Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd in 2024, 2025, or 2026 promises an unforgettable journey through the majestic Himalayas of Nepal. As you lace up your boots and set out on this iconic trek, you'll be met with a landscape of unparalleled beauty, where snow-capped peaks pierce the sky and lush valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. Himalayan Asia Treks, renowned for its expertise and commitment to safety, ensures that every step of your adventure is met with professional guidance and support. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu, where your journey begins, to the remote mountain villages where you'll rest each night, the trek offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal. Along the way, you'll traverse high mountain passes, including the famed Thorong La Pass, standing at an elevation of over 5,400 meters, challenging both your physical endurance and spirit of adventure. The trek also presents ample opportunities for cultural immersion, as you interact with local communities, visit ancient monasteries, and marvel at traditional Himalayan architecture. Each day brings new landscapes and experiences, from the lush forests of the lower valleys to the barren alpine deserts of the higher elevations. And as you reach the culmination of your journey, standing in awe of the panoramic views from Poon Hill, you'll understand why the Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the greatest trekking adventures on Earth. With Himalayan Asia Treks as your guide, you'll not only conquer the trails but also forge memories to last a lifetime.
Study the ins and outs of the Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide! Before making a journey to undergo a trek in Nepal, it's always better to be prepared. Therefore, you get to see some helpful information about the Annapurna Circuit Trek
(Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek). Known for majestic mountain views and crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and Tilicho Lake are the Annapurna Circuit Trek has always been famous amongst treks in Nepal.
Therefore we'll discuss a few topics in this Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide, such as; basic facts, the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit, the route, cost, and permits. By understanding better what the Annapurna Circuit entrails, you then, in return, get to experience the best Trek in Nepal!
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide: Table of Content:
Basic Facts about the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
- When to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
- What is the best itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
- Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek & permit fees.
- Self-Organized trek or via a Local Trekking Agency?
- What is the cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
- What types of foods and accommodation can you expect in Annapurna Circuit Trek?
- Annapurna Circuit trek packing list.
- Medical Attention: Altitude Sickness – Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Essential facts about the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Let's start with some basic facts about the Annapurna Circuit Trek. As a recently developed trekking area, the routes along the Annapurna Circuit Trek head up from Besisahar to Manang, the most significant settlement of the region north of the Annapurna Mountains. From Manang, you can also trek towards Tilichio Lake (4,919m), a turquoise lake deep in the Himalayas and, until recently, Nepal's highest lake! The highest lake now is the recently discovered Kajin Sara Lake (5,200m), which can be accessed by heading north from the Annapurna Circuit Trek towards Nar Phu. As the Annapurna Circuit is located in Central Nepal, the trail is combinable with many other Treks in Nepal. For example, you can combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the Annapurna Circuit trek from east to west. At the same time, it's possible to shorten the Annapurna Circuit trek due to road accessibility. Annapurna Circuit Trek distance of the Annapurna Circuit is 160km to 230km long. Depending on which route you take or how far you travel by jeep, trekking days can differ between 12 and 20 days. The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which connects the Manang and Mustang regions of Nepal. You can see during clear days of trekking over 140 mountains during the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek. To mention them all in this Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide would be near impossible! So here are some of the most to look forward to mountains that you can expect to see during the Circuit around the Annapurna Himalayas.
Famous mountains of the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- Annapurna I (8,091m) the 10th highest mountain in the world.
- Annapurna II (7,937m)
- Annapurna III (7,555m)
- Annapurna IV (7,525m)
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m) the 7th highest mountain in the world.
- Manaslu (8,156m) the 8th highest mountain in the world.
- Machhapuchhre (6,993m) the iconic Fishtail Mountain.
- Gangapurna (7,455m)
- Tilicho Peak (7,134m)
With at least 3 of the top 10 highest mountains globally, it's not surprising that the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal is and always will be a favorite for many trekkers and mountaineers!
