Nepali Phrases for the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is the most linguistically rewarding trek in Nepal. You'll move through Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali villages, each with its own dialect — but all speaking Nepali as the lingua franca. A few phrases in Nepali will earn you fresh apple brandy in Marpha and slower, kinder negotiations in Manang.
- Region
- Annapurna Conservation Area
- Duration
- 12–18 days
- Max elevation
- 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass)
- Best season
- October–November & March–April
Greeting Gurung and Manangi families
From Besisahar to Manang, the Circuit cuts through villages where Nepali is everyone's second language. Locals don't expect fluency from foreigners — they expect effort. A confident 'namaste' addressed to the eldest person in the room, followed by 'tapailai kasto chha?' (formal 'how are you?'), is enough to be invited inside for chiya.
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नमस्ते
Hello
Namaste
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तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
How are you?
Tapailai kasto chha?
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आमा, बुवा, दाइ, दिदी
Mother, father, brother, sister
Aama, Buwa, Dai, Didi
Negotiating rooms in peak season
In October, every lodge from Pisang to Manang is full by 2 PM. Rooms are technically free if you eat dinner and breakfast at the same lodge — but in peak season the deal slips. 'Kotha chha?' is the first question; 'kothako kati?' is the second. Don't bargain hard — these are family businesses and the margins are thin.
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कोठा छ?
Do you have a room?
Kotha chha?
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कोठाको कति?
How much for the room?
Kothako kati?
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तातो पानी छ?
Is there hot water?
Tato paani chha?
Food in the mountains
The Circuit is one of the great food trails of Nepal. Marpha is famous for apple pie and apple brandy; Manang for Tibetan dumplings and tsampa. Below 4,000 m, vegetarianism is easy; above that, ask 'masu chha?' (is there meat?) and expect 'aaja chhaina' (not today). Dal bhat carries you over Thorong La.
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मलाई भोक लाग्यो
I am hungry
Malai bhok laagyo
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यो पिरो छ?
Is this spicy?
Yo piro chha?
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म शाकाहारी हुँ
I am vegetarian
Ma shakahari hoon
Emergencies on the trail
The Thorong La crossing is the high point — literally and statistically. Most evacuations from the Circuit happen on the long, exposed climb from Thorong Phedi to High Camp to the pass. If you're slowing or stumbling, say it: 'malai thakai laagyo' or 'malai lek laagyo'. Your guide will turn around without judgment. Pride at 5,000 m is a fatal liability.
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मलाई लेक लाग्यो
I have altitude sickness
Malai lek laagyo
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मलाई डाक्टर चाहिन्छ
I need a doctor
Malai doctor chahinchha
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मलाई सहयोग गर्नुहोस्
Can you help me?
Malai sahayog garnuhos
Altitude and safety
The Annapurna Circuit's standard schedule allows two acclimatization days in Manang (3,540 m) — never skip them. Most fatalities on this trek involve trekkers who pushed over Thorong La (5,416 m) with mild symptoms ignored. Diamox (acetazolamide) is widely sold at Manang and Letdar pharmacies. The descent route — Muktinath to Jomsom — is one of the most beautiful in the Himalaya and a reward for getting acclimatization right.
Cultural etiquette on the trail
The Circuit crosses Hindu (lower elevations) and Buddhist (Manang and Mustang) regions. In Hindu villages, remove shoes before entering homes and temples; never point your feet at a person or a shrine. In Buddhist Manang, walk clockwise around stupas and don't touch prayer flags. Photos of monks during prayer require permission.