Nepal Travel Guide Part Four : Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Essential Information of Annapurna Circuit Trekking Guide

1. Natural Experience

This Round Annapurna Trek trail is a repository of natural attractions. While on this trail, you can experience authentic Nepali experiences which might be beyond your imagination. Lush forests, rice terraces, breathtaking views of mountains including Fishtail, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri, among others, and spectacular sunrise views from Poon Hill are some of the attractions of this trail.

2. Getting there

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking starts from Chyamje, a three-hour drive from Besishahar, and ends at Pokhara. From Pokhara, you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu. The industry takes about seven hours, while the flight takes only around half an hour.

3. Difficulty

The Round Annapurna Trek is complex and unsuitable for children and senior citizens. The highest point is 5,416 meters. But it is the most popular trek in Nepal, with good trails and other infrastructure.

4. Best Season

The trek can be done around the year. However, Autumn (mid-September to mid-November) and spring (March-May) are the best seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The weather and temperature of Annapurna Circuit are just perfect for trekking during this time. But the trek can be done during winter and monsoon as well. If you want to avoid the crowd, monsoon and winter are the best times to do the trek.

5. Packing List

The packing list depends on the trekking season. We will provide you with The Annapurna Circuit Trekking packing list. No technical trekking equipment is required for this trek. A three-season plus sleeping bag will be enough for you.

6. Trek Cost

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking cost depends on the group size, required service, and tour plan (standard or deluxe). The price is USD 1690 for a single trekker. The price will be relatively low if you are more than two in one group.

The cost will increase if you want to fly to Kathmandu from Jomsom or Pokhara. We can customize this trek based on time and budget. We encourage international trek leaders and representatives from global travel companies to get complimentary service.

7. Extensions

You can extend the Round Annapurna Trek by spending more days in the trekking area to observe the local culture. Or you can add sightseeing activities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, indulge in adventure activities like rafting, bungee, canyoning, and paragliding, and add a jungle safari in Chitwan to your program. You can end your amazing trek with a mountain flight that allows you to get sweeping views of high Himalayan peaks from the comfort of your aircraft seat.

Relevant link of Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/annapurna-base-camp-trek/

Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/ghorepani-poon-hill-trekking/

Annapurna Circuit Trek: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/annapurna-circuit-trek/

ABC Short Trek: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/annapurna-base-camp-short-trek

Mardi Himal Trekking: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/mardi-himal-trekking/

Tilicho Lake Trekking: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/tilicho-lake-trekking/

Annapurna Mini Trek: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/annapurna-mini-trek

Annapurna View Trekking: http://e6holidays.com/newsite/annapurna-view-trekking/

Useful to know

Do’s

• Say Namaste and greet with a smile.
• Do walk in a group
• Consult a guide for any information you require.
• Inform your guide if you experience discomfort or extreme fatigue.
• Capture the once-in-a-lifetime moments with your camera.

 

Don’ts

• Do not belittle other cultures or religions.
• Take no photographs of locals without their permission.
• Try not to be shocked and surprised if people stare at you; they’re just wondering about you.
• Don’t bring any lethal weapons with you.
• Avoid harming plants, birds, and wild animals.
• Don’t be afraid to decline vendors’ offers politely

 

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a moderately challenging but exciting challenge. However, you should remember that this trek has specific requirements you should know before you begin trekking.

The best time to visit the Annapurna Region in the spring is April and May, and the best time to visit in the autumn is October and November. The weather is clear and dry at this time of year. These two seasons are also the busiest times to be on the route, with trekkers from all over the world making their way into the Himalayas.

You can also trek at other times of the year, but you will need to be more prepared for severe weather conditions. Clear skies and spectacular views are also possible during the winter season, which lasts from December to March.

However, it can be freezing at higher altitudes, with thick snow on the ground, causing the Thorong La Pass to close suddenly. If you plan to trek during the winter, bring extra layers, a thick sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of at least -20°C, and climbing gear, which can be purchased in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit Climate

Nepal’s second most famous trek is the Annapurna Circuit, ranging from subtropical meadows to semi-arid lands. The trek’s climatic changes are remarkable.

