Everything You Need to Know Before Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek isn’t just about circumnavigating the trail around the mighty Annapurna ranges. It’s the legendary trek in the Annapurna region that promises varied landscapes, natural grandeur, and rich cultural encounters, all in one rewarding journey.

However, before actually hitting the Annapurna Circuit trail, you have to consider various things such as feasibility, duration, difficulty, packing list, and many more. This can be confusing and quite a hassle. But don’t worry. We will help you ease your confusion with all the information you need before embarking on this amazing trekking in Nepal.

About the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking the Annapurna circuit is a classic round trek around the Annapurna massif, where you don’t have to walk on the same section. Each day reveals a unique and diverse facet of the Annapurna region. From the lower Annapurna region to Manang and finally lower Mustang, this journey is full of surprises.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Highlights

• Traversing through the five different climatic zones
• Cultural encounters through the charming villages of Pisang, Manang, Marpha, etc
• Visiting the revered sacred temple of Muktinath
• Exploring astounding side highlights like Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake, and Milarepa Cave
• Expansive mountain views, including Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range
• Crossing the formidable Thorung La Pass

Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparation

Day 3: Drive to Besi Sahar

Day 4: Drive to Chame

Day 5: Trek to Pisang

Day 6: Trek to Ngawal

Day 7: Trek to Manang

Day 8: Trek to Yak Kharka

Day 9: Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

Day 11: Explore Kagbeni and take a Jeep drive to Marpha

Day 12: Drive to Pokhara

Day 13: Free Day in Pokhara

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 15: Transfer to the Airport for Departure

What’s Trekking the Annapurna Circuit Like: Trek Basics

Total Trek Duration

Annapurna Circuit is a well-rounded long-day trek that will take anywhere around 13 to 20 days. The duration of the trek can completely depend on the trekker. If you have prior experience and a good pace, you can complete this trek in a short time. However, novice trekkers can take longer days. Moreover, acclimatization days during the trek can also increase the duration of the journey.

Total Trek Distance

In this multi-day trek, you will cover approximately 160 to 230 km. Each day on the journey, you will cover around 7 to 12 km. If you explore more side highlights, then the distance of the trek may increase accordingly.

Trek Grade

Annapurna Circuit Himalayas is considered a moderately challenging trek without any technical sections. However, you will have to cope with dramatic and challenging terrain while walking at high altitude. Moreover, the long walking hours make this trek more exhausting.

Highest Point in the Trek

The mighty Thorung La Pass at a thumbing elevation of 5416 m is the Annapurna Circuit highest point. From the top of this high altitude pass, you can witness the close-up view of panoramic sky-scraping mountains and an expansive sweeping view of the valley beneath you.

Starting and Ending Points

Since trekking the Annapurna circuit is walking through the circular route, you will start your trek from Chame after a scenic onland drive from Kathmandu via BesiSahar. Then, following the trails of Pisang and Manang, you will approach the Thorung La Pass. After descending from the pass, you will reach Muktinath. Then you will walk through Marpha and reach Kagbeni, where you will end your trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty Factors

So, what factors can lead this trek to be a moderately difficult trek?

1. High altitude

Reaching such a lofty altitude of 5416 m at Thorung La Pass is no joke. On top of that, most of the trekking days will require you to walk above 3000 m, which directly increases the risks of altitude sickness.

2. Long duration

This trek requires you to walk for 6 to 8 hours continuously for more than two weeks. Imagine walking for these daunting hours while constantly elevating to a higher altitude. Without prior preparation, walking on rugged terrain for hours and days is almost impossible.

3. Challenging Terrain

Walking around the mighty Annapurna massif is not easy. You will have to walk the lush forested trail with many steep uphill and downhill sections during the initial leg of the trek. Then, you will have to traverse the rugged landscapes and walk alongside the ridgeline amidst the sparse vegetation. The highlight of the trek being Thorung La Pass, which requires you to tackle the icy and steep high pass.

Who Can Embark On the Annapurna Circuit Trail?

Analysing whether you are a perfect fit for embarking on the Circuit Annapurna Trek can be quite tricky. Let us make it simple for you; all you have to do is answer these simple questions.

• Do you have a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience?
• Do you have any prior experience in high-altitude trekking?
• Are you fit with no extreme health issues like joint pain, respiratory issues, or heart issues?
• Are you ready to train yourself beforehand for the trek?
• Are you someone who enjoys the mountain views and is excited to learn about new cultures and people?

