However, the majority of folks are unaware of the Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty level. Annapurna Circuit is a grueling though feasible and gratifying multi-week wander in a rugged Himalayan region.
The Annapurna Circuit has been crowned the popular adventure destination for trekking in Nepal. If you’re wondering about Annapurna Circuit Trek then you should proceed ahead and do it. Knowing about Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulties you can prepare your mindset and physics likewise. This will later help you deal with the obstacles you encounter on your way.
Excitingly, more than ten thousand adventure travelers visit Nepal annually to explore the Annapurna Circuit despite knowing how hard is the Annapurna Circuit hike. Not only Annapurna, but travel junkies will get to acclimatize in the wild glimpse of Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda.
Annapurna is home to a slew of myriads of the Himalayas with elevations ranging from 6000 to 8000 meters. In this region, not everyone will encounter the same problem. Some beginners find it smoother whereas others suffer and fall back on behalf. So, you’ll have to do a lot of muscle training because most of the elevations are long and demand muscular endurance.
A read of this blog till the end is fruitful for every trekking folk. This blog does not only focus on the potential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may occur during hiking but also lets trekkers know how to minimize it.
How hard is Round Annapurna Trek?
Several factors impact highly on the Annapurna Circuit’s difficulty level. Where the Annapurna Circuit Trek distance, altitude, and terrain fall on the natural factors and challenge everyone, your Annapurna Circuit Trek Budget, number of vacation days, and likewise affect each person accordingly.
You May Love This Package:
In general, the Annapurna Circuit journey is neither too difficult nor too easy which means it is moderate-grade trekking. The Circuit journey to Annapurna is lengthier than other hiking routes.
Also, it is somewhat arduous for amateur trekkers to finish as it may be physically and mentally demanding. However, as long as one maintains his/her determination and willingness with consistent normal daily exercise, no one can stop them from achieving their goals.
Please continue reading this difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek blog to know in detail about each factor that impacts the trek difficulty.
Factors Affecting Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
Trekking duration of Annapurna Circuit Trek
If you have limited time on your hands for the completion of the trek, get ready to struggle more. The reason for this is the high trek distance you have to cover since the Annapurna Circuit length spans from 160 km-230 km.
If you are used to walking for a couple of hours every day, it will be simple for you. If you don’t, you’ll become tired soon and your plans will be disrupted. As a result, it is preferable to embark on a lengthy day excursion to thoroughly investigate the areas.
The expert from Mission Himalaya Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. devised the 17-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary program. On this excursion, you will traverse the unique terrain throughout the route in a balanced manner.
However, if you’re on a limited vacation, an itinerary specialist may help you minimize the period of the trip around Annapurna. Bear in mind that the fewer days you choose, the more strolling you’ll accomplish in a single day.
Type of trekker
The most important thing that is going to determine the difficulty of this trek is the physique of the individual. If the trekker is experienced then there won’t be any issues, but for the beginners, it will be hard because the route is lengthy. So, if beginner trekkers are thinking about this trip then the mental, as well as physical preparation, must be done several months before the trip.
You May Interested in:
Training required for Annapurna Circuit Trekking
The foremost point that makes your Circuit trek difficult is a lack of confidence and physical training. That means appropriate training is essential because you will be trekking up to the altitude of 5416m.
The Round Annapurna Trek is suitable for hikers of every skill level, even beginners. However, without preparation, it will be hazardous for you to attempt a mountain hike at a high altitude. In this way, you will be able to conquer the circuit trek to Annapurna with less difficulty if you boost your physical and mental strength.
Heavy exertion should be avoided entirely during the hike or the day preceding the hike. Focus on exercises that help you enhance your strength ability, particularly training that strengthens your arms and legs so you can participate in riding a bicycle, athletics, snorkeling, cardio exercise, and other beneficial activities. In addition, you may also go for 4–5 hours of daily running and strolling with a backpack.
The atmosphere while going to Annapurna Circuit Trek
Weather and temperature have played a great role in making your trek smooth or daunting. And Annapurna Circuit Trek weather and climate impact highly on the difficulty factor. You might have no idea but the atmosphere in Annapurna highlands is always changing resulting in a bad trip experience for you.
