Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Choosing the right season is a must while planning to trek in the Annapurna Circuit. Spring and Autumn are considered the perfect seasons for trekking in Nepal. During these seasons, the weather is clear and crisp, the views of the Himalayas blow your mind, and, temperature-wise, it's a perfect season for exploring Nepal. 

Spring (March-May), this season is perfect for trekking in the Annapurna region. This season offers perfect scenic views of the Himalayas and green hills, and the temperature is perfect. The sky is clear and crisp; the daytime temperature is good for walking on the trail. Walking through a lush rhododendron forest, enjoying the colorful forest view, and watching the great snow-peaked Himalayas in the distance make the journey adventurous and enjoyable. 

Autumn (September-November) is the best and peak season for trekking in Nepal. Most of the trekkers choose this season to explore Nepal. After the monsoon season, the weather becomes crystal-clear, and the greenery of the surrounding hills and, picturesque views of the Himalayas attract travellers. During this season, most of the trekking trails are crowded with a huge number of travellers from around the world. 

Similarly, monsoon and winter seasons are not recommended for trekking in the high-altitude region. During the monsoon, there are very high chances of landslides on the trail; the trails are fully slippery, and leeches are found on the trail, making trekking difficult. 

The winter season is also not considered a trekking season due to snowfall in the high-altitude regions. The trails are covered by the snow, and most of the teahouses are closed during this season. 

To trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, you need to obtain two main permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Cost: Approximately US$30 for 15 days, with an additional fee for extra days.
• Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
  • Helps in trekker tracking for safety and emergency purposes.
  • Cost: Individual trekkers: US$20 

ACAP is issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Office or authorized offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or at trail entry points. The TIMS card has to be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Travelling in the high-altitude region is quite difficult. Walking in the remote villages and high-altitude trails is not as easy as walking in the park every day. Thus, we expect incidents: AMS, floods, sickness, landslides, and avalanches. To address these issues, you should process travel insurance. For undertaking any adventure sport in Nepal, insurance is compulsory.

The insurance policy must cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter evacuation. The cost of these kinds of things is relatively high, so to cover these kinds of expenses, trekkers need to have travel insurance that admits to covering these emergencies. 

Trekkers should leave a copy of their travel insurance at the Boundless Adventure office. In case of an emergency, the office uses the policy to make arrangements for rescue. 

Food

The food options are varied in lower elevations or in the city areas; you will have a lot of options to choose from. However, as you go up higher in the Annapurna Circuit, the options become limited, but you will be eating healthy food provided by the local teahouses. Most of the teahouses serve local produce.

You'll have foods like Tibetan bread, hot tea, soup, green veggies, eggs, omelets, and other available items on the trail for breakfast. In the case of lunch and dinner, you'll have dal-bhat, i.e., a plate of rice, lentils, green vegetables, salads, curd, pickles, and other seasonal foods. There are other food items like noodles, chow mein, thukpa, muesli, fried rice, and others.

Most of the teahouses have a big dining hall where all the people sit together and enjoy their meal. The room is warm, and you can find firewood in the center. Trekkers can share their experience, interact with each other, and have fun. 

Take a water bottle with you; besides that, also keep purification tablets in your bag. During the time of trekking, you might be required to drink water from the tap or from the river. 

Accommodation

Throughout the trekking days in the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll be staying at a local teahouse or in a lodge. The rooms are shared during peak season. There will be a wooden bed, a mattress, a pillow, and a warm blanket. Their facilities are basic yet comfortable. Also, you can get private rooms, but they're quite hard to find, and you’ll have to pay an extra amount of money for this. 

And the bathrooms are shared in most of the teahouses on the trekking route. There are squat-based toilets. 

But in the city area, you will stay in a private room with an attached bathroom.

In those days of trekking, do not expect luxurious services and lodges on the way.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Most of the teahouses on the trek routes have multiple vegetarian and vegan meal options. As the altitude increases, non-vegetarian food options decrease dramatically, and thus, finding vegetarian and vegan meals can become easier.

When you order, specify that you are a vegetarian or vegan so that there will not be a misunderstanding. 

Note: Consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic items while trekking is not allowed. Similarly, consumption of meat during the trekking days is not recommended.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to challenging trek route. It all depends on the route, pace, and altitude of the terrain. You need to walk for 10-14 days, depending on your itinerary. The walking can be done for 4-6 hours daily. The maximum height the trek reaches is up to Thorong La Pass, which is 5,416 m (17,769 ft). There is a high risk of altitude sickness, so proper acclimatization is needed.

