Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best long treks that encircles the great Annapurna Massif. This trek takes you on a magical journey in the Himalayas of the Annapurna Region.
Every year many trekkers visit the Annapurna region to trek in the exotic routes of this circuit. They make a lot of wonderful memories as they experience the rich culture and tradition of the Himalayan people.
However, a lingering question in a trekker’s mind is about Drinking water on Annapurna Circuit Trek? As you climb high in the altitude you might face difficulties in finding proper water sources.
Trekkers not only dread altitude sickness but hygiene too as it is another major concern for them. Staying healthy is quite necessary while trekking in the Himalayas.
As you may know, Nepal is a developing country so a lot of its areas are not fully developed. Mostly the Himalayan regions are still underdeveloped and people depend on rivers for water.
These waters are one of the freshwater resources formed from the snows of the Himalayas and Monsoon shower. As they come directly from higher up they are less contaminated. Thus people either purify them or boil them to kill the bacteria making it drinkable.
As for the Annapurna circuit trek, they have initiated safe drinking water throughout the region. So, we can say it is safe to drink the water coming from the taps. But for safety purposes, you can use a purification tablet just to be on the safe side.
You can also buy mineral water bottles from shops situated on the trails. But it will be quite costly compared to the lower region. Also, the shops might be a few hour’s distances.
As there is no proper road transportation to supply products and services so people depend upon porters and animals. Due to which goods are expensive in high regions.
Thus, carrying a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets are very necessary during your trek. You can refill your bottle in lodges or fill it up from the streams and rivers. While filling it from unknown sources you can use purification tablets for safety measures.
However, carrying a portable water filter would be a much greater choice while trekking. As they purify faster than the tablets.
This article is useful to let you know more about the drinking water on the Annapurna circuit trek. And give you tips about safe ways for drinking water on Annapurna circuit trek.
Similar articles you may like:
- How To Prepare For Annapurna Circuit
- Annapurna Circuit Temperature and Weather Guide
- Annapurna Circuit Difficulty
Tips for Safe ways to Drinking Water on Annapurna Circuit Trek
While going on a trek, it is very necessary to maintain proper hygiene. As there are no private hospitals and the nearest health care is about 4 to 5 hours walk.
One of the main issues would be drinking water on Annapurna Circuit trek. You will find that buying mineral water throughout the trek will be very expensive. And a few foreigners suffer while drinking direct water coming from the taps.
So, here are some tips for safe ways to drinking water on Annapurna Circuit trek:
Water Purification Tablets
Carrying a water purification tablet is a must while going trekking in high altitude. As you don’t know much about the water channel due to which people sometimes suffer from Diarrhoea, etc.
This tablet helps in disinfecting the injurious microorganisms that cause Gastrointestinal illness. This is an effective process of eliminating bacterias from water.
Usually, these tablets take about 25 to 30 minutes for processing drinkable water. However, they can leave a nasty smell and sour taste in the water. But a plus point would be that they are found at affordable prices. Some common tablets are chlorine and iodine-based tablets. But if you are pregnant you should avoid consuming the iodine tablets.
Water filling Stations
Water filling stations are quite common when going to trek in the popular area of Everest and Annapurna Regions. These stations are a great way to fill up your water source in the Himalayas. As they have been designated at various points of the trails.
However, extra charges are applied per liter that ranges from 25 to 100 Nrp. The water in these filling stations has been boiled and kept. So, the water is safe for drinking.
Carry Two Water Bottles
Usually, people carry only one bottle on their trek. As they don’t know that carrying two reusable bottles will be quite helpful for them. Cause when one bottle is being purified you can drink from another.
Also, sometimes you will have to trek for hours and still have no sight of shops. Thus, during this time you will have an extra bottle as a backup with you. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is very important while going on a trek. So don’t forget to carry your reusable bottle and fill them up every day before your trek.
Drink Boiled Water
Boiling water is one of the easiest and fastest ways of killing harmful microorganisms that are present in the water. At altitude below 2000 m, you can boil the water for about 1 minute. While at an altitude above 2000 m, you need to boil the water for about 3 to 4 minutes.
You can refill your bottles with boiling water in lodges that you will be staying in. But you should know that extra charges will be added for the water.
Portable Water Filters
Modern technology has taken over the trekking world due to which treks have been easy in many ways. Nowadays you can carry portable water filters that purify water within seconds. Portable water filters are very simple and easy to operate. And being light in weight makes it less trouble to carry around during your trek.
Improve Taste
While using tablets for purifying your water it might give a nasty smell and taste. So, to improve the taste you can pour oral rehydration salt in your water. These salts are lightweight and sold in a packet making it easy to carry around.
Orange is the most common flavor to be sold by the chemists. This helps in maintaining a quality taste in your drinking water.
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Final Say
We the members of Radiant Treks hope the article about Drinking water on Annapurna Circuit trek helped you know about the water condition of this region.
As you have read above the water in these trails is drinkable and you can carry purification tablets for safety measures. Also, you can buy mineral water from shops along the way. Overall, drinking water on Annapurna Circuit Trek will be of less trouble if done right.