Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. Compared to the Base Camp Trek, the Circuit trek is more challenging as the trekkers must pass through unexplored. Trails, lush jungles, and wilderness are part of the region. There are some decent months for exploring the area, but in this blog, we will talk about Annapurna Circuit Trek in December. The prime attraction of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5,416 m, which will be very hard in the winter months like December.
The Trek to the Annapurna Circuit is unique and enjoyable no matter the month, but trekking in December has its features and quirks. December is the first month of the winter season in Nepal. Many trekking experts don’t recommend hiking in winter, especially on high-altitude treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Still, many people visit the region, especially this month. So, why should you want to trek Annapurna Circuit Trek in December, and what kinds of permits do you need to issue to explore the region? So let’s get into it.
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Can You Trek Annapurna Circuit Trek in December?
The simple answer is yes; you can experience the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December. However, unlike trekking in ideal seasons like Spring and Autumn, trekking in the first month of winter comes with some challenges and conditions. After the end of the Autumn season, the winter season brings chilling coldness to the region with cold winds, mild temperatures, and still beautiful sunny days. The main difficulty that the trekker will face during their trek in December is the harsh cold weather, especially at the high altitude of the Annapurna region.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek excursion, trekkers face adversity like dynamic weather, cold temperatures, blistering winds, freezing teahouses, and the chance of hypothermia and altitude sickness if not careful. Furthermore, there are some other challenges of natural disasters, like blizzards, snowstorms, and avalanches, but they are rare in the early months of the winter season, like December. Despite some challenges and adversaries, trekking in December is still fun and thrilling, as well as exploring the majestic snowy regions of the Annapurna. During this trek, the area becomes beautiful, especially the views of the skies, mountains, sunrise, and sunset.
Weather and Temperature of Annapurna Circuit Trek in December
To trek to any trekking destination in Nepal, it is necessary to first be wary of the trekking conditions. The trekking conditions include weather, temperature, climate, trails, teahouses, etc. Compared to other months, the weather in the Annapurna region in December is typically dry and starts becoming a bit cold since it is the first month of the winter season. In the lower altitudes, the temperature is mild, and there is less chance of snowfall, whereas, in the higher altitudes, the possibility of snowfall is relatively high and almost daily.
The temperature of the Annapurna region at the lower altitude is generally stable compared to the higher altitude. In the lower altitude, the temperature remains between 20 and 10 degrees, but as you climb, the temperature decreases and reaches about 5 degrees. At night, the temperature can fall beyond freezing point at high altitudes and sometimes even reach about -15 degrees. The weather is usually evident in December, with great views of snowy mountains and landscapes.
However, trekkers should be ready for different weather conditions, such as snow showers and windy days, which can affect the trails and visibility. It’s essential to bring warm clothes like jackets, layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots. Also, make sure to have the right gear for cold weather and be prepared for possible changes in the plans due to the weather.
Although December falls in the winter season, the teahouses are still open, so if you want to experience trekking in the Annapurna region in winter, it is wise to trek in December instead of waiting for January or February. During January and February, the winter season is at its peak, and the weather and temperature become extremely cold and freezing, with the chance of snowstorms, blizzards, and avalanches.
Challenges of Trekking Annapurna Circuit Trek in December
Trekking the Annapurna circuit Trek in December is possible. However, since December is the first month of winter, it falls off-season, which is the ideal trekking time for Nepal. Trekking in the off-season invites a few challenges and difficulties that could make the trek even more challenging, especially for those who don’t have prior experience trekking in high-altitude treks. There are a few factors of trekking that intensify during the trek in December and make trekking in December a bit more strenuous. So, let’s check some of the most common challenges of trekking Annapurna Circuit Trek in December.
Cold Weather
The cold weather is one major challenge when trekking the Annapurna circuit in December. As the winter season begins, the temperature of the trek starts decreasing heavily. At night, the temperature falls even more and reaches below freezing. The cold of the winter season also affects the people living inside the teahouses with freezing utensils, clothes, and electronic devices, so make sure you keep them warm. You must also make sure you wear heavy woolen clothes so that you don’t suffer from pneumonia, hypothermia, or altitude sickness.
Limited Teahouse Services
Occasionally, trekkers stay in teahouses whenever they are trekking at a high altitude. However, these teahouses are often closed during the winter due to a lack of trekkers and the danger of natural disasters like blizzards and avalanches. Also, the open teahouses provide fewer services than in other seasons since there are fewer trekkers.
Packing Necessary Gears
For the winter treks of ACT, the trekkers must be very wary and pack all the necessary clothing, gear, and equipment, which is ideal for the winter season. For example, the sleeping bag, along with trekking poles, fleece jackets, trekking pants, jackets, etc., is most important in winter. Hence, for the harsh winter trek of Annapurna in December, the challenge is to pack light but still carry all the necessary items.
Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek
To trek the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers must issue essential permits or documents that make them eligible. Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Trekkers Management Information System (TIMS card). These two trekking permits are essential; the ACAP is the most compulsory. In contrast, the TIMS card has recently become optional due to the arrival of municipality-based trekking permits. For Annapurna,gion, it is wise to issue both trekking permits. So, let’s look at both trekking licenses you must issue during your ACT excursions.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is another permit that the trekkers exploring the Annapurna region must issue. Since the Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through the majestic Annapurna Conservation Area, which is in the preserved area of Nepal, You can obtain your Annapurna Conservation Area Trek permit from either Kathmandu or Pokhara from the Nepal Tourism Board Office or the TAAN office in Pokhara. The Annapurna Conservation Area costs NRS 100 for the local Nepal people, NR 1000 for the trekkers from SAARC countries, and NRS 3,000 for those not from the SAARC countries. Hence, before obtaining your trekking permits, you must submit essential documents such as a passport, visa, passport-size photos, etc.
TIMS Card
If you plan to trek in Nepal, such as on the Annapurna Circuit, you might need a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card, although it’s only sometimes checked. The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal manages the TIMS system to ensure trekker safety and regulate the industry. You can get a TIMS card at the Tourist Service Centre in Kathmandu, located on Pradarshani Marg, a short walk from Thamel. The TIMS Card costs about NRS 1,000 per person for trekkers from the SAARC region, but if the trekkers are not from the SAARC region, it costs about NRS 2,000 per person.
Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek in December
Trekking at Annapurna Base Camp in December can be fun but equally challenging. Trekking high altitudes in the winter might make the adventure more thrilling for those with less trekking experience. Pack all the items that are especially suited for winter trekking in high altitudes to make the trekking a bit more fun and a little less challenging. Furthermore, the trekkers also need more equipment and gear to ascent the trails quickly during winter.
Clothing
- Insulated socks
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket, shell jacket
- Thick woolen hat, insulated beanie
- Insulated vest
- Full t-shirt, woolen shirt
- Feet gaiter
- Insulated sport shoes
- Insulated or woolen trousers
- Neck gaiter, balaclava, or cowls
- Insulated inner wears
- Sweater
- Thick layer socks, woolen socks
- Sunhat, cap
- Winter crocks
- Mittens, thick gloves
- Comfortable, warm, and thick cotton pants
- Light or insulated gloves for lower regions
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Insulated waterproof trekking boots (break-in first)
- Heavy down jacket
- Light down jacket
Gears/Equipment
- Thermos flask
- Trekking Poles
- Sleeping bag
- Navigational tools like compass, map, and GPS device
- Camera, binoculars
- Microspikes or crampons
- Power bank
- Ice axe or ice tools
- Portable heater
- Book, journal
- Backpack
- Camera and binoculars
- Rain/snow cover
- Heating pad
- Emergency bivvy or space blanket
- Polarized sunglasses or ski goggles
Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Quick dry towel
- Female hygiene products
- Biodegradable soap
- Deodorants
- Water purification solution or tablets
- Lip protection, body lotion to protect against cold wind
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Nail clipper, mirror
- Sanitizer
- Sunscreen cream
- Shampoo or conditioner
- Tissue paper, toilet paper
Conclusion
Hence, trekkers can experience the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December. The majestic Annapurna region becomes cold and dynamic but visually stunning if you hope to see spectacular mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. The snowy, frozen trek in the laps of the mountains is second to none, and if you can bear the cold and have some experience, this can be one of your best memories.
Trekkers will face specific challenges when exploring the Annapurna region in December. The freezing temperature, cold and dynamic weather, and snowy trails are wet and slippery, so you must carry a trekking pole, hiking pants, and hiking boots. So whenever you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit Trek, make the trek as easy as possible by packing all the necessary items and hiring guides and porters.
FAQs
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is in Spring and Autumn. In this season, the environment for trekking is ideal, with sunny weather, mild temperatures, stable weather, blooming trails, and stunning mountains and skies. Despite this, you can also trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December, the first month of the Winter Season.
What is the average temperature in Annapurna Circuit in December?
The average temperature in the Annapurna Circuit Trek in December is about ten °C to 15 °C. In December, the temperature of the low region is reasonably low, but as the trekkers climb the altitude, the temperature increases slightly. As you reach close to Thorong La Pass, the temperature falls below freezing point in the evening with constant snowfall.
Can Annapurna Circuit Trail be closed in December?
Generally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek trail is often open during December. However, the temperature decreases as December begins, increasing the chance of hefty snowfall, snowstorms, and blizzards in high altitudes. During such weather conditions, the trail of some parts of the Annapurna region might get blocked, resulting in a closed trail during the trek.
Do you need to hire guides in ACT in December?
Although hiring a guide is optional for the ACT trek, trekking in December can cause a few navigation, security, and safety challenges. So if you are unsure or mainly a beginner trekking the Annapurna region in December, then we highly recommend you hire both guides and porters for easy navigation and security,
What is the starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek?
The most common starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Besisahar. However, some trekking agencies also have a package that allows the ACT trek to start via the drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. The treks take you through different Tamang and Gurung villages like Chame, Pisang, and Manang, and finally reach the glorious Thorong La Pass, the highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
