Trek through the arid landscapes of Annapurna Circuit to explore the unique and captivating experience of the region. Characterized by vast expanses of rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, the scenery here features contrasts of earthy tones, with dramatic rock formations adding allure to the surroundings.
The journey explores a vibrant tapestry of Nepalese and Tibetan cultures seamlessly intertwining with the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Himalayan peaks. Here, you wind through the quaint rural towns of Jagat, to the deserted, isolated settlements of Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka, where echoes of ancient traditions resonate against the backdrop of majestic mountains.
Also, explore the rugged terrain of Mustang, where secret hidden caves and ancient monasteries showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is a journey of a lifetime that is undoubtedly challenging yet offers an immersive experience of a lifetime.
One of our representatives will greet you at the airport upon your arrival in Nepal. They will assist you to the hotel, and you may utilize the rest of the day unwinding. Before our team members depart for the day, we will go through the itinerary before we start the journey the next day.
The following day marks the official commencement of our adventure, beginning with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. While the journey may be rough and bumpy, the breathtaking views along the way will certainly make it worthwhile.
The next day, we take the route to Dharapani, where you will encounter the rich biodiversity of the region. Alongside diverse vegetation, some ascending and descending through narrow paths are required, while crossing suspension bridges and roaring rivers are other highlights of this day. Leaving Dharapani, we make our way to Chame and notice a transition in the vegetation.
Chame, unlike Dharapani, is a bit arid and barren. There aren’t many villages or locals, but it still offers ample amounts of natural scenery along with cultural exposure. It is also the gateway to Manang Valley, a quiet town yet scenic with majestic peaks in its backdrop.
As you walk further, barren and rugged landscapes are noticed, with gigantic mountains in the background. Soaking in the scenery, you reach another eccentric town, Pisang, where you can experience the rich culture of the region. Despite the journey taking place in the Annapurna region, the cultural exposure on this journey is slightly different than in the Annapurna Base Camp.
Here, you are accustomed to the Tibetan cultures, lifestyles, and, in some sort of way, geography as well. The trail is filled with monasteries, stupas, and mani walls, with prayer flags adorning the suspension bridges. Here, as much as natural beauty is prominent, the spiritual essence is also intense. And the same scenario can be seen in the village of Manang, where you'll acclimatize to the increasing altitude while exploring the monasteries and soaking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Leaving Manang, the journey continues to Yak Kharka, which is an alpine pasture mostly grazed by Yaks. It is a remote place; thus, besides the vast meadow fields and the herders, the open sky is the friend of travelers. Here, you can truly reconnect with nature in its truest form. Similarly, the next day is quite an eventful day, so replenish as much energy as you can because you will need it to cross the challenging ascent of Thorong La Pass (5416m). The ascent to Thorong La is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding, as you push yourself to new heights and overcome the thin air and steep terrain. At the summit, enjoy the unparalleled scenery never seen before.
From Thorong La, the trail descends into the serene Mustang region, where you'll explore ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and the sacred site of Muktinath before continuing your descent into the bustling valleys of Jomsom and Kagbeni. The next day, we take a scenic flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and conclude our adventure in the enchanting lakeside town of Pokhara.
Reminiscing about the memories of the trek, we drive back to the humming city of Kathmandu. The following day marks the conclusion of your 14-day adventure in the arid Himalayas of Nepal. One of our team members will accompany you to the airport with hopes for a future reunion.
