Annapurna Circuit Trek is not only a trek; it’s a journey of an entire life that takes you via some of the most beautiful landscapes that Nepal has to offer. At greater than a hundred and sixty (or 230, depending on your direction) kilometers, this epic trek whisks you from lush green valleys to high-altitude deserts, via Tibetan-style villages and over the snow-crusted Thorong la skip.
But in case you are considering your first ride to the Himalayas, the daunting prospect of trying this kind of long, high-altitude path can also be difficult. What gear do you need? How fit do you have to be? There are two things we can’t decide: How do you determine which way to go? And what about altitude sickness?
And that’s exactly what this guide does. It includes everything you need to know to knock off the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary like you’ve been trekking in Nepal for decades — and to do so without anyone ever questioning you as a first-time traveler, from what to pack to crushing that last pass.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek: Best Trek for Beginners.
For as challenging as it’s reputed to be, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most accessible long-distance hikes in the world. The trail is well trekked and lined with many teahouses to refuel your body and your belly, and it leads you through a variety of interesting terrains and climates, providing a full tasting platter of what the Himalayas have to offer.
That doesn’t require any special climbing experience, and it doesn’t even have to be done quickly. With smart planning and the right attitude, it’s a doable — perhaps even enjoyable — trek, and it happened to be my first Himalayan trek.
The Best Time to Trek
The pleasant time to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is either spring (March to May) or autumn (late September to early December). These are the months with clear blue skies and cooler temperatures, and generally ‘clear’ weather, which means no obstacles in the path.
In spring, rhododendron blooms and slightly warmer temperatures; autumn brings brisk air and a number of the satisfactory mountain surroundings of the year. The trails become slippery and the danger of landslides is higher; the monsoons (June–August) are fine, averted. The ones hiking in wintry weather can, but users need to additionally be privy to snow and cold, in particular across the Thorong La bypass.
Before you leave for Nepal, how can you train before coming to Nepal? Before you come physically to Nepal, please prepare before traveling to Nepal.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete, but you have to be in good shape, and you have to have strong legs. Begin training a couple of months before your vacation with long walks or hikes, stairs or hill climbs, or the gym. SUBTRACT “When home, I do weight training with a backpack to simulate the daily walk.”
The more able you are to put one foot in front of the other for 5-7 hours a day, the more you’ll enjoy the trek. The mental space is just as critical — there are going to be days where it sucks —but with solid pacing and some preparation, you should be able to get through the circuit as a reasonably healthy person.
Trek Route & Direction & Number of Trekking Days – It’s all about the trekkers’ plan and the Expert’s choice.
And most trekkers do the trail counter-clockwise, which means that you acclimatize more slowly before you get to the Thorong La Pass. The classic route is from Besisahar to Jomsom, Tatopani, or Pokhara, depending on how many days of bus follow-up you fancy.
For first time trekkers it usually takes around 15 – 18 days if good acclimatization is done and the pace is kept steadily. Some eliminate the walk by flying post pass from Jomsom to Pokhara or taking a local jeep.
You can tailor your trek to how much time you have and what you like — other side trails lead to Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill for more mountain gawking.
Permits You Need, and How to Get in Line for Them
There are two permits that you’ll need to hike the Annapurna Circuit:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit – to protect the region and the value the traffic poses: 3,000 NPR.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)- A very handy equipment for the security of the trekkers, and even single trekkers can have this at 2,000 NPR.
Both these licenses can be acquired at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Carry with you photocopies of your passport and also some passport-sized photos of you. If hiking with a guide, the agency will typically arrange this for you.
To Solo with Guide or Group
Annapurna now, hiking alone (without the guide) will not be allowed anymore for new progress. Now you have to hire a licensed guide — not just for your safety, not just so the residents receive the money that keeps their economy afloat, but so someone is there to watch over you.
Porter-driven or carry on your own — but keep the option open to travel as distraction-free as possible. Guides can certainly assist in translations, cultural interpretation, accommodations, and wayfinding. You can hire them through local agencies or online services with good reviews.
What to Bring, and How to Keep Your Load Lively
Packing is everything when it comes to comfort and longevity. p.c. Layers; the temperatures can range exponentially, and convey a down parka, thermals, a waterproof shell, and a few robust, damaged-in trekking boots. And don’t neglect the necessities: a sound sleeping bag, hiking poles, a first-aid package, a headlamp, and water-purification pills.
In case you’ll be wearing your bag, aim for 12kgs max. Carry a daypack, water, snacks, and layers (and have your porter pack separately). Provided that you forgot any final bits, it is possible to rent or buy anything you need in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The way to Acclimate and prevent Altitude sickness
is the most important subject for any newbie can Altitude illness mainly occurs around Thorong La Pass ( 416m). How are you going to decrease your risk of becoming unwell?
3,000 Meters. If you’re able, make a hard climb, and a flirtatious conversation will do you right, believe us!
Schedule an acclimatisation day at a village such as Manang.
Stay nicely hydrated and keep away from alcohol
Stats Allertrain makes use of Diamox in case your physician orders it.
Pay attention to your frame. If you experience symptoms, like headache, dizziness, or nausea, descend to a lower altitude and rest, and do no longer ascend in addition.
Consume, Sleep, and Be secure on the path.
When staying in a teahouse, it’s generally expected that you also eat your meals there. If you plan to eat elsewhere or skip meals, you may be charged extra for the room or discouraged from staying. At higher altitudes, food is more expensive due to transport costs, and meat may not be fresh, so it’s better to avoid it. Always carry some snacks, and keep local currency with you, as prices go up the higher you go.
There is plenty to eat and fill up on — dal bhat, pasta and fried rice, and noodles; eggs and pancakes. But pack some energy bars, nuts, or chocolate as well, for a little extra fuel on the long days. Up higher, and hot showers, Wi-Fi, and even phone charging may all come for a fee, so carry some local currency, the Nepali rupee. A.T.M.s are scarce up there on the trail.
Concluding your first hike in Annapurna
The first, a high-altitude trek, will almost certainly be strenuous — and also very rewarding. All of which is to say: Just be here now, as much as possible, with every step you take. Enjoy the surprises, keep an empty calendar so that you can be as supple as possible, and rest when there is rest to be found.
Respect the local culture — greet people with the word “Namaste,” dress modestly, and spend your money in teahouses and shops. And, principally, laugh the ride. The Annapurna Circuit isn’t always a path; it’s far a stroll through cultures, landscapes, and a self-mirrored image on foot.