Annapurna Base Camp vs Jonsom?

[Dave]

I am planning a trip to Nepal in Nov and Dec. I am currently planning to work in a small hospital the month Nov and beginning a trek the first week in Dec. I will have about 14 days or so beginning the first week in Dec. I am trying to decide between these 2 routes on the Annapurna circuit. Most comments thus far have been directed toward the month of November. Which route would be the best in December given the weather and all?
I am also going solo, so any advice on setting up a guide, porter, etc on my own vs through an agency would be appreciated. Anybody interested in a partner?

Cheers,
Dave

[fast fred]

is that 3 porters for 8 people. seems like a lot for each porter to carry. unless only carrying tents, etc

[Daniel]

Why would you carry tents on the Jomsome or ABC treks??????? You have the best lodges in in Nepal on these treks. Who should you sleep in a cold tent, most probably near, or in a courtiard of a lodge? Do you think this is some wilderness or exploration experience??????

[Ake Westerlund]

Dave
I am an old hiker that has been 12 times to Nepal. I have done the Annapurna circuit twice, Khumbu region five times as well as Langtang and Makalu.

On my trips I go solo but have a Sherpa guide that handles most of the practical things. He is very trustworthy and have my recommendation. For about half of what you pay a trekking company he will handle the trek and get you a porter to carry your stuff. If you are interested in hiring him send me an Email and I will send back all details of how to contact him.

By the way you can combine the Annapurna BC and the Jomsom treks. I suggest you take a bus from Kathmandu to Dumre change to another for Besisahar, where you start trekking counterclockwise around The Annapurna massif. Take a restday in Manang before going over the Thorong La passet 5414 mtr. When you reach Ghorepani head fore the Annapurna Sanctuary via Tarapani, Chomrong. After the Sanctuary you have to backtrack to Chomrong, then go to Dhampus for a bus to Pokhara/ Kathmandu.

This can be done in 14 days, but I would prefer a couple of days more. There is plenty of good teahouses on the whole trekk.

Have a nice walk and take plenty of pictures.

[Andrees]

Hi Dave,
Both the jomsom and the annapurnabasecamp trek can easily be done in december.
To compare, have a look to some earlier postigs on this subject, there are still valuable for december.
In the beginning of december you will have less people and and its starting to getting cold.
warm clothes and a good down jacket are very useful.
Flying to jomson would allow you some extra days around Kagbeni and Muktinath, these are just marvellous places. On the way back, you could go by Gorepani/Poon Hill.
If you mainly want see the greatest montains, then go to ABC and combine it with Gorepani-Tadapani and the old village of Gandrung.

The posting of Ake Westerlund sugesting to make Annapurna round + ABC in 14 days is not realistic at al. Running you would need 3 weeks, trekking about 4 weeks.
cheers Andrées

[Rae Bolotin]

Hi Ake

Would you be able to email me details of your Sherpa guide?

Thanks

Rae