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Annapurna Circuit Trek- should one do it with Tilicho Lake or without it?

A trekking destination becomes good or bad from its highlights. During the Annapurna Circuit trek, one of the most loved places is Tilicho Lake. If one wants to know, whether this trek could be completed without visiting it, then the answer to it is no. We will discuss it in the sections below, but before that, let us focus on a few things related to it, in general.

Important points regarding Annapurna Circuit trek along with Tilicho Lake

· It will take you a minimum of 18 days to complete this trek if you do not skip any of the places in between. After you reach there, you will be standing in a place that is 16142 ft. above sea level.

· The best time to start the Annapurna circuit trek is either in the spring or in the autumn season. You could go in February or mid-June and in September or November. December and January are not safe, as it could be cold there. Also, it is not advisory to go in the month of July and August, as rains might disturb you at that time.

· One needs to carry important items that are required during trekking and these are trekking shoes, sleeping bags, sunglasses, windcheater and other important things like this.

Reasons for which one should explore Tilicho Lake

· The Annapurna circuit trek along with Tilicho Lake starts from the Bhulbhule village and ends at the Kali Gandaki river area. The very first reason for which one should not complete his or her Annapurna Circuit trek without Tilicho Lake is that on the way you will get to see all important places of Nepal.

· Another good thing about this trek is that, Tilicho Lake is known to be the world’s highest lake. It is located in the Manang district and is located on a height of 4919 meters. Now, if you are going to Annapurna circuit trek, you could not afford to leave the Tilicho Lake.

· Generally, the treks are meant for those who love adventure. This is one common thing that you can find on other treks also, but if you are exploring Tilicho Lake, then you will get to witness the beauty of nature in its true form. There are some of the most amazing places on the route. You will cross the Marsyangdi river valley and here you can see Manaslu and Himal Chuli. These places are known for their extremely beautiful surroundings. While exploring these places, you will start your trek from a tropical climate and will end to the snowline. Along with that, the landscapes that you see are just mesmerizing.

· Tilicho lake trek is popular among the people not just because of its natural beauty, but also for some religious reasons. Now, every year, one could see a crowd of Hindu pilgrimage here, across the world. This lake lies in the route to Muktinath temple and the visitors do not want to miss it.

So, these were all the points that prove that if you are doing the Annapurna circuit trek, then it could not be completed if you leave Tilicho Lake. This lake is the one situated at the highest altitude, so if you are visiting here, it would be your once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are doing the Annapurna circuit trek and not visiting the Tilicho Lake, then you will regret it later. The best part about this lake is that you do not really need to put extra effort into it, as it lies in the same route.

One-week Adventure - Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek worth doing?

Lovers of trekking have always considered the Annapurna Base Camp trek to be a great adventurous trip. This place is one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations in Nepal and located at a distance of 40 kilometers north from Pokhara. The base camp is set at a height of over 4130 meters above sea level.

Experienced trekkers have opined that that the Annapurna Base Camp trek can be completed within a span of 7 days comfortably. During the trekking, trekkers can see the Annapurna Massif Himalayas land and get in close contacts with Himalayan flora, fauna and landscape features.

The beauty of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is that it is still pristine and has eco-friendly environment with fresh air of the Annapurna Himal and the Machhapuchhare Himal. There are also 8 majestic peaked mountains, which can be witnessed during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. These include:

· Annapurna I. 8,091m

· Tent Peak 5663m

· Himchuli 6,441m

· Gangapurna 7,455m

· Annapurna South 7,647m

· Gandharba Chuli 6,248m

· Singa Chuli 6,501m

· Machhapuchhare 6,993m

Trip route and itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp trekking

The trip for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking begins at Pokhara. From there you have to take bus or taxi and reach Naya pool. The next step of trekking begins at Jhinu Tanda. It is approximately about 5 hours hiking. The next phase of hiking covers Jhinu – Chhomrong – Sinuwa to bamboo and Rhododendron jungle to a hotel. The next level of trekking is a little difficult and strenuous. However, trekkers can slow down and take their time for this part of the trek.

At Jhinu Tanda, there is an excellent hot spring spot. Having in the bath in the hot spring water has excellent healing and therapeutic effects. After one reaches the Annapurna Base Camp, one can finish the trek from the camp to Kumi. There will be transportation which will take you back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu respectively.

Best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Even if you are thinking of planning a one-week adventure trip to Annapurna Base Camp trek, you must make sure that you choose the right time for the trek. The best time for this trek is from February to May and from late September to November. This means that you must avoid the monsoon season for the trek trip and rainfall can deter the vision and the paths and trails also become slippery and risky. During the acute winter months of December and January, there is snowfall and trekking might be quite difficult. Thus, it is recommended to refrain Annapurna Camp Trek during these months.

Trekking permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Basically, you will need two permits for Annapurna Base Camp trek. They are as follows:

· Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

· Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

For SAARC nationals, the costs of the permits are low when compared to non-SAARC nationals.

Important trekking gears which must be carried for Annapurna Base Camp trek

Without the right kinds of gears and equipments, it will not be possible to enjoy the Annapurna Base Camp trek completely. Mentioned below are some of the most important things that you must carry or rent for the trek:

· Trekking boots, which are lightweight, well-fitting and comfortable

· Four pairs of liner socks

· Pair of crocs

· Ultra-light jacket and pants

· Undergarments (in abundance)

· Set of thermals

· Trousers and t-shirts, which are comfortable to wear

· A trekking pole

· Light sleeping bag

· Head torchlight or normal torchlight

· Sunglasses

· Hat

· Waterproof map of Annapurna Base Camp

· First aid kit containing ORS and Diamox among many other things and medicines

If duly and properly planned and arranged, a one-week Annapurna Base Camp Short trek is definitely worth trying.