Check Out Similar Packages - 11 Days Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a transformative adventure, weaving through stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Its rugged beauty and cultural richness leave an indelible mark on every traveler, making it an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. And, if you wish to alter the itinerary to make it convenient for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team at World Alpine Treks is more than happy to tailor-make an itinerary that fits you the most.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a drive to the lakeside city of Besisahar. Today, we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi highway for around six to seven hours to Besisahar. We pass through some fantastic landscapes throughout the journey. In the first half portion, we will be able to get some stunning views of the Trishuli River along with hills and villages. In the second half, the countryside landscape and the greenery will keep you engaged. At Besisahar, we catch a jeep that will take us to Jagat. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse in Jagat (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From Jagat, we start our walking journey of the trip. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we follow a trail that leads us to Chamje. We come across a long suspension bridge over a river there. We cross the bridge and start ascending through the lush forests of oak until we open up to a beautiful valley. On the route, we come across the charming village of Kodo. A few hours walk uphill from Kodo, we reach Dharapani, another lovely village in that region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dharapani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
At the entrance gate of Dharapani, there is a stone-built chorten that reflects the influence of the Tibetan Buddhist religion. Ahead of the gate, get ready to get some insights into the villages with Tibetan Buddhist influence. After a few hours of walking, we come across Bargachaap, which is a delightful village with flat-roofed stone houses that resemble Tibetan-style houses. From Bargachaap, the trail ascends through a rough and rocky trail and extends through the forests to Kopar. From Kopar, we continue ahead until we reach our guesthouse in Chame. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district. As we reach Chame, we can get some fantastic views of the mountains in the region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Chame. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Pisang. With the fantastic views of LamjungHimal and Pisang Peak, we follow a trail that goes steeply into the dense forests. On the way, we pass a waterfall and cross suspension bridges over the river with amazing views of meadows and mountains on sight. We also get some soaring views of PaungdaDanda rock that begins to appear as we climb up towards Pisang. As you open up to the valley of Pisang, you will be blessed with some close views of Pisang Peak and Mt. Annapurna II. After relishing the fantastic views, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Pisang for the night. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we leave Pisang and head towards the upper part of the Manag district which is drier. The route offers some astounding views of majestic mountain peaks in the Annapurna range. With these sight views, we take an upper path to Manag that goes through Ghyaru–Ngawal and Munji. As we move up, we can notice the change in climate, landscape, and vegetation. We come to dry places with a harsh environment. Though sharp, the arid landscape looks very compelling with the close views of mountains in the backdrop. On the way, we come across a large monastery of the region – Barge Monastery. We visit the monastery and continue our walk until we reach our guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We spend an extra day in Manang as a part of our requirement for proper acclimatization. And, there are so many places around Manang to explore. Manang, in itself, is a delightful village that offers some fantastic views of mountains and rocky terrain. Today, we explore the villages around and hike up to visit Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit a monastery and mountaineering school on the way. In the evening, we return to our guesthouse/ house in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we leave Marshyangdi Valley and head towards Thorong La pass. At first, we cross a stream and climb up steadily to the village of Tenki lies just above Manang. Then we come out of the valley and turn to the north to climb up the valley of the Jarsang River. We follow the pastures and head towards the north which will take us to the village of Ghunsa. Further, the trail extends through the meadows where we can see some yaks grazing along with the yak herders busy with their stuff. We then cross a wooden bridge over a river and pass some ancient mani walls before we arrive at the village of Yak Kharka. The town is the summer settlement of the yak herders. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Yak Kharka. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Yak Kharka and head towards Thorong La Phedi. Thorong La Phedi is a small settlement in the high altitudinal region that caters to the food and accommodation needs of the trekkers visiting the Thorong La Pass. It is a stopping point to cross the Thorong La pass tomorrow. Thorong La pass is the highest pass in the world. It is challenging to cross the path. Its rocky and slippery terrain with ever-changing weather conditions makes it one of the toughest parts of the journey. Today, we stop at Thorong la Phedi for an early walk through the pass tomorrow. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The pass is prone to sharp and harsh winds after the afternoon. Hence, we wake up early to cross the pass. We walk along the rocky ridges of the past with outstanding views of mountains and glaciers in the Annapurna region. From the pass, we will be able to get 360-degree panoramic views of mountains that extend to Tibetan plateaus in the north. After crossing the path, we descend to Muktinath, which is a trendy spiritual hub of the Annapurna region. The place holds a high value amongst Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this place early with high dedication and devotion. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Muktinath. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Early in the morning, we walk to Muktinath for amazing views of the mountains in the Annapurna range. After appreciating the glories of the mountains, we descend to Jomsom and complete our circuit walk around the Annapurna. Hence, we accomplish our walking journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tonight, enjoy your time in Jomsom with the warm hospitality of the local people. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we take an early flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your time at the hotel in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk to the lakeside and enjoy the serenity of the environment. (Inclusive of breakfast).
