Suppose you’re looking for a trekking adventure that will take you through stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. In that case, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a must-do. This guide to Annapurna Circuit Trekking will provide all the information you need to plan and prepare for your journey, including insider tips and tricks to make your experience unforgettable. So get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most well-known treks. It passes through incredibly diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to the Thorong Pass, with the majestic Annapurna massif as an utmost adventure.
It is also an excellent alternative for experienced trekkers who want to deal with an epic Nepal trek on a budget because permit costs are minimal and guides are mandatory.
The Annapurna Circuit is rich with breathtaking scenery, yet it is not without flaws. In recent years, extensive road construction has significantly changed the nature of the trip.
In this guide to Annapurna Circuit, we will cover all you need to know to plan the perfect trek, including a suggested itinerary, practical information, and more. We’ll also talk about the best Annapurna Circuit Trekking side trips and add-on treks for those seeking to extend their Himalayas expedition.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking transforms us into adventurers and teaches us about the survival of the fittest and struggles for existence. As a result, it is a beautiful place to visit if you are interested in natural phenomena.
Table of contents
- Annapurna Circuit Trek: Overview
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
- When to go
- Getting required permits
- Trek difficulty and preparation
- Food
- Accommodation
- Altitude Sickness: How to prevent getting sick
- What Should You Bring On Your Trek?
- Things To Do in Manang
- Some FAQs about Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Overview
The following is a hypothetical 21-day trek on the Annapurna Circuit. It is not a fixed itinerary, only a proposed route. Some people stay in different villages along the way or shorten the days from the start or end.
This route has good scenery, attractions, and enough acclimatization opportunities on the way to Thorong La (5416 m).
Trip Facts
| Distance | 170 – 230 Kilometers |
| Duration | 15 to 21 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Permits | TIMS and ACAP |
| Trek Stars/Ends | Bensi Shahar/Naya Pul |
| Max. Altitude | 5,416 Meters |
| Accommodation | Lodges/Tea-houses |
| Best Season | Autumn/Spring |
Highlights
- A trek around the world’s 10th tallest mountain, Annapurna I (8091 m), and within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Experience the most fabulous views of Annapurna massif, such as Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and the Dhaulagiri range.
- Thorong-La pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit and the most strenuous phase of the trip.
- Witness the spectacular mountains and landscapes from one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Annapurna region.
- Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest lake (4,919m), and the Kali Gandaki Gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is the world’s deepest canyon.
- Muktinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu and Buddhist temples.
- Natural Hot Springs at Tatopani to soothe your tired muscles and heal.
- Explore the diverse landscapes, from lush green forests, deep mountain valleys, and mountainous slopes to the arid alpine plateau.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a challenging but rewarding adventure that requires careful planning. With a duration of 12 to 17 days, depending on your chosen route and pace, it’s essential to plan your itinerary.
Popular starting points include Besishahar or Chame, and the trek can end in either Jomsom or Nayapul. Altitude, weather, and acclimatization are essential factors to consider when planning your route, and it’s recommended to include rest days to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude in Meters | Distance |
| 1. | Drive to Bhulbule then Trek to Ngadi | 930 | 7-8h00 |
| 2. | Ngadi to Jagat | 1400 | 6h00 |
| 3. | Jagat to Dharapani | 1970 | 6h00 |
| 4. | Dharapani to Chame | 2650 | 6h30 |
| 5. | Chame to Pisang | 3150 | 5h00 |
| 6. | Pisang to Manang via Upper Pisang | 3500 | 7h00 |
| 7. | Acclimatization day! | ||
| 8. | Trek to Leather | 4200 | 5h00 |
| 9. | Leather to Thorong Phedi or High camp | 4400 | 5h00 |
| 10. | Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong – La Pass 5416 m | 3800 | 7-8h00 |
| 11. | Muktinath to Marpha | 2750 | 6h00 |
| 12. | Trek to Lete | 1900 | 6h00 |
| 13. | Lete to Tatopani | 1130 | 6h00 |
| 15. | Tatopani to Ghorepani | 2650 | 7h00 |
| 16. | ghorepani to Tikhedunga via Poon Hill | 1400 | 6h00 |
| 17. | Tikhedunga to Pokhara | 920 | 6h00 |
| 18. | Drive to Kathmandu | 1350 | 6h00 |
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
Because of a series of trekking lodges and well-marked routes, this trek is easily accessible for independent hikers and guided expeditions. If you are going to Nepal with a trekking company, they will provide you with a map as a complimentary gift, but if you are a free independent traveler, make sure you get a map in advance at the Map House Shop in Thamel.
