Annapurna Circuit trek will give you an insight into the splendid trekking around the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. On your Annapurna Circuit trek, you will follow the trail along beautiful green pastures to leafy pine forests. Furthermore, you will overlook arid landscapes and spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range.

Annapurna Circuit trek Itinerary and Cost Details

Annapurna Circuit trek will give you an insight into the splendid trekking around the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. On your Annapurna Circuit trek, you will follow the trail along beautiful green pastures to leafy pine forests. Furthermore, you will overlook arid landscapes and spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range.

Annapurna Circuit trek is a versatile 12 days trek on the diverse and stimulating trekking routes in the Annapurna region. You will hike for 6-8 hours on various terrains in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Therefore, it is a challenging hiking experience for most trekkers.

Annapurna Circuit is one of those rare treks in Nepal, that lets you explore almost all the variations in the landscapes Nepal has to offer. It takes you through the covered green forests to the high pass that gives you the opportunity to have a grand view of the majestic mountains. The trail passes through many amazing landscapes, lush forests, and the deserted land of the Manang and Mustang. This amazing journey will take you through some beautiful villages like Manang and Jomsom. Your 18 days of Annapurna region trekking will be full of astounding views and beautiful experiences.

Thorong La Pass  (5416 m) is the most beautiful vantage point of the region that grants you an opportunity to have an amazing view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region and many prominent peaks. Apart from wonderful picturesque landscapes, this trek provides you with the chance to visit the renowned Muktinath temple, the deserted land of Mustang explore the hidden beauty of Manang valley, and many other thrilling experiences.

Annapurna Circuit Trek's journey is a wonderful opportunity to explore the culture and tradition of Multi-Ethnic communities along the way. From Hindu culture to Tibetan Buddhism, you will get to learn too many things about the religion, culture, and tradition of these isolated people. Annapurna Circuit Trekking package is perfect to explore the beauty of these majestic lands and mountains. The occasional encounters of Hot Springs and mesmerizing waterfalls are like a bonus treat to this amazing trip. Sublime Trails trekking crew members will take care of you well throughout the journey and will make sure you get the best trekking experience.

Is Annapurna Circuit Trek For You?

Annapurna Circuit Trek falls in strenuous grade trekking. You have to trek 6/7 hours on average for 12 days. The trail varies from almost flat terrain to high mountain passes. You will be walking for days above 3000m elevation and need to pass Throungla 5416m, there is also a risk of altitude sickness. You need to be physically and mentally fit to do this trek.

Suggested preparation

• Cardio exercises including running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups for about 4-5 days a week for 3 months before your trip will come in extremely handy.
• You should also be involved in developing core strengths. and muscle endurance in weight training.
• Hiking in the hills in different weather conditions will be good preparation for this trip.
• If you have access, kayaking will also be a very good way to develop the strength and endurance required for this trip.

Major Attractions of Annapurna Circuit trek

1. Pokhara 

Pokhara is a wonderful city to spend a day in. It is home to many beautiful lakes such as Phewa, Rupa, Begnas, etc. There are many historically significant and adventurous places such as Bat Cave, Mahendra Cave, Devi’s Fall, etc. The ridge of Sarangkot is one of the most beautiful viewpoints to behold the sunrise and sunset.  You can have an amazing view of the Annapurna range from there. You will spend a day in Pokhara exploring these amazing places. 

2. Muktinath Temple 

Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site of Hindus and Buddhists. It is the Vishnu temple that lies in the Mustang district. It is believed that you will get salvation after visiting this temple and performing Puja. So, many devotees come here every year. It is equally significant for Tibetan Buddhists as they believe the Murti here is a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara who embodies the compassion of Buddha. This temple provides you with an amazing panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. 

3. Thorong La Pass and Kaligandaki Gorge

Thorong La Pass (5416 m) is the most beautiful vantage point throughout the journey and the highest elevation you will be achieving. You have to cross a challenging route, covered in unstable boulders to get there. The path is windy and covered in snow. However, the view from the Pass is the most satisfying one. You can have a clear and amazing view of mountains such as  Annapurna Massif, Dhawalagiri, Machhcapuchre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, etc. The view of Kaligandaki gorge from the way to Jomsom is also thrilling. It is the deepest gorge of the world carved by Dhawalagiri and Annapurna peaks. 

