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An important things about the Annapurna Circuit TrekDid you know the Annapurna Circuit trek constantly ranks among the best classic treks in the world? Every year, hundreds of thousands of trekkers embark on this adventure. Now you know that the adventure to Annapurna Circuit promises an extraordinary journey, you should definitely consider adding to this bucket list. And if you are already planning to do it in a couple of months, you should definitely consider reading this blog. We have covered everything you need to know about the trek that will help you plan, prepare and pace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.
Location: Central part of Nepal
Trek Starting Point: Besisahar or Bhulbhule
Trek finishing Point: Muktinath or Jomsom or Nayapul
Trekking Duration: 15 to 20 days
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous trek
Best Seasons: Spring and autumn
Permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Sanctuary permit
Highest Elevation: Thorong La Pass (5416 m/17769 ft.)
Accommodation: Teahouse, Guesthouse, Lodge
Add-on Trek: Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek
The Annapurna circuit trek distance can vary depending on the route preferred. The total distance of the Annapurna Circuit trek spans 160 to 230 kilometers (100 to 145 miles), depending on the specific itinerary chosen by trekkers. And the full Annapurna Circuit trek spans a total distance of 260km (161 miles).
Having insurance for the Annapurna Circuit trek is not just a recommendation; it’s an understated necessity that ensures financial security and peace of mind amid the unpredictable challenges of the Himalayan trails. Peace of mind, it is! Getting insurance that covers trekking about 4500–5000 m is a must when doing the Annapurna circuit trek. Your travel insurance must include coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation by helicopter, and trip cancellations. If we had to recommend the best travel insurance company, it would be World Nomads.
The Annapurna Circuit trek typically spans from 18 to 22 days, depending on the itinerary chosen. Some trekking agencies might offer a shorter itinerary as well. However, based on your fitness, trekking pace, and preferences, you can always customize the itinerary. The trail covers the extensive route that circumnavigates the Annapurna massif, covering Thorong-La Pass, Tilicho Lake, remote villages, and alpine meadows due to the circuitous route. The standard Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Besisahar, Bhulbhule or Jagat and ends in Jomsom or Nayapul. That said, some trekking companies might offer different itineraries, starting from Chame, or Syange. We offer a 19-day Annapurna Circuit trek, starting the trek from Khudi and ending in Ghandruk.
The Annapurna Circuit trek typically commences in the village of Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region. To reach Besisahar, you’ll need to drive or fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu and continue to Besisahar. The bus departs from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu and takes about 6 to 8 hours to reach Besisahar. A private vehicle like a taxi or jeep can be quicker than public buses. Other starting points are Bhulbhule (approximately 7km from Besisahar / 1.5 hours drive), Jagat (approximately 29km from Besisahar / 3 hours drive), Syange (approximately 30km from Besisahar / 2 hours) and Chame (approximately 66km from Besisahar / 4 hours drive).
Like with the starting points, you will have many options to finish the trek. Muktinath can be the first place to conclude your trek, from where you can hop on a public bus or private jeep to Pokhara or Kathmandu. But if you want to continue trekking, you can choose to finish at Jomsom, Tatopani or Nayapul. Or, you can trek all the way to Ghorepani, ascend to Poon Hill and finally conclude the trek at Ghandruk.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a challenging trek, ideal for experienced trekkers. You will start the trek as low as 760m (2,490 ft.) and ascend to as high as 5,416m (17,769 ft.). The ascent to the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m can be challenging due to high altitude and the risk of altitude sickness. The trail covers a variety of terrains, from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine deserts and one of the highest mountain passes in the world, providing a diverse but physically demanding journey. The difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit trek is frequently juxtaposed with that of the Everest Base Camp trek.
The imminent danger of trekking to the mountains in Nepal is Acute Mountain Sickness or altitude sickness. If you’re travelling above 2400m (8000 ft.), you should be careful of altitude sickness. Most people easily develop symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, breathlessness, difficulty sleeping and vomiting. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is by acclimatizing to the altitude. It’s important to prioritize a gradual ascent with a slow pace, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Staying hydrated and avoiding smoking and drinking are equally important. If you experience any of the symptoms of altitude sickness, you must not ascend further and consider descending to a lower altitude.
In general, this trek is considered suitable for trekkers with some level of experience. It might be challenging for beginners due to the high altitude and varied terrain. However, beginner trekkers with good physical fitness levels and proper preparation can embark on this adventure. They must engage in physical training for a month or two and gradually increase their endurance level. They can start with cardiovascular fitness through regular exercises like hiking, running, or cycling to enhance endurance. Strength training, particularly focused on the legs and core, will help through steep inclines and descents. Their fitness training can also include flexibility exercises such as yoga to minimize the risk of muscle strains. The most effective fitness preparation involves hiking in your home country while carrying a loaded backpack.
