack with a waterproof cover to protect your essentials from damage. 
  • Most importantly, carry your identification card as you might be expected to present it to the officials for obtaining permits. 
  • Even though this trek’s difficulty level is moderate to difficult, ensure that you exercise regularly before you embark on this expedition. Regular cardio and weights will build up your stamina for this vital trek. 
  • Consult your doctor to check whether you are fit for this trek and discuss if you have any medical issues. Try to keep your outfit and backpack light with only important essentials packed. The less, the more beneficial and easy your journey will be. 
  • Leave the mountains in better condition; we should be responsible citizens to keep the beauty of nature intact. Treknomads have no litter policy, and each trekker must bring back the waste created during the trek. 

We hope this blog will help and create a desire in you to make this trek happen as soon as possible. To know more about this trek, visit our website www.treknomads.com. 

Related blogs:

How to get fit for the Himalayan trek

The Ultimate Winter Trekking Guide You Need to Read Today!

The Ultimate List of things to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Sandakphu trek guide: all you need to know

TrekNomads
-
0
Sandakphu trek guide: all you need to know

Be ready to be weirded out, max, by what Sandakphu means. After all, it is not every day that you think of trekking to the “Peak of the poison plants.” Jokes apart, Sandakphu got its name from the multiple poisonous genera of the nearby plants. Now, you would have had to worry about it had you been a cattle feeding on these. Luckily or unluckily, you aren’t, and hence with its brightly colored flowers and stunning views, Sandakphu Trek makes for a fantastic trek for you.

sandakphu trek

A relatively easy trek, Sandakphu trek’s summit is reached at an elevation of 3,637 m (11,932 ft) as the Singalila Ridge. What makes the Sandakphu trek unique is the panoramic view that it offers, with 4 out of 5 highest peaks of the world visible. So, you can clearly see Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu at the dawn break. The view from Sandakphu stretches west to east and consists of peaks from Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal. You will love the dazzle of the bright red-pink-golden hues of the rising sun as the dawn breaks at the altitude, eventually engulfing the valley below.

sandakphu trek route

So, that was about the Sandakphu trek in short. Let us start with the essential bits about the Sandakphu trek.

Major places to visit on the Sandakphu Trek

1. Chitrey

This ultra beautiful mountain town is located 3 m from Manebhanjan and serves as the base camp for Sandakphu trek.  The city hosts a historic Buddhist monastery. Remember to have Maggi, momos, and noodles here- you’ll love them.

2. Tumling

A beautiful hamlet with equally stunning vistas, this place offers good lodging and is usually the first stop on the trek. In addition to enjoying the picture-perfect view of the Kanchenjunga, you can use your time here to mingle with the locals and try the native cuisine.

3. The Sleeping Buddha (Mt Kanchenjunga)

You’ll be able to see this majestic mountain right from the start of the trek. However, it starts playing hide and seek after a while. Be on the lookout, though, as you’ll love what you see.

sleeping buddha

4. Singalila national park

One of the most visited locations in West Bengal, the Singalila National Park has leopards, red panda (YESS!!!), yellow-throated marten, barking deer, and wild boar, among others. This national park also has several exotic bird species, such as the satyr tragopan, the scarlet minivet, the kalij pheasant, and the blood pheasant. 

red panda

5. Srikhola

The Srikhola river comes when you are trekking back from Sandakphu. A beautiful place to be, the river forms a part of the Singalila National Park, and many people get to see a red panda or two here.

The Best time to visit Sandakphu Trek

The Sandakphu trek again can be done at any time of the year. However, we are listing what the weather is like in the respective seasons so you can take your pick.

Sandakphu Trek in April (Spring)

It is the spring season here, and you will love the blossoming rhododendrons covering the entire stretch. The place is vibrant around this time, and the wildlife can be seen too.

PS: The park is closed to tourists from 16 June to 15 September every year on account of the monsoons. 

Sandakphu Trek in October-November (Autumn)

Autumn is usually the best time to visit the Sandakphu trek. The sky is generally clear and gives an extremely clear view of the mountains and the spectacular scenery. If you want to see some snow, you should trek around January and February.

Let us have a look at the weather that the trek experiences.

  • Temperatures in December: The lowest temperature can go to about -9 degrees and a high of a maximum of 7 degrees. 
  • The weather in January/February is colder and may drop to -11 degrees at night. There may also be moderate snowfall, but it would not be a hindrance to the trek.
  • The weather in March and April is comparatively pleasant and comfortable, with the lowest being -3 degrees in March. In April, though, the lowest goes to 1 degree, and the highest can be as much as 16 degrees.

sandakphu trek

How to get to Sandakphu

The options are daily straightforward and go like this

  • You can take a flight to Bagdogra or Kolkata depending on what suits you the best
  • N.J.P. is the closest train station and is in Sikkim’s southwest corner. You can take a direct train to N.J.P. or go to Kolkata and then take another to N.J.P.
  • You can also travel by road. Plenty of buses run between Kolkata, Siliguri, and N.J.P. While the roads aren’t the best for travel, you can still take a sleeper bus and get it at highly reasonable prices.
  • Alternatively, if you love road trips, you can drive to the base camp and hike from there in the car. 

