How high have you been in your life? The air is thin up in the high – altitude places where you may struggle to live. It is always adventurous to explore such places. However, some people live in such environment without any struggles. The earth is such a miraculous planet where you get to experience wonders of Mother Nature. Here in Nepal, the Annapurna Region is considered as the gem of all the touristic destinations. The trekking routes are particularly the highlight of the region. Today’s blog is about finding ways to overcome the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude for hassle free trekking adventure.
Leaving footprints in the Himalayan sanctuary can be legendary and momentous. Interestingly, it is possible with certain sacrifices. You can’t deny the fact that the altitude plays vital role in making trekking trip jovial or unsuccessful. Therefore, we are publishing the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude blog with an intention to help you prepare well for safe trek.
Things to know before High – Altitude Trekking in Nepal
Let’s find out about various things that you should know before trekking in high – altitude places of Nepal. There is nothing called impossible to human beings. If you prepare well, then the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude is manageable. The preparation is key to success. Major things to consider before high – altitude trekking in Nepal are physical requirements, acclimatization options, insurance, dietary options, suitable time of the year, and trekking style. This blogger has listed the following things as mandatory information that you must know before the trek.
Physical Fitness and Cardio – Vascular Abilities
Walking in the high – altitude places drain your energy more. Trekkers have to trek against the gravity. Therefore, you need proper physical fitness level. In addition, average walking hours in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route are about 6 to 7 hours. The trail is rugged and consists of uphill & downhill sections. Therefore, build up the cardio – vascular abilities and stamina at least one month prior to the trek. Do exercises like cycling, running, walking, and swimming regularly for months. A tired body is very vulnerable to altitude sickness. Extreme exhaustion can be fatal especially in the high – altitude places.
Acclimatization Activities
Don’t skip acclimatization activities! If you don’t have an acclimatization day in the high – altitude trekking itinerary, then consider adding one. Doing the acclimatization activities help you to quickly adjust to the gain in elevation. The body understands and it starts to adjust according to the surrounding environment. The basic principle of acclimatization is to trek high and sleep low. Trekkers have to reach high – altitude places and then return down to the low – altitude place for overnight sleep. It is the quickest way to adjust to the demands of altitude.
For example, the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude can be overcome by doing the acclimatization hike to the Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake from Manang Village.
Travel Insurance
Buy the travel insurance that covers incidents above 5000 m altitude. Your travel insurance must include plans like emergency helicopter rescue, medical expenses, trip cancellations & delays, and accidents. Having a travel insurance helps immensely to boost the confidence. You can’t buy the travel insurance in Nepal. Therefore, you must obtain the insurance plan in your home country and then provide the copy of the travel insurance to the local travel agency based in Nepal. During the time of an emergency, the company act according to the conditions of the travel insurance plan.
First Aid and Precautionary Measures
Always carry basic first aid box. The kit must contain basic medicines that prevent diarrhoea, headache, common cold, fever, nausea, etc. Consider adding diamox which is the best medicine to have for high – altitude places. It helps you to cope with the altitude sickness. Please consult with you doctor before heading to the high – altitude places. In some cases, people with extreme heart and lung diseases are not highly recommended to do trekking in the higher elevation.
Dietary Options
Greasy foods are not appropriate for high – altitude trekking trips. Such types of food decreases the cardio – vascular abilities. Similarly, alcohol consumption is not recommended. Soupy foods are healthy and boost the physical stamina. Stay hydrated all the time and drink lots of water than regular times. High – altitude places make people dry quickly which can lead people to suffer from altitude sickness and dehydration. Therefore, drink water regularly and eat healthy soupy foods only.
Trekking Guide and Uniform Trek Pace
The journey of the high – altitude places without trekking guide is not recommended. Hire a trekking guide who is experienced in the terrain of such place. Heed the instructions of trekking guide and don’t try to deviate from the original itinerary of the trip. Maintain the uniform trek pace. Sometimes, trekkers quickly ascend and do rush trekking which can be fatal especially in the high – altitude places. Gradual and continuous walking is the best way to successfully traverse through higher elevation places.
Best Trekking Season
Choose right season for trekking in these places. The Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude can affect the success rate of the trek due to various seasons. Normally, spring and autumn seasons are best time to do trek in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. However, it may be different for other places. Consult with the local experts before deciding the time to do the trek. Almost all the trekking routes of Nepal are suitable to trek during the spring and autumn season.
Altitude Gain and Key Stages of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
There are two stages of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Route. The first stage is the altitude gain ascent phase and the second stage is descent phase from Thorong La Pass top (5416 m). The best thing about the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is that trekkers gradually gain altitude. There are no sections where trekkers quickly reach the high – altitude places.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Starting Point Altitude
The starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is not fixed. There are many trail heads of the Annapurna Round Trek. The decision lies solely on a trekking guide or the preferences of the trekkers. After the construction of road network, the trekking itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek changed drastically. Nowadays, it is not recommended to follow the classical itinerary without including the jeep drive in between places. Besisahar used to be the starting point of the trek but now Chame has become the favorite trail head of the trek. So, the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude starts from 2670 m.
The trail passes through places like Pisang (3230 m) and Ngawal (3700 m) before reaching Manang Village. If you follow the Ngawal route, then you can enjoy epic scenery but also can perform acclimatization like trekking. From 3700 m to 3450 m, this way of itinerary follows the principle of acclimatization.
Manang Altitude
The village of Manang is crucial to win over the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude. Trekkers have to spend two nights in this beautiful village performing various acclimatization activities. At an altitude of 3450 m, the village acts as anchor place for trekkers to adjust to the surrounding environment. The hike to Ice Lake (4350 m) can be tiring and needs additional days but Gangapurna Lake Hike is highly accessible.
The trip after Manang to Thorong Phedi or High Camp via Yak Kharka or Ledar becomes easier after proper acclimatization. If you take the Tilicho Lake route, then you may have to reach as high as 4919 m altitude. The altitude of Tilicho Lake is 4919 m and the Tilicho Lake Base Camp is at an altitude of 4050 m.
Places before crossing Thorong La Pass
Two options are there for trekkers before crossing Thorong La Pass to overcome questions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude. They are staying overnight whether in Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp. The crossing becomes easier from High Camp but staying overnight can be hard due to higher elevation. This blogger recommends you to stay overnight in Thorong Phedi and do extra 1.5 hours of walking instead of spending overnight in risky higher elevation.
Thorong La Pass Crossing: Highest Place of Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude
The most iconic place and the highest Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude is the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). Despite the higher elevation, careful planning can help trekkers to comfortably cross the pass. The biggest threat is the possibility of snowstorms. Therefore, trekking in suitable season is highly recommended. The pass is one of the longest passes of Nepal which is usually covered in snow. It separates the Annapurna’s Manang Valley and Mustang Valley. Therefore, it is the most important landmark of the trail.
Don’t hesitate to talk with the experts regarding the ways to overcome risk of the Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude. With proper planning and preparations, embark on the enticing journey of trekking in Nepal’s one of the oldest trekking trails. Knit the best trekking memories of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.
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