Everest base camp trek or high passes trek- what should be your choice

Everest base camp trek and high passes trek are two of the most popular treks in the Himalayan region. It is very difficult to choose one from them. Here the details related to both of them which you could use to make a choice.

High pass trek

In this Everest high passes, you get to explore three passes, namely Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kong Ma La Pass. These three passes together are called high pass trek or three pass trek. All of them are located in the eastern territory of Nepal which is situated in the Kumbhu region.

While you are on this trek, you will get to explore places that you could not afford to miss if you are a true travel enthusiast. We have mentioned some of them in the points below -

· The first place to explore is the Sagarmatha National Park, which is a World Heritage site.

· Tenzing Hilary Airport is also situated in this area only and it is rated as the world’s most adventurous airports. You could enjoy a flight from this airport amidst the clouds.

· You could have a stroll experience in these three passes mentioned above. All of these are situated on a height of 5500 m above sea level.

· One could get amazing glimpses of Mount Everest on this trek. Something that could not be experienced from any other place in this world.

Level of difficulty

When you have to choose one trekking destination over others, you need to check the level of difficulty of both the trekking sites. If we talk about the High passes trek, then it is not a joke to cover it. You are going to explore a place that is 5000 meters above sea level.

Apart from that, you need to do a lot of activities like cycling, swimming, climbing etc. One should always remember that these things are considered to be the exercises done by people of strong heart and lungs.

Everest base camp trek

If one has to compare both of these treks, then you should talk about the difficulty level only. The reason behind it is that the places that you explore on both the treks are almost the same. Both of them are situated in the Kumbhu region. You can explore the Sagarmatha National park while this trek and will get a spectacular view of Mount Everest also.

Now, to decide the difficulty level, first, you need to know about the height of the trek. Well, this is at a height of 5, 3850 meters above the sea level, which is less than the Three passes trek. It takes 14 days to complete the Everest Base camp trek, while if you want to complete the Three Passes trek; you need to give your 22 days.

We are not saying that the Everest Base camp is not difficult to complete, but is less in comparison with the former. A guide is needed to go on the Everest Base camp trek also. Here also, you will get 50% less oxygen than the sea level. However, if you are a person who could walk 4-5 hours daily, then you won’t face any problem in completing it.

So, these were all the things that you need to know about both of these trekking sites. With the points that are discussed above, you know the details related to these treks. You can choose any one of them according to the difficulty level, as the places that you will cover in both of them would be the same.

Trek to Muktinath temple to know Nepal culture from close - Here’s why.

The reason for which one should visit Muktinath temple is that, it is the sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Another reason behind it is that, while trekking around this place, you will come across such things that will tell you a lot about the Nepalese culture. Here are details related to it.

Cultural diversity while going to Muktianth

There are a lot of ways in which you could start the Muktinath tour. One way is to start from the place called Jomsom. This place, infact, is the best place to start your trekking from. If you start your trekking from this place, you are going to experience the life of various ethnic groups of Nepal in your way. Along with cultural diversity, you will get to see various landscapes and views all around.

Here are some of the points that will tell you that why you should do to Muktinath yatra to know more about Nepalese culture -

· Highlights of the Trek

If we talk about the highlights of this trek, then there would be a lot of things to discuss. Out of all those things that you will be amazed to visit, the Kali Gandaki River valley is the best. This happens to be the deepest gorge of the world. The origination of this gorge is in the Tibetan plateau and then ends up flowing in the River Ganges, in India. Now, there are stories related to this place that you will come to know from the people living in that place.

· The Temple and its rules

One need not focus on other things that much, as the main attraction point of our trek, which is Muktinath temple has so much to tell you about the place and people residing over there. When you start your Muktinath Tour, there are a lot of things that you will have to do according to the Nepalese convention and culture.

If you are travelling with your partner, please avoid any physical contact openly, as people of Nepal are highly conventional and traditional. Do not even try to hurt any cow near the temple.

If you are caught doing so, there are chances of facing any punishment. One even needs to put appropriate clothes, in order to visit the temple, as the people of Nepal like it that way only.

· Ethnic Groups

Now, if we talk about the ethnic groups that you will come to see here, then various groups are spread at various places. The area of Kali Gandaki is inhabited by the Gurungs and Magars. If you move towards Jomsom, then you will see the inhabitation of Thakalis and in the area where we end our Muktinath Yatra, the Lopas live.

If you are passing through these places, you will get a chance to visit these places then you could see all people belonging to all these groups. This trek is best for observing the diverse culture and traditions of these groups. The lower regions are occupied by the Hindus, while when you move to the upper regions; you will see the Tibetan people.

· The Festivals

If by any means you visit the place in the month of September, you will get a chance to be a part of the very popular festival of Nepal. The annual horse racing festival happens at this time and is commonly known as Yartung. Attending this festival will again give you the chance to know the culture of Nepal closely.

Going to a place and not exploring its cultural diversity, is not the characteristic of a good traveler. Muktinath is generally visited by people for religious purposes, but one could visit the temple even for knowing Nepal in other manners.

EBC Trek - How to trek in the budget?

Trekking through the magnificent valleys of Himalaya is something we all dream of doing at least once in a lifetime. However, it is not as easy as many travel bloggers or enthusiasts claim. A big part of the trek is based on planning the right budget for the entire tour to and fro Everest Base Camp.

Important points one needs to remember about EBC Trek

According to famous mountaineering enthusiast Edmund Hillary, ‘Everything is one step easier if planned well in advance’ -

· First and the most important thing to keep in mind while deciding for EBC trek is it is not any climb. Instead, it involves trekking activity on most of the parts consists of mountain paths in combination with a few gentle gradients.

· EBC trek does not require any technical equipment, rope, crampons, and technical skills. It is a straightforward trek, which can be completed by normal people in the Himalayan region.