Things to Carry on Sandakphu Trek

While we will be coming with a detailed blog on it, we are listing the most significant bits to carry along for a quick reference. So, this is what you must pack for the trek:

  • Backpack and its rain cover. Make sure the capacity is 50-60l and has comfortable shoulder straps
  • A hiking pole
  • Head Torch
  • 2 l water bottles or hydration packs
  • Basic first aid kit
  • A Sun cap/or a balaclava
  • Neck gaiters
  • Sunglasses with side cover
  • T-shirts 7 to 8
  • Fleece T-shirts and jacket
  • Wind and waterproof jacket
  • Trek pants
  • Trekking shoes
  • Flip-slops
  • Personal utilities like sunscreen, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, toilet paper/wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm and quick dry towel

Lastly, let us look at the two Sandakphu Trek itineraries that TrekNomads offers.

The first is the Sandakphu trek, and the other is the Sandakphu short trek. Sharing the itinerary for both of them below for your easy reference.

Sandakphu-Phalut Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrival at Bagdogra (I.X.B.) & transfer to Mane Bhanjang 
  • Day 2 – Trek to Tumling from Mane Bhanjang
  • Day 3 – Trek to Kalapokhri from Tumling
  • Day 4 – Trek to Sandakphu from Kalapokhri
  • Day 5 – Trek to Phalut from Sandakphu
  • Day 6 – Trek to Gorkhey from Phalut
  • Day 7 – Trek to Srikhola from Gorkhey
  • Day 8 – Travel to Darjeeling
  • Day 9 – Sightseeing in Darjeeling
  • Day 10-  Departure from Darjeeling to home city

Sandakphu-Short trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrival at Bagdogra (I.X.B.) & transfer to Mane Bhanjang 
  • Day 2 – Trek to Tumling from Mane Bhanjang
  • Day 3 – Trek to Kalapokhri from Tumling
  • Day 4 – Trek to Sandakphu from Kalapokhri
  • Day 5 – Trek to Srikhola from Sandakphu
  • Day 6 – Travel to Darjeeling
  • Day 7 – Sightseeing in Darjeeling
  • Day 8-  Departure from Darjeeling to home city

To book Sandakphu Trek, click here

ACT – The two seasons for ACT – Autumn Vs Spring – What to expect and best time to trek

TrekNomads
-
0
ACT – The two seasons for ACT – Autumn Vs Spring – What to expect and best time to trek

The Annapurna circuit trek is one trek that is open almost all year round. Having said that, some months are better to trek than others. In this blog, we will talk about the weather conditions, the kind of terrain, the amenities available, and a couple of other things that can help you decide on which month you should choose for your trek to the Annapurna range. 

annapurna circuit trek

The Annapurna trek route is multi-weather. You get to experience the subtropical, temperate, and cold climates on one trek. However, the degrees of these may vary, which is what would be your deciding factor. Most people trek in spring or autumn, given the moderate weather and more conducive hiking conditions. While you can trek for the Annapurna circuit throughout the year, just steer clear of the June-August season, which is stormy, and flooding and avalanches keep happening. The Sep-Nov season brings clear skies, but the preceding monsoon season surely leaves its impressions. The Feb – April season is usually hot with longer days, but the lower elevations can be foggy. Winters would see reasonably clear but cold weather; however, sometimes, heavy snowfall could result in a delay.

So, as you can see, all the seasons have positives and negatives. Let us now explore each of the individual seasons and their impending conditions so that you may decide accordingly.

To begin with, the image below shows how the weather changes in the Annapurna region. This is an indicative estimate of how we feel the trek is like in the respective seasons. 

However, we will discuss this in detail in the sections ahead. 

annapurna circuit trek best time

Understanding the weather of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna circuit trek, as we mentioned earlier, experiences wide changes in the terrain and hence the weather too. Thus the seasons are a mix and match of good and bad across the landscape. Therefore, let us have a look at the entire scenario month-wise to get a better understanding.

The Sept-Nov Phase: 

If you travel in early September, say the first week or ten days, you may still be in the monsoon season. While on paper it has to be post-monsoon, it can rain with chances of rainstorm too. However, post 15th Sept, or so, the weather is surprisingly calm and clear. The possibility of rain or snow is minimal at best, and the temperature is moderate too. The mornings and evenings are specifically calm and serene. You may as well call it the pre-winter or autumn season here, and as we get closer to the end of Nov, the temperatures start falling significantly, with the evenings getting colder by the day.

The March to May Phase:

The March to May phase is the spring season and the most common time for trekking. The mornings and nights are cold, with the temperature hitting the 7 degrees mark, but that is about that. The daytime temperatures would range from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius with almost zero downpour and clear skies.

The vegetation is full of blossoms, and you will see Rhododendron bushes all along the trek. Numerous wildflowers that are colourful and pleasantly fragrant can also be seen at the lower heights.

Given the temperatures, the rivers swell and create picturesque waterfalls, and you will have an amazing time trekking while listening to the birds singing. The clearer skies further result in you getting extremely clear and breathtaking views of the peaks.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The June to Early July Phase:

Summer in Nepal starts from June and ends around early July. While the temperatures rise, the region experiences heavy rainfall too. While the Annapurna region may not experience a downpour in all its parts, the treks become slippery. In addition to this, the probability of landslides also increases. And if this wasn’t enough, many bugs and mosquitos are born around this time because of the water that stagnates. 

In addition to this, due to the cloudy and rainy climate, you’ll be unable to get any views whatsoever, and if you cannot see the Annapurna, why exactly would you trek? So while there is good vegetation growth and the scenery looks beautiful, we suggest that it isn’t the time to be adventurous and take risks. 