If you nodded yes to all these questions, then you are completely fit for relishing this amazing trek around the Annapurna range.

Preparation For the Trek to Annapurna Circuit

No trek can be successfully completed without any prior preparation, especially treks like the Annapurna Circuit, which involves exploration above 5000 m. The first preparation you should make is to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Incorporate strength training and cardio exercises to increase your overall strength, stamina, and endurance. Likewise, learning about the routes, trail conditions, highlights, etc, will help you keep realistic expectations about the journey.

The next thing you should prepare is your packing list for the trek. Trust us when we say this, your packing list can entirely make or break your journey. Make sure to pack all your essentials, including appropriate clothing, a sleeping bag, and prescribed medications. Moreover, you should carry trekking poles and other gear, especially to tackle the high altitude pass.

The next thing you should pack is comfortable trekking shoes. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF.  Other packing lists include a camera, chargers, power banks, snacks, reusable bottles, etc. You also have to prepare for altitude sickness. Carry altitude sickness medications like Diamox with you. Stay hydrated throughout the trek and ascend gradually to avoid AMS.

What Permits are Needed for the Circuit Annapurna Trek?

Like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will also need to obtain two permits for this trek

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Accommodation on Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

As you know by now, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the mainstream and popular trekking routes in Nepal. So, you can find basic to moderate types of accommodation options during the journey. You will see many cozy teahouses and lodges dotting the trail. These teahouses will offer you twin-sharing rooms for your overnight stay. While trekking in the lower elevation, you can find moderate amenities like an attached bathroom, a hot shower, etc. However, as you incline more to the higher altitude, the facilities and amenities start getting basic.

Meals and Drinks During Hike Annapurna Circuit

Let us share one secret about trekking in Nepal. Most of the teahouses and lodges in the trekking routes make money through meals and drinks rather than accommodation. Sometimes when you are trekking during off-season, if you eat meals in the teahouses, they may offer you free accommodation. Worry not. These eateries will have a wide range of food options that can accommodate the tastes of trekkers.

You can find all 3 meals(breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with both veg and non-veg options. For breakfast, you can expect some light type of food, including bread, puri tarkari, oats, congee, porridge, muesli, eggs, etc. Dinner and lunch have similar food options that are high in carbohydrates and protein. You can expect Dal Bhat Tarkari, momo, thukpa, chowmein, pasta, etc.

For drinks, you can find tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, and even hard drinks. If you are opting for the Annapurna Circuit trek package with a travel agency, the price may not include the cost of the drinks. Also, don’t forget to try local food like Thakali food in Marpha and Jomsom. Yak cheese and meat during your stay in Manang.

What About Connectivity and Other Facilities in the Annapurna Circuit Route?

Hot Shower? It’s available in most of the teahouses but comes only after paying an additional amount. Then what about charging electronics? Most of the tea houses have electricity, so you can easily charge your electronics, but charging can cost you an additional few dollars, anywhere between $2-$5.

If you are wondering about WiFi, then you can find WiFi connectivity in the bigger teahouses. However, it can get slow while you have to pay an extra amount for access. Instead of using WiFi, you can use a local SIM Card for the internet. Even though heavy usage may not be possible, basic usage, browsing, messaging, and checking emails are manageable.

What is the Best Time For Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit?

Annapurna Circuit Trek welcomes you year-round, but if you want to make the most out of your trek, then choose trekking during the autumn and spring seasons. During the spring(March to May), nature is most vibrant, when the lower Annapurna region is filled with rhododendron blossoms. Moreover, the excellent visibility allows you to immerse yourself in the panorama of the Annapurna massifs.

Likewise, autumn(September to November) also promises an ideal trekking atmosphere. The dry trails with pleasant weather make the Annapurna Circuit hike comfortable and convenient. On top of that, the festive vibe during autumn adds more delight to cultural encounters on the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost

If you are opting for any Annapurna Circuit Trek package with a travel agency, then the Annapurna Circuit cost can be around $1000 – $2500. Another way for the Annapurna Circuit guided trek is to hire guides and porters.

The cost of hiring a guide can range $25 to $35 per day. Similar to that, hiring a porter can cost you around $15 to $20 per day. If you want to explore the region independently, then it is also possible. The cost may be low if you plan rightly, but if you don’t plan smartly, it can be quite expensive.

The Annapurna Circuit is a bucket-list adventure that leaves a lasting impression — not just on your camera but on your heart and soul. After knowing more about the Annapurna Circuit trek from this blog, we hope you are ready to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.