· Most of the time, trekkers deal with the problem of altitude sickness or hallucination when they move ahead across high altitudes during the EBC trek. The reason for this is that at high altitudes, the percentage of oxygen reduced to almost half than that present at the sea level.

· Although, there is no specific treatment to deal with this problem; you may prevent it by following a few essential points. That involves enough time to rest and acclimatize, gradually ascend to the altitude, have good food and enough amount of water.

Planning the budget to trek to the Everest Base Camp

· On an average, the budget for a 12 to 14 days Everest Base Camp trek from Katmandu will cost anywhere between 45,000 INR to 65,000 INR. This does not include the cost of travel to Katmandu from your location. Nor does it cover any boarding or food expenses before the start of the trek. However, if planned well this cost can be reduced a great deal.

· Porter cost to carry your luggage from Lukhla to Gorakshep and return can cost about 5 to 10,000 INR depending on the duration and weather. This cost can be completely eradicated if you decide to travel light and carry your luggage.

· Monjo, Namche, and Dingboche are a few places where you have an option for food and board. However, one can easily cut the cost by carrying dry snacks and protein bars along instead of buying snacks on the route.

· Similarly staying in hostels, tents, and campground also save up a ton of money that can be wasted if you choose the traditional homestays and resorts.

· Water is also a much-needed necessity to remain hydrated during the trek that can incur a lot of money if purchased. However, this cost can also be controlled if you carry a refill bottle with an excellent internal filtration system of its own.

· Trekking gears are expensive, and so are the heavy-duty thermal wears. These are often a onetime use worthy purchase unless you are a regular high altitude hiker. Instead of heavily investing in these purchases, one can easily rent them from any of the stores at Katmandu. Alternatively, one can spend the said amount on a pair of very sturdy boots, sunglasses, gloves, and beanies.

· Off-season trek to EBC may be slightly tougher to handle, but it is often much cheaper. And also booking way in advance also helps in reducing the overall budget of the trek to Everest Base Camp.

A well-planned itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek can help a great deal in making a budget-friendly planner and also reduce at least 10 to 20 % of the overall cost.

Tilicho Lake Trekking and Everything You Need To Know About It

Trekking enthusiasts have definitely heard the name of Tilicho Lake and the trekking route associated with the lake. This lake is considered as the world’s highest lake and is situated in Manang District of Nepal. The altitude of the lake is 4919 meters above sea level. The lake comes within the Annapurna Circuit, which is one of the most popular and well-known trekking routes in Nepal.

Apart from being a favorite destination for avid Himalayan trekkers, the lake is also a site for pilgrimage for many religious-minded people.

Natural beauty in Tilicho Lake trekking

It is needless to say that the scenic splendor that can be seen and experienced during the Tilicho Lake trekking is inexplicable. Such are experiences that can be treasured in the heart and mind. Describing the beauty in mere words will not suffice. You can see the expansive and majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges during the trekking.

Some of the most popular peaks which can be witnessed include Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt.Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt.Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tilicho peak (7,134m), Mt.Annapurna south (7,219m), Tukuche peak (6,920m) and Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m).

The trekking route is through the trans-Himalayan region in Nepal. There are small and fine villages on the route to Tilicho Lake and they are inhabited by various kinds of ethnic groups, which have their own religion and culture.

Total time required for the Tilicho Lake Trekking

The total time required for the Tilicho Lake trekking varies slightly from one another. While some have an itinerary of 14-15 days, others have an itinerary of 17-18 years. The trek starts from Kathmandu and goes through various paths including that of Jagat/Syange, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Khangsar Village, Tilicho Lake Base Camp, and Tilicho Lake.

After visiting the lake, one comes back to the base camp again and begins the journey in the other direction to Yak Kharka followed by Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom via Kagbeni, Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu again. The trek is done through passes, valleys, forests, areas of dense vegetation etc. Various kinds of flora and fauna can be seen on the trekking route.

Best time for Tilicho Lake trekking

The best season for visiting the Tilicho Lake is from February to mid-June and from September to November. December and January are immensely cold in the region and there is usually heavy snowfall in the area as well. Trekking with snow on the trails can be really dangerous and should be avoided. Mid-June, July and August are the rainy months. It is recommended to avoid trekking during this time as the visibility is poor during this time and there are also risks of landslides. However, the trekking trails remain open.

Grade of trekking

If you are a beginner of trekking, it is recommended to begin from an easier trekking route. This trekking route is quite strenuous and needs expertise and experience. Trekkers who have had fair trekking experience previously should go on this trek. Having physical fitness is also a prerequisite for this trek as lots of hiking and walking are involved in the trek at high altitudes.

Equipment rental for Tilicho Lake trekking

It is advised to purchase and bring all trekking gear and clothing from home. However, if you do not have suitable clothing and gear, do not worry. There are many rental stores in Kathmandu from where such attires and gears can be taken on rent at quite affordable rates.

If you are a trekker who loves trekking slightly remote regions, Tilicho lake trekking is an ideal destination for them.

Plan your Muktinath Tour for a religious-cum-adventurous Experience - Here's why.

Nepal is known for its sprawling mountain ranges, eclectic heritage, Buddhism and the presence of some major holy shrines and sites. One of them is the sacred temple of Muktinath. It is a major destination for the religiously inclined tourists in Nepal and that includes both the Hindus and Buddhists.

Located at an altitude of 3800 meter, the temple is in Mustang district. Muktinath happens to be one of the 108 holy places of the vaishnavas. As per the mythology, this is where Lord Vishnu was free from the curse given by Sati.

Things that have made it famous

There are so many things to explore and experience in the sacred Muktinath Temple- that visitors become mesmerized. The main shrine is quite enticing and it resembles a big pagoda. The Jwaladevi is another attraction. This is a holy flame that has been burning since the ancient times.

