Annapurna Circuit Trek is the ideal trekking journey for individuals who love the combination of natural and cultural attractions in a single trip. The journey doesn’t just allow you to explore all these interesting things to see and do, rather, it also presents to you a level of challenge, which makes this entire trekking trip quite exciting. Annapurna Circuit trek takes you up and close to life in the Himalayan region. During the journey, you don’t just get to notice it but live it up to an extent. You should definitely experience the Annapurna Circuit trek on your next trip.
On the Annapurna Circuit trek, you get to explore the best of trekking in Nepal. There are so many routes that you can choose for trekking in Nepal, however, Annapurna Circuit trek has its own charm. The trek is the amalgamation of everything that makes a trekking journey ideal. From historical, cultural, and religious elements to natural attractions, you’re sure to be fascinated by the journey. An amazing attraction that you’ll definitely enjoy walking through on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is the largest and probably one of the richest protected areas in Nepal. It is also the area that houses the entire trekking route, all the villages and forests, and all other attractions in the region.
As you walk through the area, you will get to spot numerous animals and birds that are quite rare. These creatures are sure to fascinate you. You will also enjoy the amazing views of forests laden with colorful flowers such as rhododendron, magnolia, and so on. Apart from these, you will also come across numerous glaciers, icefalls, rivers, and waterfalls. Some of them you’d just get to spot, and others, you might need to cross. In between walking sessions, you will get to rest in the villages of the region. Here, you will enjoy delicious food and snacks and get to talk to the friendly locals and know more about the region.
By getting close to the locals, especially during the days of acclimatization, you gain a deep insight into the way they live their life. You will definitely find these features quite exciting. The majority of the population here follow Buddhism and Hinduism. You will also find traces of Tibetan religions, mainly Bon-Po. You could visit the local monasteries here to know more about them. The most significant religious site here is Muktinath. It is regarded highly by both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Vishnu.
Throughout the trek, you will come across so many viewpoints. These could be official viewpoints like Poon Hill, or random ones. These offer exciting views of mountains in the Annapurna region. Some of them are Annapurna massif, Machapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and even Manaslu. You will realize that the further north you go, the further closer you will get to these mountains. The most exciting part of the trek is Thorung La, a mountain pass. Situated at an elevation of 5416 m, it is the highest altitude point of the journey.
There are so many reasons for someone to go on a trekking journey, and one of the most important ones is to click pictures. Annapurna Circuit Trekking is no different. On this journey, you will come across so many opportunities to click the Annapurna Circuit pictures, whether it be that of the majestic mountains and green luscious hills, or that of a random landscape in front of you. Annapurna Circuit pictures might include that of the rare wildlife and vegetation, or the human elements that you come across during the journey. Photography enthusiasts love it here,
Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
Annapurna Circuit Itinerary is one of the most crucial pieces of information that you should gather before going for the journey. Altogether, there are three different Annapurna Circuit Itineraries. The original one is 22 days long. It starts at Khudi and ends at Tadapani, and it covers all the classic attractions of the Annapurna Circuit trek, like Jomsom, Manang, Thorung La, and Muktinath. On this trip, the trekkers walk for a duration of only 14 days.
The second Annapurna Circuit Itinerary is only 14 days long altogether. The Annapurna Circuit length is shortened so that the route is accessible for everyone to try. The journey starts at Syange and ends at Jomsom. From here, the trekkers take a flight back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. On this Annapurna Circuit trek, the trekkers walk only for a duration of 8 days. Finally, the third Annapurna Circuit length is around 20 days long. On this trip, the trekkers walk for a duration of around 12 days. The trip includes a Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani.
One of the best things about this trek is that it allows the trekkers to cover Tilicho Lake, which is one of the highest altitude mountain lakes in the entire country.
Annapurna Circuit Elevation
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of those journeys that takes you to really high altitude places. Because of the challenging Annapurna Circuit Elevation that the trekkers cover during the journey, it is not considered ideal for first-time trekkers or the ones who don’t have much experience in the field. Annapurna Circuit Elevation also makes the trek, not as the ideal one for the ones who find it troublesome adjusting to the pressures of high altitude. These individuals might suffer from altitude sickness easily, and take a long time to recuperate with it.
The altitude place on the Annapurna Circuit trek is Thorung La. It is a high altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5416 m. Most times in a year it is covered in snow, which makes it quite a challenge to cross it. Yet another attraction, Muktinath, which is a major pilgrimage site, is situated at an elevation of 3800 m. On the trek, you could choose to visit Tilicho Lake too, considering the fact that it’s optional. It is a high altitude mountain lake situated at an elevation of 4949 m. In the same way, a prominent village, Manang, is located at an altitude of 3500 m.
Annapurna Circuit Difficulty Level
As mentioned above, the Annapurna Circuit trek takes you to great heights, which makes it one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. It is, therefore, not recommended to the individuals who are easily troubled by high altitude places. In general, the Annapurna Circuit difficulty level is marked at strenuous, and elevation is only one of the factors that contribute to this fact. There are other features as well such as the length of the journey, weather conditions, the landscape or terrain, and so on that makes Annapurna Circuit Difficulty level challenging.
Depending on whether you go for the 14 days long journey or the 22 days long one, your journey is going to be equally simple or challenging. It’s quite tough to walk to 6-7 hrs a day continuously for that many days. The trekkers might feel excited for the first few days, but ultimately, the body starts giving up. It gets even tougher when the trekker has to walk on rough and uneven surfaces, generally going uphill or downhill. All these features combined with cold and unforgiving weather make Annapurna Circuit trek quite a difficult journey.
