Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho lake Trek

Accommodations and facilities.

The Annapurna Circuit is a teahouse trek. You will be staying in small family-run lodges and guest houses along the route.

Lower elevations (below 3000 meters)

Tea houses are more developed with larger menus, indoor dining areas and sometimes even with Wi-Fi and hot showers (for a fee).

Higher elevations (above 3000 meters)

Accommodations become more basic. Rooms are small, typically with two single beds, and sometimes there's no heating in the room or dining halls. However, often at the fire to keep you warm, toilet facilities are shared and can be rudimentary.

Food is generally served in the Teahouse dining hall, where you can socialise with other trekkers. The staple meal is Dal Bhat, a hearty mix of rice, lentil soup and vegetable Curry.

It's a fantastic source of energy and often offers unlimited refills. As you gain altitude, the menu options may become more limited and more expensive due to the difficulty of transporting supplies.

Permits, guides, and porters

Mandatory guide rule (as of 2025)

As of early 2025, the Nepal Tourism Board has implemented a new regulation making it mandatory for all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide to trek in the Himalayas. This rule was established for the safety of the trekkers and to create more employment opportunities for the locals. You can no longer trek the Annapurna Circuit independently.

Required permits

Will need two main permits to trek the Annapurna circuit:

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP):

This permit grants you legal access to the Annapurna Conservation Area. The fee contributes to the region's environment and wildlife.

Trekekrs’s Information Management System (TIMS) card:

The TIMS card helps authorities track the trekkers for safety purposes, particularly in emergencies. It also ensures that the funds generated from tourism are managed properly.

Your trekking agency or guide with assist you in obtaining these permits. You will need your passport, passport-sized photos, and a visa for Nepal.

Guided and porter rules

A guide is your trekking expert. They are responsible for navigating the route, managing logistics, ensuring your safety and sharing local knowledge. They are also trained for first aid and can recognise early signs of altitude sickness.

Porter

A porter's primary job is to carry your main luggage. Hiring a porter significantly lightens your load, making the trek much more enjoyable. It is highly recommended to hire a porter as it allows you to focus on your journey and the magnificent sights.

Packing list for

A well-detailed and equipped packing list is one of the most important elements of the trip as it helps deal with various situations and needs and helps survive the adventure and it’s unforeseen by making the trip easier. Below are the categories of some of the equipment required for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

First-aid

For altitude.

Altitude sickness medicine/Diamox

Ibuprofen or paracetamol

Oximeters.

For cuts and wounds

Antiseptic liquids. (Betadine/Savlon)

Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes.

Band-aids, gauze pads, adhesive tapes.

Tweezers and small scissors.

For stomach issues.

ORS (oral Rehydration salts)

Anti Diarrheal. (e.g. Loperamide).

Probiotics or activated charcoal tablets.

For a cold and a cough.

Lozenges and a nasal spray.

Cough syrup (Non-drowsy type)

Lip balm, petroleum Jelly, cold cream.

Miscellaneous

Blister plasters (e.g., Compeed)

Elastic bandage for sprains.

Pain-relieving balm or spray

Eye drops.

Thermometer.

Surgical/ latex gloves.

Hands

Mittens

Hand-warmers

Trekking poles

Fist wraps

Woollen gloves

Footwear

Four pairs of woollen socks

well-gripped waterproof boots

Flip-flops

Crampons

Toiletries

Soap bars

Shaving kits

Nail kits

Hand-sanitisers

Toothbrush

Mid-sized towel

Sanitary napkins

Shampoo sachets

Additional

Notebooks

Cameras

Water bladders of min. 2-liter capacity

Chargers and power banks

First-aid kits

Regular medicines

Multi-purpose Swiss army knife

Other medical advice

Hydrate constantly at altitude; dehydration is dangerous.

Rest if the symptoms of AMS start.- Don't push higher. If your body is warning, (Motivation isn't always the solution to reach the destination, your life matters)

Avoid alcohol or smoking- worsens acclimatisation.

Consult your doctor about high-altitude medication and possible side effects before the trek.

Drinking water on the trek

Drinking water will be available for you throughout the trek in different local shops to buy and refill at teahouses. But it's advised for foreigners to buy mineral water bottles or at least boil their water before drinking, as the water is straight from the source. Might not settle with dear Physiology due to the new environment, despite the water being clean and drinkable.

There are different methods to obtain water to drink, as follows:

Bottled water

The most convenient way to get water is to buy bottled water available easily at local vendors. It’s advised for you to buy water at lower elevations if you want to save costs, as the price of bottled water spikes with rising elevation. A bottle of water costing Rs. 100 at lower elevations might cost Rs. 400+ in the higher elevations.

Despite being convenient, it’s advised for travelers to carry their refillable personal water tumblers to avoid plastic waste.

Boiled water

Most tea houses offer boiled water for a small charge, but getting the boiled water is worth it cause it’s safer from untreated water, and since usually the region is visited during cold weather, it’s advised to avoid drinking cold water to avoid the body from losing heat and energy.

Tap or stream water

Water from these sources is readily available to drink, but just like suggested before, it needs to be processed through some sort of viable treatment in order to avoid pathogens.