The temple of Muktinath is almost on par with the iconic Pashupatinath temple in Nepal-another holy destination for the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. At Muktinath, you see 108 water spouts that are shaped as cow’s heads. The kali Gandaki River is another attraction from where you can take ancient fossils for home.

What you can do at Muktinath?

After reaching the temple you can do a lot of things to fulfill your religious desires or simply for feeling good. You will see hundreds of pilgrims and visitors bathing in the holy water-anytime of the year. It is a means of purifying the body before entering the temple.

Even if you are not a pilgrim, Muktinath Yatra will be enjoyable owing to the amazing scenic beauty of the place. From the temple premises, you can enjoy watching amazing view of the Himalayas. It is also a welcome break from the clutter and pollution of the cities.

When to visit Muktinath?

It is best to plan your Muktinath Tour between the months March to May. The temperature remains tolerable and pleasant in these months. In winter months it gets cold but that does not deter a section of tourists. It is better to evade traveling in the monsoon for safety reasons.

Tips to ensure your trip to Muktinath is enjoyable

To ensure you face no problem while exploring Muktinath, you can utilize the below listed tips:

· Since it is located in the Himalayas, you will definitely need a lot of warm clothes. You should pack in enough jackets, sweaters, woolens, thermal underwear, along with suitable boots and gloves. If you visit in the winter, be prepared to brave snowfalls too.

· You have to arrange for accommodation much in advance for Muktinath trip. It is a much sought after destination and booking at the eleventh hour is not advisable. There are plenty of hotels and tourist lodges in nearby regions. You can also opt for dharamshalas if you are on a modest budget. The top tour agencies offering Muktinath Tour Package arrange for decent accommodation.

· If you have issues with high altitude and respiratory conditions, carry suitable medications.

· To visit the famous temple, you will need to pay an entry fee. This can be done at Kathmandu and Pokhara. Indians need to pay INR 200.

How to reach?

There are several ways to reach Muktinath.

· You can reach Kathmandu by flight and take a bus from the capital city to the temple. This can be almost a 24 hour long journey through Pokhara.

· You may also reach Pokhara and take a bus from there to reach the temple. You can also opt for shared jeeps.

· If budget is not a problem, you can take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. From there you can reach Muktinath yatra.

How to optimize the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost?

Mountains hold a mysterious allure about them that is simply irresistible to avoid. If it is the mighty Himalayas, then it is not just about the mystery but also about numerous legends surrounding them.

Annapurna Ranges is one of the most famous trekking hotspots of the world that can help you get a glimpse of many eight-thousanders of the world at a glance. Graded as moderate to severe level trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek leads to the final destination, Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest peak of the world.

The nine-day trek covers a total of 70 kilometers and reaches a maximum altitude of 13,500 ft above sea level. This trek begins at a mere 4,600 ft at Pokhara and continues through Ghandrukh, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Machchapuchhre base camp and finally reaching the Annapurna Base Camp.

A few significant highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

· Chance to explore the beautiful and traditional culture of Gurung and Magar's people living full time at such high altitudes.

· Taking a dip at the hot spring of Jhinu Danda

· Chance to explore the iconic Gandruk Village.

· Chance to see the beautiful view of sunrise over the mountains from the top of Poonhill.

· Overnight campsite stay at the base of world 10th highest mountain peak Annapurna

· Spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre Range, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli among many other

The trek from Pokhara costs something between 30000 INR to 55000 INR during peak season. However, this cost can be optimized to a great extent if the trek is planned well and in an orderly fashion.

Planning transportation and lodging beforehand.

We all know any flight tickets are always cheaper if booked months ahead of the date. This, in itself, saves up a lot of money and makes a huge difference. Also, make sure to check for offers and deals to make it a bit more flexible.

Similarly, hotel bookings tend to spike their charges during peak seasons. However, if booked ahead of time, the extra expenses can be easily curbed.

Experimenting with local cuisines and packed home food

The teahouses and local stalls are a great way to experiment with your fooding at a lower price. The meals prepared by the locals are often fresh and cheaper too. Carrying pre-packed dry food like nuts, raisins, protein bars, noodles are also a great way to save money.

Carrying filtered water

Packaged drinking water is expensive. Though the Annapurna Base Camp Trek area is filled with many springs and falls, they are not always safe to drink. If you carry your filtered water’s bottles, you can save a great deal of money as packaged water is wholly excluded from the budget.

Pack light to avoid needing porter

Porters for treks are often 10 to 15% of the total package cost. They are quite expensive. If you plan and pack smartly, you have a piece of lighter and smaller baggage that can be self cartable without trouble.

Buy proper travel insurance

Travel insurance is often a neglected and least chosen option. This one-time investment may look like a waste of money, but over the long run, they are a great savior in case of any trouble that you may face during the tour -

· Take care of the Trekking permits and Conservation area permit fees beforehand.

· Download offline PDF and maps and save on guides

Guides are also another additional expense that can be easily avoided if you take help from Google and various other online platforms.

Choose when to go

Peak Season for taking the Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is the end of October/November/(early) December while the Second Best Season often is March-May. During this second season, the cost of boarding and lodging is significantly reduced as it is an offseason.

These simple guidelines if implemented can help in reducing the cost of traveling to Annapurna Base Camp a great deal more budget-friendly.

EBC Trek - How to trek in the budget?

Important points one needs to remember about EBC Trek

According to famous mountaineering enthusiast Edmund Hillary, ‘Everything is one step easier if planned well in advance’ -

· EBC trek does not require any technical equipment, rope, crampons, and technical skills. It is a straightforward trek, which can be completed by normal people in the Himalayan region.

Planning the budget to trek to the Everest Base Camp

· Similarly staying in hostels, tents, and campground also save up a ton of money that can be wasted if you choose the traditional homestays and resorts.