If you want to go, though, go in August when the rains have comparatively lessened and the weather has cleared. Plus, the Yarlung Mela also happens in Muktinath around the full moon of August and is a major attraction. This fair continues for three days and is full of horse races, weaponry shows, and multiple cultural programs that you would surely enjoy.

The December to February Phase:

The trekking during the winter season is practically closed throughout. This is because it may snow at any time, and with the paths covered in snow, the passes remain shut too. Thus, we do not suggest taking the trek during winters.

However, if you are someone who has been preparing for a tougher trek or expedition, maybe you could take the ACT during the early December period. Make sure that you carry appropriate gear and are mentally ready for the difficulties that may come your way on the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

A special section on the Flora: For the Nature Lovers

  • No prizes for guessing that spring and summer will make for the best times to trek if you want to see nature in its full glory. If you choose to trek in the Feb-April period, you will see buttercups, cinquefoils, rhododendrons, orchids, magnolias, primulas, blue irises, and Himalayan poppies. The blue poppy, specifically, is one wonder of nature that would fill you with awe. It is not for nothing that it is known as the Queen of the Himalayas. This flower grows in the Annapurna Conservation Area and is usually very hard to find. 
  • On the other hand, while most flowers are gone in the Autumn season, you will get to see the beautiful cherry trees. In addition, the alpine region of the trek would be full of an amazing cover made out of junipers, pines, and oaks.  

Himalayan blue poppies

Summary: Annapurna Circuit Trek Month By Month

We thought that instead of giving a generic conclusion like we usually do, this time let us just summarise the entire discussion so that you may make an informed decision. 

  • Sept-Oct-Nov is the autumn season with Oct being the best time of the year for any Himalayan trek in general. The monsoons have cleared around this time, the dust has settled, and the breeze is pleasant. However, it is the peak trekking season, so the tea houses will be busy, and flights can be expensive.
  • Mid Nov-Dec is the season for those who are seeking some adventure. The days are cold, and the nights are colder. There can be delays or detours because of sudden snowfall or poor visibility.
  • January is marked with heavy snowfall, and if someone still chooses to trek, then the Thorong La Pass will be found blocked more often than not.
  • February, March, and April bring along warmer and longer days and offer a pleasant alternative to the busy season of trekking in autumn. The rhododendrons will be in full bloom in this season.
  • May would be warm, but you can experience the pre-monsoon showers, so be ready with your rainy season gear should you trek in this month.
  • The monsoon season starts in June, July, and August and brings heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, and infections. The scenery becomes exceptionally green and beautiful, but nobody wants to get caught in Himalayan rains, so avoid this time altogether.

Related blogs:

ACT- Checklist of all things to pack for Annapurna Circuit trek

ACT – ACT vs ABC – Which trek to choose?

TrekNomads
-
0
ACT – ACT vs ABC – Which trek to choose?

For the past month, we talked about the Everest Base camp, how one could reach there, the fitness levels required, the best routes to take, the major attractions, and if taking the Gokyo-Ri trek is worth the extra distance and time. We were also able to close almost all our treks to EBC, and the response was so overwhelming that we had to add a couple of other trek groups too. Now, we are excited about the Annapurna treks.

Nevertheless, we are very happy about it, and we started this blog with a big thank you to you all for making it possible. One query that kept coming up when we discussed the EBC trek was about fitness. What if someone isn’t as fit enough and yet wants to explore the beauty of the Himalayan region? Well, yes, and the answer lies in the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Treks.

annapurna trek

While we will be discussing these treks in other blogs of ours, let us first try and compare both of them so that you can decide which one would suit your needs better. In all honesty, we love both the treks and beauty-wise, they both have their pluses which cannot be ignored.

Now you tell us, can you pick a favorite between Rajma Chawal and Chhole Bhature or say Hindustani or Carnatic music? Both categories are amazing; hence, given the dilemma, we have prepared a comparative list for you. We will discuss the routes, the elevation, and the highlights, and then you can take your pick! Confused still? Go for one this year and another one next. Life isn’t that short, and you can go on as many adventures as you want! So, without any further ado, let’s discuss!

The Routes to ACT and ABC

The trail is usually one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a trek. Once you have reached the summit or your destination, it is all beauty and happiness. But, when you are on the route, putting in those steps and losing energy, the situation isn’t as happy for everyone. Anyway, when we talk about ACT and ABC treks, the duration for both stretches for about a fortnight.

So, if the duration was a deciding factor, you can throw it out of the window because it won’t matter. Both the treks i.e. the ACT as well as ABC have the same starting point i.e Pokhara. As a matter of fact, almost all the Annapurna Region treks start from here only. The ACT trek, though, gets slightly more strenuous over time. This is because the trekking trail of the ABC trek comes after passing through the famous Sherpa and Gurung villages such as Ghorepani, Dovan, and Deurali.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek instead takes you to high mountain passes and the famed Muktinath temple. So while most of the terrain for ACT will be full of high passes and steep slopes, ABC trek is more through alpine settlements.

act

1. The ACT Route

The ACT route is full of waterfalls and pine forests. This lush trek turns to arid slopes as soon as you reach Manang, which makes for a beautiful site. The terrain becomes a bit tough post Manang as one is required to make a steep ascent across the grasslands and past the juniper trees. A day is usually allocated in Manang for the much-needed acclimatisation. A glacial lake is nearby, which you can visit if you want. This glacial lake, also known as the Gangapurna Lake, is just half an hour away from Manang and will give you legit Pangong lake vibes!

