If you plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit, you must learn everything you need to know before you go. This complete guide will give you all the information you need to make your trek worthwhile.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is among the best trekking destinations in Nepal. Hiking to Annapurna Circuit will leave you with a memory that will last a lifetime. Other than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the circuit trek is another major trek in the Annapurna region. If you add more days to the itinerary, the Annapurna Trek will take 14 to 20 days to complete.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a wonderful adventure that takes you through green forests, charming villages, and diverse landscapes, including deserts. You’ll also trek through the Annapurna Conservation area, where you may encounter endangered species.
The trail offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain ranges surrounding it. As you trek, you’ll learn about the unique culture of the people living in the shadow of the Himalayas.
Your 14-day journey on the Annapurna circuit trek begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. But you’ll actually start hiking from Besisahar, passing through pretty villages like Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani. The highlight is reaching Thorong La Pass, the highest point at 5416m. You’ll also enjoy hiking to Poon Hill for a stunning view, visiting Muktinath Temple, and seeing the beautiful sunrise over the Annapurna Ranges, creating unforgettable memories.
Where does the Annapurna Circuit start?
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts in the Besisahar area. On the first day of your circuit trek, you’ll leave Kathmandu via public bus to reach Besisahar. The bus takes you through the beautiful scenarios of terraced fields, small villages, and green hills. On your way, the scenic drive presents you with a magnificent view of the Trishuli River and snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Ganesh.
You will reach Besisahar after 6 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. Besisahar is the small hill station where you begin your Annapurna circuit trek. You will not stay in Besisahar on the first day as you approach Bulbule, another remote but beautiful village.
Is Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficult?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is among the most challenging trekking destinations in Nepal. Depending on your experience, the level of difficulty of this trek ranges from moderate to very difficult; however, it is not impossible. If you are an experienced trekker, you might not find any difficulty, but some factors can cause major difficulty for first-timers.
Here are some of the factors that cause trek difficulty.
Long Distance and Duration
Annapurna Circuit Trek is another very long trek that takes many hours to reach your destination. According to your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, it is among the longest treks in Nepal, taking 14 to 17 days to complete. For each trek, you’ll have to cover about 10-12 km, which means you will travel for 7-8 hours daily for several days.
The trek is at least two weeks long, so walking almost eight hours daily will surely tire you. Moreover, there are few facilities for water and toilets in the area. Therefore, you must manage these by yourself. You should also bring your toiletries along the trail.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is a major problem for anyone who treks above the altitude of 3000m. As you hike the Annapurna Circuit, you will reach an elevation of over 5000m and trek above 4000m for several days. Hence the risk of altitude sickness is quite high during this trek. It is important to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness quickly so that you can treat them accordingly.
Altitude is also called acute mountain sickness; its symptoms are Headache, Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, Shortness of breath, Dizziness, etc. If you suffer from much more serious symptoms like brain swelling or heart swelling, then you might be suffering from different types of altitude sickness, HACE and HAPE.
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to acclimatize to higher altitudes. This means taking a rest day to adjust to the weather, oxygen levels, and air pressure. On this day, you can choose to hike to a higher altitude, but you should sleep at a lower altitude. This helps your body adapt to the changes in altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Dynamic Weather
Weather and Climate also determine the difficulty of the trek. Pokhara is a pleasant city in Nepal, and it becomes even more pleasant to travel in the spring and autumn seasons. The weather during the ACT is bound to change, especially as you reach higher altitudes.
Hence, it is important to know that one minute you can have a sunny day, which will turn into a dark, overcast day within a minute. The trekking route will become slippery due to constant rainfall.
At higher altitudes, the weather can change in a heartbeat. You’ll get constant snowfall which might block your trails. Sometimes, there is a chance of blizzards, avalanches, and snowstorms that increase the risk of damage to life and property.
Rugged trails
ACT is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Many factors influence the challenges the trekkers face, and rough and rugged trails are among them. The difficulty of the trek increases significantly as you start reaching remote places.
Along the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will trek through different types of terrain. Like the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will reach curvy upward steps, rocky roads, and snow-capped peaks. During this trek, you’ll also hike around streams, waterfalls, suspenseful bridges, and dense forests.
Hence, if you are serious about trekking the Annapurna Circuit independently, you must be strong and build your stamina. Even before booking this trek, participate in a long-distance hiking program with backpacks. You can also build up your stamina on treadmills or stairs by running for 30 minutes daily.
Accommodation During Annapurna Circuit Trek
When trekking the Annapurna Circuit, you will stay in teahouses and lodges owned by local people. The teahouses are basic but comfortable, and at lower altitudes, you can pay extra for amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and an attached bathroom. Facilities are more basic at higher altitudes, and you may have to share.
If you’re planning a winter stay, ensure your room has all the amenities to keep you warm and cozy. You’ll need heaters, blankets, and hot water for a shower. Expect a fire to be lit on winter nights to keep the room comfortable. Before booking a room, ensure the electrical outlets and Wi-Fi work properly. Make sure you have all the essentials to enjoy a relaxing stay.
If you’re interested in connecting with the locals, take the time to learn about their culture, traditions, and lifestyle. When visiting the Annapurna Circuit Trek, always be respectful of their customs and aim to be kind.
Do you need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit trek?
Yes, you need to hire a guide if you want to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Furthermore, since April 1, 2023, you can’t go on any trek without a guide in any region of Nepal. This is critical information you must know before hiking the Annapurna region.
Even if the hiring guide was not mandatory, we would still recommend you hire a guide. There are several benefits of hiring the guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek and they are:
Easy Navigation: Guides are very experienced in navigating the trekking region in Nepal. Whether you are trekking Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Manaslu Circuit Trek, guides have several years of experience. They are familiar with the ins and outs of the trails, teahouses, medical facilities, and other services. So they will help you plan your trek from the beginning.
Security: When exploring mountains, it’s easy to get lost and fall ill without any symptoms. To stay safe and get help in emergencies, it’s best to travel with a guide. A local guide can also provide extra security by knowing the area well. If you are hiking without a guide, you will be prone to unforeseen risks that can damage your health or property.
Language Barrier: If you travel to villages in Annapurna Circuit solo, then you might come across the language barrier. In some villages, the local people don’t speak English so they might not understand you. But if you have a guide or porter with you, then they understand the local language, which will eliminate the language barrier.
Permits and Documents needed for Annapurna Circuit Trek
You need important permits and documents to hike the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Permits
- Trekker Information Management System (TIMS)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Documents
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Valid passport and visa
- Travel Insurance
- Details of your travel agency
- Information about your guide
- Nepalese Currency
Outline itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Day 01: Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar
- Day 02: Bhulbhule to Jagat
- Day 03: Jagat to Dharapani
- Day 04: Dharapani to Chame
- Day 05: Chame to Upper Pisang
- Day 06: Upper Pisang to Manang
- Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Manang
- Day 08: Manang to Ledar
- Day 09: Ledar to High Camp
- Day 10: High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
- Day 11: Muktinath to Tatopani via Local Bus
- Day 12: Tatopani to Ghorepani
- Day 13: Ghorepani to Hile, Return to Pokhara
- Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Conclusion
Hence, if you follow our complete Annapurna Circuit guide, you will be able to complete the trek without any problems. Throughout the trek, you will come across some challenges, but if you have some physical fitness and you are trekking with your guide, then you will complete the trek easily.
Join Hillary Steps Trek and get some of the best trekking and touring packages in Nepal. We also have experienced guides with experience more than 25 years who will assist you in your trek in every way.