4. Jomsom Village 

Jomsom is one of the beautiful villages of the Himalaya region with an airport that connects to Pokhara. It is the last destination of Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can enjoy the picturesque view of the surrounding of the village. Explore Thakali people, their culture, and the lifestyle who reside in this village. You can try different Thakali traditional food items and indulge yourself in different cultural programs. 

5. Different ethnic groups and their culture

During the Annapurna Circuit trekking journey, you will encounter many ethnic communities residing in the villages along the way. Mostly, Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, and Thakali people reside in these areas.  They have maintained their own tradition and culture throughout history. This trekking is a wonderful opportunity to explore these beautiful communities and their culture. Our professional guides will provide you with all the necessary information regarding these cultures and traditions. 

6. Glorious view of Mountains and Landscapes

Majestic landscapes along the way are what make the Annapurna Circuit Trek an amazing experience. Most of the trail of the lower region is covered with rhododendron, oak and pine forests. Animals such as deer, sheep, monal, Himalayan Thar, etc reside in that jungle. During the trek, you will get a wonderful panoramic view of mountains such as Annapurna Massif, Dhawalagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Pisang, Pangaudae, etc. Along the way, you will encounter many waterfalls and hot springs. Thorong La pass and Mustang are some of the best vantage points to see these Himalayas glaciers and deep valleys. 

What Is The Weather of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Summer

You will experience a moderate amount of rainfall on your Annapurna Circuit trek during the summer season. However, the temperature is cool at a higher elevation with relatively less rainfall. 

In addition, you will experience warm weather conditions with lush vegetation around the hills and landscapes. Normally, the temperature ranges from 15-17 degrees Celsius during the time to 5-7 degrees Celsius at night. You will enjoy the quiet trail and experience the wilderness of the splendid Annapurna region.

Winter

Winter is the time of extreme cold weather conditions and frequent snowfalls. Moreover, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15-degree Celsius during the day time to below 0 degrees at night. 

However, you can still enjoy an amazing trekking experience with the help of expert guides and right trekking gears. In addition, you will enjoy a quiet trek with the stunning sunshine and flowing winds along the trek. 

Autumn

Autumn is one of the peak seasons for Annapurna Circuit trek Expedition as the season offers pleasant and comfortable weather conditions. However, the weather patterns can still be unpredictable and changeable at higher altitude regions.

The temperature ranges from 10-15 degrees Celsius at night and on the other hand 0-5 degrees Celsius at night. Moreover, the climatic condition is perfect for a pleasant view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The whole Annapurna region is rejuvenated, refreshed and vibrant during the season of Autumn.  

Spring

Spring is another delightful season to enjoy the magnificence of the Annapurna region as the weather is warmer with longer days. Due to the perfect weather conditions, you will encounter travelers on the trail and tea house during this time around. 

Furthermore, you will enjoy the thriving rhododendron forest blooming in the hillsides as you hike along with the Annapurna sanctuary. The temperature usually ranges from 17-20 degrees Celsius during the day and 0-7 degrees Celsius at night.

Important information on Annapurna Circuit Trek

The difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging trek as it requires long day hikes for 21 days along the rocky, gravel-strewn trails. In addition, you will have to walk exhausting uphills and downhills routes on your trek. Therefore, the trail is fairly challenging for travelers with no trekking experience.

However, any stable, fit person can easily hike for 4-8 hours per day to complete this trek. In addition, covering the total distance of 15 km each day will take the most out of you. Furthermore, the tiring ascends to places like Thorung Phedi 4,925m and Thorung La pass 5,415m will test your mental endurance. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Travel Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Trek

You will need travel insurance from a reliable company to trek any region in Nepal. You should consider the travel policy and coverage for every extra expenditure like various injuries, health issues, or accidents. In addition, you should make sure that it covers all the costs of an ambulance, helicopter evacuation, treatment fees, doctor’s fees, and hospital charges.
Furthermore, your travel insurance should include the policy to cover all the extra activities during your stays like the cost of theft and liability, misplaced luggage, and cancellation. You will hike to the elevation of 5,000 m on your Annapurna Circuit Trek, therefore, your insurance should trek that goes over 5,000m.