If you’re someone who’s not much into trekking, this may not prove to be the ideal trekking option for you. However, if you’re an experienced one, you’re going to have great fun.
When Should I Go To Annapurna Circuit
It is better to find out the answer to questions like when should I go to Annapurna Circuit before booking your trip. Finding out the Annapurna Circuit best time to go will allow you to enjoy the trek in its beat form. So, to answer the question when should I go to Annapurna Circuit, well, the best time to do that is between the months of September and November. During this time, the Annapurna Circuit weather is at its best, neither too hot nor too cold. Also, the skies are clear, which allows you to enjoy the most amazing views of mountains in the Annapurna region.
If you tend to remain busy this time of the year, well, there is another Annapurna Circuit best time to go. The second best time to go for Annapurna Circuit trek is between the months of March and May. During this time of the year as well, the Annapurna Circuit weather is at its best, neither too hot nor too cold. However, the skies are full of clouds, which prevent you from having the most amazing views of the mountains in the region. During this time of the year, the number of tourists visiting the region is quite less, which allows you to enjoy significant peace.
Annapurna Circuit Map
One of the things that you should definitely have in your possession during the Annapurna Circuit trek is the Annapurna Circuit map. As a matter of fact, you should get your hands on the Annapurna Circuit map even before you plan your journey. The map will give you all the information that you need to know before going for the trip. Most importantly, it tells you whether the journey is meant for you or not. This makes it easy for you to decide whether this is the right one for you or not. Most trekkers buy a map only before starting their journey.
An Annapurna Circuit map allows you to stroll around the region on your own. It tells you exactly where the attractions are, and also it informs you about the numerous difficulties that you might come across during the trek. Annapurna Circuit trek is a journey that is full of interesting places. It’s possible to cover all of them only if you go on side treks. With a map in your hands, you are independent enough to explore all these places on your own and are able to stay well prepared for anything that comes your way. Get your hands on the map to help you plan for the trip.
Annapurna Circuit Guide
It is recommended that when you go for Annapurna Circuit trek, you must be accompanied by the Annapurna Circuit trek guide. As a matter of fact, it is crucial these days to be accompanied by a professional guide no matter where you’re trekking in Nepal. This doesn’t just ensure the safety of the tourists, but also makes the entire process easy for them. Without the Annapurna Circuit trek guide, the trekkers might struggle to acknowledge the attractions that they have come across or communicate with the locals, which is crucial for enjoying the trek fully.
The Annapurna Circuit Guide knows the ins and outs of the region and has trekked on the route a hundred times. He will give you all the tips that you can use to have good trekking experience, whether it comes to walking or dealing with health-related issues. A trekking guide is also a good motivator, so, at times when you’re all tired and don’t feel like moving ahead, the Annapurna Circuit guide will try his best to help you feel better, and you’d realize that his words are enough. Make sure to be accompanied by a trekking guide during your trek in Nepal.
How Much Does Annapurna Circuit Cost
One of the questions that you should definitely find the answer to is how much does Annapurna Circuit costs. Finding the Annapurna Circuit cost will help you plan your budget for the trip accordingly. So, to answer the question, how much does Annapurna Circuit cost, well, Annapurna Circuit cost ranges between $1700 to $2700 per person. The difference in the cost arises mainly due to the variation in the itinerary. There are Annapurna Circuit trek packages that last for a duration of only 14 days, however, there are few that last for 22 days.
The difference in cost occurs also due to the level of luxury offered during the trek, such as the quality of food and accommodation facilities. The main reason why there is such a difference in the Annapurna Circuit cost is the nature of the travel agency. The local agencies, based in Nepal, tend to charge low, whereas the international ones, based in other countries, tend to charge high. It is generally recommended that you go with the local companies, as it helps support the economy of the country. Also, many locals get employment opportunities.
Trekkers have noticed that despite the difference in the status of the company, the kind of services offered during the journey is almost the same. So, a lot of times, you land up paying that extra money for nothing.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing List
Quite like any other journey, you should keep your Annapurna Circuit trek packing list quite brief. The size of the list reflects directly on the luggage. So, the longer the list, the bigger the size of the luggage. And needless to explain, how difficult a journey can become due to a big backpack. Carrying it becomes a waste of time and energy, and you need to pay an additional amount wherever you plan to take it. You should try to make your bag as light as possible, which is possible when you make a packing list that is brief and well organized.
Your Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list needs to be divided into 5 sections. You could name these sections Electronic Items, Official Documents, Clothes, and Wears, Cosmetics and Medicines, Sanitary Items, and Toiletries. Apart from these, you could also carry trekking gears, but keep in mind that a lot of trekkers choose not to do so because it’s more efficient to hire them temporarily than buying them on your own and carrying them with you wherever you go. If you’re not quite sure, don’t refrain from taking help from your travel partner.
The details mentioned here are just the tip of an iceberg when it comes to the things that you get to see and experience during the Annapurna Circuit trek journey. You can read and research all you want about this region and the trek, but you can truly understand the journey only after experiencing it. It is for a reason that tourists visit this region time and again. There is no way that you can fully experience Annapurna Circuit trek in one go. Provided that you get an opportunity to visit Nepal, make sure to cash it in, and go for Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Himalayan Trails Trekking is one of the best travel agencies in Nepal. They specialize in trekking and expedition, however, they also offer tour options with activities such as jungle safari, adventure sports, helicopter tour, food and cultural tour, and so on. Their itineraries feature the most popular and off-the-best travel destinations from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. If you’re looking to visit any of these places during your upcoming holiday and try out these activities, you should definitely choose Himalayan Trails Trekking as your travel partner.