2. The ABC Route

The ABC trek route is comparatively easier, with its first leg covered in a drive. After that, you come across several waterfalls, and the initial few kilometres would be an uphill trek through the forests.  After that, there will be a sharp ascent to Poon Hill. About 3,209 m (10,528 ft) above sea level. The grasslands here are just like the African Savannah- they are just too long- so much that you may get lost in them (just kidding- don’t get scared). Followed by this, there would be a rapid descent of roughly 900m and one final ascent to the base camp that comes after crossing a huge ice field.

The Altitude: ACT vs. ABC Trek

We had talked about AMS quite a lot in our EBC treks. The same holds here as well. Not everyone can get acclimated to higher altitudes, given how the air density gets thin there. Plus, the terrain is tougher and rougher at higher altitudes, which can also become a pain point. Hence, the elevation or the altitude of the destination becomes a major deciding factor for most people. With this in mind, we will compare the altitude of both these treks. The Annapurna Circuit trek takes you to an elevation of 5,416 m (17,770 ft), while the Annapurna Base Camp Trek ends at an elevation of roughly 4,200 m (13779 ft).

This makes a difference of approximately 1219 m which is quite a lot by any given standards. Now, while you can still see some greenery at 3209.5 m, at 5,416.3 m, it’s all barren lands, glaciers, and snowy cliffs. So, depending upon the final view that you would want to take, you can take your pick here. In our opinion, while the ABC Trek is well suited for people with moderate fitness who haven’t trained a lot, the ACT will require dedicated terrain training and a way above-average fitness level to complete.

annapurna trek

The Major Attractions: ACT VS ABC Trek

Now that the physical aspects of both the treks have been discussed let us look at the major highlights that both of these treks hold for us. While some of our readers may have already decided which trek to take by the time they reach here, we would still insist that you read what is coming next.

1. The Native Villages on ABC Trek

If you choose to take the ABC trek, you will come across multiple local villages, which will give you a window into the varied culture of this region. One major highlight is the Ghorepani village** which is situated on a high pass above the Kali Gandaki river gorge. This village offers a stunning view of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range. You may also choose to climb to Poon Hill, where you can catch a mesmerising view of not just the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri but also Manaslu. Plus, unlike what you’d expect from such heights, the region has tall alpine grasses (specific to the summer season) that add to the beauty of the scenery like anything. Next on the route comes the Hinku Cave, an intriguing place in its might, and the beautiful Deurali Village, where you can stop for some locally flavored tea. In addition, the terrain is full of coniferous forests of fir and pine, followed by brown, almost barren slopes. A relatively easier trek and terrain generally, you don’t have to think twice before picking up the ABC Trek.   ** Ghorepani village can also be seen on the ACT route

Ghorepani village

2. The Changing Terrain: Highlight of the ACT

Now while the ABC trek is fairly easy to traverse, the changing, sort of unpredictable terrain forms the biggest highlight of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. When you start your trek driving from Kathmandu, you can see heavily forested areas full of deciduous vegetation. The pine trees start showing up near the Jagat area, and this cover keeps getting dense as one moves towards the Dharapani region. Once you reach Chame and traverse through what remains of the pine forests, you go on for a steep climb on the ridge via the alpine grasslands. Further, as you close towards Manang, the terrain changes again and becomes rocky and loose with barely any trees or cover. The biggest highlight of this terrain is the Thorong La- the highest mountain pass in Nepal. While the climb is difficult, we can tell you that it will be worth your while. PS: The ACT Trek also includes another flight from Jomsom to Kathmandu, which flies directly over the Himalayas, thus giving you a breathtaking view of the region.

Manang

3. The Spiritual Angle: A plus for ACT again

The Annapurna Circuit Trek allows you to visit Muktinath- a small pagoda-style temple considered sacred by Buddhists and Hindus. The temple also has multiple natural springs around it where you can bathe. With trees all around and a shallow pool on both sides with a view of snow-covered mountain peaks, this temple is a major tourist attraction too.

The Time to Decide: ACT vs. ABC Trek

So dear Nomads! This was it from our side about which of the treks you should pick. Ideally, if you are physically fit and work out fairly regularly, you can go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek directly. Once you have enjoyed the terrain’s views and challenges, you can return for the Annapurna Base Camp trek in another couple of months as a refresher. For those who want to trek more for enjoyment and would want it to be comparatively easy and breezy, suggest you go for the Annapurna Base Camp trek first. Then, if you feel like and have done adequate training, you can return for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. At the end of the day, it is the Annapurna peak that matters, and we can assure you that no matter which treks you take, this Massif will blow your mind!    

Difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit trek    

ACT- Checklist of all things to pack for Annapurna Circuit trek

ACT – Difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit trek

TrekNomads
-
0
ACT – Difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit trek

The Annapurna circuit trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek are fast gaining traction as the preferred Himalayan treks, competing with the EBC trek. The Annapurna Circuit trek, as the name suggests, is in the Annapurna region. The Annapurna is the tenth highest peak in the world, with its summit at 8,091m (26,545 ft). The Annapurna circuit trek is about circumventing this peak and, of course, the entire Annapurna region. 

