Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area in North Central Nepal. The trek begins at the settlement of Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi River valley and concludes at Nayapul in Kaski, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range and diverse landscapes along the way.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered one of the best long-distance treks in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the high Himalayas, takes you through lush subalpine forests, and crosses the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge. This trek provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the heart of the Central North Himalayas, experience the unique culture of local inhabitants, and witness their way of life, making it a truly unforgettable journey.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will stay in tea houses along the route. These tea houses offer twin-sharing rooms, and the hospitable local families operating the accommodations provide excellent service, ensuring a comfortable stay during your trek.

The total distance of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 160 to 230 kilometers, depending on the route and detours. On average, you will trek about 12-16 kilometers per day. The average walking speed is around 2-3 kilometers per hour. In higher elevations, it’s important to trek at your own pace and capacity, as it can become more challenging due to altitude.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can expect a variety of food options, mainly consisting of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines. Common dishes include dal bhat, noodles, thukpa, momos, sandwiches, curries, and fried rice. The food is usually prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients, including vegetables and, at lower altitudes, meat. The lodges along the trek offer these hearty meals to fuel you for the day’s journey.

Yes, since the Annapurna Circuit Trek reaches altitudes of up to 5,416 meters, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms such as lightheadedness and slight dizziness are normal due to the reduced oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at higher elevations. It’s important to take preventive measures, such as acclimatizing properly. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide or porter immediately. They are trained in basic medical care and carry medical supplies to address altitude-related issues.

While it’s not mandatory to have a guide for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide enhances your experience by ensuring safety, helping with navigation, and providing insights into the local Sherpa culture and the surrounding landscapes. Guides are especially helpful for acclimatization, managing emergencies, and assisting with logistics. Having a guide also offers peace of mind, particularly for those new to high-altitude trekking. Porters can assist with carrying heavy bags, making the trek more manageable and allowing you to focus on the journey.

Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done as your first trek. It is considered a moderate trek and does not require prior trekking experience. However, your ability to complete the trek will depend on your physical fitness and mental readiness, as the trail reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and pacing are key to making this trek enjoyable and safe, even for first-time trekkers.

No, there are no ATMs available along the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. It’s recommended that trekkers withdraw enough cash for personal expenses, tips for guides and porters, emergency funds, etc., while in Kathmandu. You can withdraw cash in either Nepali Rupees or USD. Note: ATMs in Kathmandu charge a bank fee ranging from 2-4% per withdrawal.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires two main permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): 3,000 NPR for foreign nationals 2,000 NPR for SAARC nationals 100 NPR for Nepalese citizens Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: 1,000 NPR for foreign nationals 300 NPR for SAARC nationals These permits are typically arranged by your trekking agency, and the costs are usually included in your package, so there are no additional fees to pay.

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally considered safe, there are risks of landslides and avalanches, particularly during the off-season. The off-season includes the winter months (December to February) and the summer/monsoon months (June to August). During these periods, the weather conditions can be harsh, with increased snowfall and rainfall, which can make the trekking routes more hazardous. It’s recommended to avoid trekking during these months if possible or to be extra cautious if trekking during the off-season.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Some of the animals you may encounter include the critically endangered Chinese Pangolin, Kashmir Musk Deer, Himalayan Musk Deer, Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Red Panda, and Himalayan Black Bear. Additionally, the region is rich in birdlife, with over 518 species recorded, including the Himalayan Monal, White-Rumped Vulture, Red-Headed Vulture, Hoary-Throated Barwing, and Spectacled Finch. If you’re interested in animal and bird watching, it’s a good idea to bring binoculars, as you may be lucky enough to spot some of these fascinating creatures.

During the peak trekking season (typically spring from March to May and autumn from September to November), the Annapurna Circuit Trek can get quite crowded. The weather is generally pleasant, with stable conditions and clear skies, offering stunning views of the mountains. As a result, many trekkers flock to the route to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. The chances of landslides and avalanches are also lower during this time, making it a safer and more popular period for trekking. While the trek is busy, it’s still a remarkable experience with breathtaking scenery and the chance to meet fellow trekkers.

During the Annapurna Circuit trek, tea houses typically offer a mix of Western-style toilets and squat toilets. Most tea houses have common restroom facilities, but when possible, we arrange accommodations with attached toilets. Remember to bring personal toiletries, such as toilet paper and wet wipes, for your convenience.

Aarohi Holiday takes care of all transportation included in the Annapurna Circuit Trek package. This includes: • Airport pickup and drop • Bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule • Transfer from Nayapul to Pokhara • Bus from Pokhara to Kathmand Note: Flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu are available upon request at an additional charge. Please inform us in advance if you prefer this option so we can make the necessary arrangements. Important: Aarohi Holiday is not responsible for any additional transportation or detours requested by clients, which are considered personal expenses.

Yes, carrying an emergency fund is highly recommended. Weather conditions in the high Himalayas can be unpredictable, which may lead to an extended trip or other unforeseen situations. We suggest carrying an emergency fund of around 100-200 USD. Additionally, plan to bring 10-15 USD per day for personal expenses. Note: Since local vendors typically accept only NPR (Nepalese Rupees), please ensure that your emergency fund is in the local currency.

The Annapurna Circuit is a breathtaking journey through the high Himalayas, rich with local culture, flora, and fauna. While the trek is possible in all four seasons, the best times for pleasant temperatures and clear skies are during autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May). Trekking in these seasons offers ideal weather conditions and stunning, unobstructed mountain views.

The Annapurna Circuit trek offers spectacular views of three major mountain ranges: • Manaslu Himalayan Range: Mount Manaslu (8163m), Himal Chuli East (7893m), West Peak (7540m), North Peak (7371m) • Annapurna Himalayan Range: Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Fishtail (6993m), Gangapurna (7455m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Pisang Peak (6091m), Paungda Danda (4755m), Lamjung Himal (6983m) • Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range: Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m) These ranges showcase some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas, making the trek a truly unforgettable experience.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available along the trekking routes, though speed and connectivity can be inconsistent. We recommend getting a Nepali SIM card from either NTC or Ncell and purchasing a data pack, as this tends to be more reliable than the internet at tea houses. Please note that internet access in tea houses comes with an extra charge not included in the package. Note: According to past trekkers, Ncell generally provides better service than NTC in the Annapurna region.