Essential things to know before Annapurna Circuit Trek

Are you planning to trek to Annapurna Circuit in Nepal?

Before going for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to know a few things: trekking permits, going single or in a group, packing items, time to trek, and other financial matters. Hiking the Annapurna Circuit could be on the bucket list of your diary. The trek is lovely as well as it gives you a life-changing experience. I am sure the trek will capture your attention from the beginning of your trek.

Traveling through the world’s tallest mountains and diverse climatic zones, from tropical alpine to freezing alpine elevations, is always challenging. Moreover, it would help if you vigorously walked on your foot, enjoying the Nepalese people’s natural beauty and hospitality and learning about their culture and traditions.

After spending 16 days on the trek going through the most challenging trails, departing from such a place can overwhelm you. And arrival at the Pokhara makes you feel rewarded.

It is also super luring to book a flight, pull up your shock, lace up your boots, and head into huge lushes. In brief, it would take transit you into a different world. Frankly, this is not the regular walk in the park.

22 Things to Know Before Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nevertheless, before you even take a few steps, preparing for your permits and accommodation, high altitude sickness requires vast knowledge and planning. Earlier, even you should go in a group or solo? What time of the year should we go for vivid visibility? Will there be snacks on the route?

May they share a few tips before you jump into the trek without knowledge? Before you tackle the epic, long-distance, and amazing Annapurna circuit trek, here is significant knowledge.

1. The Annapurna Circuit Fast fact

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty, you must know about the Annapurna Circuit. And here are some fast facts about the trek.

The Annapurna circuit trek is situated in central Nepal and generally takes 16 to 20 days for the complete round; the total Annapurna Circuit Trek distance is about 170-230 km. Annapurna 1(the highest Mountain in Annapurna Massif) is 8091m. Whereas the highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass- 5416m (17,769ft)

2. Time to trek The Annapurna circuit

The Annapurna trekking isn’t the trek you can hike up as per your interest. The change in weather significantly impacts how and where you can walk.

The best time for trekking the Annapurna Circuit is in September, October, and November, the Autumn season. Whereas March, April, and May are suitable seasons for you. More, the weather is neither hot nor cold.

Adding on, this is also the time for the expedition. June, July, and August are the rainy season that benefits you by seeing a significant stream, more greenery, less crowd, and you can experience stunning view in clear weather.

December, January, and February are the winter season; you can also trek at this time as there will be less traffic. More importantly, We provide a sleeping blanket that withstands negative 30 degrees Celsius.

3. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an Anti- Clockwise

Since 1997 most trekkers started following the anti-clockwise circuit in Besisahar, over the Thorong La Pass, and down to Jomsom Valley. The Annapurna Trek going clockwise is completely hazardous because of the steep mountains; gaining altitude is challenging.

Furthermore, the foremost reason for this is acclimatization. If you go clockwise, you only get two days to acclimatize more, a 1700m+ incline would become challenging. At the same time, preferring anti-clockwise provides you with almost two weeks of acclimatization plus leg training!

As a result of going clockwise, you would encounter very few tea houses; speaking of which, if you are low immune, then altitude sickness will catch you. Which means you would struggle for help.

4. Trekking Annapurna Circuit with a group

Going along with the group and your pre-planned list would be daunting if you are a solo traveler and have to trek in a group. But going alone means you can go according to your plans.

Whereas traveling in a group has more safety and security. There is always a cheering squad; a local well-trained guide also shares up-to-date info and sometimes cracks jokes to make the trip fun. In brief, both have their benefits in their way.

5. Pros and Cons of Trek to Annapurna Circuit with a group

The pros of trekking Annapurna Circuit with a group

• The trekking company well-ordered all the arrangements, including permits and teahouse accommodations. You can bring snacks, chocolate bars, and money for tips/ meals.
• Traveling with a prestigious company also prefers that your guides and porters; are exceptionally highly experienced in local knowledge, first aid, and quick reaction to the emergency.
• Your porter will carry your heavier luggage, so you must keep one step in front of others with your regular daypack.
• A local guide is always available to share expert and beneficial knowledge.
• A local is always helpful in gaining expert knowledge
• There will be other people to support you, which can significantly enhance your journey when you are thoroughly tired and out of breath.

The cons of trekking Annapurna Circuit with a group

• Being with a group and going through their itineraries could be surprising if you are an independent traveler.
• It could be a bit more expensive than going alone; however, you will feel its worth in the very instance.

