The Annapurna Circuit trek is famous treks in the world and for good reason. It is one of the best places to get a view of the beautiful scenery of nature.
During this wonderful trek, you’ll walk via the trail between two of the highest mountains in the world: Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. You’ll also get a small chance to witness a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with the blue sheep.
Trekking through the trail of the Annapurna circuit is equally challenging and inspiring. The highest point of this trek is Thorong La which is the highest pass in the world.
The best part of trekking in Annapurna region is you’ll not be returning to any place twice. In this way, you’ll get a chance to explore the more new place and learn about new culture too.
During this trek, you’ll get panoramic sceneries of Himalayas including of the Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Lamjung and other sister peaks of Annapurna region.
Actually, in this trek, you’ll encounter with different ethnic communities.
Basically, the lower lands are inhabited by the Hindu communities of Brahmin and Chhetris. The highlands around Manang are inhabited by the Buddhists people including Tibetans, Thakalis, Managis, Gurung, and Magar.
October, November, April, and May are the best months to hike the Annapurna Circuit. During this time, the trail is crowded with a number of trekkers. But if you do advance planning, the accommodation and flight schedule shouldn’t be a problem.
Though it is still possible to trek in other months like September, December, and June, be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
Generally, the classic circuit starts from Besisahar but there are another several starting points for this trip like Bhulbhule, Chame or Syange.
It takes about 21 days to complete the typical route. But if you manage your trekking time efficiently, then this circuit trip can be completed within 12 to 15 days.
If you have a less time and still want to complete Annapurna circuit trek with a few days, then we’ll customize the trip as per your requirements.
Annapurna Circuit trail also provides several side treks that worth your both time and money.
Some popular side treks are Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Tilicho trek, and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Enjoy the trek and soak in the natural beauty of the trail !!!
Highlights
- Explore the city of a lake, Pokhara.
- Enjoy the best views of Annapurna I (8,091)- the 10th highest mountain in the world.
- Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. Also, one of the famous vantage point in the Annapurna region.
- Poon Hill another famous vantage point for an amazing sunrise/sunset view over Annapurna range.
- Get a close insight of the different ethnic Gurung, Thakali, and Magar settlements.
- Visit different traditional villages like Marpha, Jomsom, Pisang, and Manang.
- Visit Muktinath temple, the major pilgrimage destinations for both religions: Hindu and Buddhists.
You might want to consider Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek which are very similar trek in Annapurna region.
Cost Includes
- 1 nights accommodation in Pokhara 3 star
- All ground transportation by Bus
- All accommodations in teahouse
- Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the treks
- All cost for guide leader (well trained English Speaking)
- Porer to carry your bags 2 trekkers share 1 porter (max 25 kg carry by a porter )
- All required major permit
- All necessary paper works and permits
- Rescue arrangements incase of any emergences
- Medical Kit Bag
- All necessary taxes
Cost Excludes
- Monuments & Monastery fees
- All the drinks while you are on trek
- all your personal gear
- Hotels in kathmandu
- Lunch And dinner while you are in Katmandu and pokhara
- Tips for guide and porter
Q1. How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trekking?
Actually, Annapurna Circuit trek is not that hard. The difficulty level depends upon your physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
However, trek route includes steep climb uphill, downhill, and rocky path. This requires physical fitness and stamina and most importantly mental fitness. Thus, a good exercise and training program is essential.
Your training program should include physical strengthening, conditioning, balancing and so on.
We have a flexible itinerary with enough acclimatization and rest days before heading to higher elevations for your easy trekking.
Q2. How long does Annapurna Circuit Trek take?
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 12 to 16 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. Here’s a 15 days itinerary, starting from Nayapul and ascending up to Ghorepani and the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill.
You can also extend the itinerary from 20-22 days and opt Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is rewarding in itself.
Q3. How fit do I have to be for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
For Annapurna Circuit trek, you don’t have to be a marathon runner, but you do have to be fit and healthy. During the trek, you may have to trek for 7-8 hours per day. For this trek, no any mountaineering skills are needed.
Q4. Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
If you cannot bear cold, I would suggest bringing your own sleeping bag. You can hire sleeping bags at Pokhara or Kathmandu and return after the completion of the trek. Though the tea houses provide thick blankets, in the freezing temperatures it may not be enough for you. So, carrying a light sleeping bag is wise in high altitude treks. You might want to check: what to bring for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Q5. What type of accommodation can I expect during the trek?
Annapurna Region is the second popular trekking destinations in Nepal. There is a huge flow of the trekkers and mountaineers from 1970’s onward so the trail is well established.
There are numerous nice, cozy, and well-furnished tea houses. Most of the tea houses have western toilet facilities with hot showers.
If you’re planning to trek in the peak trekking season (Spring and Autumn) make sure to do advance booking.
Q6. What type of food is available during the trek?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll get a wide range of food. From Chinese, Continental, Italian, Newari to typical Nepali dish- Dal Bhat.
On the trail, especially at the lower region, you’ll get a variety of food menu. But as you reach the higher elevation the choices will be limited to local food menu like Dal-Bhat-Tarkari.
Q7. Can I get safe drinking water?