When to go
Nepal has specific periods of the year, like many treks across the Himalayas, when the weather is ideal for trekking and mountain trips. We believe that September, October, November, or March, April, and May are the best and most favorable months and seasons of the year for trekking in the Annapurna circuit.
We recommend trekking during the post-monsoon season (late September to late November) when the weather is calm and dry and visibility to the mountains is at its best. While it may be busier during peak season, this is the best time to see Nepal at its most beautiful.
If you want to avoid the crowds, spring (February to April) is also a fantastic season, with long days and pleasant weather. However, please note that this is also the time of agricultural burn-offs, so it is possible to have a minimal view of the mountains, especially in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara.
Getting required permits
Make sure you have two permits with you before you begin your adventure. You might go to the Nepal Tourism Office in Kathmandu to get these permits if traveling independently. However, if you plan your trip with your travel agency, they can get these permits on your behalf.
Because the Annapurna Circuit Trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will require TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). During your trek, they will check these permits at various checkpoints.
If you go through a trekking company, the entry permit cost of ACAP is US$28 per person and US$20 per person for a TIMS card.
Trek difficulty and preparation
The extremity of this Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate to strenuous; thus, you do not require significant training when preparing for this trek.
As you prepare for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, the first step is to train for at least 2-3 months before the trip. It would help if you concentrated on cardiovascular exercises and strength training to build endurance and stamina.
To prevent altitude sickness, you must take your medication and gradually get used to the altitude. Rest days should be taken if you feel under the weather, and you must stay well-hydrated throughout the trek.
Food
Food is of high quality, and we recommend you taste Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat comprises lentil stew with rice and curried potatoes or meat. You have boiled potatoes with chili sauce or curry with rice. Stew contains meat, potatoes, and veggies in a thick sauce. These are the essential Nepalese foods; however, every lodge will also provide a variety of Western meals.
Breakfast comprises fried or boiled eggs, omelets, toast, pancakes, Tibetan bread, muesli, porridge, tea, coffee, and chocolate.
Lunch/Dinner—Soups (tomato, garlic, vegetable, mushrooms, etc.), veg fried rice, Dal Bhat, curry w/rice, noodles (mix fried, veg, egg, w/cheese), macaroni, spring rolls (veg, egg, cheese, mixed), Momo (boiled or fried mini pasties with either veg or meat), pizza (all types), fried potatoes (w/veg or cheese), chips.
Desserts include apple pie, rice pudding, fruit cocktails, chocolate cake, and Snickers pie.
Accommodation
The accommodation is warm and comfortable yet highly convenient; however, when you go higher, they become basic. Rooms are twin beds with two beds per room with a shared bathroom. Unfortunately, they do not have a bathroom attached unless you buy an upgrade during the Annapurna Circuit Trek and only in certain lodges.
Mattresses, pillows, and blankets are available for use on the beds. The living room, used for dining and resting, is heated in the evenings with a pot-bellied stove. Lodges are always social locations to meet many other traveling enthusiasts. Many people will have books to read, while others will have phones. Almost all have hot showers, which are typically heated by gas.
Altitude Sickness: How to prevent getting sick
This trip covers a wide range of ventures from a very low altitude to a very high elevation. So, you may become susceptible to illness and must take care of your health. Add an extra day in Manang to your itinerary to adapt to the high altitude. As you ascend from lengths of 2500 meters and above, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Sometimes, you may even get symptoms below this level.
