When it comes to hiking in any circuit of Nepal, this is the most debated topic; either hike with an organized group or go it alone? Both options are completely viable, and each has its pros and cons.
Hiking the Annapurna circuit with a group
The pros
- When you hike with a group, you will never feel tired as there will be a group that will cheer you up.
- Everything is organized by the trekking company, so you can enjoy the travel without fearing about accommodation and permits.
- Guide and porters will guide you throughout the route and you will get first aid and any emergency responses that might happen in route
- You don’t have to carry all the heavy luggage as there will be a team of porters for this.
- You can get the expert knowledge regarding the culture and geography by a local guide
The cons
- Travelling can be more expensive than going it solo
- You have to follow the instructions and don’t have a choice for accommodation which can be frustrating sometimes
Hiking the Annapurna circuit solo
It’s not rare to see people traveling solo by self-navigating the whole Annapurna circuit by themselves.
The pros
- First of all, you have the freedom to do whatever you want, you can go whenever you want, you can stay wherever you like
- It will cost you very less as compared to trekking with groups
- You can get the best of both versions; during the day you are solo trekker and at night you can get the group atmosphere at the teahouses
The cons
- You have to manage everything by yourselves; finding accommodation, managing for permit pass, etc
- .you can suffer from altitude sickness and other medical emergencies in the lack of expertise personal
- You have to consider the risk(thief, adverse weather, etc) of traveling solo a
It’s completely your choice whether to travel with the agency or solo.