When to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Knowing when to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek means being better prepared! For the Annapurna Circuit trek, this can mean amazing clear views or disaster and an inaccessible tour! The Annapurna Circuit Trek goes from as low as 750m to above 5,000m at the crossing of the Thorong La Pass. This trek means that until 2,500m, the weather will be warm during the day and chill during the night. But above that, it can get quite cold. The best seasons to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the autumn or spring seasons. According to our Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide, autumn stretches from October to early December and is possibly the best season. During this time, the skies will be clear, and the pleasantness of the blossoming rhododendrons adds to the value! Not to mention the incredible mountain views that you can experience during Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Best itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit has gone through some significant trial and road changes since its opening to trekkers in 1977. With options to drive up to Manang, there are many different itineraries and starting points to choose from. The classical Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Besisahar and goes in a counter-clockwise direction over the Thorong La Pass to Jomsom. So since the development, you can begin the Annapurna Circuit Trek as close to Manang, saving you a good number of days. You could also do the Annapurna Circuit trek in a clockwise direction starting from Jomsom. The risk will be to get used to the high altitude and avoiding the dreaded Acute Mountain Sickness. We find that the trekking the classical Circuit trek of 16 days is the best itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek, including Tilicho Lake, and is the best suited to show in the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide!
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Guide
The best time to trek Annapurna Circuit Trek is: October, November, April, and May are considered the best times for hiking. However, you need to know that October / November and mid-December are good months for Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Most people choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the spring and autumn seasons because these seasons offer the best weather conditions for hiking and the most beautiful scenery. For this reason, we believe that autumn is an excellent time to explore the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as it is when the weather is mild. March and April are also the best months to hike along the Annapurna Circular Trek if you want to see the flowering rhododendrons, which are the national trees of the iconic Himalayas.
Much of the Himalayas cannot be climbed in the summer season. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is in the rain shade, so you can see all forty -peaks, including those that are sometimes over 1,000 meters above sea level.
The Trek on the Annapurna Circuit can take 7 to 24 days; depending on weather and your time, you take a detour for a day of rest and where you finish the trek. The Annapurna Circuit Trek 16 days, and there is the possibility to take a short break halfway through so that you can still enjoy all the highlights it has to offer.
However, when the trekkers are ready to take the route, they fly to Pokhara in central Nepal, which is the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and then fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Thus, you will have plenty of time to enjoy Pokhara in the morning. Add a few days in Kathmandu at the beginning and end, and you have reconsidered your Annapurna Circuit Trek.
After an unforgettable time in Pokhara, which completes the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will drive to Kathmandu, which takes about 6 hours by tourist bus. It takes about 12 to 19 days to leave Kathmandu with a stopover in Pokhara before returning to the capital. Since the hikers who come to Annapurna Circuit Trek are already acclimatized and prepared for the trail, a visit to Annapurna Base Camp Trek will extend the duration of the Annapurna Circuit by about five days.
As mentioned, you can either hike the Annapurna Circuit Trek all by yourself or borrow a guide on arrival in Nepal.
Once you have received your hiking permit, the ACAP organization will provide you with a trekking profile that includes a detailed description of all the major cities you will meet along the way, as well as a list of accommodation and routes that you can find on your Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary. Technical and mountaineering skills are not required for Annapurna Circuit Trekking, but experienced trekkers would be greatly appreciated. Himalayan Asia Treks is not only helped you to improve your fitness level for The Annapurna Circuit Trek, but it would also be a great experience in terms of physical and mental fitness and overall experience.
There are also other interesting facts about Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal, such as the Birethanti Trekking Route and its location in the heart of Nepal. The journey begins and ends in lively Kathmandu, Nepal, where the adventure begins with a visit to Besi Sahar, where you will start your Annapurna Circuit Trek. Then, relax in the seaside town of Pokhara, which offers a variety of accommodation, food, water and water sports, as well as a lodge, homestay, and campsite. Many people tend to hang out in Pokhara after the tour is over, as this is where the trek ends for many hikers.
If there is one other addition to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, many people trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek (also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek) and its facilities. As we mentioned a few times, the tea house at Annapurna Circuit Trek is equipped with luxury items that make trekking a week easier and transport only a fraction of the stock. Other Trekking Packages in Nepal offer a wilderness experience, but not as much experience as the trek itself.
We decided to hike the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the summer, which is excellent as our lodge has most of it. Most of the routes that offer Annapurna Base Camp Trek days, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Days, and the rest of the route, takes place in spring and autumn. A shortened way that focuses on the dry northern regions of this route is an excellent option during the monsoon. If you want to travel the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the winter months, the best and busiest trek is in spring or autumn. While three weeks is the usual duration for tours on these circular routes, you can pack up in a week or two and get to the lodge in time. In summer, we hiked from the Annapurna circuit near the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and in winter.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day01: Arrival.
Day02: Kathmandu City Tour and trek preparation.
Day03: Drive to Bhulbhule via Besisahar.(9hrs).
Day04: Trek to Jagat (1300m-6hrs).
Day05: Trek to Dharapani (1960m-6hrs).
Day06: Trek to Chame (2710m-6hrs).