Also, the terrain changes from lowland walking to rugged terrain, including steep ascents, rocky trails, river crossings, and sometimes snow or ice near high passes. Weather can change rapidly, from warm valley temperatures to cold, windy high-altitude conditions. Monsoon season brings slippery paths and heavy rain.

Although this is a non-technical trek, it is appropriate for relatively fit, healthy people with some previous experience of trekking, while complete beginners may well attempt the trek with a guide and porter and adequate preparation.

How to Prepare Your Body for a Trek

Preparing your body for high-altitude trekking is essential. To trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, your body needs to have good physical stamina and a strong head. The right physical preparation improves your trekking experience and reduces the risk of injury or altitude sickness. 

You need to do proper cardiovascular training and strength training, and go hiking once a week. Also, practice stretching and yoga to make your body flexible and stable for trekking in high-altitude regions. 

And include more nutritious food in your diet, and hydrate your body during the most intense periods of training. Also, build a strong mental attitude to cope with stress at high-altitude trekking.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a famous trekking destination in Nepal. This trail offers some of the most majestic Himalayan views that every trekker dreams of seeing with their own eyes. From start to finish, every day, trekkers are rewarded with the great Himalayan peaks' views at every stop of the journey.

Trekkers can enjoy the views of the Himalayas below.

• Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft)
• Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft)
• Annapurna II (8,091 m / 26,545 ft)
• Annapurna III (7,555 m / 24,787 ft)
• Gangapurna (7,455 m / 24,459 ft)
• Tilicho Peak (7,134 m / 23,405 ft)
• Chulu West (6,419 m / 21,059 ft)
• Thorong Peak (6,144 m / 20,157 ft)
• Lamjung Himal (6,983 m / 22,910 ft)
• Tukuche Peak (6,920 m / 22,703 ft)
• Pisang Peak (6,091 m / 19,974 ft)
• Machapuchare (Fishtail) (6,993 m / 22,943 ft)

Every day you’ll see these mountains in front of you. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be enjoyed both solo and in a group. 

Being an independent trekker, you can trek the Annapurna Circuit. You can plan your own trek, do the permit work, and go for an independent trek. You get complete freedom for trekking at your own pace. It allows you to connect with nature and with yourself, and interact with the locals independently.

Although solo trekking is adventurous, it also comes with challenges. You need to plan logistics carefully, manage navigation, and ensure safety, especially in high-altitude regions like Thorong La Pass. However, if you plan to trek solo, hiring a guide is highly recommended. They help you with navigation and interacting with the locals, and they inform you about the place and the environment, and help in emergencies. 

Group trekking while going on the Annapurna region treks is fun and joyful. Whether with friends, family, or organized groups, it provides safety and convenience simultaneously. Guides handle accommodation and route plans, and they are of much help during any emergencies. You can enjoy new companionship while group trekking; interaction and sharing experiences with them make the journey fun and memorable. The major trade-off involves a diminished level of flexibility: the group determines a pace that works for everyone, rest stops, and perhaps limits how much you can vary your schedule to spontaneously explore things along the way. 

Packing the most essential items in your bag is recommended while trekking the Annapurna Circuit. Here is the essential list of items that you should carry in your trekking bag.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts and thermal underwear.
• Fleece jackets or down sweaters for warmth.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
• Trekking pants and shorts
• Wool or synthetic trekking socks
• Trekking boots, camp shoes, and sandals
• Buff or scarf
• Warm gloves and a hat

Gear

• Backpack: 40–50 liters for trekking essentials.
• Daypack: For short excursions and essentials during the day.
• Sleeping bag: Rated for -10°C to -15°C for high-altitude nights.
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Water purification tablets or a filter
• Trekking poles

Documents & Money

• Passport and visa
• Permits
• Cash in Nepalese Rupees

Personal Items

• Sunglasses
• High SPF Sunscreen & lip balm
• Toiletries
• Quick-dry towel
• Personal medications
• First aid kit
• A camera or smartphone
• Power bank
• Universal travel adapter
• Sleeping liner for extra warmth
• Snacks
• Notebook or journal for documenting your trek.