Annapurna peak

One major highlight of this trek is the diverse landscape that it has. You will get to see the grasslands, the paddy fields, the subtropical forests, waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks- all in one single trek. In addition, if you choose to go on the spring trek, you’ll get to see the Himalayan Blue Poppy- the Queen of the Himalayas, too (if you are lucky enough).

Himalayan Blue Poppy

We told you so much because the Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate and less difficult than the EBC trek. Therefore, with some basic training, you can go for the ACT.

In this blog, however, we will talk about the difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the ACT. The difficulty of any trek depends on the altitude and the weather. You see, most of the Himalayan treks are long. Let us take the case of ACT here, which is a 16-day long trek and involves considerable walking. If you haven’t trained adequately, you may feel tired or have to take long breaks, which would kill your experience. However, if you have done some kind of physical training, then you’ll not have to worry at all!

The Difficulty Level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

As we mentioned before, this trek is moderately difficult and will take you on some magical adventures. To talk about what makes the trek moderately difficult, though, let us look at the relevant bits:

1. The Trek Duration

The Annapurna Trek duration with TrekNomads is 16 days. It involves considerable walking and a couple of drives too. 

2. The Distance to be traveled

The total distance to be covered in the trek is between 160km to 230km, depending on where you begin or end the journey. In most cases, the journey starts and ends in Kathmandu. While trekking, you will walk for roughly 5 to 6 hours daily and cover a distance of approximately 12-15km daily. Hence, you better train adequately for walking up to these distances. Of course, there will be intermittent breaks taken to rest but let’s not rely on them to define our trekking experience.

You may find the lower regions easier to trek/climb than the higher ones. This is because the more elevated areas have steeper and harsher terrain. 

3. Altitude Sickness

“Oh! Altitude Sickness, why do you come up?” Just tried to go all Shakespeare here but unfortunately couldn’t. Anyway, Altitude Sickness is super unfortunate, but it does happen. It is very common for most Himalayan treks since they all involve trekking at high altitudes. It occurs because of the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes, mostly beyond 4000m. 

Some common symptoms of Altitude Sickness involve:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea

It is important to note that if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, inform your trekking guide immediately. Please do not brave any of these as they can worsen. We at TrekNomads take extreme care and precautions to avoid its onset for our fellow travellers and carry a first aid kit for the same reason. However, if you ever feel like something isn’t right – please inform the trek leader.

4. Food

The food is not typically an issue till you are someone who can live only on junk or western food. You will get some sumptuous servings of dal, bhat, achar, curry, and multiple side dishes- all of which will make you fall in love with Nepali cuisine.

For the latter, i.e., the diet food – don’t even think of living off of salad! You’ll need much more energy on that, so if you are extremely conscious about your caloric intake, I suggest you sit with your dietician and get your diet right.

Well, that was more or less about the difficulty level. It is a moderate difficulty trek after all; however difficult it can be 🙂 

annapura circuit trek

However, we still made sure to make a list of 7 things you should be prepared for before taking the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

7 things to know to make your Moderate Difficulty Trek Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

ACT is one of the best treks if you are looking at exploring the beauty of Nepal in general too. We just had to give this extra information- it has nothing to do with this blog.

So, coming to the point, we told you that the ACT trek is of moderate difficulty; the following 7 points will tell you how to make your experience even better:

1. Plan the Time

In another one of our blogs, we talked about which would be the best season to trek. The consensus was that Autumn and Spring are the best, with Spring being the quieter. However, Autumn has cheaper flights and more affordable hotels. Summers, Monsoons, and Winters have pluses, but there are enough negatives to deter most. You can read more about it in detail in the said blog.

2. Pack Smartly

You may or may not choose to take a porter, but in any case, ensure you do not carry unnecessary items. In another one of our blogs, we have created a detailed list of things you need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We suggest you stick to that.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of High Altitude.

Altitude sickness afflicts people even at 2,500m above sea level. While the usual is 4,000 m above sea level, still you never know. Hence, it is always a good idea to take precautions and drink a lot of water. Keeping yourself hydrated will most likely prevent nausea. Also, carry some light but protein-rich food like chocolates, peanuts, or the likes in your backpack. That will help too.

4. Wear your clothes properly

When we say wear four layers, we mean four layers of clothing. It doesn’t mean three or two because you are strong. Also, the Annapurna region is known for sudden weather changes. It can get slightly colder than when you started in the morning, so you better be dressed for that. Also, please wear your sun hat and sunglasses- you’ll need them because, unlike the plains, the sunlight here is direct and very sharp.

5. Eat Well but not too much.

Simply put, you will love the dal, bhat, and the other local delicacies served to you. Also, it is perfectly suited for the trek since the people of this region have to do that a lot. You will also be served garlic soup- a local remedy for Altitude sickness. It is delicious anyway, so try it. Make sure you have your fill because you will need that energy. Also, stock up for the trek in Kathmandu itself because the walking sometimes gets you hungry, and you wouldn’t want to stop because of the energy loss.

6. Keep Water Purifying tablets/Water bottles along.

Nothing like it if you can bring and keep your water bottles. That way, you would have easy access to water most of the time. Also, plastic water bottles ruin the natural ecosystem because most of these regions have no waste disposal system; hence, the bottle you dispose of will be there forever. We advise against tap water, though, as it may not be safe enough for your immune systems. Purification tablets can come in handy here because they will make tap water fit for drinking.

