travel and rhum

Hey All!

I am planning to do the Annapurna circuit may be towards September end and wanted some comments on the itinerary if it makes sense. It is very rough and there are some buffer days added in case i can't find my fitness up to it.

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https://preview.redd.it/aqxirw3h28jb1.png?width=495&format=png&auto=webp&s=e874fb552bd1d0587e6b2fe3837b8bec9c98208e

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I am unsure about couple of legs of this journey and what would be the best way to do it.

1. KTM->Pokhara -> Bhulbule.

The options i am wrestling are:

a) Day 1 KTM-> Pokhara Flight , Day 2 Pokhara -> Bhulbhule jeep (or even combine both in a single day if possible)

b) Day 1 KTM-> pokhara bus , Day 2 Pokhara->Blulbule jeep

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Q1 ) So the question is , to avoid some early back-crunchers, does it make sense to do option a but get to bhulbhule in a single day?

Slightly similar on the return

a) Jomsom -> Pokhara -> KTM : Day 1 Jomsom -> Pokhara (flight or bus) , Day 2 Pokhara to KTM (flight or bus).

Q2) Does any one have suggestions if these could be collaped into a single journey. I'd rather not travel 12 hrs in one go on bumpy roads.

Q3) How err… strict are the flights… does any one manage to haul one last minute or is this always booked way in advance?

Q4) I am being quoted about 30$ USD for a porter/guide + some transportation. I tend to think this is not bad, but would appreciate if some one travelled recently has any insight.

Q5) Do you carry Nepali Rupees or USD ? Do you pay your porter/guides before or after the trip?

Q6) Do you need crampons/micro-spikes in mid sept-oct season?

Q7) Do flights allow you to carry trekking poles (mainly looking at inter-nepal flights. i.e KTM-POKHARA-JOMSOM). I will be flying with a suitcase from mumbai to nepal.

Q8) How hard is it to get accomodation? Since i am travelling solo and not with a pre-booked tour and am going in peak season.

Q9) Any changes to trip you would recommend.

Q10) Can you wash clothes along the route lol? I do have a stay at manag which seems like a good option to refresh wardrobe.

Q11) Should i try to just wing it and show up in KTM and try to get a porter/guide or book one in advance?

Cheers!

I do a lot of hiking with my girlfriend and friends. Are there any books/online courses that I can take to become more proficient in having the ability to provide first aid in case something happens.