Annapurna Circuit Trek is long considered to be among the most beautiful high-altitude treks around the globe. It is a trek through an incredible variety of landscapes that ranges from lush lowlands and mountains to the Himalayan pass. The first time the route was established as a trek destination in 1997. Since then, the trekking route has been recognized as the ultimate destination for all adventurers around the world. It will take you through beautiful villages, subtropical forests deserted lands, barren areas, along with high passes. While on this trek you’ll be able to enjoy the views of some of the highest mountains in the world such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be a strenuous trek for the most experienced trekkers. For many trekkers, this life-long journey begins at Besisahar situated at 760m. Then, it climbs to an elevation of Annapurna massif in an anti-clockwise direction. It crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, before descending into Lower Mustang. Lower Mustang region. The trek will end in Pokhara, which is the Lakeside City of Pokhara.
Because you’ll be traveling from 760m to 5,416 metres over the course 2 weeks. The chance for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is greater during this hike. With clearly marked trails and a number of teahouses Annapurna Circuit Trek is ideal for trekkers who want to go on their own and trekkers who are guided.
Annapurna’s main attractions. Circuit Trek
The most popular points of interest along this route are Manang valley Ice Lake, Milerapa Cave , Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni Village, Marpha, Dhumba Lak hot springs in Tatopani and Panoramic Panorama From Poon Hill.
Annapurna Circuit Trek goes over an alpine passes Thorung La 5,416 meters is another major highlight of the excursion. Thorung La Himalayan pass stands in awe at 5,416m above sea level. It’s an adventurous trek beginning in a low valley upwards to the mountainous terrain. Then, you’ll traverse the pass only to lower down to the other portion of the mountain, and then you will enter a different river valley. Marshyangdi River Valley and Kali Gandaki River valleys will provide their unique charm to hikers.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
Take in the sights at some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu
You can cross the highest mountain pass in Nepal — Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
Explore the most abysmal gorge in the entire world in Kali Gandaki Gorge
Discover the diverse scenery with the beautiful villages, high valleys and mountain trails
Take in the most stunning sunrise, with the 360 degree mountain view from Poon Hill
Chance to witness the massive variety of culture and the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people
Visit the temple of Muktinath
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
The price for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is contingent on the amount of time you’ll be spending on the trail as well as the method you decide to travel. The most economical alternative is to go on your own and carry everything for yourself. Additionally taking a group trip with an international organization is probably the most costly option.
If you’re planning to hike through the Annapurna Circuit independently, it could cost anywhere from USD 450 and 700 for 17 days of the itinerary. If you choose to employ a guide and porter who will accompany you on the trek, the cost could be anywhere from USD 800-$1500. Additionally, an international tour firm will likely cost the USD 1400 to 2300. Let’s now go over the complete breakdown of the expenses involved in walking through the Annapurna Circuit for 17 days.
Be aware that the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek could be different depending on the time of year you decide to travel. If you opt to travel during the peak of the trekking season it is likely that the cost of services will likely be more expensive. However, if you travel the Annapurna Circuit in the off-season, you may be able to complete the trek on a lower cost.
Accommodation in the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a traditional teahouse trek. You will see standard teahouses aswell in luxury hotels along the trek. Although the majority of teahouses aren’t fancy but they have all the facilities needed as well as decent meals. Even in the peak season you shouldn’t have any difficulties finding accommodation in this area.
The majority of the rooms of Annapurna Circuit are equipped with two beds that are accompanied by blankets and pillows. There are teahouses that have tables that are small within the room. It is possible to find rooms with attached and standard rooms. In normal rooms, you’ll have to settle for bathrooms shared with other guests. While you might have western toilets in the lower regions of the trek, you could need to deal with small toilets at higher elevations.
In addition, many teahouses in Annapurna Circuit also offer hot showers. They’ll typically charge extra to have a hot shower particularly in higher areas.
Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit isn’t one of those’show up anytime you’d like’ type of adventure. The autumn (September through November) and spring (March to May) are the two most enjoyable seasons to trek the Annapurna Circuit.
If you hike in autumn, the weather generally is dry and there is a lower chances of snowfall. Furthermore the sky is clean and clear, giving stunning views of the landscape and mountains. The only disadvantage of travelling during autumn is that the route remains the busiest.
Spring is often regarded as the second best time to hike to Annapurna Circuit. Its temperature even at higher elevations in these months, is warm and moderate. When compared to autumn, probabilities of rain or snow are significantly higher during this time of year.