7. Prepare yourself for the ThorongLa Pass.

Thorong La makes for probably the toughest part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You have to wake up before sunrise (around 1 to 2am)  and head over narrow ridges in thick snow cover. Then you have to climb continuously for hours, but none of it is something that you cannot prepare for. Wear enough warm clothes and train (workout) for this excursion well in advance. That should do.

thorong la pass

So dear Nomads, that was it from our side, and we hope you had a good time reading it and imagining your Annapurna Circuit Trek. By the way, you can also check and decide between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The details can be accessed here.

PS: Our trek to Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna base camp will start from 3rd Sept. You can book your slots now.

ACT- Checklist of all things to pack for Annapurna Circuit trek

TrekNomads
-
0
ACT- Checklist of all things to pack for Annapurna Circuit trek

We had written about the EBC trek packing list in an older blog, so when we started to write about the Annapurna Circuit trek packing list, the initial thought was that it should be more or less the same. So why dedicate another blog to it?

Well, there are two reasons:

  • At altitudes like these, similar isn’t enough. One needs to know the exact things to carry
  • Secondly, if someone is searching for a packing list for Annapurna Circuit Trek, why would they read about the EBC packing list?

So, with this in mind, we started talking to our trekking team and collating the details of all the items that would be required. Also, this time we have taken a different approach altogether. We have created a dedicated category-wise list of the things that need to be packed.

So, without much ado, here we go.

Clothing and Gear for the Annapurna Circuit Trek 

The major items that should pack (along with their approx. quantities) are given below:

  • At least 10 quick drying t-shirts
  • 2-3 cotton t-shirts for sleeping in
  • 1 long-sleeved t-shirt to wear over the short ones
  • A fleece sweater
  • 10-12 underpants (4/5 sports bras for the women- please take sports bras for better comfort)
  • A rainproof wind jacket/raincoat,
  • A wind-cheater/poncho
  • Thermal Pants and Shirts/t-shirts (2 should be enough)
  • Trek Pants – 3-4
  • Cap
  • Woollen gloves
  • Fleece Buff
  • 3-4 pair of woollen socks
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Flip flops or slip-ons for when you are not trekking
  • Knee Brace (Please keep if you have even a bit of knee trouble usually)
  • Sunglasses – Polaroid with Category 3 and above
  • Woollen beanie or a Monkey Cap
  • Night wear (2 Pairs)
  • Casual wear – during travel, site seeing (2 Pairs)

annapurna base camp trek

Try to wear a minimum of two-three layers of clothing in general and a minimum of four layers at higher altitudes to keep yourself warm. Also, make sure that your internal layers are of clothes that can dry easily. At night, even when you feel you are in a warm cozy environment in the lodge/hotel, make sure you wear adequate thermal clothes. As we mentioned, you can take off your trekking shoes here and let your feet relax in a slip-on or sandal. A lot of people wear thermal pants under their trekking pants instead of wearing woollen trek pants. This gives an extra layer of warmth that can help relax your muscles. 

Given that a lot of walking is involved, we usually prefer that our trekkers carry merino wool socks. Not only are they breathable, but they also are fairly smooth and thus avoid any wear to your foot due to friction. 

One last tip we would like to give as we close this section is that there are dedicated laundry services for mountaineers in larger villages. Hence, if you wish to, you can skip carrying one t-shirt daily. However, we would also like to note here that these services can be extremely expensive and given how one has to move from one village to another every day, it can be impractical too. 

The Things in your Toilet Bag

A very obvious list, but we thought a “gentle reminder” would help. So here we go:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Facewash
  • Wet-wipes
  • Pain relief balm
  • Medicine for AMS (we at TrekNomads carry a first-aid box containing the medicine anyway)*
  • Paracetamol
  • Electrol/ORS packs
  • Sunscreen with SPF 50+
  • Lip balm with SPF 30+
  • Band-aid (Esp, for blisters)
  • Quick Dry Towels
  • ONLY Biodegradable Pads (for the ladies)

We would like to place additional emphasis on lip balm again because, at such high altitudes, it is common for the lips to get chapped, and sometimes they bleed and hurt too.

annapurna base camp trek

act trek

*Check with your physician before carrying any medicines

The Essential Travel Electronics

None of us can live without a phone, and all of us would love to capture breathtaking views. With this in mind, let us have a look at our list of essential travel electronics to pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

  • Power bank
  • Phone
  • Camera + respective lenses + extra battery
  • An e-reader or booklight
  • Headlight
  • Chargers and cables
  • Electronics organiser bag

While you can charge your electronics in almost every hotel or tea house, keeping a power bank handy is good. If you are a Kindle person, keep that, or keep a book light along for the long camping nights. Alternatively, you can also download your favourite series and watch them. Keep these entertaining pieces handy because you’ll not have much to do in the hotels or tea houses. 

himalayan trek

Especially for the “Clickographers”

We initially thought of making this a subtopic in the electronics section only, but then we know how much some of you love taking pics. Hence, here we are with a detailed list of the camera-related accessories you should keep. While you can take any camera and lenses you want, if you are considering buying some now, especially for the trek, go for a Fujifilm Lens 100-400mm for its exceptional photo quality. We also suggest that you bring a polarizing filter to darken the air in the photo, remove glare from surfaces and limit the reflections.

