The Best Time to hike Annapurna Circuit is Spring and Autumn. These seasons offer the best view of the Annapurna Region.
The weather is moderate, and the hiking conditions are better during these seasons. It receives very little rain, making it favorable to trek during summer. Trekking during winter might be challenging, but you can complete the trek if you’re an experienced trekker.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of western Nepal’s most popular long-distance destinations. The length of these trails varies from 160 to 230 km. This trek is famous for its breathtaking view of the mountains of the Annapurna range. It is often hiked anticlockwise, as the altitude gain will be slower, helping the body adapt well to higher altitudes.
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This trek is perfect for experiencing diverse biodiversity and rich natural wonders. It begins in the small town of Besisahar at 760m and reaches its highest point, Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 m. This region has a diverse cultural variety. As you ascend higher, you can witness the Hindu community in the lower parts of this region and experience the unique Tibetan culture in Manang and Mustang.
Description of the trek
The Annapurna Circuit begins in Besisahar and goes up to the highest point, Thorong La Pass. You will visit many amazing places like Manang, Mustang, Jomsom, and Tatopani valleys. You will encounter numerous natural wonders during this trek. The best time to visit the Annapurna Circuit is during the Autumn season. It’s a journey full of adventure and beauty.
It is the longest trekking trail in Nepal and is rich in biodiversity. From Green forests to Dry hills, the Annapurna Circuit has a lot to offer. In the lower part of this trek, you can experience the unique Hindu culture, but as you ascend higher, you will experience the Tibetan Buddhist Culture.
Key Highlights
- Experience the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge.
- Witness the beautiful Manang and Mustang Valley.
- Visit Muktinath, a sacred Pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
- Poon Hill Trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountains
- Cross the highest point of Thorong La Pass and witness the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks.
- Walk across the bouncy suspension bridges, passing through Tibetan villages like Marpha.
- Taste the delicious apples from the apple farm in Jomsom.
- Explore the two Tibetan villages, Upper and Lower Pisang, with colorful prayer flags, a monastery, and stunning views of Annapurna II and IV.
Challenges
You will face several challenges during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Some of them are listed below:
- Difficult Landscapes
- Long Distance
- Carrying gears
- Altitude sickness
- Fatigue
- Monotony
- Unpredictable weather
- Language barriers
- Navigation
- Lodging and flooding
- Cultural differences
Length and Duration of the Trek
It is the longest trekking trail in Nepal. The trek ranges from 160 to 230 km, depending on your trekking route. There are several routes to trek in this region. You can customize your trekking trials while planning the trek. Your daily hike will be around 6-8 hours. So, it generally takes 15-22 days to complete the trek, depending on your route. Your walking pace, too, is a crucial factor in deciding the duration of the trek.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit is rated as a moderate-level trek. The trek begins at an altitude of around 700 m and reaches an altitude of 5,400 m. This is not an easy feat. You need to prepare well for this trekking trekking adventure. You will encounter steep trails and narrow foothills, making trek in this region tough. Moreover, the increase in altitude increases the chances of altitude sickness. The Annapurna Circuit Trails might be challenging, but you can complete the trek if you train properly.
Climatic Seasons in Annapurna Region
Weather pattern
Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Summer are the four main seasons in Nepal. Spring and Autumn are the most popular seasons for trekking due to their stable weather, mild temperatures, and best views. The weather is unpredictable in summer as it rains heavily. Natural calamities like flooding caused by landslides during this season are highly likely. Likewise, Winter receives heavy snowfall. The trails get covered with snow, making it difficult to trek. The temperature during the day goes below negative. It is not an ideal time for trekking.
Temperatures
The temperature of the Annapurna circuit varies with altitude and season. Summer is the hottest season, where the temperature in the lower region can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius while the higher elevations remain cooler. Spring and Autumn offer a moderate temperature of 10-20 degrees Celsius, but it becomes chilly at night. Winter is the coldest season, where heavy snowfall occurs. The temperature goes negative and can reach up to—30 degrees Celsius.
Impact of seasons on trails
Each season affects the trails differently. The blooming Rhododendrons make the trails vibrant and colorful during the spring season. Autumn offers the best conditions with clear blue skies and dry paths. The monsoon rains make the trials muddy and slippery, making a restricted and challenging trek. In winter, the trails are snow-covered and icy. The higher elevation areas like Thorong La Pass receive excessive snowfall, making it tough to cross.
Best Time to Hike Annapurna Circuit
Spring
March, April, and May mark spring in Nepal. It is one of the best seasons to hike the Annapurna Circuit. Wildflowers bloom while you hike up this season, making your trails colorful. The clear blue skies and magnificent view of the mountains of the Annapurna region make it the most desirable time to trek in this region.
The weather is moderate, with very little rainfall during spring. You can also witness the local Tiji festival during May at Lo-Manthang. However, the weather is unpredictable and can be chilly at higher elevations.
Autumn
September, October, and November mark the Autumn season in Nepal. It is a peak trekking period and the best time to trek to the Annapurna Circuit. This season begins right after the monsoon season when you can experience clean and fresh air. The warmer days, moderate temperature, and clear skies make this the perfect time for trekking. You can see the best view of snow-capped mountains during these months.
Two major Nepali festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall under this season. You can celebrate different festivals and experience the unique culture of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist communities. However, you might face light rainfall in early Autumn and light snowfall in late Autumn, making your trek challenging.
Winter
In Nepal, winter lasts from December to February. These are the coldest months when heavy snowfalls occur in the Annapurna Circuit, making it not an ideal season to trek it. The Tea houses and lodges in the upper region are closed during winter.
Despite several challenges, you can still trek during the winter months. If you wish to enjoy the snowfall and witness the beauty of snow-covered peaks, these winter months are perfect. However, you must be careful about your health and fully prepared for the Trek.
Summer
Summer runs from May to August in Nepal. The lower region of the Annapurna Circuit receives heavy rainfall during summer. Meanwhile, the upper regions, like Mustang and Manang, lie in the rain shadow area. They receive very little rainfall, making them suitable for trekking even during monsoon season. The temperature during these months is neither hot nor cold.
The water level in the waterfalls, rivers, and streams rises this season. The rainfall makes the surroundings vibrant during this summer season. However, the weather is unpredictable during summer. Heavy rain can bring landslides blocking your trekking trails. If you plan to hike during summer, we advise you to be fully prepared for this trek.
Factors to consider when choosing Timing
Personal preferences
If you plan to go on a trek, you should always be clear on what kind of trek you wanna go on. Trekking is a challenging task. So, you should research the place you’re about to trek to. Several factors should be addressed before you leave for the trek. You should estimate your budget. Most importantly, pick the best season to witness the best view and to ensure a safe and comfortable trek.
Accommodation
Tea houses and lodges are the standard accommodation options while hiking in this region. Locals often run these tea houses and lodges and provide basic amenities during your stay. The bedrooms are very simple. You will find mattresses, sheets, pillows, and blankets in the room. Mostly, the rooms are shared. Besides these, you must pay extra to use the other facilities like charging, hot water for showers, etc.
Altitude considerations
The Annapurna Circuit Trek reaches an elevation of 5,416m at Thorong La Pass. The oxygen level at this altitude is very low, and altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers. If you plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit, you should be well aware of this situation and prepare for the trek. Hiking at a higher altitude is always challenging and cannot be taken lightly.
Acclimatization
Annapurna circuit is a long trek where you spend most days above 4000m. Only a small percentage of people in the world live at such altitudes. So, it will be difficult for trekkers to adapt to these elevations. You need to have an acclimatization day on your itinerary so that your body can adapt to these conditions. Generally, trekkers have one or two days to acclimate while they trek the Annapurna Circuit.
Preparing for the Annapurna Circuit
Permits required
Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) are two permits required for this trek. TIMS card is used to store the trekker’s information and is mandatory for every trekker in Nepal. The TIMS card is of two types. One is blue, and the other is Green. The Green card is for trekking in Restricted regions like Manaslu Region and Upper Mustang, while the Blue card is for other non-restricted areas. You can get this card from any TIMS check post, Nepal Tourism Board office, or trekking Agencies in Nepal. This card costs NPR 2000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for visitors from SAARC nations.
You will need an Annapurna Conservation Area permit to trek the Annapurna Circuit. You can get the permit from the starting point of the trek at Besisahar, or your trekking agency can provide you with a card in Kathmandu/Pokhara. This permit costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for visitors from SAARC nations.
Training and Physical preparation tips
You can perform specific activities to improve your stamina and strength for this trek. You can perform cardiovascular exercises at home, which will help you breathe easily when the oxygen level is low. Going on several hikes before leaving for this trek will help you understand the difficulties and challenges you might face during a trek. Maintaining a balanced diet is essential to keep your body fit. We advise you to consult your doctor if you have any illness. Consistent training and Preparation will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey that offers stunning scenery, majestic views, diverse cultures, and varying landscapes. The weather in this region is unpredictable. Even in the best seasons( Spring and Autumn), the weather and temperature in the higher regions change drastically. So, we recommend you be prepared for any challenges while trekking in this region. Trekking to this region is still worth it despite the challenges and hardships.
FAQs
How long does it take to hike the Annapurna Circuit?
It depends on the trekking route you choose. Normally, it takes 15-22 days, depending on your itinerary. The duration can vary based on the pace of the trek, acclimatization stops, and other side trips.
Is Annapurna Trek Difficult?
This trek is considered moderate-level. The hike to the Annapurna Circuit will be challenging, but those with good fitness levels can successfully overcome it.
Can a beginner do Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, a beginner can go on an Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s important to understand that it is challenging, but you can complete it with adequate preparation.
Is the Annapurna Circuit harder than the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit is generally considered less difficult than the Everest Base Camp Trek because it stays below 5,000 m for most of the journey. However, certain sections like Thorong La Pass make this circuit trek challenging.
What is the hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit?
The hardest part of Annapurna Circuit is crossing the Thorong La Pass, which stands at 5,416 m. This high-altitude pass presents challenges such as steep climbing, unpredictable weather, and a high risk of altitude sickness.