In the winter, the trail of Annapurna Circuit remains blocked by the bulk of snow. Also, it will be strenuous to find a usual trail. The accommodation will remain closed in the upper region because the temperature falls to the freezing point. No matter what make sure to acclimatize properly while proceeding on an exciting trek.
Financial allocation for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Hiking in Nepal is cost-effective since goods and services are cheaper than in other nations. However, you may notice a significant pricing difference in merchandise between the lower and upper regions. Because, in the higher elevation, there are no adequate paths for motors. So, the traders have to rely on carriers and livestock for transporting goods and services.
As a result, the price of the product increases and you will also find it worth it as you travel to a higher altitude. So, in high-cost areas, financial management may be prohibitively expensive. Allocating more budget than needed is recommended before proceeding Annapurna Circuit hike.
Moreover, if you are a good financial keeper then hire a guide and porter. The hiring of a guide and porter course will increase your Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost but will minimize your trek difficulty level. Further, the Annapurna Circuit Trek guide and porter will give you good company to explore Annapurna and carry your loaded backpacks. Also, it will be good for you if you book a private vehicle rather than a local vehicle.
High altitude sickness
High-elevation sickness symptoms include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty sleeping. The majority of visitors confront AMS as an Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty as the oxygen level drops by 11% at higher altitudes.
Whenever you notice these symptoms, inform your professional guide how you’re feeling instantaneously. They will assist you in overcoming the effects of altitude sickness.
If you’re walking alone and get extreme altitude sickness, fall back to the lower elevation and obtain plenty of rest. Sleep well and wait until you’re feeling better before starting your journey. Do not attempt to complete the hike in a hurry. Keep in mind, that if you contract a serious illness, the trek will be called off on your behalf.
Additionally, while on this walk, tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided. Rather, drink lots of fluids and stroll.
First aid and Sanitary
While packing your luggage keep some space to carry first aid and sanitary for your journey. Mainly, We recommend all female travelers carry essential pads, tampons, or whatever else is preferable for them to use. Because in the high area near Throng La pass, there will be a shortage of pads and you might suffer while you are in period.
Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, purification tablets, toiletries, towel, pads, and other personal hygiene kits. Also, pack your favorite foods to nibble on throughout the hike. It will make the ride less tedious and more enjoyable.
Pack the right gear
In terms of the Annapurna circuit’s difficulties, the backpack might make your trek simpler or more challenging. So while hiking, it is crucial to carry lightweight and just include what is usually needed for the excursion. Your trip may be tough if your bag is too hefty. As a result, seek to sustain your bag as light as possible.
Anyway, remember to carry your Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and TIMS approvals. If you are a solo traveler, ensure you’ve packed everything necessary during the journey. For the routes and climate, solid trekking footwear, a thermal barrier jacket, and a sleeping bag with cover are foremost that must not be missed.
Though the route here is well established, it is highly recommended to carry the Annapurna Circuit Trek Map along with you to avoid possible risks of getting lost on the trail.
In addition, adding a longer trek such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek to your bucket list will require more gear than a short trek. In case, if you can’t carry your backpack by yourself, hire a porter so that they will carry your backpack up to 20kg.
Overcome stress
The level of difficulty of any trekker relies on the individual’s physical and mental strength. Some interested folks find trekking journeys exciting, while others find them tough. To be honest and encourage you, the Circuit trip to Annapurna isn’t that burdensome.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek will be daunting if you proceed without sufficient planning and physical training. To undertake the Annapurna Circuit, you must be moderately fit, with strength being more vital than speed abilities.
Wrapping Up About Annapurna Circuit Trek
So here comes the termination of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty list. This article has attempted to implement a list of the biggest barriers you might encounter on your exciting adventure.
Aw, you might have been feeling low and many questions might have arisen in your mind. But, there is nothing to worry about at all. If you feel ‘Is Annapurna Circuit still worth it?’ then feel free to connect with us.
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.