Is Annapurna Circuit trekking still worth it?

Annapurna trekking is still worth it, but many areas in the circuit have been developed into roadways, so driving to Dharpani and trekking to Chame, Pisang, Manang, Thorang High Camp, Muktinath, driving from Muktinath to Tatopani, trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill, trekking back to Birethanthi, and driving back to Pokhara can be the best itinerary and is worth it.

How difficult is the Annapurna circuit trekking?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderate level of trek and requires trekkers to walk for at least 6–8 kilometers on average, while some days might be longer and some might be shorter.

Is Annapurna Circuit trekking for beginners?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is not recommended for beginners, but if beginners have training and practice before the hike, if they prepare for like 3 months before the trek, the trek can be a success, and trekkers can complete the trek without any health difficulties.

What is the price for Annapurna Circuit trekking?

The Annapurna Circuit trekking cost takes around 1100 to 1200 dollars in a full-board package, according to our itinerary. The cost varies according to the itinerary and the days extended.

What is the age limit for the Annapurna circuit trek?

There is no age limit for Annapurna Circuit Trek trekkers of any age, but for trekkers above the age of 85 and children below the age of 3, taking care of them can be hard.

What is the daily walking distance for the Annapurna circuit trek?

The daily walking distance for the Annapurna circuit trek is around 12–16 kilometers per day; some days may be shorter and some may be longer, but the walking will be in this range.

How do I prepare for the Annapurna circuit trek?

Trekkers can prepare for the Annapurna circuit by getting engaged in outdoor activities, cardiovascular exercises, jogging, going hiking in the nearby areas with weights on bags, and even doing treks that are available near them. The most important thing is that practicing breathing techniques helps a lot as well, for example, navy breathing and box pattern breathing.

What to do with the trash during the Annapurna base camp short trek?

There are certain points where the trash can be dumped and can be found even on the trekking trail, or the other way around is to dispose of the garbage and the waste in the dusty or garbage bins of the hotel or the tea house.

How are the restroom facilities at Annapurna base camp short trek?

Restroom facilities during the Annapurna base camp short trek are of two types. The first one is a normal Asian squat toilet, while the other one is a regular Western commod. Regular western commodities are available in most of the places throughout the trek.

How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

It takes at least 12–14 days to complete the Annapurna circuit trek. In total, it will be 12–14 days in the mountains and at least 4-6 days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, so in total, at least 20 days are recommended in Nepal for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Is the Annapurna circuit trek harder than the Everest base camp trek?

The Annapurna circuit trek, when compared to the Everest trek, is considered easy as the elevations are lower and even the surrounding environment of the Annapurna circuit trails is normal compared to the winds and environment of Everest, which makes it much easier.

What should I pack for the Annapurna circuit trek?

Trekkers must pack hiking pants, down jackets, fleece jackets, turtle necks, sweaters, merino wool socks, flip flops, power banks, thermal base layers, wind stopper jackets, crampons, buff, sun hats, woolen caps are the things that trekkers must pack for the Annapurna circuit trek.

Can we take a hot shower at the Annapurna base camp trek?

Trekkers are allowed to have a hot shower at the tea house and lodges. Usually, there are two types of showers: the first is a gas shower, while the other is a bucket shower, in which trekkers are given a bucket of hot water to rinse themselves off.

How many kilometers is the Annapurna circuit trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek in total is 160–230 kilometers, which will be around 100–145 miles in total. More or less, the distance increases and decreases according to the camps that are skipped or added.

Do you need a sleeping bag for the Annapurna circuit trek?

A sleeping bag and down jackets are both required for the Annapurna circuit trek, as the trek involves temperatures ranging from 0 to -15 or even -5 to -20 degrees Celsius at night, so taking a sleeping bag can be a nice idea.

How fit should trekkers be for the Annapurna circuit trek?

Trekkers must have an average level of fitness and must be able to trek for at least 6-8 hours per day the trail consists of up and down trail and trekkers must be ready for it during the Annapurna circuit trek.

Where has the road reached in the Annapurna circuit trek?

The road reaches Dharapani from Pokhara and to Tatopani and Muktinath the other way around, so it's better to avoid the roadways as they're dusty. So trekking from Dharapani to Muktinath, driving from Muktinath to Tatopani, and trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill can be the best options for trekkers.

How much does a porter cost on the Annapurna circuit trek?

The cost for a porter per day is 25 dollars, and a porter must be tipped at at least 150–200 dollars upon completing the trek, as carrying the loads in the mountains is hard.

How much should I tip the guide and porter while doing the Annapurna circuit trek?

The minimum tip a guide deserves after doing the Annapurna circuit is at least 200-250 dollars and for porters, the tips must be at least 150-200 dollars as the mountain life is very hard, and guides and porters after all their service and dedication more than deserve it.

Where does the Annapurna Circuit Trek start and end?

According to the current road and scenario conditions, the Annapurna circuit trek starts from Dharapani and ends at Tatopani or Birethanthi after completing the Ghorepani poon hill trek.

