A Complete Guide to Annapurna Circuit Trek

Voted as one of the best long-distance treks, Trekking around Annapurna Circuit is one of the most stunningly mesmerizing, life-changing experiences you can have on your travel. And we are sure you will be fascinated by the beauty of the Annapurna Circuit from the first trek.

Trekking through the foothills of the world’s tallest mountains with diverse climate zones, landscapes, and rich cultural diversity, the 15 days you’ll spend in the Annapurna Circuit trek are some of the most inspiring wells challenging things that you’ll ever encounter in your life.

Although it may seem tempting to head off on the trail, it is not as simple as walking in the park. From preparing for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) to managing the permits and accommodation, you will require a chunk of knowledge and planning you need to consider for the pre-trip preparation before you even take your first step.

Many questions may pop up regarding the actual trek, such as Should you trek solo or in a group? What is the availability of accommodation and flooding on the trail? When should I trek to get the best visibility of the Himalayas? and many more?

So, for those planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, Here’s a complete guide to the Annapurna Circuit trek, including trekking permits, hiking solo vs. in a group, what to pack, when to go, and how difficult it is. And everything you need to know before your Annapurna Trek.

Significant Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• One of the famous treks in the world that covers a large number of Himalayan Ranges ranging from 6000m to 800m in the Annapurna Region, including Annapurna I (8,091m) – the 10th highest mountain in the world, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu and other sister peaks in the region.
• Experience various communities, vegetation, landscapes, rivers, food, culture, etc.
• Summit is the highest pass in the world. Thorang-La pass (5,415m) is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit.
• It is an opportunity to socialize and share experiences with travelers worldwide, as it is a famous trekking package.
• Experience the sheltered life of people living in the Himalayas from a close distance.
• Sunrise/sunset view from Poon Hill and Thorung La pass.
• The Muktinath Temple is one of the most important shrines of Hindus and Buddhists.
• Natural Hot Spring at Tatopani to relax your tired muscles.
• Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal
• Visit the beautiful and exotic ethnic Gurung, Thakali, and Magar villages, like Ghorepani, Marpha, Jomsom, and Manang.
• Pokhara, Lake City, is a relaxing place to end the trip.

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Drive to Chamje (1430m) via Besisahar (830m), 7-8 hours drive.
Day 03: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1960), 6 hours of trek.
Day 04: Trek to Chame (2630m), 5-6 hours of trek.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3300m), 5-6 hours of trek.
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3570) via Ghyaru, 5 hours of trek.
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka(4,110m), 3-4 hours of trek.
Day 09: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4650m), 3-4 hours of trek.
Day 10: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath(3800) via Thorang pass (5416m), 7-8 hours of trek.
Day 11: Jeep drive to Tatopani (1100 m), 7-8 hours drive.
Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2800m), 6 hours of trek.
Day 13: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210m), descend to Tikhedhunga, and drive to Pokhara for 8 hours.
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, 5-6 hours drive.
Day 15: Departure

When is the Best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

You can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek any time of the year; however, if you are looking for perfect weather conditions for trekking in Annapurna. In that case, Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-April) are the two best seasons for the Annapurna trek in Nepal.

Autumn (September-November): Autumn is the peak season to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Since autumn arrives right after the monsoon, the sky is bright and clear, the valleys are still green, the Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature are perfect for trekking, and the views of the pristine mountains are simply spectacular.

Since it is the peak season for trekking, the trail becomes very crowded; hence pre-booking for the accommodation is recommended.

Spring (March-April): Spring is the second-best time to go Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Since spring starts after the colWinterer, the trails become free from snow, the weather is pretty warm, blooming rhododendrons and other flowers beautify the trail, and the sun shines bright.

Like in autumn, a massive crowd is on the trail, so pre-booking for the accommodation is recommended.

Summer (May-July): It’s boiling and rainy this time. Due to this, the clouds block the views, the trails become muddy, and sometimes even the landslides affect the trail. Hence, it is not considered the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit.

Winter (December to February): During winter, the weather is freezing and dry. Heavy snowfall might sometimes block the trail. Also, the local people migrate to a lower altitude to escape this harsh weather. And most of the teahouses and lodges are closed durinWinterer. ThereforeWinterer is also not viewed as a good time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

What to pack?

Since Annapurna Circuit is a long-distance trek, packing the right thing is essential. Avoid unnecessary things.