 

6. Trekking the Annapurna circuit solo

It’s not infrequent to see people self-navigating the Annapurna Circuit. Given that the trek is one of the notable routes, you will encounter many trekkers following the same path. So, you can walk with them or go solo again but get together at the same teahouses for the cards later that night.

7. Pros and Cons of Trekking Annapurna Circuit Solo

The pros of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit solo

• Get the privilege to do what you want, when you want, and go wherever you want.
• It is less expensive than booking a company.
• You will find the better of the two-dimension; solo trekking during the day and group atmosphere at night in the teahouse.

 

The Cons of Trekking the Annapurna circuit solo

• Solely responsible for your gear, finding accommodations, carrying heavy bags on your back, organizing your permits, itinerary, etc.
• Moreover, when you arrive at the tea house, you must arrange everything by yourself; worse, you must have backup plans on busy days.
• Without a trained guide to help and protect you from hazardous areas, symptoms of altitude sickness, or monitoring your speed becomes difficult.
• It’s worth remembering that safety comes first, whereas trekking alone can seriously put you in huge trouble.
• Lastly, we recommend trusting Nepal’s culture and traditions for the female trekkers, where women are hugely respected.

For more details, please check our blog on “Solo Annapurna Circuit Trek without a guide.”

8. You have to have fitness but not super fitness for trekking

You don’t have to gain the runner’s fitness level to complete the Annapurna Circuit trekking. However, it’s still notable that going to the gym gives you a hard time. Even a small hike is worth it before you go trekking.

The few days of the trek are adjustable, like 5 to 6 hours of walking and covering 10 to 15 km of walking distance with enough rest, long lunch breaks, and fewer rest days.

Sometimes, you have to walk for 16 hours at high elevations. Sometimes over 20 km too, but that’s normal as you have already digested the high altitude after walking for many days. Finally, the day comes from Muktinath to Jomsom, which upholds the magnificent beauty of the trekkers.

We recommend you have a general cardi,o which is best for your cardiovascular activities, and a few successive days of walking long distances.

Get used to wearing boots daily and walking for long hours if you wish to try altitude training before leaving. You will thank yourself fifth day in a row when the time comes to lace up those boots again.

9. The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires a permit.

You need to organize the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) permit and an Annapurna National Permit, also known as the Annapurna conservation area entry permit, if you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

According to the law of 2019, the TIMS permit is $20 (NPR 2000) per person, whereas the APC permit is $30 (NPR 3000) per person. And this permit is checked at different checkpoints.

As discussed earlier, a guide will likely manage it if you travel in a group. While trekking solo, you must manage it at the Nepal tourism office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, which is a little uncomfortable. Note: bring a minimum of 4 photos for the trekking permit.

Please check our blog on “Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and Cost for detailed information.”

The trial is long, arduous, and challenging.

“It is always further than it looks. It is always taller than it looks. And it is always harder than it looks.”

The above quote is “The three rules of mountaineering.” We don’t know who created this quote, but they were exact, and it is entirely worth it.

The Annapurna trek is long, tiring, and challenging, for which you need to have both physical and mental conditions in good health. Returning to the capital takes more than 13 days, depending on the trek route.

The days on the trek would become exciting and fun, while some days are physically tiresome and energy-draining. As you have taken things with you are very limited. Soon you will be out of stock.

Now there are safe drinking water stations at various checkpoints and villages. These days there is internet access everywhere, but after Manang, until you cross Thorong la pass, there is no wifi accessible.

It sounds daunting, but believing in yourself, standing in the peaks you have never imagined, and grouping with your friends for tea and lunch at teahouses is a different story.

Moreover, when you celebrate after crossing the challenging Thorong La pass, you wonder how you could do it in the first place, and on the other hand, you wonder why you left that place and came down.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

10. The incredible scenario of The Annapurna trek.

You understand this feeling when you see a beautiful girl at a party for the first time, right? Your hair stands up from the back of your neck, your heart starts pumping like a piston, and you start feeling a crisis of your existential being small in this universe. How, even in this world, can this amazingness exist?

Well, these magical moments happen every single day in the Annapurna region. With every footstep, the scenarios of the region change, and the mountains always have something new for you to offer. The breathtaking terrain, the rolling clouds, the wooden suspension bridge, the towering mountains, and the local people’s simple smile is magnificent.

With every footstep, the scenario in front of you changes, and the mountains reveal something; passing clouds, the breathtaking landscape, the tall mountains, or the smiling faces of locals. Those mountains are the definition of beauty with an awe-inspiring moment.

