Annapurna Circuit

Yes, you absolutely need traveller's insurance to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Specifically, you need insurance that covers you for hiking up to 6,000 m above sea level. In fact, the Nepalese Government won't grant you a trekking permit without proof of traveller's insurance.

The only international airport in Nepal is in Kathmandu, in the east of the country. The Annapurna region is in the west of the country, so you need to drive there from Kathmandu, which takes about two days.

If you opt to do the Annapurna Circuit trek with Follow Alice, we organise your transport to and from the Annapurna region.

The Annapurna Circuit is a safe exercise provided you travel with an experienced and properly trained trek guide.

The Annapurna Circuit route takes you high into the remote Himalayas. You're far from hospitals if something goes wrong. You're also entering a very cold and harsh climate, and the weather can change quickly and become deadly. So you need someone who (1) knows the route and its dangers and how to avoid them, (2) keeps a close eye on the weather forecast, and (3) can detect the early signs of altitude sickness and respond appropriately.

At Follow Alice, all of our high-altitude treks are led by qualified and experienced English-speaking guides who know how to keep you safe.

In 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit, we discuss how to protect yourself from things like altitude sickness and exposure. We also consider the importance of items like trekking poles and good, sturdy boots. Please take the time to read this post and prepare yourself properly for the rigours and elements of this high-altitude trek. While our trek guides' top priority is your safety, it's also important for you to come prepared and do your part.

Yes, in our opinion, the Annapurna Circuit is easier than the Everest Base Camp trek. We say this because the Annapurna Circuit requires you to trek about 50 km versus roughly 130 km for the Everest Base Camp trek. Also, your overall increase in elevation during the Everest Base Camp trek is more.

If you'd like to know more about how the two treks compare in terms of difficulty, as well as other measures and features, please read Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp.

The currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). The NPR is a closed currency, which means you can't get your hands on it outside of Nepal.

Fortunately, you can exchange major currencies for NPR at the airport in Kathmandu, or you can draw local currency from an ATM.

To learn more about Nepal's currency and other practical matters, please read Your Nepal travel questions answered.

The higher you climb, the fewer oxygen molecules you breathe in per breath. Your body finds it hard to function properly with less oxygen, and so needs to be given adequate time to adapt to each new jump in elevation.

Altitude sickness is the body reacting badly to being made to go too high, too quickly. Symptoms of altitude sickness include nausea, vertigo, headaches and sleeplessness. Severe altitude sickness can be fatal. This is why we take it so seriously, and so should you.

Anything above 3,000 m can lead to altitude sickness. We climb well above 5,000 m on the Annapurna Circuit, so altitude sickness is a risk that comes with the climb.

You can learn more about it and how to prepare for it in Is the Annapurna Circuit hard? and 10 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

At Follow Alice, your Annapurna Circuit fee includes almost everything from the moment you land in Kathmandu to the moment you fly out.

Specifically, your fee covers accommodation, food, all internal travel, a trek guide, porters, national park permits, and more. What it doesn't cover is international travel, traveller's insurance, your Nepal visa, tips, and some optionals like alcohol and souvenirs.

For a complete list of inclusions and exclusions, please read Annapurna Circuit cost.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Nepal. For thorough answers to all such practical travel matters, please read Your Nepal travel questions answered.