Here is the Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list that you will need during the trek:

Clothing:

• Hiking Pants (1 pair)
• Long sleeve shirt (1)
• Short sleeve shirt (1)
• Socks (2 pairs)
• Comfortable and warm pants (1 pair)
• Down Jacket (1)
• Warm hat (1)
• Underwear
• Sun hat
• Gloves
• Raincoat
• Hiking boots
• Sunglasses

 

Trekking Gears:

• Backpack
• Trekking poles
• Camera with battery
• Phone & Cord
• Sleeping bag, pillowcase
• Plug adapter with built-in USB ports
• Water bottle, headlamp
• Pack rain cover
• Passport and permits

 

Toiletries:

• Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Towel, Deodorant, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sanitary Napkin,

 

Others:

• First Aid Kit, Book/Kindle, Notebook/Journal, Extra cash, travel games, Binoculars, Energy bars/Chocolates, Peanuts, etc.

 

Permits required for the Annapurna Round Trek

Most of the trekking trails in the Annapurna region fall inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, trekkers from foreign countries must have an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card to trek around the Annapurna Circuit.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and Fees:

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR (Approx. $2)
• TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approximately. US $10), if you are in a group and 2,000 NPR (Approximately: US $20) if you are a Free Individual Traveler(FIT)

 

Accommodation options during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic teahouse trek in Nepal. Thus, many tea houses and lodges along the trail accommodate trekkers. The accommodation in this trek is quite basic, and it gets more essential as you progress toward higher altitude settlements. The rooms are usually on a twin-share basis with shared and sometimes attached bathrooms.

Generally, they don’t provide a separate heater, but they have a common area with a fire and good company. Though limited, wifi is available in some tea houses.

Food during the Annapurna Trek

With the increasing number of trekkers every year, the food quality has been getting better, and you can find varieties of food in most of the teahouses along the trail. Most tea houses now serve spaghetti, pasta, sandwiches, etc.

Yet Dal Bhat(Rice, Dal, Curry, Pickle, Salads), a typical Nepali meal, is the best value for money. It is tasty, filling, and inexpensive. Drinks like water, beer, soda, and tea/coffee are available throughout the trail.

While eating, you will notice that the price increases as you go higher.

So, I highly recommend bringing your water bottle and energy boosters like chocolate bars and energy bars to save money.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Difficulty: How fit must I be to complete this trek?

Talking about the Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty is a moderately challenging trek in Nepal. It’s a long trek that takes 10 to 28 days, depending on your chosen package. Usually, you will have to walk for 6 to 8 hours a day to complete the trek.

You can quickly complete the trek if you are physically and mentally fit. You also need to be prepared for tiring ascending and descending and walking on snow and ice trails if you are trekking in the winter.

The most difficult of this trek is the trail from Thorung Phedi to Thorung La pass, which is just a 45-minute walk, but the altitude makes it very challenging.

Be careful about Acute Mountain sickness. It is the most common difficulty that most travelers face during this trek. To avoid the sickness, you should walk slowly (don’t rush), properly acclimate, and always keep yourself hydrated.

Some common symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea, diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia.

To complete the trek, you must be physically fit, have the endurance required to walk 4-8 hours daily, and have strong determination.

How do I prepare my body ready for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

First, do a health check-up to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Once your doctor approves that you are in good shape, consult about the necessary exercises and walk with your doctor to train yourself for the trip.

Focus on cardio and muscle-strengthening exercises. Start exercising at least 4-6 weeks before the trek. Eat healthily. If possible, go for a short hike; it helps prepare you mentally for the trek.

Other Essential Things for the Annapurna Trek

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is necessary if you are trekking in Nepal. Your travel insurance should cover every extra expense due to injuries, health issues, or accidents. It should also include the cost of an ambulance, helicopter rescue, doctor’s fees, treatment costs, hospital charges, repatriation costs, theft and liability, cancellation, and misplaced luggage.

Since the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you over 5,000 meters, the policy should cover the trek over 5,000m.

Map: A map is one of the essential things for trekking in Nepal. If you hire a trekking agency to manage your trip, they will provide a map as a complimentary gift. However, if you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit without a guide or a porter, buy a map before starting the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Transportation

The Annapurna Circuit trekking starts at Besisahar and ends at Nayapul (pure trekking). However, trekkers who do not want to walk the entire trail can always take a flight or local transportation from Jomsom.

You can easily find transportation to Besisahar from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Related Articles

• Day-to-Day Distance Guide on Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

 

Recommendations for solo travelers

I highly recommend all travelers hire a guide and a porter or join the group. You will have a safe journey if you travel in groups, plus you will be saving a lot if you are a budget traveler.

However, if you insist on solo trekking, we recommend traveling during the peak season.

Please contact us if you are planning any trek to the Annapurna Region or have any queries regarding the Annapurna Circuit Trek.