Concluding our trip, we drive back via the same route along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Tonight, we are staying at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Inclusive of breakfast and lunch).
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
Flights/Transportations
Accommodations
Meals
Required Permits
Guide & Porter
Essential Equipment
Complimentary
Obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal is pretty easy. All foreigners, except Indian nationals, will need a visa to enter Nepal, however, you cannot take a visa on arrival if your country is not listed among those that require a visa before arrival.
There are several ways to get a tourist visa. One, you can apply for a tourist visa from the nearest embassy or consulate office in Nepal. Or you can apply for an On-Arrival Visa by filling up an online application form. To access the form, please click HERE.
Requirements for Visa Application
Visa Extension
On 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-nights 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.
Regarding luxury lodges, only some are available on the trails of the Annapurna region. These lodges offer rooms with better amenities and services. These lodges have rooms with attached bathrooms providing amenities such as hot showers, western toilets, and possibly internet access. Moreover, these lodges offer a more extensive menu with various cuisine options, including local and international dishes.
Overall, the main difference between the two types lies in the level of facilities and services. Luxury mountain lodges offer more services to travelers seeking a more upscale trekking experience, while normal ones provide basic accommodation and services.
Meals
Meal is an important aspect when trekking in high-altitude trekking areas like Annapurna. It takes a lot of energy to complete a circular journey through the arid Annapurna region. And we try to incorporate nutritious meals for our travelers. We recommend 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 per 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.
Best Time to Trek
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 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.
Typical Trekking Day
A typical day while Annapurna Circuit Trek follows a well-established routine. Generally, the day begins around 6 in the morning, with trekkers waking up and freshening up before enjoying a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, we begin the trek and walk for about 3-4 hours with breaks in between to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. Around noon, you will stop at a teahouse along the trail for lunch, where you can choose from a variety of options. Teahouses are accommodating to dietary restrictions and will often prepare meals according to trekkers' preferences.
Following lunch, the journey continues, with breaks in between as needed, until the destination for the day is reached in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will settle into your accommodations at the teahouse and enjoy a hearty dinner. While this routine provides a general overview of a typical trekking day, it's important to note that each day may bring new experiences and variations. Some days may require waking up earlier than usual for new experiences or to reach a specific destination. Thus, expect unique experiences every day you are walking the Himalayan trail.
Electricity is available on the Annapurna Circuit trails of Nepal. However, it is important to keep in mind that the availability of electricity is limited but enough to serve all. Electricity in the Himalayan trails is produced through hydropower projects and solar panels. In places where hydropower electricity is not available, which often is the higher altitude areas near 4000 meters above sea level, electricity is accessed through solar panels.
In lower trekking altitudes, electricity is freely available. However, in higher altitudes, one would have to pay some amount to get their electronic gadgets charged. Usually, charging costs would come to around Nepalese rupees 200-500 depending upon the altitude. Nevertheless, it is highly suggested to finalize the price before using the service and if possible, it would be even better to bring your power bank.
Also, the most common type of electric socket and plug is the Type C and Type D socket. These operate on a standard voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. Moreover, it is highly advised to carry universal travel adapters for Type C plugs to ensure compatibility with electrical outlets.
Wi-Fi and Internet are available on the trekking trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek. May not be available throughout the trail, yet service will be available for a good amount of the journey. There are various ways one could access the internet on the trail. You can buy local SIM cards or connect to the Wi-Fi available at the teahouse.
For anyone considering staying online consistently during the journey, buying a local SIM card would be the most convenient option available. You can purchase NTC (Namaste) or Ncell SIM cards upon your arrival at the airport or a shop near your hotel. They are easily available to purchase. While buying the SIM card, you may purchase any of the internet plans that suit you the most. Normally, it would cost you no more than 1000-2000 Nepalese rupees. Buying a SIM card is pretty reliable as it would allow you to be online or call anyone as you wish.
