The short version: three of the most asked questions, answered in a line each. The rest of the page goes into detail.
- Is altitude illness a risk for children on short treks? It is possible at any age but rare below 3,000 m.
- How cold is it in winter? Cold above 3,000 m, with possible snow on the high routes.
- How careful should I be with food in Pokhara? Choose busy places with fresh food, and be careful with salads and ice if your stomach is sensitive.
Is altitude illness a risk for children on short treks?
It is possible at any age but rare below 3,000 m. Children cannot always describe their symptoms, so watch for unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting and headache. Descend if you are worried, and keep days short with long breaks and plenty of snacks and water.
Is there avalanche risk on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, on the final stage. The risk is higher after heavy snow in winter and early spring. Ask your agency about recent conditions before you go, and be ready to wait a day or turn back if your guide judges the slopes unsafe.
How cold is it in winter?
Cold above 3,000 m, with possible snow on the high routes. Poon Hill is often clear but very cold at dawn, and winter nights are below freezing at higher camps. Lower trips such as Australian Camp work well.
How careful should I be with food in Pokhara?
Choose busy places with fresh food, and be careful with salads and ice if your stomach is sensitive. After a trek many people crave fresh vegetables, but ease back in. On the trail, simple cooked meals such as dal bhat, rice and soup are the safer choice.
What insurance should I buy for a trek from Pokhara?
Buy a policy that covers trekking to the highest point of your route and helicopter evacuation. Permits are not insurance. Carry basic first aid and any regular medicines, and keep your policy details and emergency contact number with you in a waterproof sleeve.
Should I see a doctor before trekking with a heart or lung condition?
Yes. Check with a doctor beforehand if you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems, and tell your guide and agency. Choose a gentler route below 3,000 m, carry any regular medicines, and make sure your insurance covers trekking and evacuation.
Is trekking in the monsoon safe?
It is wet. From June to September expect rain, leeches and cloud, with some of the heaviest rain in Nepal on the Annapurna side. Trails are slippery and views limited, so spring and autumn are much better.
