Buying a new toy was only one of the thoughts on my mind during my time in Hong Kong. Reaching mainland Asia meant I needed to start thinking about what I would do for a trek in Nepal.
April, the second-best time to go in terms of weather, was quickly approaching. Initially, I had my mindset on a three-week trek of the Annapurna Circuit.
I remembered the Australian girl I met on my Singapore flight and checked out the Nepal treks offered by international tour companies.
The Annapurna Circuit wouldn't be an option, though the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) would fit my timing and still had slots available. Check out Kandoo Adventures to get a sense of what's involved.
I started to consider the shorter two-week EBC trek. However, excitement at the idea was far outweighed by increasing anxieties around altitude sickness, the pressure to keep up with the group, and concern about whether my feet, legs, and knees could handle the long hours of hiking day after day.
In the end, I realized I wouldn't have any fun in the month leading up to the trek if I committed and paid for an experience I'd constantly worry about.
At some point, I updated my TravBuddy profile to indicate my intent to trek in Nepal. A day or two later, Gela from the Netherlands contacted me, and we began to discuss a two-week trek through the Annapurna Sanctuary using a locally hired guide and porter.
The Sanctuary treks are less strenuous and at lower altitudes (12-13,000 feet vs. 18,000 feet) than the other two. More importantly, we'd be able to take our time and exert more control over the itinerary than if we were part of a package tour through a Western company with a clearly stated goal (like reaching EBC).
As we exchanged emails, I felt my anxiety decline, and a funny thing happened. I began to feel excited again about the prospect of trekking in the Himalayas! While the DIY approach will have its challenges, it feels right.
lissie says
If you are worried about your fitness do yourself a favour and dont book a tour -they are constrained to go at certain pace. I did Everest Base Camp years ago with an informal group that I found hanging around Kathmandu - I fell and wrenched a knee - if I'd been on a tour they probably would have evaced me out. Instead I hired a porter for a couple of days - did 1/2 days -there are so many villages below Namche this is easy to do and caught up with the others in Namche - they were having trouble leaving because of the chocolate cake! I got to Kala Patar - and it still rates a highlight of my travel! The Everest trek isnt that hard - especially if you fly to Lukla - but you may have acclimitisation problems if you do that. BTW fitness has nothing to do with ability to acclimatiese - I was the least fit in the group and hat no altitude problems - 2 young guys in the early 20's ski guides, seriously into cross country- had real problems - its really no issue though you just stop or drop 500m and wait a day - thats all most people have to do.
lissie says
If you are worried about your fitness do yourself a favour and dont book a tour -they are constrained to go at certain pace. I did Everest Base Camp years ago with an informal group that I found hanging around Kathmandu - I fell and wrenched a knee - if I'd been on a tour they probably would have evaced me out. Instead I hired a porter for a couple of days - did 1/2 days -there are so many villages below Namche this is easy to do and caught up with the others in Namche - they were having trouble leaving because of the chocolate cake! I got to Kala Patar - and it still rates a highlight of my travel! The Everest trek isnt that hard - especially if you fly to Lukla - but you may have acclimitisation problems if you do that. BTW fitness has nothing to do with ability to acclimatiese - I was the least fit in the group and hat no altitude problems - 2 young guys in the early 20's ski guides, seriously into cross country- had real problems - its really no issue though you just stop or drop 500m and wait a day - thats all most people have to do.
Dave says
Lissie -
Thanks for sharing your past experience. The more feedback and tips I hear from people, the better I feel about heading for the mountains! And if I can manage to make it through Tibet, I know I'll be more confident about Nepal.
Stu says
how could anyone NOT be excited about hiking in the himalaya!! :)
Stu says
how could anyone NOT be excited about hiking in the himalaya!! :)
Kristen says
Hey Dave!
Glad to hear you're headed to Nepal...I have plans to be there in a few months so I can't wait to see your blogs on this region!
Yay and keep safe,
Kristen
Dave says
Yes, I can't wait! I've been looking forward to it for years.
Liz says
Wow things are getting meatier on the blog. Can hardly wait to read about China and Nepal. Hurry up. Just kidding.
Just wanted to say, I've finally started my own blog. Inspired by you of course. And I've linked to yours as one of the good ones. Hope that's okay?
My husband and I are still in the pre-trip saving, planning and crossed fingers stage. But we'll catch up soon.
Dave says
Liz -
Thanks for the link back to my blog! I found writing about my future travel plans was a great way to stay motivated and focused.
Shlomo says
Hey Dave,
Listen, I was in Nepal 4 monthes ago and did the annapurna circuit (part of the trip decription is on my blog, still have to finish this...).
anyway, regarding your plans...is Annapurna sanctuary is the ABC - Anapurna Base Camp trek? if it is I heard it's much harder than the annapurna circuit.
I did the annapurna circuit in 17 days, and we took it pretty slow, so it might still fit in your time limit.
also, No need to hire a guide or book for a group in an agency, it will cost you much much more. just hire a proter. They suppose to cost 500-600 Nepali ruppees per day. Try to look for Sonam in shay Agency, he is a great guy and also knows a lot about the area so he is also like anon oficial guide. His english is also good.
anjoy your trek :)
shlomo
Mike says
I can't wait until I get to hike the Annapurna Circuit. I thought about doing it without a porter or guide, as it would be a lot cheaper, but I sill don't know as of now. However, I still have a couple years to think about it.
Mike says
PS. Congrats on being gone 100 days!
Mike says
I can't wait until I get to hike the Annapurna Circuit. I thought about doing it without a porter or guide, as it would be a lot cheaper, but I sill don't know as of now. However, I still have a couple years to think about it.
Mike says
PS. Congrats on being gone 100 days!
Kango Suz says
What a great stroke of luck and coincidence and fate and whatever else you want to call it to find a friend on Travbuddy to share the costs and go at your own pace with. I'm looking forward to reading all about it!
-Suz
Zahid Bari says
Hey guys...Im Zahid, from Dubai..i came across this post whilst surfing for information on Nepal and the Annapurna treks...
Im looking forward to visit Nepal on 15th March and have 2 weeks in hand...I want to go for a 10-12 day trek around the Annapurna, have seen a few options here and there...but im not sure which route / circuit / trek to choose...Also, im not sure if i should hire a porter and go by myself...im travelling with my gf, so plz advice...im backpacking, thus obviously will be on a budget...
thnx..
awaiting replies...
Regards,
Zahid