The Round Annapurna Trek includes a crossing of the 5416-meter-high Thorung La pass. The pass’s summit is higher in elevation than Everest Base Camp. If you attempt to climb the pass during a difficult season, it is a nerve-racking experience. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is attainable throughout Nepal’s four seasons. This trek can be comfortable and successful with the proper planning, equipment, and supplies.

Required Equipment for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The list below provides an overview of the trekking equipment and clothing required for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. This will vary depending on your personal needs and the conditions of the Trek.

• A sleeping bag
• Duffel Bag
• Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights, evenings, and altitudes above 13,000 feet.)

 

1. Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

• Sun Hat
• A hat made of wool or synthetic material that covers the ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Head Torch
• Neckwarmer
• Scarfs

 

2. Hand

• Liner gloves
• Heavier shell gloves (For winter)

 

3. Core Body

• T-shirts (2)
• Lightweight expedition thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Water/windproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
• Synthetic sports bras (for women)

 

4. Lower Body – Legs

• Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
• Nylon hiking shorts
• Softshell and hardshell trekking pants
• Water/windproof trousers
• Casual pants

 

5. Feet

• Liner socks
• Heavyweight socks (For winter)
• Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
• Light shoes/sneakers
• Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

 

6. Medicines And First Aid Kits

(Please note Peregrine’s team will carry the first-aid kit bag during the Round Annapurna Trek. However, we still recommend you bring your personalized first-aid kit.)

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)

 

7. Miscellaneous, but Important!

• Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
• Airline tickets
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)

 

8. Optional

• Adjustable trekking poles
• Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
• Paperback, cards, mp3 player, headphones
• Binoculars
• Power Bank
• Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and also batteries)
• A pee bottle for men and a pee funnel for women

 

Please note that this is just a guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. WHERE IS THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT LOCATED?

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking is located in the western region of Nepal between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.

Q2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TREK THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT?

The Annapurna Circuit Trekking generally takes around two weeks.

Q3. WHICH IS THE BEST SEASON TO TREK THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT?

The best season is September-November because you get clear views after the monsoon. The second-best spring season in the spring, i.e., March-April, as you see rare wildflowers on the trail. However, the Round Annapurna Trek can be done around the year.

Q4. HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO TREK THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT?

Any healthy individual can do Round Annapurna Trek as it is only moderately challenging. However, Children and elderly citizens are not recommended to do this Trek.

Q5. HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WALK EVERY DAY?

You will have to walk 6-7 hours a day on average.

Q6. WHAT PERMITS DO I NEED TO TAKE FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING?

You need two permits in the Annapurna Region: an ACAP Permit and a TIMS Card. You’ll need ACAP permission to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) because the ACA comprises a significant portion of the trek. A TIMS Card is necessary to trek on Nepal’s major trekking trails, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Q7. HOW HIGH IS THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT?

The Annapurna Circuit reaches the highest altitude at Thorong La Pass, i.e., 5,416 meters.

Q8. HOW IS THE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING?

You will stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, while the accommodation is in a lodge/teahouse while on the trek.

Q9. DO I GET AN INTERNET FACILITY ON THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK?

You will get Internet facilities in most places. But remember that the speed is not as fast as in your homeland.

Q10. IS THERE AN ATM FACILITY ON THE AROUND ANNAPURNA TREK?

No. Make sure you withdraw cash in Besishahar before the trek starts.

Q11. DO I NEED TO HIRE A GUIDE/AGENCY FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING?

You can do the trek alone. But we recommend you take the service of government-authorized trekking agencies who will care for your comfort, safety, and well-being.

We have officially started a series of travel blogs that include travel information. This section will go over Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The trek takes in the best of Nepal’s scenery, including stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and landscapes ranging from subtropical to alpine heath and even semi-desert.