Day07: Trek to Pisang (3100m6hrs).
Day08: Trek to Manang (3440m-6hrs).
Day09: Acclimatization on Manang.
Day10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4350m-6hrs).
Day11: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4530m-6hrs).
Day12: Trek to Muktinath(3850m) via Thorung La Pass ( 5416m-6hrs).
Day13: Trek/ Drive to Jomsom.
Day14: Fly to Pokhara.
Day15: Drive /fly to Kathmandu.
Day16: Departure.
Accommodation on Annapurna Circuit Trek
In case you're hoping to remain at the Shangri-La, you'll be frustrated. But, on the off chance that you apply a little sound judgment and understand the Annapurna circuit is quite far off, you'll be happy with the fundamental convenience alternatives accessible.
Guesthouses and teahouses are dabbed along the entire trip, beginning from Besisahar right to Jomsom. They're pretty easily overlooked details produced using rock and wood and give invite alleviation toward the finish of a long day's journey.
Rooms at every teahouse are commonly twin offers, with enough space to spread out.
As the height builds, the convenience turns out to be essential. In any case, the higher you go, the more joyful you'll be with any sheet material! Every teahouse has a familiar territory that is usually fed with a fire at night. Finally, there is the place you'll invest the vast majority of your energy, having supper and meeting individual voyagers.
Most teahouses bring in their cash from food, so you hope to pay marginally more than you would in Kathmandu. However, we do suggest purchasing food and beverages at teahouses.
It will alleviate your burden right off the bat, and besides, it gives genuinely necessary pay to what in particular are now and then genuinely helpless networks.
We have likewise known about individuals anticipating free convenience in return for paying for food and drink. In any case, we'd urge anybody going to these zones to be reasonable, pay for both your convenience (not over a couple of USD) and your food, and help to help networks that urgently depend on vacationer dollars for their endurance.
Most teahouses will have essential conveniences, for example, showers and restrooms.
Up until Manang, you'll have the option to have hot, sunlight-based fueled showers, even though be set up to battle for the first situation, as they do run out rapidly! You do need to pay for warm showers; however, it's very justified, despite all the trouble.
You are likewise ready to charge your electronic gadgets, even though this comes at a bit of expense. On the other hand, we generally travel with our trusty sun-based charger to keep our gadgets charged for the day (trust us, the sun is out in full power, in any event, when it's cold here!).
Facts of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Before we get into the low down of what you have to think about the Annapurna Circuit Trek, here are a couple of fast realities about the journey for the detailed sweethearts among you!
- Location: Central Nepal
- Trip length: Generally 10-21 days
- Separation | this differs relying upon course and whether you take discretionary side journeys, however for the most part, between 170km - 230km
- The tallness of Annapurna 1 Main (the most elevated mountain in the Annapurna Massif) | 8091m
- Most elevated place: Thorong La Pass - 5416m (17,769ft).
When to Trek to Annapurna Circuit
Climbing in Nepal isn't a 'turn up at whatever point you like, and off you go' sort of issue; occasional changes (especially around storm period) massively affect where, how, and what you can climb here.
The periods for climbing the Annapurna Circuit are October - early December and late Feb - April.
Go outside of these occasions, and you hazard the effectively dubious Thorong La Pass being wholly snowed under (or more awful, similar to what occurred during the 2014 Nepal snowstorm debacle) or overwhelming monsoonal summer downpours causing elusive and dangerous conditions.
We did our Annapurna Circuit climb with Himalayan Asia Treks toward the finish of Feb - March and found the climate conditions great; refreshing and hot on the lower areas and fresh with some light snow at the more significant levels and the Pass.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Group Trek or Solo Trek:
One of the most discussed themes regarding climbing in Nepal is this: do it with a sorted out gathering, or hurl on a backpack loaded with your stuff and go only it?
By and by, we settled on a gathering climb 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek; however, we certainly experienced similarly the same number of a sharp climber going only it or with a companion. To put it plainly, both are suitable choices, and each accompanies its benefits and burdens.
Trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek in the group:
As two explorers used to free/solo travel on our terms, the idea of out of nowhere being limited by a gathering and its characters, in addition to a set schedule, and every one of that accompanies these two things were a touch of overwhelming. In any case, things being what they are, they needn't have been.
It's just plain obvious when you climb with a gathering, you're climbing with an instant cheer crew, a group of neighborhood aides and watchmen who a) know the way, b) know the indications of height ailment (more on that beneath), and c) can share goodies of information you'd, in any case, pass up.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in a Solo:
It's unquestionably not uncommon to see individuals self-exploring the Annapurna Circuit Trek without anyone else or climbing together in miniature gatherings.