In winter (December from December to February) temperatures at higher altitudes can drop below 20 degrees. Although temperatures during the day may be a bit bearable, you’ll need to pack heavy gear to make it through the night. Many of the passes are covered by deep snow. Therefore, crossing Thorong La Pass Thorong La Pass can be extremely difficult, or at times, impossible.
It is recommended to stay clear of hiking the Annapurna circuit during Monsoon (June through August). Monsoon brings humid and warm weather. Since the majority of the days are cloudy, the visibility is poor. Furthermore, there’s a higher chance of landslides in various points along the trek.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How long will it take to hike along the Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most flexible treks in Nepal. The length of the trek depends on the routes you choose to follow and the additional excursions that you may choose to take. The trek can cover anywhere from 160-230 kilometres depending on the itinerary you pick.
The Annapurna Circuit trek in short as eight days, or extend it for up to 30 days. However, the typical Annapurna Circuit Trek would require at minimum 16 days to complete the entire trek.
2. Can I complete the Annapurna Circuit trek by myself?
Definitely! It is possible to hike the Annapurna Circuit by yourself. You can do an adventure on your own, travel with a companion or trek together with your friends.
However, going on a trek on your own means that you’ll have to deal with the entire process, which includes packing your bags, planning routes and navigation. In addition, you’ll have to manage the logistics of your trek, such as permits, lodging and transportation, entirely on your own.
Additionally the trails that make up the Annapurna Circuit are easily navigable since the majority of the trek is marked. There’s a chance to meet a lot of independent trekkers and make new acquaintances while you’re on the trail.
If you’ve had prior experience with hiking in the high Himalayas, then traveling by yourself is by far the most efficient and most affordable option.
3. Do I have to be to take on this trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a multi-week trek at high altitude in the foothills of Himalayas. In the average, you’ll walk for five to seven hours a day, through rough terrains with high valleys, rocky terrain, and rocky passes. When compared to other low-altitude treks that are found in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit is quite difficult.
Therefore, you must keep a good fitness level to be able to finish the hike. No matter what your fitness level it’s best to perform some aerobic exercises in the months preceding embarking on the trail. If you’re planning to work out to build strength, we suggest you focus on your muscles and legs specifically. Squats could also help you on this particular hike since a few teahouses in the upper part of the area have restrooms for squats!
Besides physical fitness, Annapurna Trek also demands mental fitness. As you’ll cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres, you must think about the possibility of altitude sickness very seriously.
4. Annapurna Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A lot of people are prone to mix Annapurna Circuit Trek with Annapurna Base Camp Trek, for many good reasons. Though both trekking trails are part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) however, they are completely distinct treks.
The main distinctions between these treks is the difficulty level in addition to the distance of trail. Annapurna Base Camp is a moderately strenuous trek that covers approximately 75 km from beginning to the end. Comparatively to this trek Annapurna Circuit Trek is a little strenuous and covers between 160 and 230 km.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an iconic out-and-back hike. The trek will traverse the routes of Chomrong to reach the base camp, and then retrace the exact route to return. In contrast, when you’re on an Annapurna Circuit Trek you’ll walk across the entirety of the Annapurna massif. Therefore, you don’t need to follow any other route during this trek.
The highest elevation of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is 4,130m from the Base Camp. Contrary to this you’ll cross over the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416m in the Annapurna Circuit trek. Therefore, the chance of altitude sickness more likely to occur in Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna Circuit.
Because you’ll need to traverse an extremely high Himalayan pass to access Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll have to cross a high Himalayan Annapurna Circuit Trek, the trek is limited to spring and autumn only. However, Annapurna Base Camp offers the possibility of a longer time frame for hiking. It is possible to hike through Annapurna Base Camp at any season. Be aware of the avalanche areas when traveling in winter.
Furthermore, the trails of Annapurna Base Camp have a strong connection with the typical Gurung lifestyle and cultural. However, the trek of the Annapurna Circuit begins in an Hindu village. When you reach Nupri Zone on your trek, you’ll go through a variety of Buddhist villages, such as Manang as well as Pisang. Therefore, Annapurna Circuit Trek offers an array of ethnic and cultural variety.
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5. What is it that makes this trek called the Annapurna Circuit Trek so popular ?
Tourists are enthralled by Annapurna Circuit Trek as it is a complete experience. It begins with a journey through the lush , green forests before ascending to enjoy the stunning mountain views. Furthermore, the trek offers interesting insights into the lifestyle and the customs that is prevalent in these areas. The trek will take the visitor through Besisahar to the communities of Manang and on to the sacred temple of Muktinath the temple itself.
For the traveler and nature enthusiast, there is much to see in Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna Circuit. It’s a blend of natural beauty as well as religious beliefs. That’s why this trek provides such an amazing and unique perspective.