11. The altitude sickness is not a joke.

You may have gained a super fitness level. A Marathon runner in Gymnasium won the triathlon, but it’s useless for altitude sickness. It can affect anyone, including the fittest athletes. Therefore, equip yourself with all the necessary precautions after 3000m. This means taking Diamox, staying hydrated, resting adequately, and not missing meals. If you sense the symptoms, inform your guide and take immediate action.

12. Tea houses and lodges on the Annapurna circuit for more than a decade

There is a complete guide to accommodation in Nepal, so if you expect to stay at a 5-star hotel, you will disappoint yourself as you can imagine it’s a remote place away from the touch of the roads. You will be satisfied with the necessary accommodations provided at that altitude.

Generally, tea houses and guest houses are spotted everywhere along the trek from Besisahar to Jomsom Valley. And these houses are made up of stone and wood,d which provide relief during the long trekking days. Most tea houses are generally twin-shared, with enough space to open out.

Furthermore, as the elevation increases, accommodation becomes more essential. Soon you will be ok with any form of bedding as you start gaining altitude. All the tea houses are inbuilt with a furnace in the dining hall. Moreover, it is where you spend most of your time, and you can also meet fellow travelers talking, eating, and sharing their experiences.

The tea houses make their living by selling food and snacks. It is likely to be a little more expensive than the capital. You can buy snacks, food, and drinks at a tea house to support them. Doing this, firstly, you will lighten your bag packs, and second, it offers a required flow of money which helps to sustain their livelihood.

As the flow of dollars supports their livelihood, you spend up there, which means your bargain can disturb their financial situation. However, we request to pay for food and accommodation for anyone traveling up there as people on the trail rely on the dollar you spend for survival.

Most tea houses have the necessary facilities. You will find a hot shower; you don’t have to pay for it. You can also charge your electronic devices for a small cost. For the alternatives, you can carry a solar charger to keep your device active all the time.

13. Take a few mandatory things.

There are legendary people in Nepal who are super active and go up and down the mountains carrying heavy luggage on their backs, and we call them Porters. They do this so you can focus on your journey without discomfort. While they possess superhuman strength, they are quiet and shy with actual muscles.

You can help them by bringing 10 to 15 kg of what is needed. Avoid all your make-up kits, extra pair of jeans, and other auxiliary things, which increases your bags’ weight.

For detailed information, please read our blog, “Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek.”

14. Having a well equipped medical equipment for an unanticipated situation

Imagine this: you are enjoying your meal sitting near the fire and playing a few rounds of cards with your friend that night before going back to bed. Suddenly, you suffer from diarrhea at midnight and must fetch a toilet every 2 minutes. So, if you haven’t carried Pepto-Bismol, the possibility of continuing your trek would be rare.

Likewise, you may suffer from a cold, fever, headache, stomachache, etc. You must discontinue your trekking if you don’t have a medical kit. At higher elevations, getting altitude sickness is very high, so you must carry Acetazolamide.

Walking with those boots for long hours may cause blisters. It would help if you carried band-aids and blister plasters. You may also need water purification tablets as well. Antibacterial cream is also essential for scratches and cuts. Antihistamine tablets for allergic reactions.

Anti-nausea tablets for motion sickness, Paracetamol, or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief. Finally, taking some toilet paper with you will be helpful; later, you will thank yourself for carrying it. So, for precaution, you need to carry a fully equipped medical kit with everything supporting giving first aid during an emergency.

15. Four seasons in one trek

Going through the pleasant weather in the first early days, you probably doubt using those warm clothes. As the altitude increases, you will realize why you pack those clothes above 3000m. You will face various kinds of weather as the Annapurna circuit trek covers all the climatic zones from alpine to tropical. On some days, you will trek in shorts and a t-shirt; on others, you will cover your whole body as it is mercilessly cold at a higher level.

Annapurna’s range of climatic zones is terrific, giving you a grand view. That is why be ready and then ask your guide; what kind of picture to expect and what type of temperature to face.

16. Best quality and approachable price

While lumbering through the snow to Thorong La Pass, you might wonder how the food would be. But, your thoughts end when you get to see the food menu. You would still be confused after seeing the food you ordered on your table. All kinds of food, including Italian, Chinese, Continental, Indian cuisine, and famous Nepali dal bhaktas available everywhere you stay.

You don’t need to fret about your taste buds, as the cuisine in the Annapurna region is amazingly superb. As the altitude increases, the pricing of the food increases, so the price is around 35 to 40 dollars per day.