· Off-season trek to EBC may be slightly tougher to handle, but it is often much cheaper. And also booking way in advance also helps in reducing the overall budget of the trek to Everest Base Camp.

A well-planned itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek can help a great deal in making a budget-friendly planner and also reduce at least 10 to 20 % of the overall cost.

Best Time, Route, Itinerary and More for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The Himalayas have always fascinated trekkers and hikers from across the globe. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most widely chosen trekking routes for trekkers and you can see the whole of the Annapurna massif, reaching the highest point at Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416m.

Not only this, the trekking route takes you on a walk through the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world.

On looking up from the gorge, view the majestic and spectacular Mt. Annapurna I to the east situated at 8091m and Dhaulagiri to the west at 8167m. The whole of the Annapurna range can be explored during this trekking adventure. This circuit trek also covers areas like Jomsom, Manang and Muktinath regions and in these areas, trekkers can come in close contact with varieties of Nepalese cultures, customs, ethnicities and most importantly, landscapes.

Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking cannot be done as and when you want. This is because the weather and climatic conditions of Nepal play an important role in deciding what the best time for this trekking is. There are two best times for trekking and hiking the Annapurna Circuit – late February to April and October to early December. These are ideal times for hiking the trails as the weather conditions remain more than perfect.

In the lower regions of the trek, you might get balmy and a slightly hot climate. But as you go towards the top at the higher levels and towards the Pass, the weather gets crisp and you might experience light snow in some areas as well.

Apart from the above mentioned times, trekking the Annapurna Circuit is quite risky, particularly the Thorong La Pass. The whole Pass remains under snow and there can also be disastrous blizzards in the mountains. During the monsoons too, there is torrential rain leading to landslides and extremely slippery surfaces making the conditions extremely dangerous for walking, leave alone trekking.

Route and Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Now that you know the best time for Annapurna Circuit trekking, you must have a clear idea regarding the route and the itinerary of trekking. The length of the trek varies from 16-20 days. The distance that is covered in the trek depends greatly on the route and also on the options of side treks. But the range of the distance is between 170km - 230km. The highest point of this trek is the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5416m. Annapurna I is the highest mountain in the Annapurna Massif at 8091m.

One route and the itinerary plan are as follows. There might be minor changes in the other route plans, but more or less it is the same.

· Kathmandu to Bandipur by car

· Bandipur to Bahundanda via Besishahar (till Besishahar car, after that hiking to Bahundanda

· Bahundanda to Jagat Lamjung

· Jagat Lamjung to Dharapani

· Dharapani to Chame

· Chame to Lower Pisang

· Lower Pisang to Manang

· Acclimatization day in Manang

· Manang to Yak Kharka

· Yak Kharka to Phedi

· Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass summit

· Muktinath to Jomsom

· Jomsom to Pokhara

· Pokhara to Kathmandu

Trekking permit for Annapurna Circuit Trekking mandatory

Whenever you are taking the Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho lake, it is mandatory to get permits for the same. Two permits are needed – the Trekking Information Management System permit and Annapurna National Park Permit. Both these permits are checked and validated at different checkpoints all along the trek. In case you are going as a part of a guided tour, the guide arranges the permits for the whole group.

The Annapurna Circuit trekking route is strenuous and one has to be physically fit to overcome the strain.

Muktinath Temple and Nearby Treks to Take up

Out of all the travelling or trekking destinations in Nepal, Muktinath temple is the best. There are a lot of reasons behind it. The first thing is that it is very simple and the level of difficulty is very low. After that, once you have completed the trek, you will get to visit Muktinath temple, which is a huge thing for Hindus and Buddhists. Now, with the amazing trek that you experience while traveling to Muktinath, there are other trekking options too that you can try.

Here is a little detail about the Muktinath Yatra and other destinations near it. These are the points you should know before starting your Muktinath tour.

Muktinath temple trek

While trekking, we need to cover various places and need to reach a certain point. Now, there is a number of ways in which you could complete this Muktinath Yatra, but here we are going to discuss the Jomsom Muktinath way.

The trek starts from Pokhara, covers Kali Gandaki valley and reaches to the Muktinath temple at the end. On the way, you could enjoy the splendid beauty of nature, especially the mountains. While this trek, you could enjoy the scenic beauty of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You could complete the trek in limited time and could get access to the best lodges of this region.

Damodar Kunda trek

Out of all the treks that are there around the Muktinath Temple, Damodar Kunda is the most renowned one. Now, this is actually a lake and is of great value for Hindu pilgrimages. The elevation point for this trek is very low and that is 4890 metres. It is situated in the rain shadow of the high Himalayas which is in the north Annapurna range.

Though the elevation point for this place is very low, it is still windy and chilled. If we talk about the best time for trekking, then it would be the month of August and, that too, on a full moon day. The reason for which we are saying you to visit this place in August is that during that time a major festival takes place and it holds a very important place for both Hindus and Buddhist pilgrimages.

Apart from that, if you are not interested in the festival, you can visit the place in the months of April to September. These lakes and situated at a point which is very near to the Tibetan border. The area actually is restricted, but it is the best attraction of the Muktinath tour.

Shivpuri trek

This trekking destination is best for those who don't want to make the trekking long. This is the smallest distance you will have to trek in amongst all the trekking destinations of Nepal. The trek is known especially for its best waterfalls and wildlife. It is the second-highest peak in the entire Kathmandu valley. The trek starts from Budhanilkantha. A few things that make this trek renowned are amazing mountain valleys and the scenic beauty that it makes. It also gives you the sneak peek into Nepal's rural life.

Once you reach the elevation point of the trek, you could experience the amazing sunrise and sunset in the eastern and central mountain ranges. The trek starts from Budhanilkantha, but there are two places where you can end guys trek. These are Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. You can choose either of the places for ending up your trek. The best thing about this trek is that this could be done throughout the year. Each season is different and brings a different natural flavour to the places that you can explore there, making your Muktinath Yatra memorable.