Absolutely. Undoubtedly, the Annapurna Circuit trek remains one of the best treks in the world. Annapurna Circuit trek has been voted the best long-distance trek in the world. In 2020, Lonely Planet listed the Annapurna Circuit trek on its Ultimate Travel List: Top 10 travel experience. This trek remains a highly sought-after trek in the world, offering spectacular scenery, cultural diversity, and exhilarating adventure. In recent years, the main concern has been the development of roads in certain parts. However, the trek retains its allure and immense value. The challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass and the loop, either anticlockwise or clockwise, offers different perspectives and experiences. The incredible views of the mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and surrounding peaks add to the beauty of this trek. Adding to this, the opportunity to interact with local communities like Gurung, Manangi and Thakali makes it a worthy adventure.
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. To obtain a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card for trekking in Nepal, you’ll typically need passport-sized photos, your passport, personal details like name, insurance, and details of your guide and trekking route and itinerary. The cost is NPR 2000 (approximately 23 AUD). After getting a TIMS card, you can apply and get the Annapurna Sanctuary Permit which requires you to fill out the form and present necessary documents like passport, photos and a fee of NPR 3000 (approximately 34 AUD). You can obtain both these permits at the Tourism Information Center in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Permit requirements might change, so it’s essential to verify the current regulations and necessary permits from the authorities in Pokhara or the tourism office before starting your trek.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two prime seasons to do Annapurna Circuit Trek. The best months are March, April, October and November. These periods offer clear skies, balmy weather and excellent visibility of the majestic mountains. While autumn offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air following the monsoon, making it a popular destination for hiking, spring brings flowering flowers and a somewhat milder climate. Both seasons present ideal conditions, allowing trekkers to experience breathtaking landscapes and remarkable mountain views.
The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is dotted with teahouses and lodges. The teahouse is the most common accommodation option on the Annapurna Circuit trek, featuring basic facilities like a twin bed with blanket and pillow, a shared bathroom and a communal dining area. Dining areas in the tea houses serve a variety of meals, including both local and international dishes. They might have shared bathrooms with squat toilets and cold running water, although some places might offer hot showers for an extra cost. Electricity is often available for charging devices, but it might come with an additional cost. At higher altitudes, it might be cold, so we suggest you bring your own light sleeping bag.
The food menu of most teahouses generally includes a mix of local and international dishes, ranging from everyone’s favourite Nepali dal bhat (rice and lentils) to pasta, noodles, soups, and hearty breakfast options. Food items like dal bhat, noodles, vegetables, and meat (chicken) are staples and readily available. Some of the international dishes commonly available include pasta, noodles, pizza, sandwiches, and burgers. If you love momo, good news for you: many teahouses serve delectable momo. For hot beverages, generally, they serve teas like ginger tea, lemon tea, masala tea, and coffee. Espresso coffee is available only at selected teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Yes, you need a licensed guide for the Annapurna Circuit trek, like with every other trek in Nepal. As much as we hate to say this, you cannot trek solo to Thorong La Pass. As of April 1, 2023, a trekker must hire a government-certified guide. Remember that you must hire a guide through government-authorized trekking companies in Nepal. You can expect to pay $40 per guide per day, which is subject to change depending on his experience and the nature of the trek. You can hire a porter as well, who carries the bag for you and charges $30 per day.
From Kathmandu, you can fly or drive to Pokhara. From Pokhara, hop on a local bus or hire a private jeep to Besisahar. It can take around 2 hours to reach Besisahar from Pokhara. Besisahar is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek and leads through various villages all the way to Thorong La Pass. You can also start the trek from Bhulbhule, which is 7km ahead of Besisahar.
When it comes to packing for any treks in Nepal, the packing list remains largely consistent. The packing list for the Annapurna Circuit trek tends to be similar to that of the Everest Base Camp trek. However, specific considerations may vary due to differences in altitude, climate, and trek duration. For the Annapurna circuit trek packing list, you can consider the following items. This packing list serves as a general guide. Adjust it based on your personal preferences for the specific season of your trek.
Most teahouses en route have Wi-Fi and electricity. Many teahouses and lodges along the trekking route do offer some form of charging facilities for electronic devices, usually for a fee. However, the availability and reliability of electricity can be affected by weather conditions and the infrastructure in each village. It’s advisable to pack a portable power bank or solar charger to charge your electronic devices. You may also want to buy a local sim card (NCELL or NTC) with data to ensure convenient communication and internet access during your trek on the Annapurna Circuit.