Filtration process

There are several purification methods that travellers can use for water purification besides the ones mentioned, which can be useful even in times of emergency, particularly for solo adventure travellers. To know about them, such as:

Water purification tablets

Lightweight and effective.

Safe but slightly chemical taste.

Portable water filters

Mechanical filters (Life Straw, Sawyer Mini)

Ideal for stream and tap water.

UV sterilisers (Steripen)

Quick and efficient (takes around 90 seconds)

Needs batteries and works best with clear water.

Tips

Always carry a bottle or two with you. Some stretches between villages can be long.

Insulated bottles help with cold water at higher altitudes.

Purification tablets should wait at least 30 minutes before drinking.

Many trekkers prefer to stay in teahouses and purify themselves, as it is cheaper and sustainable.

Mobile network on the trek

You can buy SIM cards from a local general telecommunication store after providing a copy of your passport. As for the data-acquiring process, you’ll get instructions in the manual for the SIM card.

Ncell and NTC are the makor network providers.

Travellers often prefer Ncell, saying it has slightly better coverage up to the higher regions..

By a local SIM card in Kathmandu with a passport copy.

Pro tip: Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh or more) and a solar charger if possible. Charging is limited above 4,000m.

Internet speed is good for WhatsApp, email, and occasional social media posts, but might not be as expected for Netflix and YouTube due to the elevations.

Currency details.

Currency used.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee.

Notes come in denominations like 5,10,20,500 and 1000.

Coins are rarely used and not accepted in remote trekking areas.

Exchange rates.

Exchange rates fluctuate, but as of early 2025, 1 USD is equivalent to NPR 130-135.

Rates are slightly better at authorised money exchanges in Kathmandu compared to airports or hotels.

Where to exchange.

Kathmandu (especially the Thamel area) As numerous licensed money changers offering competitive rates.

You can also exchange it at banks, but they often require passport copies and may charge a small fee.

ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and sometimes, like in Lukla, but not reliably beyond that.

On the trail.

ATM are available but might be rare at places.

No money exchange facilities either- Cash is the only way.

Only a few lodges accept foreign currency. (USD/EUR) at low exchange rates.

Important tips

Carry enough cash in NPR before starting the trip.

Budget for daily expenses, buffer for emergencies, and a tip. (Suggested 3000 to 4000 per day)

Dividing your money into smaller denominations is easier for transactions.

Some lodges and shops might not have changed for NPR 1000 notes at higher elevations.

Hiring a guide and porter:

Decide early: independent or through an Agency?

Trekking agency (most reliable)

Offers licensed, insured guides and porters.

Handles all logistics: flights, permits, accommodations, etc.

You pay more, but it’s stress-free and safer.

Independent guide/porter

Slightly cheaper, but you’ll need to ensure they are licensed and experienced.

You’ll need to coordinate everything yourself ( permits, itinerary, bookings)

Recommended: Use a government-registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or online ahead of time for verified and insured staff.

Verifying Credentials and Experience

Guide

Must be government licensed.

Should have basic English and first-aid knowledge.

Experience in high-altitude trekking is a must.

Porter

Usually from the local sherpa or rai communities.

Can carry 20-25 kg of loads.

Often have limited English but are incredibly strong and helpful.

If you’re booking independently, ask for their trekking licence, insurance details and past client reviews.

Altitude sickness

Narphu valley lies in the Annapurna region, and during the trek, it exceeds 2,500m, the altitude marked for altitude sickness, so trekkers are advised to stay alert and careful and be pre-equipped with caution and necessary resources to deal with any possible upcoming unforeseen altitude-related issues.

Altitude/ elevation sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles due to a lack of adequate oxygen. It typically affects people after ascending beyond 2500 metres (8,200 ft) and can escalate if ignored.

Common signs and symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin 6-24 hours after ascent, and to help control the symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. It's crucial to recognise early signs to take the situation under control.

Mild Symptoms

Headache (Most common)

Nausea or Vomiting.

Loss of appetite.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Fatigue or unusual tiredness

Difficulty sleeping.

Moderate to severe symptoms

Persistent, worsening headache.

Confusion or disorientation

Shortness of breath, even at rest.

Difficulty walking (ataxia)

Tightness in the chest.

Severe fatigue.

Bluish lips or fingernails.

Serious Symptoms

High-altitude cerebral edema

Swelling of the brain.

Symptoms include Confusion, hallucinations, poor coordination, Drowsiness or even coma.

Life-threatening and requires immediate descent.

High altitude pulmonary edema

Fluid builds up in the lungs.

Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, coughing (Possibly with pink froth), Tight chest, and blue lips.

Fatal if untreated.

Preventive measures.

Ascend gradually.

Stay hydrated and avoid. Beverages like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the early days of the trek.

Consume a high-calorie diet with carbohydrates. Avoid overeating and spicy food that could lead to stomach upset.

Climb high, sleep low.

Consider medication. Often recommended for the high elevation trekkers, Acetazolamide is often taken 1-2 days before reaching high altitudes.

And most importantly, know when to stop or descend.

And most importantly, report even the slightest uneasiness to the guide or fellow companion.