Symptoms of acute mountain sickness
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Rapid pulse (heart rate)
- Shortness of breath with exertion.
If you experience these symptoms, be calm and do not panic. First, however, you must adhere to some basics to remain fit.
To avoid altitude illness, make sure you do the following:
- Rather than taking a jeep/bus, walking through the trail allows your body to acclimate and gives it more time to acclimatize.
- Make sure you take a rest day/acclimate as you go higher
- Climb up and sleep down
- Don’t drink alcohol
- While hiking, make sure to drink lots of water.
- If you have signs of altitude sickness, stop trekking, inform your partner, and rest. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.
- You may take the water pill as a basic first aid kit, which can be obtained in the pharmacy as Acetazolamide, some pain reliever tablets, and an inhaler.
What Should You Bring On Your Trek?
Make sure that you complete your shopping right before leaving Kathmandu. Many shops in the Thamel sell everything you’ll need for your trek. You may also purchase your trekking gear in Pokhara, but we recommend shopping in Kathmandu to prevent missing essential items.
Clothing
- One hat or cap
- T-shirts (1 for 2 or 3 days walking): Avoid cotton, as it takes a very long time to dry.
- One sub-sweater or long-sleeved shirt.
- Hiking sticks ( a pair).
- 1-2 trekking pants, light
- Raincoat
- Jacket (thermal and windproof)
- 1 Goretex jacket style, simple and light.
- Thermal jacket (keeping warm Nov. – Mar)
- Hiking socks
- A pair of gloves (Nov. – Mar.)
- Hiking shoes of good quality.
- A pair of sandals.
EQUIPMENT:
- Good quality sunglassesTelescope (based on habit)
- A water bottle (Min. 1 liter)
- Headlight and its batteries.
- Sleeping bag (4 seasons)
- One pocket knife (Swiss knife preferable).
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Toiletries: Bio-degradable products.
- Toilet paper + lighter.
- Personal medicines:
- Your regular medicines.
- Antimalarial( loperamide deviation)
- Intestinal dressing (Smetca deviation)
- Anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Painkillers (Paracetamol preferably)
- Water purification pills: Although the taste is not good, it is better than buying a plastic bottle of mineral water.
- Adhesive tape (Elastoplasts type 6 cm wide) effective prevention.
- Set of plasters + compresses disinfectant
- Treatment for colds and sore throat
- Sunblock cream (skin + lips)
Things To Do in Manang
Manang is a famous destination on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking because this small village high in the Himalayas is ideal for acclimatization. This travel guide includes the best things to do in Manang, excellent day trips, and helpful information.
- A short Hike to the Praken Gumpa (Known as 100 Lama)
- Visit tiny Khangsar village
- Explore the Ice Lake
- Exploring the Milarepa cave and Braga Gumpa
- Visiting the Gangapurna Lake and Glacier
- Visit Cultural Museum
- Free Consultation of Acute Mountain Sickness
- Drink fresh coffee & eat fresh pastries
Some FAQs about Annapurna Circuit Trek
The route length depends on where you start and end your trek, so that it might be between 170 and 230 kilometers. You can accomplish it in as few as ten days or as many as 24 days if you go on a side trip. However, it usually takes 10 or 14 days to complete the shorter route and 18-21 days to complete the journey.
The best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region are fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). At the time, the skies are clear, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Is that hard?
The Annapurna Circuit trekking (ACT) is moderately challenging. Although there is no technical climbing involved, it is helpful to have some hiking experience. The trip will take you through diverse terrain and along different routes.
Yes, It is compulsory to have the permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek. Two permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you trek through an agency, they will arrange for you on your behalf.
Final words
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal. It offers stunning views of towering snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, taking you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery. But it is a challenging trip. So, these 15 tips to help make your experience successful.
In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed this Ultimate guide to the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. It’s the most comprehensive guide for trekkers and travelers interested in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or comments. Thanks for reading!
