A Complete Annapurna Circuit Trekking Guide from Start to End

Complete Annapurna Circuit Trekking Guide from Start to End

Why is the Annapurna region among the most visited trekking destinations in the world?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. 80% of the trekkers who plan to visit Nepal also visit Annapurna Region. It offers you the spellbinding view of some eight-thousanders and six peaks over 7000m also known as the Annapurna Massif. The Annapurna massif stretches over 55 km and is protected within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This ‘Complete Annapurna Circuit Trekking Guide from Start to End’ will help you plan your Annapurna Trek with ease.

If you love mountains, this is your home away from home. You can finish the complete trek in around 19-23 days time that includes 4-6 hours of walk every day and some acclimatization day in between.

Accommodation in the Annapurna Region

You’ll find enough tea houses, hotels and lodges on virtually every stop along the trail.

Annapurna Region is one of the most facilitated trekking routes in Nepal. On an average, the accommodation cost is comparatively cheaper than the Everest region but might considerably increase as you go higher to remote villages.

To be on the safer side, carry sleeping bags. Just in case, you know!

Why Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most diverse treks in the Himalayas that features varied landscapes and stunning views. Moreover, it’s doable by all age groups. The maximum altitude you’ll be achieving white Annapurna Circuit Trekking is 5416m which, however, requires some acclimatization for people with respiratory problems

Itinerary  

Day	Destination	Altitude	Duration
1	Bhulbhule	820m	6 Hrs drive from Kathmandu
2	Ghermu	1155m	6 Hrs
3	Tal	1670m	6 Hrs
4	Chame	2700m	8 Hrs
5	Upper Pisang	3315m	5 Hrs
6	Manang	3535m	6 Hrs
7	Manang Acclimatization Day	Spend entire day in Manang
8	Sri Kharka	3900m	5 Hrs
9	Tilicho Base Camp	4150m	5 Hrs
10	Tilicho Lake and Back to Sri Kharka	4949m	8 Hrs
11	Yak Kharka	4045m	4 Hrs
12	Thorang Phedi	4600m	4-5 Hrs
13	Muktinath via Thorang La Pass	3710m via 5416m	8 Hrs
14	Marpha	2670m	6 Hrs
15	Kalopani	2530m	6 Hrs
16	Tatopani	1200m	6-7 Hrs
17	Beni	830m	4 Hrs
18	Pokhara	830m	4 Hrs Drive
19	Kathmandu	1380m	7 Hrs Drive/ 25 Min Flight

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The itinerary need not necessarily be exactly the same. Adjustments can be made and the schedule can be tailored to the requirement. For example, the overnight stay can be changed to some other destinations.
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Foods: That is high on carbs and fibre

Throughout the trail, you’ll find decent bakery items and coffee shops. However, adequate intake of carbohydrate is encouraged because it helps you get used to the thin air atmosphere. Carry high nutrient foods high on carbs which is your fuel for high altitude trekking.

Pack enough dry fruits that you can easily fit in your pant pockets and eat while walking. The weather up there is not for you to explore much of new foods. So wise thing to do would be to pack what you like.

Keeping yourself hydrated is also equally important. 🥛

High altitude demands more water for your body than normal. Dehydration aggravates your symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and worsens your appetite.

Besides, you can always go for local high-calorie food like Dal, Bhat and fresh vegetables which is actually the safest option.

Gallery

Weather

Annapurna Region considerably receives less rainfall because it is situated in what is called a ‘rain-shadow’ area which actually makes the trekking possible throughout the year. What makes the ‘rain-shadow’ area are the large mountain that stands tall throughout the Annapurna region preventing the wind and rain to pass through.

To put it straight best among the best time to trek the Himalayan range is October-November. This is the period right after the monsoon. Days are normally warm (~15 degrees) and nights are relatively cold (~3 degrees) with shining bright stars.

The clear and fresh view of the mountains with green pastures and leafy pines make the sight more luring. As you move higher above 4000m the temperature drops drastically and you need good warm layers to keep up with the chilling weather.

Gears Needed

1. A Backpack
2. Pair of Good Hiking Boots
3. Trekking Poles (Optional)
4. Water Bottles
5. Sleeping Bags
6. Other Accessories (Map, Compass, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Knife, Wollen Cap, Hat, Base Layers, Gloves, Toiletries, Sweat Shirts, Jackets, Hiking Socks etc. )