Given that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is also one of Nepal's more well-known packages, you'll likewise catch many different adventurers following a comparative way. So you can either pal up and walk together or stroll among the wild performance and pull together for a round of cards soon after that.
As a Trekking information provider in Nepal, we suggest always book through local Trekking companies in Nepal like Himalayan Asia Treks and take guide and porter. That helps the local economy and contributes to preserving the Himalayas and local culture.
Fitness of Annapurna Circuit Trek
While you don't should be long-distance race fit to finish the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it's very worth placing in some hard yards at the rec center, in the mountains, or around the square before you leave.
Generally, the days are reasonable; 5-6hrs and 10-15kms, with many rests, long mid-day breaks, and a couple of rest days in the middle.
Every so often on your trip will include 8 hours at high elevation, beginning at 4 am. Different days can be over 20kms through the "Nepalese pads" (otherwise known as moving slopes) or on the day off. And afterward, there's the last day from Muktinath to Jomsom (you can find about that yourself!).
Our recommendation is to manufacture your general cardio (the great stuff!) for in any event a month preceding leaving just as a couple of back to back long stretches of significant distances strolling.
Get your feet used to be in boots for a long time. On the off chance that you need to, attempt height preparing before you leave. We didn't do this, yet we've heard great reports. You'll be appreciative you put forth the attempt when the opportunity arrives to bind up those boots up again for the sixth day straight.
Trekking permit in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Regardless of when or how you're climbing the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you'll have to sort out both a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) grant and an Annapurna National Park Permit (some of the time otherwise called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit-ACAP).
IN 2019, the licenses should hinder you by about USD 50 absolute: the ACAP is USD 30/NPR 3,000 for each individual, while the TIMS Permit is USD 20/NPR 2,000. In addition, trekking Permits are checked at different checkpoints along the journey.
In case you're trekking with a sorted-out visit gathering, your aides will probably deal with these for you.
If you're trekking without anyone else, you'll have to arrange these at either the Nepal Tourism office situated in Kathmandu or the Pokhara traveler office before you start the journey.
Ensure you bring at least four visa photographs for the traveling grant as well.
Difficulties of Annapurna Circuit Trek
"It's in every case farther than it looks. It's consistently taller than it looks. Also, it's consistently harder than it looks."
That is a statement about the 'three standards of mountaineering.' We're not so much sure who thought of it, yet they're pretty spot on except one detail: It's likewise in every case justified, despite all the trouble.
We will get all strong but fair affection on you here: the Annapurna Circuit Trek is long, tiring, and genuinely and intellectually extreme. Contingent upon which course you take, you will climb for 13+ days - presumably longer than your first secondary school sentiment.
Well, no doubt, possibly it is. However, trust us, when you're feeling overwhelmed by the tops around you, holding with your gathering over a cup of hot cocoa, or praising intersection the Thorong La Pass, these difficulties become so irrelevant you'll ask why they got you down in any case.
Altitude Sickness of Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Height ailment can influence anybody, including the fittest competitors alive (and Sir Edmund Hillary - the first summiteer of Everest!) so ensure you take all the essential safeguards after 3000m.
However, that incorporates taking Diamox (if you wish, however, talk with your primary care physician), remaining hydrated, fuelling up, and getting satisfactory rest. If you feel indications, let your guide know and make a move.
These difficulties in Annapurna Circuit Trek are not kidding poo; Miranda created HAPE, high elevation pneumonic edema (essentially, your veins choke and whole blood into your lungs, and left untreated, you can suffocate.. gross, right)? While climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in Africa. It was a terrible, long-haul recuperation.
We suggest looking into elevation infection before you leave.
Equipment of Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- A couple of good quality waterproof climbing boots
- Spare pair of inside shoes
- Six sets of clothing and four sets of socks.
- Two sets of climbing pants.
- One collection of shorts.
- Two jumpers (downy or woolen).
- Two warm tops (men here, women here) and bottoms.
- One goose-down coat.
- One Gore-Tex coat.
- One set of waterproof jeans.
- One beanie and one buff
- 1 set of thick gloves
- Individual cleanliness fundamentals
- Clinical fundamentals (like this medical aid pack)
- We utilize the Grayl water purifier and filtration bottle for drinking faucet water each spot we travel (counting India and Nepal!)