Altitude Sickness in Annapurna Circuit Trek

You will start your Annapurna Circuit Trek from the elevation of at Besisahar 760m to the highest point of the entire trek at Thorong La Pass 5,415m. Therefore, some of you will feel the effects of the rising altitude from 1,500 to 2,000 meters upwards. As the altitude gradually increases, you will experience less oxygen there in the air than your breath. 

Making a quick descent in the higher altitudes will increase the chances of oxygen deprivation in the form of High altitude sickness. You will experience early symptoms like confusion, Clumsiness, Headache, and nausea. Therefore, you need to ascend Ascend slowly to the higher altitude consuming plenty of water and food

Do I need a Guide or a Porter for Annapurna Circuit Trek? 

A guide is an expert personnel with a wide range of expertise in the trekking field as he/she will be able to assist you through tough and tricky situations. A guide with proper experience will be able to speak fluent English and will be able to translate the local tales and stories to you. The guide can arrange and negotiate accommodation and meals for you at the tea houses.

On the other hand, a reliable porter acts as a backbone for your trekking experience. The porter will help you carry your luggage and trekking equipment to a weight limit of 20 kg max. The extra load off of your shoulder will allow you to explore and enjoy the Annapurna Circuit trek.    

Therefore, hiring a guide or a porter is a good investment in your Annapurna Circuit trek or any trek in Nepal. We highly recommend travelers with no trekking experience to consider getting a guide or a porter during their Annapurna Circuit Expedition. They will certainly enhance your trekking experience and you will have a better insight into the region you are traveling to. 

Training For Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek with a considerable amount of hiking days on the rugged and rocky terrains of the Annapurna region. You will hike for 6-8 hours for most of the days on the Annapurna Circuit trek Expedition. However, you don’t have to worry as the trek is a slow stable hike the entire 21 days trek. 

Moreover, you will have to cover the total distance of 160 km to 230 km depending on the route you take on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Therefore, you will need to prepare your body for the strenuous trek ahead. Moreover, we recommend you to get a health check-up with your personal doctor prior to the trek.

In addition, you will have to start the routine exercise in the gym to get yourself ready for the trip. You have to focus on cardio exercise and focus on strengthening the muscle on your leg and upper body. Exercises like jogging, swimming, and cycling will help you develop your durability and endurance level. Therefore, the routine fitness workout will definitely result in a joyful trek without any difficulties. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek packing List

You will definitely be in need of certain packing and equipment necessities on your Annapurna Circuit trek. The travel company will guide you through the list of gears and equipment for the trek prior to the expedition. However, you should also be aware of the fact that the packing and equipment list depends on the times of the year. Therefore, we recommend the following list of basic necessities for your easier and enjoyable Annapurna Circuit trek. 

• Backpack                                                                  
• Toothbrush
• Sunglasses
• Toothpaste
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Deodorant
• Sanitary Napkin
• First Aid Kit
• Book
• Journal
• Extra cash
• Energy bars
• Travel games
• Binocular
• Trekking Poles
• Plug adapter with built-in USB ports
• Water bottle, headlamp
• Camera with battery
• Sleeping bag, pillowcase
• Pack rain cover
• Hiking Pants 
• Long sleeve shirt 
• Passport and permits
• Short sleeve shirt 
• Comfortable and warm pants
• Down Jacket
• Socks 
• Warm hat
• Sun hat
• Gloves
• Raincoat
• Underwear
• Hiking boots
• Soap
• Shampoo

• Meals: 
  15 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinner
• Accommodation:
  3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 2 Nights
  3-Star accommodation in Pokhara for 1 night
  Tea house accommodation along the way for 12 days
• Transportation:   
  All land transportation with pickups and drops
• Guides and Porters:
  One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
  1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
• Entry Fees and Permits:
  Annapurna Conservation Area Entrance Fee
  TIMS Card
• Miscellaneous: 
  Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
  Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
  All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
  First Aid service in case of minor injuries
  Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters

• Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
• Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
• All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
• Nepal entry visa fee
• Tipping for the Sublime crew