We are glad that you’ve finally decided to take the
Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Nepal is trekker’s delight; and your months of
dreaming, researching and planning is worth it, as the ABC Trek is considered one
of the most desired trek in the world. The question is that if you have found
an experienced trekking guide who you can trust.
If you are like me and have always hiked without a guide at
most places, you may be debating about the necessity of a guide for this trip
as well. Here are a few reasons why you should hire an experienced guide for
your ABD Trek.
1. Security: The need of the hour
Although treks in Nepal can be pulled off solo, we always
advise to hire an experienced guide while trekking in Nepal. There is nothing
better than feeling secured, safe and sound in remote Himalayan regions. A
trekking guide will lead your path with that feeling of security. It can also
get lonesome up there and it is always nice to have someone to talk to, more
important- someone to depend on for arranging food and a shelter in the
wilderness. Last thing you want to worry about is being hurt or getting lost in
wilderness with no one to help you. Trekkers have been lost and never been
found, so hire a guide who knows the land, will lead you there and get you back
alive and well!
2. A trekking guide’s Local know-how
Most trekking guides in Nepal are locals from the region
where you will be trekking, so they know the region like the back of their
hands. Since they are from the region, they have access to most of the local
hotels, lodges and food suppliers, which means that you will never have to go
hungry or sleep outside in the cold. Remember that most of the trekking route is
at high altitudes which means evenings gets cold; your guide will arrange the
best lodges to keep you warm and toasty on a chilly night.
3. High altitude trekking assistance
The Annapurna Base Camp is set at 4,130 meters or 13,545
feet, which is quite at a high altitude. It may also be your first time
trekking at these elevations; the first thing to consider is that your chances
are high to get Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. Acute mountain sickness or AMS
usually affect 6 out of 10 people, while on a trek. AMS commonly occurs when
people climb too quickly at altitudes of over 3000 meters. It is fairly common
that most people will feel shortness of breath and possibly light headed. Symptoms
could be quite different the other times and may involve sickness, severe
headache and loss of awareness. To ensure minimal risk, you can either take
enough rest or descend to lower altitudes. If you happen to suffer from AMS,
your guide will be your support to lead you back safety. It is not easy to
follow the route back securely if you are gripped by AMS- you could get disoriented
and may lose your way.
4. A guide’s assistance for official permits
On your way to Annapurna base camp you will need Annapurna
conservation area entry permits (ACAP) including TIMS permit. Your guide can
assist you to obtain required permits for your trek. Your guide can also assist
you in an event if you require any additional permits or fees. It gets a bit
confusing to arrange these permits on your own, so help of your trekking guide could
come very handy.
5. Insights on the culture of the region
While on trek, besides witnessing supreme beauty of the
Annapurna Region, gaining a clear insight of the prevailing culture of the
people, region and the country is also quite an experience. Nepal is a land of
mixed races and each race holds their own unique characteristics; your guide
can be a mediator who can help you understand the uniqueness each race embraces.
Local guides are proud of their culture and regions; and they will happily
share all the stories and fun facts about people and places.
Hope this gives you little better understanding of an
importance of hiring a guide before hitting the hiking trails in Nepal. Most of
the guides are experienced, trained and speak English. A guide can be your
support, friend and an entertainer up in those mountains. Plus you’ll earn an
awesome friend!
