Annapurna Circuit Trek

Sceneries during Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route goes through the beautiful Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers will hike from the lower subtropical forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and firs to conifer forests and alpine meadows. Thus, they will be able to witness the diverse and beautiful Himalayan flora and fauna. You will cross several suspension bridges over sparkling rivers while trekking past streams, waterfalls, and glaciers. The trails will also take you past traditional Gurung and Magar villages with terraced fields on the hillside. You will also get to visit the sacred Muktinath Temple and beautiful monasteries.

From the Poon Hill vantage point at the elevation of  3,210 meters, trekkers can watch the spectacular sunrise and sunset with the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. The view from the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) is breathtakingly stunning as you witness the surrounding mountain vistas and landscapes. During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will get to witness mountain panoramic views of the Annapurna, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Thorung Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu (East and West), and more.

Challenges of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek has a few challenges, making it a strenuous journey. These challenges include:

Duration and Distance

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 12 to 22 days, depending on the route. During the trek, trekkers have to cover 160 to 210 km. The long distance and duration of the trek are physically and mentally challenging, and trekkers must be ready to overcome various other problematic factors. Compared to the Annapurna Trek, trekking in the Annapurna Circuit route is more strenuous and demanding.

Rough Trails & Terrain

The trekking trails of the Annapurna Circuit go from dense woodlands to alpine meadows and icy trails. Although the trails are well-designated, they are off-beat, rough, and uneven. There are steep and narrow uphill and downhill pathways. The average walking time is between 6 and 7 hours. Similarly, trekkers must ascend and descend steep stone staircases, which is physically demanding. Overcoming the rough trails and terrain requires good fitness and stamina.

Altitude

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers will ascend to a high elevation above 5,000 meters above sea level. Ascending to higher elevations while walking on the rough trails is a physically arduous journey. Additionally, it can cause trekkers to experience altitude-related sickness. Trekkers can experience various symptoms that can be fatal if taken too lightly. The facilities also get more essential as you trek to the higher-elevation regions. It can also cause mental strain on trekkers.

Unpredictable Weather

As you go higher, the weather becomes more unpredictable. Despite the season, the weather changes rapidly, making forecasting difficult. A sudden shift in weather, such as rain, winds, hot sun, or snow, can create challenges for trekkers. Hence, trekkers must prepare to face any weather during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Altitude Sickness During Annapurna Circuit Trek

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will reach a high altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level at the Thorong La Pass. Due to the trek’s high altitude nature, trekkers may succumb to altitude sickness. The risk of altitude-related sickness begins after trekkers ascend above 2500 meters. The reason is the decreasing oxygen level in the atmosphere and reduced air pressure.

The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe. It can differ from trekker to trekker, depending on their body type. Based on its severeness, it has three types, which are as follows:

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)

It is the mildest form of altitude sickness. Trekkers experience the symptoms within some hours after ascending to higher elevations. It includes symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, swelling, and difficulty breathing. 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE is a severe altitude sickness that develops within the first two to four days of higher elevation ascension. HAPE occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs when the body lacks oxygen at higher elevations. The symptoms include chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, persistent dry cough, and change in colors of lips or fingertips into blue or gray.  

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

When AMS progresses to severe form, it results in HACE. It occurs when a lack of oxygen in the body accumulates fluid in the brain. The symptoms include neurological symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, lack of coordination, and change in behavior.

Understanding the elevation gain also helps trekkers better prepare for the trek. They can plan their itinerary and include acclimatization days as per their requirements. Acclimatization allows the trekker’s body to adjust to the growing elevation and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Staying hydrated and slow ascension to the higher elevation are also ways to reduce the risk. Trekkers must let their trekking guide know immediately if they begin to experience the symptoms. Your guide will provide immediate assistance or call for rescue for your safety.

Best Time For Annapurna Circuit Trek

The season is crucial in elevating your overall trek experience, including the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Spring and autumn are the peak trekking seasons with the best weather. Summer and winter are off-season as they possess challenges, but trekking at these seasons has its charms. Let us look at each of the four seasons of the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a peak season for trekking to Annapurna Circuit due to clear weather, dry trails, and moderate temperatures. The precipitation level is low except for occasional rainfall. Moreover, the flora and fauna are most active, so you have a higher chance of witnessing the region’s rare animals. Trekkers will hike through the blooming rhododendron forest trails and colorful meadows. The mountain views are clear, and the landscapes are now vibrant. The average daytime temperature of higher elevations is 8 to 0 degrees Celsius.

Summer (June to August)

The weather is warm during summer, but the monsoon also begins simultaneously. It brings heavy rainfall, and the lower region’s trails of the Annapurna Circuit get wet and muddy. There is also an increased risk of landslides and mudslides. As a result, most trekkers avoid summer trekking. But the landscape looks green and luscious as rain cleanses the surroundings. The average daily temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the favorite season among trekkers and an excellent time for Annapurna Circuit Trek. The season has the most stable and favorable weather conditions. The sky is clear with minimal rainfall, so the trails are dry. The landscapes and vegetation look green and fresh. Similarly, the autumn foliage and crystal-clear views make the trek more enjoyable. The average daytime temperature ranges around 20 degrees Celsius, while the nighttime temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius.

Winter (December to February)

Winter begins the off-season for trekking in Nepal. Although the daytime is usually warm, the temperature drops, especially in higher regions, where it snows heavily. It can drop below -10 degrees Celsius at night time. There can also be snow blizzards and a risk of avalanches. However, many experienced trekkers choose winter to challenge themselves and enjoy the snow-covered winter landscapes. Moreover, the trails are quieter, and you can enjoy the spectacular mountain panoramas.

