considering AC mid november

[mouse24]

Hi there, am arriving in KTM mid november, and have 20 days til need to fly out of delhi - is AC realistic in this time, or am I dreaming? Have read in guidebooks can do it in 16 days (finish birethanti or nayapol, then to pokhara by bus, start besisahar), but is this only for the very experienced? I did kilimanjaro 2005 and coped with altitude reasonably well, and have reasonable fitness. As for the weather - what are the chances of snow if start mid nov?

Also, any advice on getting back to delhi - how long overland (can I go direct from pokhara to border, or need to go back to KTM) or best to fly from KTM? Need to make a flight in delhi so worried there might be delays if go overland!

Thanks in advance! Have plenty more q's but save them for later!

Cheers, Erin

[yakshaver]

Hi there, am arriving in KTM mid november, and have 20 days til need to fly out of delhi - is AC realistic in this time, or am I dreaming? Have read in guidebooks can do it in 16 days (finish birethanti or nayapol, then to pokhara by bus, start besisahar), but is this only for the very experienced? I did kilimanjaro 2005 and coped with altitude reasonably well, and have reasonable fitness. As for the weather - what are the chances of snow if start mid nov?

Also, any advice on getting back to delhi - how long overland (can I go direct from pokhara to border, or need to go back to KTM) or best to fly from KTM? Need to make a flight in delhi so worried there might be delays if go overland!

Thanks in advance! Have plenty more q's but save them for later!

Cheers, Erin

Erin, 20 days is enough do do the whole AC. Not adding the Annapurna Base Camp (or Annpuprna Sanctuary as it is also known - this would add another 4-5 days). Most people take about 18 days, but some have done it in 16. The beauty of having 20 days at your disposal, is that you can do one or two interesting side trips or detours, and there are plenty of interesting ones on the AC. For example take the high route from Pisang to Manang, which may add an extra day but takes you into a couple of really interesting villages and give you an amazing view of the Annapurnas.

You can go overland to India directly from Pokhara, throught the border town of Syaunauli or some such.... I believe you have to change buses there.
I have never done it, but maybe someone else has, and can advise.

[Oli]

Be prepared to allow a few extra days and/or change plans in the event of snow closing Thorung La. If the weather is fine then you should be OK, but there is always the chance of early snow.

As an alternative you could consider flying to Jomsom, trek to Muktinath then down the Kali Gandaki and over and up into the Sanctuary. It's just as good trekking, and if there is a problem with the weather then it'll be at the end rather than half way round.

Either way, have a good trek :)