Conversely, the cost of food decreases with a decrease in elevation. At 3000m in Manang, you can also treat yourself to the famous Yak Burger. In Nepal, the Dhal Bhat is more popular than any other meal. As the saying goes, “Dal Bhat power 24 hours”.

17. The Annapurna circuit trekking is cost-effective.

While trekking, you may break your leg, but it shouldn’t break your bank balance. As discussed earlier, all your expenses, including breakfast, meal, dinner, and permits, are included in the amount you paid first. If you are trekking solo, consider paying around 1300 USD, covering your permits, food, and lodgings.

Regarding food, around $40 per person daily is sufficient to experience everything, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We suggest you stock up on giant snacks, drinks, and chocolate on your haversack for long walking days.

Furthermore, you won’t find any ATMs on the trail until you reach Jomsom. Therefore, stock up on Nepalese currency before you start trekking. To keep the money safe, hide it in your kit bag and always keep it with you.

Also, See:

• How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?

18. Giving tips is not compulsory but highly expected.

In Nepal, tipping is not mandatory, but it’s reasonable to expect tips for porters and guides. Most trekking agencies here are set up depending upon the tips they gain from carrying our heavy luggage and leading groups. Generally, for your leader, you should separate $10-15 per person daily; for your porters, $7 per traveler.

Add about USD$200 in cash to your cost, and put it separately from the rest. In this case, if you spend everything in flow and forget about the tips.

19. Unambiguously require 100% travel insurance.

After reading this blog for a while, you might have noticed already that we do nothing without travel insurance when you are trekking at a high altitude in the Annapurna Circuit. Likewise, the unanticipated can occur, whether it is altitude sickness, sprained ankle, or a natural disaster (2015 Nepal earthquake). Thus, it is always better to prepare yourself.

20. Esteem the local culture

For most people, trekking is about finding yourself, acknowledging yourself, and breaking through your limit. But, the Annapurna circuit is filled with natural beauties and enriched with culture and tradition. The trail is upheld by the Nepalese’s magnificent culture and sacred path.

Therefore, as a visitor, acting accordingly and respecting their learning is important. Proper dressing, not littering, and not criticizing are essential. Further, take some time to talk with locals and understand their beliefs and way of life. In conclusion, the foremost part of traveling is to engulf in another culture.

21. Dare not to pollute the Annapurna Circuit Region.

As we all know, the Annapurna region is remote, and most villagers don’t have enough methods to eliminate waste materials due to its altitude. Alternatively, they must carry it off the mountain region, which is not absolute. And burning waste materials is not the best possible thought.

In the busy season, more than a thousand trekkers cross over the routes of the Annapurna Circuit. However, if you pause for a while to think about the effect that many people across the world who visit the Annapurna region unmistakably bring waste products with them, and the waste (plastic bottles, sunscreen bottles, food wrappers, etcetera.) materials left behind will surely burn or stay there on the other side.

You must be a responsible traveler on the Annapurna Circuit. Thus, you can reduce the trail from pollution using reusable products, not littering, and taking all the trash out of the National parks.

22. There will be enough spare time in the evening.

After you arrive at your teahouse, there is plenty of free time to do things that satisfy you. Moreover, you can prepare yourself for the coming day. The evening becomes dearest as you catch up with your group and have a good time with them.

There is also a WiFi connection; you can talk at home and share your whole day’s experience. Mostly, you can chat with the locals who know about their livelihood. If you are a book lover, reading books introduces you to the places you are traveling; night is the perfect time to explore your fantasy about travel.

23. Celebratory summit chocolate means a lot.

Day to day, our group has always talked about the experience of the celebratory summit chocolate. So, when we reach the top of Thorong La Pass (5416m), having a jollification of your success seems mandatory.

The celebration is the ultimate because reaching the highest point of your trek in good condition is not less than winning a war. It seems like kid stuff, but enjoying a victory at the top is incomparable.

Final Words

Annapurna Circuit is one of the best treks to witness the nature and culture of Nepal. Considered the best long-distance trek in the world by many, Annapurna Circuit is a bucket-list trek in the Himalayas of Nepal for most adrenaline junkies.

Before going on the trek, you must know about the ins and outs of the trek. Thus, I hope this blog on “Essential Things to know before Annapurna Circuit Trek” will help you plan your trek better and make your trip successful.

Furthermore, please contact us if you have any more questions or want to book this trek with us. To explore more trekking in Nepal, you can visit Nepal Trekking Packages.