- Medical things in Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Bandages/rankle mortars
- Water sanitization tablets
- Imodium
- Antibacterial cream for scratches or cuts
- Hostile to histamine tablets - because the exact opposite thing you need is a hypersensitive response or extreme hayfever on the path!
- Movement disorder/against sickness tablets
- Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for help with discomfort
- Calming gel - have an excessively awful back or another injury, pack some not too sour mitigating cream to battle any potential flare-ups
- An extra move of loo paper - bathroom tissue can now and again be a legendary unicorn on the Annapurna circuit, so you'll be appreciative you pressed this!
Tipping in Annapurna Circuit Trek:
All through Nepal, for the most part, tipping isn't mandatory (especially with regards to eateries and drivers). However, it is somewhat expected with regards to aides and porters.
Many local people associated with the trekking business here really depend upon the tips they get from driving gatherings or conveying your apparatus.
As a guide, you should typically put aside USD 3-4 for each individual every day for your pioneer.
A suggested sum would be USD 4 per voyager every day, which is part of all the doormen on your journey for your porter.
Fundamentally, factor in about USD 150 in real money to your planning, and ensure you have it separate from the remainder of your money (on the off chance that you overlook and use it on all the normal).
Company Profile
Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd is an ideal partner for trekking Packages in Nepal/Nepal Tour Packages or any other tourism activities in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The company was established in 2004 AD by individuals who have spent an entire life working as guides for mountaineers and trekkers. One of the best things about us is that we focus on client satisfaction. And to achieve that, we even allow our clients to make changes to the itinerary, so if you're planning to go on the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages and are looking for a travel service provider.
Make sure to choose Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd. The one sure thing is, with us beside you, you can get the best out of the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages, including Bhutan and Tibet.
The best itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek 16 days:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Drive to Besisahar and to Bhulbhule (840m)
Day 03: Trek to Syange (1,100m)
Day 04: Trek to Tal (1,700m)
Day 05: Trek to Timing (1,943m))
Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,630m)
Day 07: Trek to Pissang (3,250m)
Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,519m)
Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 10: Trek to Ladder (4,230m)
Day 11: Trek to Thorong High Camp (4,540m)
Day 12: Cross the Thorong La (5,416m) and head to Muktinath (3,800m)
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2,743m)
Day 14: Fly to Pokhara
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 16: End of the trek
This classical itinerary is a perfect example of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide, as you can customize this trek as per your requirements. You could even add or cut some trekking days to fit better with your travel schedule!
Permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek and permit fees
Permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek and permit fees are easy to obtain and affordable! Like most treks in Nepal, you'll need a Trekking Information Management System card, or in short, a TIMS card to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Then there is one more permit required to enter the Annapurna Conservation area called an ACAP or Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Make sure to have both these permits as there will be regular checks during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. If you trek with a reliable trekking agency in Nepal, you should have all trekking permits taken care of without any worry. However, if you choose to travel solo, you'll need to get them yourself via the Nepal Tourism Board office, which can be a hassle with long queues.
The cost of each permit is always liable to change; you can look at these permit fees for the Annapurna Circuit Trek to get approximate.
- ACAP fee is approx. USD 30$
- TIMS fee is approx. USD 10$
Estimate to spend about 40$ USD per person on permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek. If you want to combine this trek with the Manaslu Circuit trek, you'll need extra trekking permits for the Manaslu region in Nepal.
Self-Organized trek or via a Trekking Agency?
The most asked question is probably the Annapurna Circuit as a self-organized trek or via a trekking agency in Nepal? Well, both options have their benefits and downfalls.
Self-organized Annapurna Circuit Trek
With roads and trekking trails made, every year, trekkers decide to self-organize the Annapurna Circuit trek. Trekking at your own pace, deciding when to go where and which places to visit is always alluring. If you choose to manage your itinerary, you'll not be bound by trekking days or time and feel more accessible. Although being cheaper than booking with a trekking agency, your overall experience can be less. As you will need to go through all the trouble yourself of getting your permits in order, finding and booking accommodation (which can be a nightmare during the peak season) and of course need to manage your porters. The biggest downfall will be not having a trekking guide to give you more information and insight during the trek!
Booking the Annapurna Circuit trek via a trekking agency
Probably the easiest way is to book the Annapurna Circuit trek via a Local trekking agency. This way, you can experience the most of these fantastic treks with everything included in one budget, such as domestic transportation, accommodation, permits, porters, and a professional trekking guide to show you the way. Trekking agencies in Nepal focus on the service and ensure that you get the best accommodation while trekking; not to forget they hire local porters to help carry your bags through the Himalayas. Is it worth the extra cost of booking via a reliable trekking agency? Definitely yes! You'll get all the comfort and reassurance to complete the Annapurna Circuit trek. Nepal Local Trekking agencies can provide safety, good service, and an informative trip.