History of Annapurna Circuit

The history of the Annapurna Circuit dates back to 1977 when the government of Nepal opened its routes for trekkers. Before that, there was a dispute between the Nepalese government and Khampa guerillas near the Tibetan border. The route was opened after the conflict was settled between the two parties. The starting point of the classic route of the circuit was Dumre, and it took 22 to 23 days to complete the trek.

Road construction began north of Beni and Dumre in the early eighties and is ongoing. Recently, construction has made road access available to Chame in Manang and Phedi in Mustang. With the recent construction, the duration of the Annapurna Circuit Trek has shortened immensely. However, trekkers can still prefer to take the classic route.

Accommodation

Teahouses, lodges, guest houses, and homestays are the most common accommodations along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. As there is a lack of proper infrastructure in higher areas of the region, the facilities are essential, and amenities are limited. 

During the trek, you will stay at teahouses on a twin-sharing basis. Usually, these accommodations have shared bathrooms and communal dining spaces. You may find stays in lower regions with single rooms and attached bathrooms. But as you ascend to higher elevations, the facilities will become basic.

Meals

Taking nutritious meals during a demanding trek like the Annapurna Circuit is essential. Luckily, the teahouses and shops along the route offer various meals, including Nepalese staple food and Indian, continental, and Western cuisines.

You will find Dal Bhat on every menu item at eateries along the route. This staple of Nepalese cuisine, which is high in carbohydrates and protein, includes cooked rice, lentil soup, curries, and pickles. Other menu options include momo, chowmein, thukpa, stew, salad, porridge, cornflakes, bread (Tibetan/Chapati), pasta, sandwiches, spaghetti, burgers, fries, etc.

It is best to avoid dairy products, caffeine, chocolate drinks, and alcoholic beverages during the trek. Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, you must inform your trekking agency beforehand. They will make the meal arrangements accordingly.

Visa For Trekking In Nepal

All foreign travelers except Indian nationals must have a visa for trekking and touring in Nepal. They can get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meanwhile, those traveling by land can get the visa at the Immigration Office at the Nepal border.

To obtain the visa, your passport must have at least six months of validity and provide a passport-size photo. The visa costs will vary depending on your stay in Nepal. Children under the age of ten are eligible for a free visa. Similarly, the residents from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Countries (SAARC) and China will get free visas. The visa costs are as follows:

• 15 days: USD 30
• 30 days: USD 50
• 90 days: USD 120

Travel Insurance

Annapurna Circuit is a high-altitude trek, so travel insurance is mandatory. During the trek, you will reach the maximum elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level at Thorung La Pass. The trails are also steep and physically demanding. Hence, trekkers can experience altitude sickness, and there are minimum risks of injury, illness, and other unforeseen events.

Travel insurance must cover altitudes above 5,000 meters and altitude-related sickness. It should also cover medical bills and emergency expenses such as helicopter evacuation. The insurance must also cover trip cancellation/ postponement and baggage loss/ damage. Your guide and travel agency will use the policy to arrange quick rescue operations and emergency medical assistance.

Permit

The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires two permits:

TIMS Card

Trekkers must obtain a TIMS card to trek in Nepal. While applying for the card, trekkers must provide personal details, including emergency contacts and a trek itinerary. This information is vital for rescue operations during natural disasters and accidents.

The fees for the TIMS card are NPR 1000 per person for SAARC nationals and NPR 2000 per person for non-SAARC nationals.

ACAP

The Annapurna Circuit trails are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area with diverse flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Because of its delicate environment, trekkers must obtain a permit to access the region, called the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP).

ACAP costs NPR 1000 per person for SAARC nationals and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC nationals.

Extra Personal Expenses

You must bring sufficient cash for the Annapurna Circuit Trek as extra personal expenses. The trek packages cover your transportation, accommodations, and meals during the trek. However, they do not cover everything. For example, snacks and drinks during the trek are the trekker’s expenses. The additional cost for services like internet, hot shower/ water, charging device, etc., are also the trekker’s expenses.

Typical Day In Trek

Each day during the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers something new, exciting, and fascinating. You will hike through forest trails, pass by charming villages, rivers, and waterfalls, and cross many suspension bridges. There will be plenty of awe-inspiring moments and photo-taking opportunities.

Your day begins early. After you have tea and breakfast, you will start your trek. Depending on your destination, your trek begins at 7 or 8 AM. You will continue trekking until midday. Then, you will take a short lunch break for an hour. The afternoon treks are usually shorter and take around two or three hours.

Upon reaching your destination for the day, you can rest or explore the surrounding areas. Your dinner will usually be around 7 PM. After dinner, your trek guide will give you a short briefing for the next day’s journey. Then, you can play games, chat, read books, or do anything you like, but turn in early for a good night’s sleep and rest.

Communication

The accommodations along the Annapurna Circuit provide internet and WiFi services for an additional cost of around USD 2. The connectivity is poor, but enough to contact your family and friends back home. You can also buy a local SIM card to communicate in Kathmandu. However, the network signal may not work correctly as you move to higher elevations, and the signal can vary depending on the network. 

Currency exchange

You can exchange the currencies upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. However, you can also exchange significant currencies in local banks and financial institutions, as well as legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu. There are many such facilities around the tourist hub, Thamel. The legitimate money exchange counters display their rates visibly, so you can check them and take the service.

There are also ATM facilities available 24/7 everywhere in Kathmandu. The maximum withdrawal is NPR 35,000, and NPR 500 for service charge. You can take the money exchange service at banks and financial institutes, but they charge 4% as a service charge fee. As you get farther from the capital city, the ATM facilities become limited, and in remote areas, the services are non-existent.