How do I plan for the Annapurna circuit trek?

Trekkers can plan for the Annapurna circuit trek by reading blogs about how to prepare and what to pack, and the best thing is to ask the trekking company about how to plan; that’s the best thing to do as they are updated and provide detailed information regarding the trek.

What permits do we need for the Annapurna circuit trek?

Trekkers need an Annapurna conservation area permit, and the trekker's information management system card is the mandatory permit for the Annapurna circuit trek.

What is the difference between Annapurna Circuit Trek and ABC Trek?

The difference between the Annapurna circuit and the Annapurna base camp trek is that the that the circuit is the whole loop of the Annapurna region, as it starts from Dharapani and ends at Tatopani. It is a full-round circuit, while the Annapurna base camp is trekking from Ghandruk towards the base camp of Annapurna and coming back from Jhinu Danda.

Where do we get the best views on the Annapurna circuit trek?

The best views can be seen in Pisang, Braga, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Ledar, and the desert kingdom is a sight that is one of the best places to be after completing Thorong La Pass.

What is the highest peak on the Annapurna circuit trek?

The highest peak that is seen during the Annapurna circuit trek is Annapurna I, which is located at 8091 meters above sea level.

On the Annapurna circuit trek, which day is the hardest?

The hardest part is Thorang La Pass, which starts from Thorang Phedi High Camp and ends at Muktinath. It takes about 6-7 hours to cross the pass and get to Muktinath, and the pass is situated at an altitude of 5416m above sea level.

What is the hardest part of the Annapurna circuit trek?

The hardest part is crossing the Thorang La Pass during the Annapurna circuit trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking 14 Days

Introduction: Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking takes you across Thorang-La Pass. It leads you to the world's top ten adventure destinations as described and listed by several world-leading travel magazines and guidebooks.

It is truly one of the most fascinating adventures in the Himalayas and probably on this planet, where you will be walking from low, warm rice fields and terraces to reach a cooler alpine zone and then towards remorseless areas of ice glaciers and giant mountains.

There is a great dramatic change in temperatures, vegetation, landscapes, and people on daily walks with constant views of snowcapped peaks from the start to the end of this marvelous Annapurna Circuit Trek by crossing Thorang-La and reaching Kagbeni, then going towards Muktinath.

Besides great changes with mountain views, the walk leads you into lovely villages around the high and scenic Manang valley of interesting culture and an old traditional way of life interwoven with Buddhism religion, where one can visit its monastery of great immense interest in this wonderful trekking.

Starting with an exciting drive and heading high into cooler areas within alpine woodland and then past vegetation and tree lines, reaching Thorang-La Pass on the highest spot of the adventure.

The walk leads from the beautiful Manang Valley to the scenic Kali Gandaki River valley at Mustang Areas in Jomsom and charming Marpha village. Then it enters the world-deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River valley to reach back at scenic Pokhara via Ghorepani Poon Hill.

Our incredible adventure on Annapurna Circuit Trekking and Thorang-La Pass concludes at beautiful Pokhara, and we then drive back to Kathmandu with fond memories of wonderful times on Annapurna Circuit Trekking and Thorang-La Pass.

How does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Begin and End?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with a drive towards Dharapani from Pokhara. After reaching Dharapani, we spend the night there for acclimatization, and the next day we head towards Pisang. After pisang, we go towards the village of Manang, which is a wonderful village. We spend an extra day at Manang for acclamations as we enter inside 3400 m/11154 ft.

After the acclimatization day at Manang, we return to the trail and go towards our destination, Yak Kharka (4,100 m/13,451 ft). After Yak Kharka, we go slowly towards Thorang Phedi. By chance, if you have energy, we recommend pushing to Thorang High Camp, as it will reduce the walk by more than an hour for the next day.

The biggest day of our lives, we begin our day with a walk towards the high camp of Thorang La Pass. We enter the Thorang La Pass between Katung Kang (6,484 m/21272 ft) and Yakawa Kang (6,482 m/21,266 ft) mountains that form Thorang La Pass. Thoran La Pass connects Manang and Mustang, divided by the two distinct rivers of the Annapurna Region, which are famous and known as Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki.

After crossing Thorang La Pass, we go towards Muktinath Temple, have a bath at the 108 spouts of Muktinath, and then visit the main temple of lord Vishnu. For Hindus, Muktinath represents Lord Vishnu; for Hindus, it represents Mahatma Buddha for Buddhists. Due to the representation of both religions, this place has a different energy that can be felt and is home to the harmonies between Hinduism and Buddhism.

After finishing the prayers and worshipping at Muktinath, we head towards Tatopani.

Take a shared public vehicle towards Tatopani, where, if we reach on time, we can bathe in the hot spring and rest for the day. After Tatopani, we head towards Ghorepani, a beautiful village beneath Poon Hill. Upon reaching Ghorepani, we stayed for the night. The next day, early in the morning, we do a 45-minute hike to Poon Hill, where we will witness one of the most beautiful sunrises ever.

