Annapurna Circuit, October 2002

[Craig]

I am planning this trek and would like to do it alone. Quick question. Are sleeping bags required if I do a "tea house" trek? I am pretty sure they are, but it would make the trek easier if I did not have to carry a bag. I am planning to travel very lightly.

I am leaning towards hiring a guide, but would prefer to do it alone...or with some other trekkers.

Thanks!
Craig

[Andrees]

Yes you need a sleeping bag.
In most of the lodges they will provide some extra blankets, but it is cleaner to sleep in your own sleeping bag and sometimes there are no blankets left.
It can be very cold above 3000m so be aware, that there could be heavy snow on thorong la. I once was trekking in the mid of October and from Pisang on it was snowing. People who had no proper shoes and jackets where returning by hundreds missing the great experienc crossing TL in full snow.
Travelling to light could just mean a lesser chance of crossing Thorong la.
Have also a look at my site www.nepal-dia.de with many photos of the annapurna trek.
andrées

[Andy Sampat]

I am planning to do annapurna circuit with my daughter starting Oct 1. We will arrive Khatmandu on Sept 30. Please send me the name of your porter. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Andy

[Daniel]

I agree with the others. Take a sleeping bag. I was there in July/August and even then it was really cold after Manang. I didnt had a proper Sleeping Bag and was really freezing in some nights. They provided blankets in the lodges, but these are a) not clean and cosy and b) not enough. In July/August I might do it again without, cos u really need it only for 3-4 days but in Oct I recommend taking one. Btw we even had snow on Thorung La in Jul/Aug.

As for the guide. As long as you dont care so much for someone to point out this and that along the way, you wont need one. The trek is easy to follow, specially in Oct when there are loads of ppl walking. I dont recommend going completely alone for security reasons, but its easy to meet up with ppl in KTM via some noticeboards...

Daniel

[Chris]

What kind of sleeping bag would you recommend for the trek Around Annapurna in October including one night camping at the Thorung La pass ? Down 20° C as suggested by Scott ? Warmer ? Lighter ?

Is a down-filled jacket required especially in the evening or can we do without ?

Thanks for your responses.

Chris