And lastly, it is important to note that internet or Wi-Fi connection quality may not meet the standards of the urban areas.
Bathrooms and toilets along trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit Trek differ and it very much depends upon the teahouses you stay as well. Some premium teahouses in lower elevations such as Jagat, Dharapani, Pisang, Chame, and Manang offer rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water running.
However, most teahouses are standard and offer basic amenities like rooms, food, bathrooms, electricity, and showers. They offer shared bathrooms with squat-type toilets. In some teahouses, you can find Western types of toilets as well. They may not seem luxurious but are convenient for trekkers on the trail.
Hot showers may not be readily accessible in every teahouse, but in instances where they are unavailable, one can request one for an extra fee. Typically, this service costs between 300 to 500 Nepalese rupees, varying based on the altitude.
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 it.
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 gained 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 it as well.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking in the Annapurna circuit. It is one of the most important travel documents every traveler must have. While it may not be a mandatory travel document to enter Nepal, it is still essential to purchase insurance if you are considering trekking at higher altitudes. Annapurna Circuit Trek is in remote areas and is in high elevations. Hence, it involves health risks such as altitude sickness, and injuries which can be financially stressful. Additionally, travel plans can be disrupted due to various reasons such as flight cancellations or personal emergencies. Therefore, to cover such events, travel insurance can come in handy.
Nevertheless, it is very important to keep in mind that you purchase a nice insurance plan. The Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges over 5000 meters in elevation. Hence, you must make sure, their insurance covers an altitude of 6000 meters, has emergency medical treatment, and evacuation by helicopter. These are essential provisions to have in your travel insurance while Annapurna Circuit trekking.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a type of mountain sickness that can occur when hiking at a higher elevation. It is caused when our body is unable to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at high altitude areas. There are 3 different types of altitude sickness categorized based on their levels of sickness.
1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
It is one of the mild forms of altitude sickness. If treated immediately trekkers can complete the trek without any delay. However, if ignored, it can result in something more serious.
Common symptoms of AMS include tiredness, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and headaches. These symptoms can be treated with medication. However, one should not just ignore these symptoms.
2. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
It is another type of mountain sickness but a more serious one. In this type, fluid is collected in the lungs and it can be very dangerous. It is one of the main causes of death as well.
The symptoms of HAPE are similar to AMS so one can ignore the seriousness and may think medication can solve the issue. However, the situation can quickly escalate to seriousness as symptoms change to shortness of breath, dry coughs, severe headache, confusion state, and loss of coordination.
During such conditions, seeking immediate medical attention is required. Delay in medical attention can lead to life-threatening events so it is very important to be mindful of a patient's condition.
Nevertheless, it is a treatable condition so one should not be entirely scared about it. However, it is quite important to not exhaust our bodies while hiking at high elevations.
3. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
HACE is another serious version of altitude sickness. In this type, fluid is collected in the brain and thus is life-threatening. This happens when our body is unable to adapt to low oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Symptoms of HACE include severe headache which won’t be treated with medication, confusion, irritability, hallucinations, loss of balance and coordination, and blurred vision along with symptoms of AMS but a bit more severe.
Just like HAPE, immediate medical attention is needed. Alongside, descending the patient to a lower altitude is also equally important.
Preventive of Altitude sickness
Following are the ways to prevent altitude sickness while hiking the high-altitude trekking areas of Nepal.
Acclimatization Days
Also known as a rest day, acclimatization day is an important part of an itinerary where you are scheduled to take a break while hiking in the high-altitude areas. It is a part of an itinerary because it is essential to allow trekkers to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
When trekking in high-altitude areas we should be cautious of how our body accommodates changing surroundings. Our body should physiologically adapt to function effectively in low-oxygen environments, thereby reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
During a trek like Annapurna Circuit, there is one separate day allotted for acclimatization, in Manang. Manang was carefully chosen as a rest spot because this place is at perfect altitudes to acclimatize.
