October and November are the prime times for trekking in the Nepal Annapurna region. If you are doing the Annapurna Circuit you will have to watch the weather in the area of the high pass at Thorung La, be prepared to wait a few days because of bad weather and to acclimatise to the high altitude, the pass is over 17,000 ft. Get the book Trekking in the Annapurna Region, published by Trailblazer, written by Bryn Thomas. You can also trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary, which also has some very spectacular scenery. Trekking is nothing more than walking. Carrying your own pack and sleeping and eating in village guest houses is the cheapest way to trek and you can budget for as little as $5 per day, but $10 would be better, more would be difficult to spend. Porters and guides can be hired for about $10 a day. A guide is not really necessary as most routes are easy to follow, a guide will not usually carry anything. Going with a group is much more expensive, accommodation is usually in tents and the food is prepared in the camps. Nepal is a great place to visit, the people are wonderful and the country has many sights and things to do. Gary Saunders Victoria BC