So, this was all the information that you need related to this topic. We hope that the points that we mentioned here are capable to convince you for planning a trip to this place.

Is Annapurna Base Camp a Perfect Nepal Trek? Other Options.

The answer to the question that is asked in the title is yes. Out of all the trekking options, the Annapurna base camp trek is the best if you want to experience the real trekking. The level of difficulty is not so high, but it is not low also. Other than that there are more reasons behind it, which we have mentioned in the points below. Apart from that, we have tried to mention a few other options also along with their details.

Why trek to the Annapurna Base camp?

Those who have already been to this place really don't need an explanation as to why this place needs to be explored, but for those who don't know about it, here are the reasons -

1. Sneak-peak into Nepalese culture

If you are someone who is interested in knowing about the culture and other things about the place that you are visiting, then this trek is for you. Now, many of you will be curious to know as to how we will get the sneak peek of the Nepalese culture. Well, the ABC trek revolves around the beautiful villages of Nepal, so the first way is by observing the locals. Another good thing is that the lodges in which you are going to stay are intact with the Nepali theme. Be it the ambiance or the food, you will find Nepal everywhere.

2. Breathtakingly beautiful mountains

This could be the main reason behind the visit to a lot of people and if you don't love mountains, why are you even coming to this place. While you complete your trek to the Annapurna base camp, you will find some of the breathtakingly beautiful scenes in the path. Now, the mountains here are so beautiful that it could not be compared with anything else. They have the appropriate amount of beauty in them.

3. Richness in flora

The point that we discussed earlier and the point that we are going to discuss here, clearly shows that nature has done a very fair job in making the places that you explore while your trek to Annapurna Base camp. Along with the mountains, it has got amazing forests and while you are on the trek you will really enjoy the scenes around.

Other trekking options near Annapurna base camp

Everest base camp

If due to some reasons, you don't want to do Annapurna Base Camp trek, you could go for Everest base camp. Now, this trekking site gives you the opportunity to see the Mt. Everest right from the front. The highest elevation point of this trek is Kala Pathar. If one talks about the level of difficulty of this trek, then it could be rated as 3, which is a medium difficulty level.

Poonhill trek

Another option for trekking in Nepal, other than Annapurna base camp short trek is Poonhill trek. Now, if you trek this place, you will get to see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Along with that, on this particular trek, it is recommended to sit at the top and see the sunrise in the Himalayas. This would be a once in a lifetime experience for you, as one could come on a trek to Himalaya every now and then.

Langtang trek

Along with the two options that we mentioned above, the Langtang trek is also one of the most important treks of all time. Now, if you have less time in your hand, then this is the best trek to go on. If we talk about the good things related to this trek, then it will give you the insights of old and classic things like monasteries, etc.

With the details provided in the sections above, it would be easy for you to decide your next trek. You can also decide, whether the Annapurna Base camp is good for you or not.

Trek to the most exciting and picturesque Everest Base Camp - Here's why

Nepal is eyed by the adventure and thrill seeking visitors and the small mountain country is a prime destination for the trekking lovers too. There are quite a few trekking routes in Nepal that are explored by thousands of foreigners yearlong. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a major one. This trekking route comes with its share of hurdles and it is not exactly light on the wallet. However, these do not deter the trekking and adventure lovers!

Reasons to opt for Everest Base Camp Trek

There are so many reasons for which the trekking and adventure seekers opt for the Everest Base Camp Trekking route over the other choices.

The sight of several famous mountain peaks you will see in the trek route will be an experience worth relishing all your life! You will see the famous peaks like Mt Lhotse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Cholaste, Mt. Lingterin, Mt. Twache peak and of course the mighty Mt.Everest.

The trekking route is also thronged by the nature and wildlife lovers-hailing from all parts of the world. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking and you will be able to inhale pollution free, fresh air for about 2 weeks. This route will not be serene as you will find many other trekkers but the ambiance is enticing. The lush green hills, pretty waterfalls, rhododendron forest, glacier lakes will be like delightful visual treats. The vast and beautiful Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site also falls in the trekking route.

Spending 2 weeks or so in the EBC Trek route can be enriching for you in other ways too. The cultural exposure you will get will also be worth relishing. The trek covers a number of villages inhabited by the Sherpa community. Their warmth and friendly nature is like an added attraction.

The trek route

The Everest Base Camp trek route is pretty exhaustive and it may not be well suited for the beginners. You have to fly to Lukla from capital city Kathmandu. Then you reach namche bazaar from Phakding. After getting accustomed to climate in Namche Bazar you have to reach Tengboche by trekking. From there you need to reach Dingboche and get Acclimatization again. From there it is trek to Lobuche>Gorakshep>Kalapatthar. Then you revert to Namche Bazar and then Lukla. The next day you return to Kathmandu.

Additional tips to enjoy EBC trek

You need to be quite fit to complete EBC trek without running into problems. Hitting the gym everyday may not be necessary but you may do cardio exercises and run or swim prior to the trekking trip. However, you need not exercise a lot as this can lead to fatigue and muscle strain.

The packing for the trek has to be done carefully, for sure. No matter what time of the year you choose to travel, packing in enough woolens and thermal garments will be necessary. Ensure you pack in thermal innerwear, gloves and socks too. The trekking boots must be hardy. Carrying Waterproof shell jackets and Wind cheater jackets can be ideal. You will definitely need good sleeping bags and Sunglasses with UV protection.

Carrying enough medications will be a necessity. Apart from common medications for fever and cold, you should carry medications for respiratory conditions if you have any.

