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Annapurna Circuit Trek is splendid long trekking route of Nepal. It is beautiful. In fact, it is the most splendid trekking trail to walk in Nepal. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. The journey requires immense planning. Permits, altitude sickness precaution and updated navigation skill factors come into the successful trip. Read about things to know before Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.
When we are hyped up it is easy to just lace our boots and embark on hiking. It is not as simple as that. If you want quick fun and Himalayan experience in very short time, try our short treks. Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal Trek are an ideal choices.
However, Annapurna Circuit Trek is different beast.
These are the things to know before Annapurna Circuit Trek recommended for you as a result of our years of experience in the field of Nepal Trekking
Know the basic facts of the trail. It is wise to know the route where you have to walk. It prepares us physically as well as mentally.
Location: Gandaki Province, Nepal
Trip Length: Short (10 Days – Jomsom Out) & Full (17 Days – Poon Hill Included)
Difficulty: Easy-Challenging-Moderate-Easy
Distance: 160 km to 235 km
Highest Altitude: 5416 m (Thorong La Pass)
Trekking in Nepal depends heavily on climate and weather in some regions. However, there are numerous places where you can trek throughout the year. As for Annapurna Circuit Trek avoid monsoon and winter season. During monsoon the trail is slipper and winter comes with heavy snowfall.
The best season to trek Annapurna Circuit is between late February and April for the spring season. For autumn season October to early December is also good time to trek.
Most of the trekking itinerary of Nepal Trekking follows the clockwise pattern. However, Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary follows the anti – clockwise. It is best for the proper acclimatization to the altitude.
The itinerary prepares you well for high altitude (Thorong La Pass Crossing). Moreover, you will be well prepared by the time you reach Thorong Phedi for ascent.
Here is the brief outline itinerary:
You can edit the itinerary by yourself as well. Choose wisely. There is a place from where you can fly directly to Pokhara. It excludes Poon hill section.
Well, this topic is highly debated. Some prefer solo hike and for some group hike is the best. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Particularly for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, i recommend you to book with the agency.
Leave all hassles to agency. Local guide and porters knows the area well. It is to avoid unnecessary incidents too. Lodging, permits, navigation and information become easier with the agency.
You must be fit to trek in Nepal but not super fit as some suggests. The trail is relatively easier on Annapurna Circuit Trek except for some days.
Trekkers have to trek about 15-20 kilometre in an average with long lunch breaks.
However, Thorong La Pass crossing day is challenging. You have to wake up early in the morning about 4 am. The steep uphill climbing is really tiring.
Start to do some cardio exercises 1 month prior to your trekking. Prepare your body for the gradual walking up to 6 hours continuously.
Altitude sickness is not joke. It may happen to anyone regardless of physical fitness. Therefore, you need to be careful once you enter the area beyond 3000 m.
Get travel insurance before trip. It helps.
Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated. Eat enough food. Carry diamox (consult with doctor) for emergency. Communicate with your guide all the time. Let everyone know about your conditions. Don’t over push yourselves.
Accommodation in Annapurna Circuit Trek trail is decent. You will find a good twin sharing room with enough space.
Moreover, after long day’s walk a warm bedding is what makes you happy.
In every lodge you will find the small gathering place. Traditional wood fire oven in middle heat the room. You can chat with fellow trekkers in warm room all you like. It is truly blissful to share your experiences and listen others in dining area.
Food is standard. Surprisingly, you can find varieties of food. You can have local Dal Bhat Tarkari or western menu. Don’t go into fine dining culinary mode though. It is not lavish but not savvy too.
You need to get TIMS (TAAN Information Management System) permit and National Park Permit. Annapurna National Park Permit is also known as ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit.
Your agency will make these permits for you. If you are traveling solo, you need to arrange all these by yourselves. Therefore, having an agency helps.
Apart from these things, there are other small things which you shouldn’t avoid.
Respect the local culture. Talk with locals and try to understand them. Analyze your day’s events while having downtime in evening. Always take your rubbish out with you. You will find incredible scenery on the trail. Make sure you take pictures and leave footprints. Tipping is not compulsory but it’s expected. Carry only the things you require.
I hope you will have an amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek journey. These things to know before Annapurna Circuit Trek helps you to prepare for the trip. If you need to know more, please contact us. We will provide you updated itinerary. Counsel with our local travel experts and enjoy your trek in Nepal.
