Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, where you will reach an altitude of 5,416m/17,769ft at Thorong La Pass. The paths themselves are often rocky, steep, or even slippery at times. You will also be passing through several stairways, which are physically more demanding. Please note that the shorter Annapurna Circuit treks are more intensive due to the more distance to cover each day compared to longer ones.

This tour encircles the Annapurna range in north-central Nepal (Annapurna & Mustang region), crossing two river valleys for a total of around 230 kilometers (145 miles) over the course of 15-20 days. Its most often hiked counterclockwise to allow for easier acclimatization. Starting in the small municipality of Besisahar or Jagat, you ascend into the highlands of Nepal to reach Thorung La Pass, then descend to the terminus in Pokhara, the country’s vibrant tourist capital.

The Annapurna Circuit runs the full gamut of conditions, from precipitous lush forest in the lowlands to the pine-forested highlands to grasslands, barren alpine mountains and more. Villages dot the circuit, and locals welcome trekkers, offering accommodation in traditional teahouses, incredible food, homemade yak-milk tea and friendly company.

Annapurna Circuit Treks take place inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you require Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit for the trek. The cost of an ACAP permit for foreigners (except SAARC citizens) is Rupees 3,000 (~USD 30), and this permit is acquired from Nepal Tourism Board Office at Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu, or Tourism Board Service Center at Damside, Pokhara, or from the ACAP permit counter at Besishar. For SAARC (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh) citizens, the cost of an ACAP permit is Rupees 200 (~USD 2).

In addition to the ACAP permit, trekkers also need a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, which costs Rs. 1,000 (~10 USD). This can also be received from TIMS card at Nepal Tourism Board Office located at Pradarshani Marg in Kathmandu.

The Annapurna Circuit trek typically commences in the village of Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region. To reach Besisahar, you’ll need to drive or fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu and continue to Besisahar. It takes about 6 to 8 hours to reach Besisahar by private vehicle. Other starting points are Bhulbhule (approximately 7km from Besisahar / 1.5 hours drive), Jagat (approximately 29km from Besisahar / 3 hours drive), Syange (approximately 30km from Besisahar / 2 hours) and Chame (approximately 66km from Besisahar / 4 hours drive).

Like with the starting points, you will have many options to finish the trek. Muktinath can be the first place to conclude your trek, from where you can hop on a public bus or private jeep to Pokhara or Kathmandu. But if you want to continue trekking, you can choose to finish at Jomsom, Tatopani or Nayapul. Or, you can trek all the way to Ghorepani, ascend to Poon Hill and finally conclude the trek at Ghandruk.

The day begins soon after dawn, with a cup of tea or coffee brought to your bed. Once up and dressed, you will need to pack your kit bag ready for the porters to carry to the next teahouse. On an Annapurna trek it is important to eat and drink well, so you will take a leisurely breakfast of porridge, eggs, pancakes, toast, chapattis or Tibetan bread with honey and jam.

Typically you will walk for three or four hours before stopping for lunch. Often on an Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will arrive at the next teahouse by 4 o'clock. The rest of the afternoon and evening will then be spent relaxing, reading, playing games and chatting with other trekkers who are trekking in the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal.

The evening meal will be served soon after dark. The standard of food on an Annapurna Circuit Trek is very good and is often a mixture of Nepalese and Western dishes including: momos, spring rolls, fried rice, noodle soup, Tibetan bread, vegetable curry and ever-present Dal Bhatt (rice and spicy lentil soup). The meal finishes with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. After dinner it is possible to have your bottle filled with hot water, to use as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag, and then to drink the following day. After the early start and plenty of exercise, it is best to have an early night.

The standard trekking route for the Annapurna Circuit is anticlockwise. Typically, travelers begin their journey at Besisahar (or a location farther away), trek the route to Ranipauwa through Thorong La Pass, and then either keep on trekking or ride a coach to Pokhara. It’s easy to understand because traveling in the reverse direction around the Annapurna Circuit is preferable. From subtropical climates to high-altitude alpine settlements, it steadily ascends. The route is picturesque because it is amazing to see how the vegetation changes with time, but it additionally feels safer.

Starting in Besisahar, you are going to climb upwards each day, making it ideal for acclimatization. You reach Manang, a little village at the lower end of the mountains that is located at 3539 meters below the ocean’s surface, after several days of trekking. You should take a couple of day excursions from Manang presently to acclimatize, and their final stop before going across Thorong La Pass would be Thorong Pedi at 4540 meters.

The difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is severe. The route's extreme elevation is what contributes to the Annapurna Circuit trek's challenging level of difficulty. Thorung La, the highest altitude pass in the area, is located along the hiking route and rises to a height of 5416 m. Additionally, you stay above 3000 meters at all times while on the trekking journey. You traverse a couple of the most difficult terrains, which are frequently harsh, rocky, and steep. This increases the difficulty of the Annapurna circuit hike. The Annapurna Circuit Trek's difficulty level cannot be lowered, unlike many other treks. You may choose to bypass some of the paths, but doing so would mean that you would miss out on the greatest parts of the adventure. The only thing a trekker can do to better manage the Annapurna Circuit trek difficulties is to get physically and emotionally ready for the trip.

As trekkers ascend higher into the mountains, the oxygen density and air pressure become less dense than at sea level. The Annapurna Circuit Trek progressively climbs to 5,416m above sea level after starting at a lower height. Trekkers may experience typical altitude sickness symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, lack of appetite, exhaustion, and sleeplessness while hiking over 3,000 meters. These symptoms need to be treated right away. To avoid more problems, hikers must promptly descend to a lower elevation. Many people choose not to inform others out of fear of being sent back and being unable to complete the voyage. Therefore, it inevitably endangers their lives. Don't hide, and alert your guide as soon as you can. You must properly acclimatize in order to prevent altitude sickness symptoms. Your body may more easily adapt to its circumstances by acclimatizing. Water consumption, keeping your own speed, and adhering to your guide’s instructions all aid in AMS evasion. Additionally, you should abstain from drinking and smoking when you are on high mountains.

It is highly recommended for gradual ascent. A trekking itinerary that allows for as little as possible of ascending, ideally should cover not more than 1000-300 feet of vertical increase above 3 km altitude per day. Ensure you have some rest or acclimatization days where you may walk up a bit on a certain day but end your day low.

Dehydration may worsen the effects of altitude sickness. Ensure you take approximately 3 to 4 liters of water daily, regardless of when you feel like drinking. Do not overindulge in coffee intake and alcohol because they can cause dehydration.

Maintaining a balanced diet will assist you greatly to complete the trek. You have to eat well to be strong enough, with enough energy to work in high-altitude areas. Opt for lighter, easy-to-digest foods like carbohydrates and refrain from eating too much fatty or spicy food.

Listening to your body and resting is very much required. When suffering from any symptoms of high altitude disease, pay attention to your body and change pace or schedule if needed. When necessary, rest, and if you have anything to say, do not hesitate to inform your trekking guide about it or share it with your fellow trekkers. If your state deteriorates or does not improve with rest, you should descend to a lower altitude for the cure to take effect.

You can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek any time of the year; however, if you are looking for perfect weather conditions for trekking in Annapurna. In that case, Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-April) are the two best seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Autumn is the peak season to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Since autumn arrives right after the monsoon, the sky is bright and clear, the valleys are still green, the Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature are perfect for trekking, and the views of the pristine mountains are simply spectacular. Since it is the peak season for trekking, the trail becomes very crowded; hence pre-booking for the accommodation is recommended.

Spring is the second-best time to go Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Since spring starts after the cold winter, the trails become free from snow, the weather is pretty warm, blooming rhododendrons and other flowers beautify the trail, and the sun shines bright. Like in autumn, a massive crowd is on the trail, so pre-booking for the accommodation is recommended.

You can also go on this trek during the summer. So, if you want to view greenery or wildflowers in their undisturbed natural environment, this might be the best time. As with the rest of the year, the day is slightly warm, making it an excellent season for trekking activities.

The Annapurna region weaves an enchanting tale of not just breathtaking landscapes but also a cultural kaleidoscope. Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek opens the gateway to an extraordinary adventure, immersing you in the vibrant mosaic of local traditions, customs, and ways of life.

This enticing journey introduces you to the diverse cultures of different local communities such as Gurungs, Thakalis, Manangis and Tibetan that thrive within the region, guiding you with principles of respectful behavior towards the welcoming local communities. Embrace the opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange along the trek, as you become a part of the rich tapestry that connects hearts across cultures and transcends geographical boundaries.

Some villages along the trek route offer homestay experiences, allowing you to live with local families and experience their daily life firsthand. If your trek coincides with a local festival, consider participating in the celebrations to experience the cultural vibrancy and spiritual significance. Take the time to engage in conversations with teahouse owners, staff, and fellow trekkers from different parts of the world. Sharing stories and experiences fosters cultural exchange. Learn some basic Nepali or Tibetan phrases and interact with locals using their language. They will appreciate your efforts and enthusiasm. In some villages, you may have the opportunity to witness traditional cultural performances organized by the locals.

Embracing the local communities with openness and utmost respect holds the key to enriching not just your own trekking experience but also fostering a positive cultural exchange between travelers and the gracious people of the Annapurna region.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned for its well-established teahouse infrastructure, offering trekkers comfortable lodging. Teahouses are basic lodges that provide accommodation, meals, and sometimes hot showers. They are typically family-run establishments and offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the facilities vary, teahouses generally provide cozy rooms with twin beds, blankets, and pillows.

The trekkers can fill their water bottles in the villages where they have water purification station or the trekkers can buy water at the Tea house but buying water is going to be expensive as you will be drinking tons of water through out the trek so we recommend you to bring your own life straw or purification tablets. We do not recommend you to drink direct source water without purification. You should drink at least 4 liters of water in high altitude because higher altitudes makes the body dehydrate fast loosing huge amount of oxygen the more you drink the faster your body will acclimatize avoiding the AMS.

Below is the packing we recommended for the trek.

CLOTHING

• Short-sleeved Trekking shirts
• Trekking boots
• Trekking pants and jackets
• Thermals underwear
• Woollen cap
• Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
• Insulating down jackets
• Trekking Gloves
• Raincoats

TOILETERIES

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet Paper
• Sunscreen
• Shampoo
• Moisturizer

FIRST AID

• Diamox tablets
• Anti-nausea Medicines
• Sanitary pads / Tampons
• Mosquito and insect repellents
• Band-aids

ACCESSORIES

• Sunglasses
• Solar Chargers
• Sleeping bag
• Batteries
• Cameras
• Water Bottle
• Hot water Thermos

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging trek deep inside the remote high Himalayas, so it comes with risks associated with high-altitude treks. Hence, adequate trek insurance is compulsory, and in addition to medical treatment, it should cover helicopter rescue and repatriation at the highest trek elevation - Thorong La Pass at 5,416m.

Heli-rescue is important because of the lack of good road infrastructure and health facilities in trek regions. In case of emergencies, we arrange heli-rescue using your insurance policy copy and other documents that you submit to us before starting the trek. We consider keeping trekkers safe as a part of our duty.

Please be very careful while buying your insurance and call the insurance company and specifically ask, in addition to health treatment cost, if they cover heli-rescue up to 5,500m. Do not just rely on what insurance companies say on their website.

While on the trek, communication options are limited but not entirely unavailable. Many tea houses and lodges offer Wi-Fi services for a fee, but the quality and speed can vary significantly.

We suggest you contact your friends and families from these tea houses. Additionally, you can buy a sim card in Kathmandu as most trail sections have mobile network coverage.

There are many variations to the classic Annapurna Circuit that one can travel, and we suggest the ones we think are the most rewarding, in terms of both variety and scenery. But whichever route you follow, you can expect staggeringly immense mountains that dwarf you while expanding your sense of wonder.

1. Annapurna Circuit Short Trek 12 days
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek 19 days
3. Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
4. Annapurna Circuit Trek with Annapurna Base Camp Trek

In conclusion, Annapurna Circuit Trek is an awe-inspiring journey through the majestic Himalayas, perfect for beginners seeking an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of the local communities.

As first-time trekkers, let the experience push your limits and fill your heart with wonder. You may overcome obstacles and make lasting experiences with careful preparation, responsible hiking, and a cheerful attitude.

Keep hydrated, choose your acclimatization strategies carefully, and take it all in slowly. Remember, every ascent leads to new horizons. So, take that leap of faith, embrace the unknown, and savor the joy of the Annapurna Circuit Trek – an experience like no other.