If you are new to trekking at higher altitudes, specific conditions may affect you. This includes muscle aches, Altitude Sickness, sunburn. However, with proper planning by taking precautions these can largely be avoided. It makes sense to get insured before you opt for the trek. This helps in tacking unforeseen health emergencies.

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6 Interesting reasons for selecting Everest Base Camp Trek

Located on the lap of the highest mountain peak of the world, Everest Base Camp is an exact synonym of the word ‘Heaven.’ At over 18,000 ft Everest Base Camp is a real spectacle of nature that is worth seeing.

True to the word of many famous mountaineers worldwide, the beauty of the majestic sight from the Everest Base Camp cannot be captured in any photograph or video.

We all prefer to visit all those hill stations as the foothill of the Himalayas but are often enamored by the majestic Everest and seldom try venturing through the valleys leading to the Everest.

Misconception and fear, along with the harsh weather, might be the detrimental factor making us choose not to visit this stunning treasure of Mother Nature. However, there are tones of reason to choose EBC Trek for your next adventure. I’m listing the top 6 reasons why one must choose to trek to the Everest Base Camp.

1. Edmund Hillary was the actual person who immortalized the trek to EBC in the mid-’50s. The trek that took him four weeks is now easily trekked able within 14 days. Starting from Lukla, the EBC trek today is a slow ascends from 9000 ft approx to a maximum of 18,200 ft at Kalapaththar. A secure and viable option for the people who are beginners in the world of trekking, RBC Trek is somewhat more straightforward than many other treks. It is graded as an easy to moderate level arduous trek by the Global Mountaineering Association.

2. The route of the trek passes through Namche at 11,000 ft, which is the home ground and capital of the Sherpa people. It is imperative to stop at Namche Bazaar for a day or two and experience the authentic culture of the Sherpa’s. These specific sects of people living for thousands of years in this harsh weather are a queer culture that will leave you mesmerized for a long time to come.

3. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a unique world mixed bag of cultural and natural fusion. From the stunning native vegetation and wildlife to some of the oldest and still surviving civilization, there is a lot to see, learn, and experience in this adventure. The route traveled during EBC Trek covers Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Louboche, Gorakshep, Kalapatthar, Pheriche.

4. If you genuinely want to see the weather change without time-lapse videography, EBC is the best place. The weather in this region changes from sunny to chilled dark within seconds or any intimation. It is incredible to see how the climate can go from 5 degrees to negative 20 degrees faster than the most high-speed automobile.

5. The amazing wildlife and flora along the Everest Base Camp trek are unlike any other. Often referred to as a Photographer’s paradise, this valley is the home to some of the unique greenery and wildlife like Red Panda, Tigers, Bharal, Yaks, Snow Leopards, Grizzlies, Himalayan Monal, Red-Billed cough, Blood pheasant and yellow-billed chough. Since the trek to RBC passes through Chitwan National Park, these animals are often within the vicinity of your camera lenses but far away from the danger limit. The Sagarmatha National park alongside this route is one of the oldest animal conservatories and is also listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. The time between March to May and August to October is often regarded as the best time to plan the EBC Trek. Spring and autumn are perhaps the only time when the weather of the Himalayan valleys remains clear and dry to travel through without worrying about cold, rain or snow. Better visibility and lush greenery all around make the trek a delightful one. The amazing blooming flora is at its picturesque best during these times specifically.

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Specialties of Gokyo Lake Trek and why should one choose it?

There are many challenging as well as enticing trekking routes in the Himalayan range, falling in both Indian and Nepalese territories. While a majority of trekking lovers go for the Everest base camp route, a section also includes the route to Gokyo Ri lakes. These lakes are a set of 6 pretty glacial lakes at high altitude zones. They are adjacent to the amazingly beautiful Sagarmatha National Park. The Gokyo Lake trip takes up 2 weeks-on an average.

Why you should opt for Gokyo Ri lake trek?

There are plenty of reasons for which you may think of choosing Gokyo Ri trek over the other routes in the Himalayas.

The natural splendor of the trekking routes, the 6 lakes and the villages and forests can be mind blowing. The trek can be a perfect detox therapy for the mind and body. It is also typically less crowded than the Everest Base Camp route-for most part of the year. The panoramic view of the Himalayas and pristine lakes-can make you realize the definition of serenity. The nice thing is even in such elevated altitude areas, you will not face shortage of oxygen. You may be able to spend a few hours without any human company-amidst unspoiled natural beauty.

The Gokyo Lake Trek route also covers some heritage site and religious shrines. These can be ideal for people with interest in those things. If you want, it is possible to go for sightseeing in famous sites like the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath stupa, the Kathmandu Darbar square and Swayambhunath stupa.

If you are a shopaholic and buying stuff for friends and close ones while touring is a must - you can explore the famous Namche bazaar. The thriving market offers an eclectic blend of culture and traditional artifacts. It is also ideal for buying trekking gear and accessories at cheap rate midway.

Even if you do not have a deep wallet, covering Gokyo ri trek should not be a problem. Typically, you can cover everything within USD 1800 for the entire trek. These include food, porter cost and accommodation etc. In case you travel as a part of a big group - the cost goes down to an extent.

The natural beauty is something every one undertaking this trek will appreciate but there are additional attractions too. The wildlife lovers cannot skip exploring the sprawling and beautiful Sagarmatha National Park which is spread over almost 1,148 sq kms. There are nearly 120 bird species in this area and you will also be able to see a number of rare animal species like Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, etc.

Information that can be of use for Gokyo Ri trip

Undertaking Gokyo Ri Trip may not be very taxing- at least for the seasoned trekking enthusiasts. You will have to be fit and be in overall good health to wrap it without hassles. A bit of exercising for a couple of months prior to the trek will be beneficial. Of course, you will do well to carry medications.

Some people keep Gokyo Ri trek as a separate trekking trip while others combine it with EBC Trek. This will depend both on your available time and budget-eventually. To reach Lukla from where the trip begins- you can reach Kathmandu by flight and each there or take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri. Then you can trek to Lukla.