Suppose you want our Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide's recommendation that you book the Annapurna Circuit trek via a local trekking agency. In that case, you'll not regret it and contribute to social- and eco-tourism!
What is the cost for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
As one of Nepal's most popular Trekking Packages in Nepal, many wonder what the cost for the Annapurna Circuit trek is. Could it be cheap or is it rather expensive? We found that the Annapurna Circuit trek cost depends on whether you take a long or short route itinerary. Should you choose 16 days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary with everything included from accommodation, permits, meals, transport, porter, and guide fees, you can spend about 1400$ USD. Depending on your choice of accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, this price can change depending on your booking arrangements. During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can expect to spend about 80$ USD per day on lodging, guide, porter, transportation, and meals.
What type of food and accommodation can you expect?
Being a famous Trekking Packages in Nepal, finding lodging or accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is made very easy. Every town has comfortable guest houses/lodges, also called teahouses. Each of these provides a comfortable room based on two persons, but still big enough to relax and rest from a day of trekking! As the region is developed, you can generally find WIFI, electricity, telephone and hot showers at these guesthouses. Do note that in most they will charge an extra 1 or 2 Dollars to use different facilities.
So what about the food during the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Well, you'll be happy to know that the cuisine in the Annapurna's quite diverse is! You have your traditional Nepalese dishes; rice, dhal (lentil soup), seasonable veggies, and a spicy curry sauce. Or even western items such as Pizzas and pasta. Every guesthouse serves hot and cold drinks, and when you book via a local trekking agency - Himalayan Asia Treks, meals are included with per day 2 cups of hot beverage.
Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list
You have looked at the best season; you know the costs, now it's time to have a look at the Annapurna Circuit trek packing list! Being fully prepared for trekking means only increasing your experience of your trek in Nepal. You'll need standard trekking gear for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which can also be rented or bought in Kathmandu. As the Circuit goes to some high elevations, especially after Manang and crossing the Thorong La Pass, we recommend traveling as light as possible. This Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide is specially made to make your packing not a stressful event but a relatively easy checklist.
Make sure that your big bag is not more than 20kg so that the porters can safely and efficiently transport your bags, and try to keep your bag only filled with essentials. Take a look at the basic packing list for the Annapurna Circuit, and make sure to mind in which season you decide to trek!
Packing List for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- A down Jacket
- Two thermal tops and a jumper
- Two pairs of trekking pants & one trouser
- One woolen hat
- A pair of gloves
- Trekking boots
- One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Water purification tablets or a LifeStraw
- A sleeping bag
- Trekking Poles (optional but recommended)
- Portable charger
- Personal first aid kit
Arranging your backpack can make or break your trek. Imagine being in a remote Himalayan village and realizing you forgot your camera charger. Follow this packing list of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide and be prepared for a trek of a lifetime!
Medical Attention: Altitude Sickness
The only main danger during the Annapurna Circuit trek is altitude sickness. You are commonly known as AMS Acute Mountain Sickness and an absolute nightmare to trekkers. The illness comes due to a quick change in the oxygen levels and happens while ascended far too fast while trekking in Nepal Himalaya. With the real danger of not following a recommended itinerary and not watching your stamina and breathing, AMS can occur and even lead to the cancellation of your trek! Make sure to book with a local trekking agency as they know the recommend acclimatization days. In early cases, you can spend an extra day at a lower elevation by having a trekking guide to get used to the altitude.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the lowest elevation is at 740m at the Bhulbhule, and the highest peak is at 5,416m at the Thorang La Pass. By following the trekking trail of the Annapurna Circuit in a counter-clockwise direction, you should slowly ascend and stay a day in Manang to prevent AMS. Therefore, it's always recommended to do some altitude training before commencing the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal!
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide: Conclussion
With all these topics discussed in the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Ultimate Guide, you should have a clearer picture of what to expect from the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. Make sure to plan this trip in the autumn season for the best weather, make sure to book an itinerary suited to your travel time. We suggest booking via a local trekking agency - Himalayan Asia Treks to be safe and comfortable, pack light and efficient and make sure to work on your stamina before starting the trek in Nepal. See at least 3 of the top 10 highest mountains globally and enjoy one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal; the Annapurna Circuit Trek awaits you!