If you are thinking of keeping a tripod alone, you can avoid it unless you are sure to do some star photography. In addition to this, the following are the accessories to keep:

  • Fujifilm XT-2 Silver
  • Fujifilm Lens 10-24mm, F4
  • Fujifilm Lens 23mm, F1.4
  • Four camera batteries and a battery charger
  • 2 SD cards (128 GB each)

Your Daily Trek Bag For Annapurna Circuit trek

There are a couple of things that we suggest you should keep along with you at all times. These include:

  • Energy Bars
  • 2l of water (carry in camel pouch)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Raincoat/Poncho
  • Jacket

While we could have mentioned bottled water, we are firm believers in sustainability travel. Hence, we would advise reducing the usage of disposable plastic bottles and using water purification tablets instead. All these things mentioned above are available easily in Kathmandu, so you will not have to pack them and bring them from your hometown.

Also, make sure that you purchase enough of them in Kathmandu itself because they may not be available while on the trek, and even if they are, they’d be way too expensive.

PS: Make sure you get a good backpack along too. An average capacity of roughly 20+ litres helps.

The Sleeping Essentials

Last but not least, how do you prepare for a good night’s sleep? While decent hotels and tea houses are on the way, the infrastructure may not be perfectly suited for your individual needs. While we at TrekNomads make sure that you stay at the best of accommodations, you can always carry your own sleeping bag for extra comfort, cleanliness, and additional warmth. The sleeping bags hold enough warmth inside and keep you insulated from any other cold due to the falling temperature. 

Should you NOT take a Porter: The final words

There are dedicated porters for hire that we at TrekNomads arrange for. However, if you suddenly feel adventurous and want to go without a porter, make sure your backpack is light. Ideally, not more than 1/5th of your body weight. So, if someone weighs roughly 60kg, ensure that your backpack isn’t more than 12kgs. Hence, pack only the essentials and no random stuff at all.

Also, even if you take a porter along, remember that the porter is also a human and not a beast of burden. As a responsible tourist, ensure you don’t load them more than 15kgs.

PS: For the money that needs to be taken along, your daily spend can be around Rs 1,000-1,500. While the TrekNomads team will arrange for all your boarding and lodging well in advance, keep the money because “what if you like something and want to buy it” or “what if you forgot something.”

Having said all that, hope it helped you get some clarity, and you will pack smartly.

See you on the Annapurna Circuit Trek soon!

Related blogs:

How Running Can Help You Trek Better

Winter Trekking is Back! All You Need to Know!

EBC – Can I do the EBC Trek?

TrekNomads
-
1
EBC – Can I do the EBC Trek?

Yes, and so can everyone if they train well and prepare correctly. People have reached the moon and achieved the impossible, all because they wanted to do so. The fact that you are here reading this blog means you want to do the Ebc trek too. You just want to be sure whether you have it in you, and believe us, you do!

ebc trek

If you can think of it, you can do it! EBC is a moderately difficult trek that needs some bits of preparation and, of course, careful planning. The physical practice is something that you can do for the planning bit- leave it to us, and we’ll have it done for you.

You see, people have various reasons behind why they want to trek to the EBC. For some, it is a stepping stone toward the Everest Summit Expedition; for some, it is a one-off adventure, while others just love trekking. You see, the Everest Base Camp is at 5,364m. The views you get from here, even the route you take to reach there, make for a once-in-the-lifetime experience.

Earlier, we had written a blog comparing the trek routes through Namche Bazaar and Gokyo-Ri. You can give it a read sometime later. But for now, let’s get some basics right about the EBC trek so that you can make an informed decision later.

How long and how much will I have to trek?

EBC Trek is one of the most famous treks in Asia. This trek wasn’t as explored a decade or half ago. However, recently, the influx of tourists/trekkers has been huge. While this ensures that the trek becomes more human-friendly, it comes with its downside too. Anyway, to begin with, let us look at how long the trek is and how much walking time it requires.

Distance 

The distance varies depending upon whether you trek through Namche Bazaar or Gokyo-Ri. Gokyo-Ri is famous for its scenic beauty, but it’s usually long, and the terrain is tougher. 

Hence, the Namche Bazaar route is the more popular one. Let’s talk about that here. Including the rest days, the trek lasts between 12-14 days and covers a 130km roundtrip that starts from Lukla.

Namche Bazaar

On average, the daily distance covered comes to be around 13-16km. However, you don’t trek the entire distance in one go. It is broken into several bite-sized treks so that you can not just enjoy it without getting tired but also get acclimatized with the terrain and the altitude.

Walking times

We gave the distance in the section above; it is also important to mention that you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the number of kilometers. Your trek would be for roughly 8 hours a day. A part of these 8 hours would be devoted to you resting and relaxing on the way.

Will I be able to manage the Terrain, elevation, and altitude?

As we mentioned before and in other blogs, the EBC Trek is a moderately difficult one. You have to be physically fit and train well for the trek. You cannot expect to take the trek leisurely because it isn’t your usual walk across the park. You are trekking to the base of the mighty Mount Everest; you can only assume that the trek will be anything but easy. Let us now try and answer your question in detail.