On the trail, almost all the tea houses provide boiled and filtered water. Mineral water is also available throughout the trail. Since the plastic bottles do not dispose easily which cause an environmental problem, we discourage purchase of mineral water bottle.
Likewise, along the trail there are enough water taps, you can use purification tablets to purify the drinking water. It is the better, safe, and cheap option.
Q8. Do I need a travel insurance?
Yes, before trek you should get your travel insurance from your respective country.
Make sure, the travel insurance covers everything associated with trek including emergency evacuation packages. This is very essential for your safety, as the weather in the mountains is totally unpredictable.
Also, if you’re insured, it’ll save you from hassles that may arise during the trek like loss of baggage, flight cancellation or interruptions, and the like.
Q9. What is the best time for Annapurna Base Camp?
The best time for Annapurna Base Camp trek is during the month of September to Mid-December and March to May. During these months, the climate is pleasant, with clear skies. You’ll get the stunning view of Mt. Annapurna and the surrounding peaks.
Q10. Can I trek in monsoon season?
Although the best season for trekking in the Annapurna region is spring and autumn, some tourists prefer monsoon season too. As the trail is less crowded, there are abundant choices in terms of accommodation. And flight booking can be done very easily.
During Monsoon, for few days you’ll encounter heavy rainfalls. But as you ascend further the rainfall decreases.
If you plan to trek during this season, then you should be prepared for the slippery and muddy trails and road blockage due to landslides or floods. Also, make sure you carry rain gears like raincoats, umbrella, and rain poncho.
Further, monsoon means an invitation to mosquitoes and leeches. Do not forget to carry along insect repellent and salts to combat leeches and mosquitoes.
Q11. What to do if I caught with altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It generally occurs when people ascend too quickly over 3,000 m altitudes.
The basic symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. You shouldn’t ignore these early symptoms, as it may lead to more serious conditions and may even lead to death.
The best solution for altitude sickness is descending to the lower altitude. Also, to ensure a minimal risk, you can walk at a slow pace, take enough rest, and drink plenty of water.
Q12. Do I need to hire a guide/porter?
Annapurna Circuit Trek lies within one of the most popular and well-established trails of Nepal. Thus, it can be done with or without a guide.
However, it is recommended to hire a guide. A guide is a person who will help you in every aspect of the trek. S/he will share you information regarding the local culture, places, religion, and landscapes. They’re well familiar with the locals which will help you to communicate with them more comfortably.
Likewise, a porter is one who carries your backpack during the trekking period. With the help of them, you can enjoy your trek more comfortably.
Please kindly note you don’t have to overpack just because you aren’t carrying it.
Q13. Do I have to tip my guide/porter?
In Nepal, there is no hard and fast rule for tipping the guide or porter. However, at the end of the trek, if your guide or porter has done a good job and if you feel he deserves thank you, by all means, a tip is always appreciated.
Q14. Which permits are required for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
For Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to obtain an entry permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) as well as TIMS card. You can get both these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These permits are essential as there are different checkpoints where you may be asked to disclose these permits. If you don’t have it you have to pay fine and buy these permits in higher cost.
Q15. How do I book for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
If the given itinerary on the websites suits you, then you can book online or email us. Also, if you want to customize your trip, we can plan itinerary as per your requirements. We are always ready to help you in customizing the trip, decide the best time to travel and choose the best trekking package as well.
For detailed info, you can directly call, Viber and WhatsApp at +977 9851060902 or send us an email at himalayasonfoot@gmail.com
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We were lucky that we booked our trek just by Himalayas on foot. Thanks a lot about everything Mukti! We had awesome guide, Raj, who knows what was the best for us. He recommended us what is good to eat and where we could take clean water. We had the best teahouses to sleep. He noticed if we feel bad. I also think because we had so professonal guide we didn't get high altitude symptoms. We had also always happy porters. Deepak was so so happy and singed songs and danced with our backpacks. So it was easy and nice to trek with them. Feel like family. They really cared of us, helped us and wanted all best for us. I really enjoyed my trek. That's why also next time I will book my trek on Himalayas on foot. -
After browsing through and communicating with countless trekking companies online, Mukti, owner of Himalayasonfoot, got in touch with me. What drew me in was that even after I told Mukti I may just get to Kathmandu and figure it out from there, he continued to answer all of my questions and give me tips and ideas about the different treks and what they offer - seeing that he required nothing in return showed me HimalayasOnFoot is more than just a business. Mukti was always available to answer any questions at all points before, during, and after the trek as well. The guide I was set up with, Bidur, was beyond anything I could have asked for. Aside from a resounding knowledge of the trails, routes, and Nepali culture and history, he was a great human being. After the Manaslu Circuit, which I did with HimalayasOnFoot, Mukti arranged to have my guide buy me a map and write down an itinerary for me for the next part of my trip, the Annapurna Circuit and base camp, which I continued on my own. Throughout this second trek I continued to communicate with Mukti and Bidur simply because they wanted to check up on me and make sure I “didn’t get lost in the snow”. It is a good feeling to comfortably and conveniently contact someone with such in depth knowledge and experience in the trekking business and Nepal in general. I made some lifelong memories with HimalayasOnFoot, and when I get back to Nepal I am without a doubt contacting Mukti to set up some more treks.
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