If you are thinking of experiencing the actual beauty of the Nepalese Himalayas, you will have to visit the Annapurna circuit. Often called as a tough. trekking to the Annapurna circuit will fill your heart with happiness.
Annapurna circuit is highly popular for deep gorges, high mountain peaks along with beautiful waterfalls all around. You will need to visit through Pokhara so there are mountains for you right from the start.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
One of the oldest trekking circuits in Nepal is the Annapurna circuit trek. It has been opened to foreigners since 1977 and there has been a pretty good flow since then. During the earlier days Annapurna circuit trek was massively time-consuming as it took almost a month.
However, after the development of roads, things have been easier and less time-consuming. Still, Annapurna is one of the most feared trekking trails in the world.
Annapurna circuit trails trek around the Annapurna mountain with an area of 230 km to cover in 22 days. It depends upon the physical strength and ability of the trekker to complete the trek.
During the trekking to the Annapurna circuit, you will be accompanied by some of the finest people, habitats, and also the flora and fauna. Not only that the Annapurna mountains will also be peaking towards you.
Other mountains available during the Annapurna circuit trek are Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri which are mountains taller than 6000m in altitude.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit trek
Not only while trekking to Annapurna circuit but in every aspect of Nepal trekking you will find the beauty and authenticity. Specifically during this trek, there are some of the highlights to look into:
- Mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre.
- Enjoying the nightlife at Pokhara
- Staying at the beautiful Manang district
- Lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and stunning gorges along the way
- Visit Barge Monastery along with crossing Thorong La Pass.
Difficulty of Annapurna Circuit trek
Often named into the list of Top 10 tallest mountains in the world, the Annapurna circuit trek is one of the toughest treks in the world. With the quick elevation approaching all the time it is hard to acclimatize and get a grip on things.
Trekkers will pass through the forest, paddy fields, villages, and the glacial zone to reach the mountain trail where the journey starts. The biggest challenge is for the trekkers who haven’t gone for the high altitude treks.
Other than that trekkers will also have to face the remote location along with the quick ascent and descent. Going higher than 6000m also means that the weather remains higher unpredictable at that place.
Best Season to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek
There is no particular time to trek when we talk about the Nepalese conditions. However, it is more about the favorable time when you don’t feel much of an issue completing the trek.
For trekking to Annapurna it would be better for the tourist to choose either spring or monsoon season. During this period there won’t be much sun or cold.
March, April, October, and November are the best months if you are planning to visit Annapurna. With October-November being the month of festivals, the vibe is positive.
Even though tourists entertain trekking all around the year we don’t suggest they trek in Annapurna during the rainy seasons. The trails get wet and the roads are muddy and slippery which ruins the overall holiday idea.
Food and Accommodation
As remote as the Annapurna circuit is the lodging and food services aren’t like the top-notch five-star hotels. Trekking to the Annapurna circuit means that you will have an opportunity to embrace the remoteness of the place.
From normal to a bit fancy you will find hotels with basic utilities like blankets, chairs, and tables. On the other hand, the warmest place in the whole hotel is the cooking area with a fireplace.
The biggest issue for an international tourist will be the lack of Western-style toilets at most of the hotels. Talking about the food, the Annapurna region throws you the authentic style of food.
Nepalese, Chinese, Indian, and Western are the major types of dishes available a the place. Mainly Dal Bhaat, Dhido, and Momo are some of the authentic food of the place. You will also find the local beverage at Annapurna Circuit.
Permits required for Annapurna circuit trek
If you are thinking about trekking to Annapurna circuit, you will have to get some of the permits right. Other than permits an experienced guide is a must to carry out this trek.
In the case of permits, you will have to get your hands on the TIMS along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. These permits will allow you to canvass the ABC trek along with the Poonhill and Mardi Himal trek.
Tourists who are reading this blog will know that all the permits can be gained from the National Tourism Board which shouldn’t be a big problem at all. It would cost you $43 to get all the permits legally.
What makes the Annapurna trek special?
Every trek circuit in Nepal has its specialty. One could be different from the other with greater ease. But trekking to the Annapurna circuit provides you with a different kind of thrill.
Although the circuit is hard to achieve, you will have an opportunity to come close to the Tibetan culture and people. Not only that tourists will have an opportunity to try the local cuisine.
If you are lucky enough you will view snow leopard, blue sheep, etc. After having a tiring trek there is an opportunity to take a hot dip in the natural Tatopani which can rejuvenate you quite well.
Things to focus on before doing the Annapurna circuit trek
If you are an international tourist, the Annapurna circuit trek is a new journey for you. As a result of that trekkers should always take care of some of the things to get the maximum enjoyment out of the trek.
- Choose the right time of the year
- Only carry necessary items
- Carry extra cash for rainy moments
- Embrace headaches and tiredness as they are part of the journey
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished
- Take your time and don’t hurry on the trek
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