Terrain

The Everest Base camp trek graduates from the alpine surroundings at the end of the Sagarmatha National Park to the ridges of ancient moraines. The initial stretch of the trek is easier in terms of the terrain. There are constant steep inclines during the entire trek route – especially towards the 2nd half of the day. The path is covered with beautiful pine and ironwood forests. It gets muddy when wet, but enough rocks wedged into the ground make the trek easy to cover. There are decently sturdy suspension bridges as well when it comes to crossing the rivers.

However, as you get closer to the end of the trek, the forest cover reduces significantly, and you will get exposed to direct and super bright sunlight. Hence, it is important to take sunscreen handy. Also, if you are someone with sunburn issues, please keep an SPF 50+ Sunscreen.

Elevation and altitude

This is the part that makes one of the most difficult bits of the entire trek. Everest Base Camp is located at a height of 5,364m. Of this, 2,865m will be covered when you take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.

Lukla flight

The rest needs to be trekked. You see, less than 2/3rd of the altitude needs to be covered now – you can manage that, right? When you trek to Namche Bazaar, you will gain roughly 549m. While we may have made it sound easy breezy, a lot of people do tend to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) at such heights. For this reason, two days are given specifically for acclimatization so that you may adjust to the altitude. Now, in case you think that you would be sleeping and resting on these days- well, not really. There will be some practice trekking sessions that will be done to ensure that your momentum isn’t lost.

At TrekNomads, we also ensure that requisite medical facilities are available so that in case someone gets sick, they are attended to adequately. Also, drinking water in adequate quantities will prevent the onset of AMS. 

Any Food Related concerns for me?

If you are someone who expects a feast on a trek- well, your expectations won’t be fulfilled. However, if you love good food- well, you are in for a treat. You will be treated to protein-rich and super nutritious (but also yummy) food. Let us have a look at all that you will get to eat.

  • Dal Bhaat: The most popular meal and a local delicacy, Dal Bhaat comprises a warm-spicy lentil stew served with rice and chapati. Bhaat is essentially rice. However, it isn’t your usual basmati or the likes, the rice is locally sourced, so you will be able to feel the local flavour quite distinctively.

dal bhaat

  • Egg and Fries:  for the very obvious reason that Eggs are a rich source of protein and give enough energy and keep you full for longer. Fried potatoes do not have any nutritional value per se, but they can keep you full for long treks. Mostly, the vegetarian trekkers go for mashed potatoes or fries for this reason. Many trekkers also go for a double egg omelette, and you can try that.
  • Shyakpa or Sherpa Stew: A vegetarian delicacy, it is a broth made with potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. Extremely healthy, light on calories, but extremely filling- this stew is made for the ones who want to maintain a strict calorie counted diet. There is a non vegetarian variant of this dish too. 
  • Pizza: Took you by surprise, didn’t we? Do try out the local Pizzas- you’ll love them. However, at higher altitudes, it would be tough to digest. So avoid after Namche Bazaar.

Is the Accommodation Well suited for me?

At TrekNomads, we can say for a fact that you would love the accommodations. We believe in comfort and sustainable luxury – no matter where we are, and the same gets replicated for the EBC Trek accommodation too. 

For instance, the TeaHouses we choose to stay at are more than just your average bread and breakfast joints. They are clean and comfortable and have almost all the necessary amenities you may require to rest well while on the trek. The minimally decorated rooms have single windows, low-rise beds, and comfortable foam mattress pads.We could have also mentioned all of this on a very generic note. However, sometimes we feel that it makes sense to be specific and promote ourselves. 

You can contact us to know more about the accommodations here.

What gear and equipment should I pack?

We have a dedicated blog that mentions the equipment you need to pack to ensure a good haul on the EBC Trek. You can visit the blog here. However, for easy reference, we are also listing some major details here:

  • Understand that there are strict limits on the weight you can carry from Kathmandu to Lukla on a flight and the weight that the porter would carry for you. As a general rule, stick to no more than 10-15kgs in your main pack with a small 30-liter day pack to carry yourself on the side.
  • Go for a four-layered dressing ensemble to keep you warm at the high altitudes. And make sure you include waterproof clothing as it can rain anytime.
  • All the standard gears would be required for the trek, with a special emphasis on good boots, a sturdy hiking pole, a sun hat, a headlamp, and strong sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Let’s talk Pricing.

The EBC Trek is the epitome of natural beauty – and that too. However, as we mentioned above, the trek is moderately difficult; hence, arrangements must be made for a happy trek you can enjoy. Now, this comes at a price that is not necessarily less. An average EBC Trek starts at INR 75K+. It includes the arrangement for your accommodation for those 12-14 days, and many other things. For details, you can get in touch with us. Or explore yourself.

Is it worth it for me? 

Having laid down the essentials (pricing included), let’s address the elephant in the room. Is all of this worth it for you? Well, let us try and answer the same below in a couple of quirky questions:

  • Do you love being alone with yourself, lost in your thoughts as you admire the picturesque beauty around OR, in other words, have you ever felt the need to be in peaceful surroundings?
  • Have you ever thought of going for a good trek and probably continuing the same?
  • Do you want to do something different and unusual with your life? Something that most people wouldn’t do?
  • Do you think you have enough dedication that you can prepare for the trek dedicatedly?
  • Do you think that you want to push your limits?

If the answer to all of these questions was a Yes, then YES – YOU CAN DO THE EBC TREK!

So dear nomads – this was it from our side this time. If you need to ask anything or explore the EBC Trek more before deciding, feel free to reach out to us. We are always here for you.

 

1...567...13Page 6 of 13
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv