Trekking Annapurna Circuit: Everything You Need to Know

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous trekking trails in Nepal, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, as well as an opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Nepalese people. Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is an adventure of a lifetime, but it requires careful planning and preparation. In this Annapurna circuit trek guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your trek.

Important things to know on the Annapurna Circuit trek :

Route

The Annapurna Circuit trek is a 160-230 km trek (depending on the route you take). And it can typically be completed in around 15-20 days. The trek starts in the town of Besisahar and ends in the town of Jomsom or Pokhara. The trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high mountain passes, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas throughout the region. You will also have the opportunity to visit traditional Nepalese villages on this trek. You will then interact with the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality.

The route you want to take to do this trek is a crucial factor to consider. The classic route generally starts in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River valley. After that, you will be before crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416m) and descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley. From there, the trek continues to the town of Jomsom or Pokhara, depending on the route you take. However, there are also alternative routes that can be taken. Treks such as the Nar Phu Valley Trek or the Tilicho Lake Trek offer different perspectives of the Annapurna region.

Best time to go Annapurna circuit trek

One of the most important things to consider on this Annapurna Circuit trek guide is the best time to go. The trek is typically done in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), as these are the most favorable seasons in terms of weather and visibility.

During these months, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are mild, making for ideal trekking conditions. This region experiences typically dry weather during these two seasons. Hence, when you ascend to higher heights, you won’t experience too much cold. However, it’s worth noting that the Annapurna Circuit can also trek during the winter and monsoon seasons. But, these times bring their own set of challenges.

Preparation for the trek

When it comes to trekking the Annapurna Circuit, it’s essential to be physically prepared. The trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and endurance. It’s recommended to start a fitness routine at least 2-3 months before your trek, incorporating cardio and strength training exercises. It’s also crucial to acclimatize properly, as the high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening.

Finally, it’s important to be well-equipped for the trek. You’ll need to have the appropriate gear, such as a good-quality trekking backpack, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a reliable sleeping bag. It’s also essential to carry enough food and water, as well as a first-aid kit and any necessary medications.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is an incredible adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of this unforgettable adventure. In the next sections of this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into each aspect of the trek. This includes the route, accommodation options, food and water, and other essential tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trek.

Detailed Route

You might already be informed that the journey begins in the town of Besisahar in the earlier sections of this Annapurna circuit trek guide. And you also should know this is reachable by road from the capital city.

From Besisahar, the trek follows the Marsyangdi River valley. It passes through lush subtropical forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional Nepalese villages. The trail ascends gradually towards the town of Chame, where trekkers can take a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude.

From Chame, the trail continues to climb toward the village of Manang. It is located at an altitude of 3,540 meters. As you should know, Manang is a popular stopping point for trekkers. It offers stunning views of the mountains which is a great opportunity to explore the local culture and traditions.

After Manang, the trail ascends even further towards the Thorong La Pass. It is the highest point of the trek at an elevation of 5,416 meters. The pass offers incredible views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. You will likely face the most challenging sections of the trek due to the high altitude and steep ascent.

After crossing the Thorong La Pass, the trail descends into the Kali Gandaki Valley, which is the world’s deepest gorge. The trail passes through the villages of Muktinath, Jomsom, and Kagbeni. Take note that these all villages are known for their rich culture and traditional architecture. From there, trekkers can either continue to the town of Jomsom or Pokhara, depending on the route taken.

Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and a unique trekking experience.

Accommodation facilities

The Annapurna Circuit trek offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Along the route, there are several tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses that provide basic but comfortable facilities for trekkers.

Teahouses

Tea houses are the most common form of accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit trek. They are small guesthouses that offer private or shared rooms with basic facilities such as a bed, blankets, and pillows. Some tea houses also provide hot showers, but they are usually charged separately. In addition, most tea houses have a communal dining area where trekkers can enjoy a hot meal and socialize with other travelers.

Lodges

Lodges are a step up from tea houses and offer more amenities such as attached bathrooms, hot showers, and sometimes even wifi. They are larger and more comfortable than tea houses and usually have a restaurant that serves a variety of meals. Lodges are also slightly more expensive than tea houses, but they are still relatively affordable.

Hotels

For trekkers who prefer a bit more luxury, several high-end lodges and hotels along the route offer more upscale facilities such as spa services and fine dining. These accommodations are usually located in more dense areas and provide a more exclusive and intimate experience.

It’s important to note that during peak trekking season (September to November and March to May), accommodation can get quite crowded and reservations are recommended. We want to remind you on this Annapurna circuit trek guide that it’s also a good idea to bring a sleeping bag and warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher altitudes.

Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you prefer a simple tea house or a more luxurious lodge, there are plenty of options available along the route.

Food and water

The food and water options on the Annapurna Circuit trek can vary depending on the location and the season. Along the trek, there are several tea houses and lodges that offer meals and snacks for trekkers.

Food

There are a lot of different meals available on this trek. It includes Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, and a variety of western dishes. The most common meals on the trek are dal bhat, which is a traditional Nepalese dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. This is a staple food for Nepalese people and is widely available along the trek. Other popular food options include momos (dumplings), noodle soup, fried rice, and pancakes. With these choices accessible, you may also begin with soup before dinner, which comes in a wide variety of alternatives.

Along with these most tea houses and lodges also offer a range of snacks such as biscuits, chocolates, and energy bars. Overall, the meals we mentioned on this Annapurna circuit trek guide are quite similar to that on other hiking routes around the nation.

Water

In terms of water, it’s recommended to always carry a water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated throughout the trek. While there are several natural water sources along the route, it’s important to treat the water before drinking it to avoid getting sick. Trekkers can either use water purification tablets or a water filtration system to make sure the water is safe to drink. Bottled water is also available at tea houses and lodges. But we don’t recommend it as it can contribute to plastic waste and may not be reliably sourced.

It’s also important to note that during peak trekking season, food and water can be in short supply at some of the more remote locations along the route. Trekkers should be prepared to bring their own snacks and extra water to ensure they have enough to sustain them throughout the trek.

Overall, the food and water options on the Annapurna Circuit trek are basic but sufficient to sustain trekkers throughout the journey. It’s important to stay hydrated and to be mindful of the food and water sources to avoid getting sick. Trekkers should also be prepared to bring their own snacks and extra water in case of shortages along the route.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit trekking

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit can be a challenging but rewarding experience. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Get in shape

The Annapurna Circuit is a strenuous trek that requires a good level of fitness. It’s important to prepare your body by doing regular exercise, such as hiking, running, or cycling, in the weeks leading up to the trek. If you can, you should go hiking at the upper elevations. In essence, you will be mentally and physically prepared. By engaging in the real experience, you can determine how much strain your body can withstand. We had not already counted on everybody doing it. But we strongly urge you to do it if you can.

Acclimatize properly

Altitude sickness is a common concern for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit. It’s important to take your time and acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before ascending to higher altitudes. We specifically advise avoiding increasing your height by more than 300–500 meters each day. When crossing the area’s high passes, you must use extreme caution. Moreover, when you are at a greater altitude, you need more calories on your diet (above 3000m). By consuming whole grains and nutritious snacks, you can add calories to your diet.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a common issue on the trek, especially at higher altitudes. Your body needs to absorb more oxygen and wants you to keep it hydrated, especially when you’re trekking the Annapurna Circuit. To prevent dehydration and other issues associated with altitude sickness, make sure you drink more than 4 liters of water every day. You must purify the water, so you must take water bottles and water purification pills. As it is unsafe to consume water directly from the supplies in this area, this is a very important point to remember.

Dress appropriately

The weather on the Annapurna Circuit can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack appropriate clothing. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots. You will wear thermal tops and add the needed layers such as tees, fleece jackets, and hard shell jackets. As in the warm days you will only trek with a layer on your body. You will only trek with a layer on your body when it’s warm outside. We strongly advise choosing quality over quantity when packing these layers since this alpine adventure will continue for a couple of weeks.

Bring a first-aid kit

It’s important to be prepared for any injuries or illnesses that may occur on the trek. Bring a basic first aid kit with essentials such as bandages, pain relievers, and altitude sickness medication. Usually, altitude sickness symptoms occur in persons from the lowlands who go to high altitudes. The common symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, tiredness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. So it’ll be better to bring medications by consulting with the doctors. You can all get first aid kits in Kathmandu without a prescription for less money than you would pay at home. You don’t need to be concerned because all medications in this country are of top quality.

Respect the environment

The Annapurna Circuit is a beautiful and fragile environment that should be respected and preserved. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace, and avoid littering or damaging the environment. For the Nepalese, the route of this circuit is significantly important and sacred. As a result, visitors must act appropriately. Don’t forget to remove the trash from this region, and always carry a reusable water bottle instead of using plastic when trekking.

Be aware of cultural customs

The Annapurna Circuit passes through many traditional Nepalese villages, so it’s important to be aware of local customs and respect local traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of cultural differences. We also request that, if you have the opportunity, you speak with the locals to learn about their customs and way of life.  You can also learn a couple of Nepali words to greet the locals of the region respectfully. By just following these things on the trek you will get a lot of positive reactions from the locals and you’ll easily connect with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit trek is a challenging but rewarding journey that takes trekkers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Nepal. From lush subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts, the trek offers a diverse range of terrain and scenery. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, it’s important to prepare properly, acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, dress appropriately, respect the environment and cultural customs along the way, and follow other things mentioned in this Annapurna circuit trek guide.

By following these essential pieces of information, trekkers can make the most of their Annapurna Circuit experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-timer, the Annapurna Circuit is an unforgettable adventure that will challenge and inspire you every step of the way. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey on the Annapurna Circuit.