hi

i'm also about to set off on the annapurna circuit on my own so would like to meet some other trekkers before i start. i'm not sure whether to join a tour group because purely because you'll meet other people or to go on my own and have more flexiblity/ choose who i trek with. i'd rather go independendtly but dont want to be a billy no mates...

any advice would be gratefully received - if anyone out there is doing the same thing as me and wants to meet, give us a shout...

thanks

I did a solo trek of the circuit back in March last year and had no problems whatsover. Met lots of trekkers along the way.
Trekking permits do not require a photo.

did anyone else just sense a disturbance in the matrix?

baumann_pat wrote:did anyone else just sense a disturbance in the matrix?

Huh?

More on point, and this info is based on a trip over fifteen years ago (1992), but when I went to Nepal, I left the States traveling independently but ultimately hooked up with an Israeli in Bangkok who I traveled with the for next six weeks or so. While you can go trekking by yourself, I don't recall seeing anyone doing it when I did the Annapurna Circuit. The only solos I remember were people who just flew into Manang or Jomson for a quick look around.

I also remember several missing persons posters around Kathmandu of individuals who disappeared while trekking. In reality, these people could have disappeared for any number of reasons--they wanted to, they fell in a river or off a cliff, or maybe something worse. All that notwithstanding, the reason I am glad I trekked with someone was the sense of comraderie and someone to share the experience with. I actually think I met more people because of him, including locals, not less.

Are you doing the Circuit? If so, why are you starting from Pohkara?

id say definately do not hire an outfit to do the trek. just go. youll meet people on the way easy. i wouldnt worry about safety either.

wildlands1 wrote:id say definately do not hire an outfit to do the trek. just go. youll meet people on the way easy. i wouldnt worry about safety either.

ditto

Possibly cross Thorung La in the company of others to make sure everything is OK healthwise - it's a long day. Or if you want to do a side trip to Tilicho lake - it's good to have somebody watch out for the stones zipping down the slopes while you cross risky sections of the trail.

I'm definitely NOT advocating that you hire an outfitter. I just think you'll enjoy it more if you hike it with someone and it would be safer if you get off the beaten trek.