If you are a novice in trekking, using a tour company can actually be helpful. You can check online for reliable local tour agencies offering trekking tours to this region. If you are a veteran trekker, this may not be needed-more so if you have covered EBC earlier.

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Everything a first-time Trekker needs to know about Gokyo-Ri Trek

If you have ever read anything about Nepal and its various trekking destinations, you must be aware of Gokyo Ri. This place actually doesn't need any introduction and is quite popular among people who love trekking. Now, if you have trekked earlier also, then you won't face much problem, but if this is your first time, then you really need to prepare more for it.

Here are the things that you should know if you are going for Gokyo Ri trek for the first time –

1. Best time for visiting Gokyo Ri

If you have trekked earlier, you must know about the fact that the fun of trekking gets ruined if it rains in the area. Well, this pretty much gives you the idea of the best time to visit Gokyo Ri. If you ask us about the specific time, then it would be spring which is the month of March or autumn that lies in between September to November. During these months the clouds are clear and there is less chance of raining. You could see the surroundings clearly and will feel safe during your trek.

2. Things to take with you during the trek

In some way or another, all treks are the same [when it comes to journey’s preparation] and this is the reason that the things that you need to take with you are also almost similar in every trek. However, few things vary from place to place and like the visa or passport, permit and other such things.

Now, if you ask about the things that you need to take with you on Gokyo Ri trek, then it would be normal things like, trekking shoes, travel bag, sleeping bag, guide books, torch, handbag, clothes that make your trekking comfortable. Apart from that, you need to take two passport size photos, insurance proof, and Nepalese Visa (for non-Indians). These are the most important things and one could not afford to forget about them at any cost.

3. Things to explore

Now, there are a lot of places that you could explore while trekking in Gokyo Ri. Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu Darbar square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Gokyo Lake are some of the major attractions of this place and one could get the entire information regarding these places on this trip.

Apart from this, there is an airport over there which has been listed as the world's most adventurous airports. The airport is named as Tenzing Hillary airport. Out of all the things that you need to see here, the best is the freshwater lake that is located at the higher altitudes and is renowned because it gets water from various glaciers. Amongst all the lakes, the best one is Gokyo Lake.

4. Route of the trek

The journey of Gokyo Ri starts from Nepal's capital city Kathmandu. If you ask about the particular starting point, then it is Lukla. After you have started your trek, you need to go to a place called Sherpa city. Here, you need to trek across Dudh Koshi valley and need to reach till Namche.

The main attraction here is Tengboche Monastery and your trekking needs to lead you here. When you will reach this place, you will see that there are forests all around. Also, the view of Himalayas is the best from here. After crossing all these places, you need to return back to Lukla and then to Kathmandu again.

This is the basic information that one requires, if he or she is visiting Gokyo Ri for the first time. All the other things about this trek that you need to know will come in your way.

Here's why you should pick Annapurna Circuit Trek as your Next Trek.

There are so many trekking routes located in North and North East Indian border. The Annapurna Circuit located mostly in Nepal covers a range of 128km and it is a very popular route. It is often referred to as the holy grail of trekking. However, you do not get lavish amenity laden huts, break from the crowd, many holy pilgrimage sites, and lip smacking dishes in the route.

Why then, Annapurna Circuit Trek is so sought after by the trekking lovers and lure enthusiasts from all corners of the globe?

Listed below are the reasons why the Annapurna trek route continues to woo the adventurous souls even though it was thrown open back in the 1980s -

· It just keeps getting better with time

You can think of the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake as a 12-course meal, whereas most other treks end up at 6 0r 7 items! It is not your target if you want instant gratification treks. It begins with jungle and there are canyons where sunshine barely creeps in. You will also have to wade through thick pine forests. Then you get the breathtaking view of the Himalayas.

The Thorung La at 17,768 feet is the highest point in the entire trek route. Occasionally, you will find encircled by only mountains and nothing else! The amazing diversity and natural beauty are why the route draws visitors in lakhs-yearlong.

· You’ll get an amazing company, without planning

You may skip the idea of visiting the Tilicho Lake in this trek route if serenity is what you seek. On an average, over 40,000 trekkers plan for Annapurna trek a year. You will bump into other trekking lovers hailing from almost all parts of the world in your trek. You will find newlywed adventure lovers, as well as, some fit elderly couples in the route, apart from the large groups. Occasionally, you will also see a train of donkeys carrying supplies! Interacting with other trekkers and bonding with them is something you will relish.

· The food will probably not the most tempting, but delicious and healthy

You do not get lavish food joints in Annapurna trek, but the taste of Nepalese local cuisine will linger on your taste buds. A meal made of just rice and lentils can be so delicious- it is hard to believe until you savor it. It is damn cheap also. With a little effort you can still find pizza and macaroni, but the flavor of Nepalese dal bhat is amazingly enticing. You may also try raksi- a fermented millet based drink.

· There is something in store

A beautiful aspect of Annapurna trek is that no matter how much you plan or do your homework- you are bound to get some surprises. You may find small villages in dense forests with provision for some food when you are worn out. Meeting wild animals up close and coming across the monks are added fun.

· This is a living trail

Annapurna trek route is very much unlike historical routes. This actually is built around an ancient trade route that still exists. You will see plenty of stuff being transported as you trek through the route.

What else you can find in the Annapurna trek route?

One major attraction of the trek route is the holy Muktinath temple complex. Water shooting from 108 springs and natural gas fire burning atop water is amazing to watch. The trekkers take bath in the water, take pictures and take part in prayers.

Of course, nothing stays the same forever and changes are seeping in the trek route too. Locals seek development and business and so road networks are being built. You may still experience the awesomeness for some years.

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