On the acclimatization day, trekkers particularly do not have to engage in any activities. However, we would rather suggest staying active than staying idle. we will explore the villages around and hike up to visit Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit a monastery and mountaineering school on the way.
Overall, the whole point of acclimatization is to allow the body to adjust to the altitude. It is crucial to not hasten the journey in the rush of finishing the journey quickly. Proper acclimatization is necessary to minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses and to enhance the trekking experience.
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 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 occasionally aid in building the strength and flexibility required. Ultimately, with proper planning and readiness, all obstacles can be surmounted.
It is highly suggested to exchange your currency for Nepalese currency while trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. In Kathmandu, you can shop using their credit/debit card or even with dollars but it is not the same case everywhere else.
Trekking trails in the Annapurna region only accept Nepalese currency so before you embark on the trek, do not forget to exchange your currencies. Besides, bring enough cash that will last you till the duration of your journey. ATM or card services are rarely available on the trail.
Our team of experienced and skilled guides and porters will assist you all through your journey. Our guides hold government licensing for mountain trekking, hence are trained and government-authorized. Proficient in intensive wilderness first aid, responsible tourism, effective communication, and professionalism, they are dedicated to ensuring a seamless journey. Beyond their commitment to smooth operations, they are enthusiastic advocates for Himalayan landscapes, investing deliberate efforts to promote their beauty. Recognizing their dedication, we ensure fair compensation and comprehensive care for our team members, considering them integral to our operations and deeply valuing their hard work.
We also prioritize the safety of our team members, providing them with the necessary gear and training to ensure their safety. We also strive to provide a safe and secure working environment, with zero tolerance for any form of harassment or discrimination.
Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal, but it is commonly expected, especially in the tourism industry. While not compulsory, tipping is a meaningful way to express gratitude to those who have provided excellent service during your journey. Many of the individuals involved, such as guides, porters, and drivers, are often low-wage workers who rely on tips to supplement their income. While there are no strict guidelines for tipping, it is typically based on the quality of service received and your discretion. As a general suggestion, tipping around 10-15% of the total trip cost to guides, porters, and drivers is commonly practiced. However, the amount can vary depending on individual circumstances and the level of satisfaction with the service provided.
Our company revolves around the natural environment and its various elements, which serve as our assets and are vital for our future sustainability. Hence, at World Alpine Treks, we are committed to responsible tourism practices that prioritize sustainability, environmental conservation, and community well-being.
Our operations are designed to minimize our ecological footprint by reducing waste and conserving resources. We actively engage with and support local communities, hiring local staff, and associating with local businesses. We respect and celebrate the cultural heritage of the destinations we visit, while also advocating for ethical wildlife tourism practices.
Our commitment to responsible tourism is demonstrated through our partnerships, certifications, and continuous efforts to improve our practices in line with the latest sustainability standards.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 160-230 km (100-145 miles) long, depending on specific route variations and transportation choices. The trek typically takes around 15-20 days to complete, offering diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high mountain deserts, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Annapurna region in Nepal.
The best time for the Annapurna Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, ensuring optimal trekking conditions and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range in Nepal.
Yes, basic food, water, and tea are available at teahouses and communities along the Annapurna Trek. But options could be scarce, and costs might go up as you go up in height. It is advisable to pack personal supplies, such as cigarettes if necessary, and water purifying equipment. For a more comfortable trekking experience, self-sufficiency is advised as amenities vary even when they are provided.
Yes, a permit is required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. It is necessary to have a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These licenses guarantee hiker safety and support conservation activities. Before beginning the hike, get them in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Phone and internet service are available in the Annapurna Region, especially in bigger settlements and hiking centers. While connectivity varies, teahouses and hotels frequently provide Wi-Fi, and mobile networks operate along much of the journey. Keep in mind that transmissions at higher altitudes may be weaker, and satellite phones can be handy in distant regions.
