I started physically preparing for the trip three months in advance: I did cardio, endurance, and strength training. This helped me avoid feeling physically exhausted during the trip.
I also got less tired thanks to a comfortable backpack, two pairs of shoes (trainers for easier terrain and good weather, and boots for rain and cold), walking sticks, and knee pads.
We went hiking in April and there was frequent light rain and one day of heavy rain when everyone got wet. I didn't have waterproof pants, and my jacket's membrane was very weak, so a good raincoat was my biggest savior.
The biggest difficulty was that I fell ill on the very first day and only recovered when I returned home.
Probably, my body lacked the resources to recover on the route, so it focused its energy on preventing my condition from worsening.
I used everything that could help: vitamin C, sprays, lozenges, nose drops. I used up all my supplies, so I strongly advise you not to skimp and take plenty of everything.
Despite everything, I kept going and everything was fine. Thank you to Kuluar for the great porters, local guide Dzog, and team leader Yulia from Kuluar. The company was 10/10, wonderful people, it was incredibly nice to share this experience with them.
We listened to local songs and learned a lot about the local culture. The perfect company always gathers at Kulur.
The route was quite interesting and picturesque. We saw rhododendrons, mountain goats, rivers, monkeys, jungles, and, of course, mountains.
However, we were a little unlucky with the latter at the final location — at Base Camp itself, everything was covered by clouds, and we couldn't see the mountain for which we had traveled all this way — Annapurna.
Of course, in my condition with my illness, just getting there was a gift from fate, so I was happy. However, it was a shame not to see all the beauty that took eight days to reach.
And especially when you see this view in other people's photos, it hurts)) I learned that there is less fog and bad weather in the fall, so based on my experience, I recommend choosing an autumn route.
Clear skies definitely have more advantages than rhododendrons. Also, it would be great if the trip organizers had included an extra day in case of bad weather.
Don't expect Michelin-starred food during the hike, but you won't go hungry. I really remember the chicken tikka masala dish, it was very tasty. We even had cappuccino once.
We tried all the apple pies and drank liters of tea a day (I did because of a cold). It is very important to have a good thermos! On the negative side, I found a caterpillar in my soup, so be careful. They replaced my meal.
In big cities, you can find all the wonders of globalization and many cosmopolitan establishments.
Overall, my impressions of Nepal are fantastic. It's like another planet. It's incredible that they have preserved their authenticity. It's really cool that the program also includes free days that can be spent in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
I definitely recommend a trip to Bhaktapur. What you see and experience is definitely worth all the effort.
Thank you, Kuluar!