Annapurna Circuit Trekking

There are some places on earth where you can experience the amazing wonders of Mother Nature and grandeur of multi – ethnic culture. In one single trip of these destinations, you can knit the momentous travel tale worthy to be shared for generations. When these destination is in the lap of lofty Himalayas, then the value rises astronomically. Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit Trekking route is an epic place where you get chance to see the illustrious harmony between mountains, people, and nature. In today’s blog, we delve deeper into finding out various aspects of trekking in Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit.

Let’s talk in detail about the Annapurna Round Trek. At the end of the blog, you will be able to plan and budget for this enthralling walking adventure.

Nepal’s Oldest Trekking Route

When Nepal opened its door to the foreigners, the Annapurna Circuit Trek route was among few trails open for people to trek commercially. Yes, the trail was opened to foreigners back in 1976. Therefore, it is considered as Nepal’s oldest trekking route. For years, the trail became the face of the Nepalese Trekking industry. People who visited Nepal during 80’s and 90’s always describe the trekking trail as the Nirvana and the great Himalayan walking trail. If you talk with the travel veterans now they talk so high about this trail. It is indeed a scenic walking trail full of ethnic villages, diverse landscapes, and challenging Thorong La Pass (5416 m).

Annapurna Circuit Trekking Itinerary: Short and Classical

Trekking Nepal Annapurna Circuit never fails to entice you with its natural and cultural beauty. As the oldest trekking route of Nepal, the trail has seen ups and downs of Nepal Trekking. The developmental works int he area has changed the face of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Earlier, the trek used to start from Besisahar but now the journey starts normally from Chame or Jagat. However, some trekkers drive directly to Manang Village or Pisang Village to start the trek. This blogger doesn’t recommend you to take jeep directly to Manang. It is risky in terms of altitude sickness due to sudden gain in the altitude.

The modern Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary that starts from Besisahar ends in Jomsom with trekking starting from Chame Village of Manang and ending at the Kagbeni Village of Mustang. However, the classical trekking itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal is one of the best detour trekking trail. It ends in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trail route at the Ghorepani Poon Hill Section. Normally, the modern Annapurna Circuit Trek is short which you can do in less than two weeks but the classical itinerary of trekking Nepal Annapurna Circuit needs three weeks of holiday.

Trek in Manang and Mustang

Manang and Mustang are two beautiful valleys of the Annapurna Region of Nepal. These two valleys are rich in cultural heritage and natural wonders. The home of Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan Buddhists ethnic community offers great insights on Nepal’s cultural diversity. Moreover, the places inside these two valleys are so scenic that one can knit the momentous and scenic travel tale. Places like Gangapurna Lake, Ngawal, Yak Kharka, Jomsom, and Muktinath make these two valleys renowned throughout the world. In addition, trekkers can experience wilderness adventure in the lap of the Himalayas enjoying the modern facilities. Explore majestic places of Manang and Mustang during the Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal.

When is the right time for the Annapurna Round Trek?

The high – altitude places of the Annapurna Round Trek are in the rain shadow areas beyond mountains. Therefore, you can fairly say that monsoon season is also ideal for trekking. However, the lower altitude places especially the trail head areas experience heavy rainfall during monsoon season which strongly suggests trekkers to avoid monsoon season. The winter season is also not highly recommended due to heavy snowfall and high chance of snowstorms especially in the place like the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). So, the right times to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Round Trek in Nepal are during the months of spring season (March – May) and autumn season (September – November). Choose these months for an extraordinary trekking experiences.

How hard is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The trekking trail of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal is detour trail. Therefore, people expect it to be arduous and challenging. Interestingly, the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is fairly easy except few days of trekking. The challenging day of the trek is while crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). Besides this day, trekkers can comfortably trek in the trekking trail. There are no steep uphill and downhill sections in this trekking route. Majority of the trekking trail features gentle uphill and downhill sections and the trail is motor able road. Therefore, people find it easy to walk. To sum up, the difficulty level of the Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit Trek is low if you plan it meticulously and if you have good physical fitness level. Let’s know more about preparing for the Nepal Annapurna Circuit journey.

How to prepare for Trekking Nepal Annapurna Circuit?

The preparation is key to success. For any kinds of travel activities especially for the trekking trips in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, you need proper planning. From the physical requirements to essential packing list and from permits to guide hire; you need to prepare well for the hassle free trekking trips.

Physical Preparation

Build up the physical fitness level in such a way that you can comfortably walk in the trail for about 6 to 7 hours in an average every day. In addition, your cardio – vascular abilities are highly needed for the trek. Do some exercises at least one month prior to the trek. Exercises like running, walking, cycling, and swimming help you to build up the cardio – vascular abilities. Maintain the healthy dietary plans avoiding greasy foods and alcohols. This is essential before and during the trek. Together with the physical preparation, make sure that you are mentally tough. Expect the unexpected while traveling in the high altitude Himalayan regions of Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit Permits

You can trek in the Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking route by obtaining the single trekking permit. Earlier, you had to buy the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit. However, you can do the trek with one permit only nowadays. The provision of the TIMS permit is no longer in use. The cost of the ACAP permit is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. If you wish to do side trip to Nar Phu Valley, then you must obtain additional restricted area permit.

Essential Packing List

Pack only the essentials. Don’t over pack and don’t under pack. Please note that if you are using porter then your porter carries around 18 to 22 kilograms only. Two trekkers are given one porter in general. Carry water bottles, warm layer of clothes, sweat pants & t-shirts, trekking poles, head lamp, sleeping bag, etc. Make sure that you are using the duffle bag instead of travel suitcases. You can rent these duffle bags or the trekking agency can provide you these bags free of charge.

Side Trips from Annapurna Round Trek route

The Annapurna Round Trek in Nepal is one of the commercial trekking routes of Nepal. Therefore, the number of trekkers in the route is comparatively higher. The interest in the trail is also high in comparison to other trekking routes. Therefore, people often search about the possible side trips from the Annapurna Round Trek route.

There are two popular side trips to do from the trail among several other small hikes. They are the Tilicho Lake Trek and the Nar Phu Valley Trek. Besides these two trekking routes, trekkers can do smaller hikes like Ice Lake Hike, the Gangapurna Lake Hike, Ngawal Cave Tour, etc.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Nepal Map

Tilicho Lake Trek

Reach the shores of the world’s highest situated lake the Tilicho Lake (4919 m). Interestingly, trekkers can do both the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Tilicho Lake Trek in one single trekking trip if they add at least 3 days in the itinerary. The trail to the Tilicho Lake separates from the Annapurna Circuit Trek route in Yak Kharka. You can reach Tilicho Lake via Khangsar, Siri Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

In the outskirts of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, trekkers can also visit two iconic hidden villages Nar and Phu. However, the trek requires a restricted area permit. Relish the chance to know more about Bon and Tibetan Buddhist people who have their own language and traditions while exploring the mystical villages of the region. If you are looking for virgin trek in Nepal, we would highly recommend the Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Best Annapurna Circuit Trek Companies

Trekking in Nepal is momentous and hassle free when you trek with the experts! Yes, trekking in an itinerary prepared by the expert trekking company ensures high success rate. There are several trekking companies in Nepal both registered and unregistered. Among these trekking companies, the Nepal High Trek is the leading agency. The travel planners and experienced trekking guides of the company ensure high efficiency. In addition, the agency offers reasonable rates but provides impeccable hospitality and quality services.