After Seeing the sunrise, we have breakfast, say goodbye to Ghorepani, and leave for Birethanti, where we will take a jeep back to Pokhara, marking the end of our Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Way to Annapurna circuit

What to Expect during Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a perfect loop of the Annapurna Region that takes you from the sub-alpine forest of Dharapani to the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, the Muktinath. It brings you back again to the hot spring of Tatopani, ending your journey with the best sunrise of your life.

Get ready to cross the Thorang La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5,416 m/17769 ft, which is a challenge, but never worry; as you slowly go through Dharapani, you will be more than ready to cross the Thorang La Pass.

The night is going to be cold. The facilities are going to get basic as the trek starts. Experience the mountain ranges' changing landscapes and take the Annapurna region's whole loop.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most recognized and popular treks. This route is famous for cycling and is a budget trip compared to other expensive routes like the Everest Region, Far Western Region, and the Manaslu Region.

What is the best time for Annapurna Circuit?

The best month for trekking towards Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is September, October, November, March, April, or May in the springtime. These are the best times for trekking in Nepal.

During spring and autumn, the weather conditions are very good, the views are clearer, the flowers start to blossom, and it's a great time for trekking in Nepal. as the trekkers and travelers will be able to avoid the cold, freezing temperatures in the high altitude and even avoid the rain of the monsoon, which makes trekking worse.

Trekking can be conducted till late December or even early February. Still, it may be colder than usual, resulting in -2 or -3 degrees less temperature in spring and autumn.

How to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit?

Before heading on an adventure to the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Ensure you are well prepared.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol 10–12 days before the trek.
Start eating healthy foods and try to get engaged in physical activities.

Get engaged in physical exercise. Cardiovascular exercise: try to wake up early and try to avoid lifts. Carry around 7-9 kilos of weight and go for a hike once a week. Try to exercise for about 30 minutes a day in the morning and strengthen your body before you sleep at night. Have some deep breathing practices and complete your suggested equipment and gear list. Make sure everything is packed. Before coming to Nepal, inquire about anything you have in mind that confuses travelers and trekkers with Holiday Tours Nepal officials who are available 24/7.

After booking the trek or setting up their mind about trekking in Nepal, trekkers and travelers must practice for the walk. Trekking is difficult if your legs are lazy. Still, if you are used to walking 4-5 hours a day without issues, there is nothing better than trekking in Nepal.

What are the local cultures and religions like on the trail of the Annapurna Circuit?

Various local cultures and religions can be observed and witnessed on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail. Hinduism and Buddhism widely influence the region of Annapurna. Prayer flags, mani walls, Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and gumbas, or gompas, can be seen along the trail, representing both religions.

Suppose you are traveling in September, October, or November. In that case, travelers and trekkers can get involved in two of the biggest festivals in Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, which is the best time to be in Nepal. Remember to dress properly and respect the culture, especially while visiting the monasteries and temples.

As they trek through villages, they can encounter Gurung and Thakali cultures. We meet many ethnic communities of Nepal along the trail, from place to place, camp to camp, and village to village. We can witness various ethnic groups and practices along the trails. Nepal is home to more than 116 ethnic groups and communities.

monastery in annapurna

How are the accommodations during Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

The accommodation facilities at the Annapurna Circuit Trek are very basic. Only the basic, necessary things and equipment are placed in the rooms. Electric blankets attached to bathrooms are available at prior notice. The price for good accommodation at Annapurna Circuit Trek is around $20–$25 or even more, depending on what sort of extra services trekkers and tourists select.

Usually, the dining room is warm, as heaters are mostly on after 4 p.m.

Holiday Tours Nepal arranges all the accommodation facilities for the trekkers, travelers, and guests once the trekking for the Annapurna circuit is booked.

Home stay in annapurna circuit

Toilets and Sanitation facilities at Annapurna Circuit

We can find two types of toilets: western-style pan toilets and Asian squat toilets. Finding attached bathrooms is difficult, and holiday tours in Nepal require prior notice for attached restrooms, for which we must pay some extra fees.

The toilets are clean and serene, with water inside the restrooms, or sometimes we need to carry the water on our own, which is situated outside the toilets. Toilet paper is unavailable in the bathrooms, so we must bring our toilet paper.

For sanitation, Holiday Tours Nepal recommends carrying sanitizers, towels, face wipers, and tissues so that sanitation and hygiene remain systematic during the Annapurna circuit trekking in Nepal.

What types of food are available on the trail of Annapurna Circuit?

There are a lot of options available, from Western food to our local foods, for example, Dal Bhat, roti, vegetarian curries spaghetti, Chowmein, Momo Dumplings, Porridge Omelets, Burgers, or Pizza. There is a wide variety to choose from, and you can even consume a variety of soups available at the tea house.

Remember that the local foods are always safe and fresh, as the locals prepare the food after getting the orders. Avoid things like ketchup, cheese, meat, and spicy items, as this can lead to constipation and sometimes diarrhea during the trek, which is the worst thing someone would want during an outing.

There is an open menu during the all-inclusive package with Holiday Tours Nepal, where trekkers can select a single item for the food.