Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek Accommodation

On the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will stay in carefully chosen 3-star hotels in Cities and comfortable mountain lodges in trekking routes that serve the best. 

While in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll be staying in 3-star hotels that offer a great location, a high standard of comfort and quality, and a solid value to our guests. We want to make sure your 2-night stay in Kathmandu, before the trek, and after the trek, and 1 night in Pokhara is comfortable and satisfying.

Alternatively, while hiking, which is 10 days of the total journey, you will be staying in cozy and traditional mountain lodges with a welcoming atmosphere and authentic charm. 

As per what a standard tea house would look like, they are basic guest houses or lodges that offer simple rooms with twin beds, communal dining areas, and shared facilities such as bathrooms and basic washing facilities. Some tea houses offer amenities like hot showers and charging stations for electronic devices at an additional cost. They also serve delicious warm meals, but with limited menu options.

Food on Annapurna Circuit Trek 

A meal is an important aspect of trekking in high-altitude areas like Annapurna. It takes a lot of energy to complete a circular journey through the arid Annapurna region. We try to incorporate nutritious meals for our travelers. We recommend that travelers have meals that include all nutritious components like protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. 

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek includes 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners. With this, we also offer seasonal fruit during the trekking days. As for meals, you will get a wide variety of food options while in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but during trekking days, the options are limited. 

During trekking days, you can find bakery varieties in many places if not all, and also some international cuisines like pasta, sausages, soups, cereals, noodles, pizzas, and more. For local cuisines, you can find Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice) with vegetable curries and Nepali pickles, Momo (dumpling), fried rice, omelets, and more to choose from. 

Along with meals, various kinds of drinks like tea, coffee, and sodas are also available on the trail. We highly suggest drinking lemon or ginger tea rather than soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are also available on the trail, but we advise against them. Nevertheless, any additional bills should be catered to by the travelers themselves. 

Furthermore, if travelers have any dietary restrictions, we recommend informing us while booking the trip. Travelers with dietary restrictions won’t find it difficult to find their preferred meal while in the city, but during trekking days, it is very important to inform the guide and the teahouse cook about your restrictions. Even with limited options, they will prepare a meal that suits you. 

Communication

There are several ways you can stay connected while trekking the Annapurna Circuit. You can either purchase a local SIM card at the nearest shops available to you or use WiFi for a fee available at the teahouse. Buying a SIM and its data package usually costs around NPR 2000–2500, and this allows you to have all-time internet and phone access. Mobile network coverage is available in many parts, especially in lower elevations, while coverage at higher altitudes may be limited. Nevertheless, we want to inform you that quality and availability can be inconsistent. 

Ideal time for trekking the Annapurna Circuit 

Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place in a diverse array of landscapes and weather conditions. Hence, this trail is visited throughout the year. Each season does bring its fair share of challenges, yet the route is available to trek all year. Henceforth, before you choose the best season to trek the Annapurna Circuit, take a look at how the trail looks each season. 

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring follows after winter, so it starts to get vibrant and colorful. Flowers start to bloom and bring color to your surroundings. For a good amount of time, you will be trekking through a lush, forested trail. This forest turns red and pink as rhododendron blooms blanket the trail. Besides that, the weather is wonderful, with warm days and cool mornings and nights. The mountain views are simply breathtaking, with clear blue skies. There will still be remnants of winter snow, yet majestic nature and pleasant weather pull large crowds of travelers from all across the world to witness the stunning natural spectacle of the Annapurna region. 

Summer Season (June to August)

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit during the summer is tough but not impossible. As said earlier, the trek showcases diverse landscapes; hence, there’s an arid section of the journey that sees little to no rain at all. Part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place in a rain-shadow area, so trekkers may not worry about precipitation while exploring desert areas. However, the journey also includes walking past rural villages in the lower elevations, which receive a significant amount of rain. While the rain revitalizes the vegetation, it also brings challenges to trekking with muddy and slippery trails. Clouds often obscure the mountain views, but the surrounding setting is no less breathtaking. Due to the monsoon aligning with the summer season, the trail is mostly free of crowds at this time; hence, some adventurers will get to enjoy the lone trail and enjoy the monsoon’s tranquility and beauty. 

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is another great time after spring to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is the post-monsoon season, so the weather is stable, the sky is clear, and the stunning sights of gigantic peaks are more visible and clearer than ever. Similarly, the weather is favorable, as days are mildly warm, and crispy air keeps mornings and nights cool. And because of these stable weather conditions, many trekkers prefer to trek this time around. Adventurers around the world get to immerse themselves in the natural splendor amidst huge mountains. 

Winter Season (December to February)

Winter brings a serene atmosphere to the Annapurna Circuit as the mountains are blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Days are cold, especially at higher elevations, and snowfall is common, transforming the landscape into a pristine paradise. Please keep in mind that temperatures can go beyond -20 degrees at night, so one has to be mentally and physically ready to trek at this time. Similarly, trekking during the winter presents its challenges, with cold temperatures and snow-covered trails requiring proper gear and preparation. Despite the challenges, winter offers a unique and peaceful experience for those seeking solitude and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks against the backdrop of the tranquil winter landscape.

Overall, trekkers should consider their preferences, abilities, and the specific conditions of each season when planning their trek to Annapurna Circuit. We hope the above brief descriptions offer an idea for the traveler to help make their decision.

Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit Trek presents a moderately challenging adventure, encompassing a variety of factors that contribute to its difficulty. In this trek, trekkers need to cross Thorang La Pass (5416 m), one of the highest mountain passes in the world, requiring a careful approach to minimize altitude sickness risks. Besides, this is a 14-day journey, requiring endurance and stamina to navigate diverse terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and suspension bridges.

Additionally, some sections of the trek pass through remote and isolated areas, where facilities and services are limited. Hence, it is safe to say it is one of the most strenuous journeys in the Himalayas of Nepal. However, despite its challenges, it is a doable journey with proper plans and preparations. To tackle the challenges, trekkers are suggested to engage in cardio, flexibility, and stamina-building workouts. Activities like stretching, running, and hiking once in a while aid in building the strength and flexibility required. Ultimately, with proper planning and readiness, all obstacles can be surmounted.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits

Permits are essential for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The necessary permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS). Usually, these permits are prepared by trekking agencies travelers are traveling with, so trekkers may not worry about how to access them.

Nevertheless, one can access the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The permit fee is payable in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and is subject to change. Currently, the permit fee is USD 30 (NPR 3000). 

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) can be obtained from the Registered Trekking Company in Kathmandu. The permit fee for foreign travelers is USD 20 (NPR 2000).

Trekking permits are essential, and to travel without them will result in monetary fines for the travelers. These permit fees go into the maintenance of the trails, and the authority makes proper use of them as well.

Guides and Safety

Our team consists of skilled and experienced guides and porters with diverse backgrounds. They hold official government licenses for mountain trekking, signifying their comprehensive training and authorization. Additionally, they have extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for Nepal’s pristine wilderness. Proficient in intensive wilderness first aid, responsible tourism, effective communication, and professionalism, our guides prioritize your safety and satisfaction.

They are renowned for their exceptional care, knowledge, and attentiveness, ensuring that your journey is not only inspiring and enjoyable but also secure. While all walks outlined in the itinerary are guided, our guides are happy to recommend shorter self-guided walks for those seeking additional exploration on certain days.