Annapurna Circuit Trek

Except for some restricted regions, the solo trek is doable in all the trekking routes of Nepal. Though it may be quite difficult to find the way and arrange accommodation on your own, it’s all up to you whether to do the solo trek or group trek.

If you love the thrill and solidarity in nature, then definitely a solo trek might suit you best. Otherwise, for relaxed trekking go for the Group or Dependent trek. Choosing the dependent trek doesn’t mean you are weak or like that, it means you respect the Nepali people and their profession.

By booking a trek with them, you will not only be helping yourself but also will be helping in the livelihood of many Nepali people. Most of the people in the trekking regions of Nepal are making their life with the tourism business. So, if you choose them for your trek, you are really doing a great job.

On this trek you can see both solo dependent or guided trekkers on your way. You might all know that everything has both a bright and dark side.

Likewise, both solo and guided trek to the Annapurna Circuit also has their own merits and demerits.

Merits and Demerits of Solo Annapurna Circuit Trek

Merits

Joining the solo trek is a lot cheaper than booking it with the other travel company.

It’s more adventurous as you will be doing all the planning and booking by yourself. For instance: Finding the way, arranging the accommodation, bargaining in the cost with teahouse and lodge owners, and many others.

You can relish the solitary walk in the serene ambiance. You are free to stay and go wherever you want and do whatever you like. Demerits If you are for the first time in the trekking routes of Nepal, then it will be very difficult for you to organize all the trekking by yourself. You have to arrange all the permits and itinerary by yourself.

Instead of relaxing, you will have to run here and there to manage all this. Further, you will find it more frustrating, when you reach a certain place and find the accommodation full there. You have to deal with all the risks you encounter by yourself. Trekking towards the high altitude regions, there are lots of chances of getting altitude sickness and other several weather-related challenges.

Merits and Demerits of Group or Dependent trek to the Annapurna Circuit

AC trek with locals Merits Your guided group will look after everything from your permits to the bargaining with the teahouse owner. Booking a trek with a reputable local trekking company allows you to trek with a local guide and trekking with a local guide lets you know more about the culture and nature of that particular place.

Further, it even gives you the opportunity to connect with locals and sometimes participate in their festivals too. As you will be trekking with the porter, he will carry all your luggage. You can enjoy a free walk with a small Daypack.

The guided group will help you maintain the pace and to deal with all the challenges which you may encounter on way. Even if you get caught by altitude sickness, they will take care of your health and help you get out of all these.

You may find a friend for a lifetime. Demerits Booking a trek with a company is definitely more expensive than a solo trek. However, it is worth it as they will be looking after everything to make your trip more exciting.

If you are a free traveler and love solo trekking, then you may find group trekking more frustrating. For instance: to get bound to someone’s itinerary plan might make you feel more irritated.

Most Nepal trekking requires some permits and an entrance card. So whenever you think of trekking in Nepal don’t forget anything regarding the permits and all. If you head trekking without the permits, you can’t even enter your preferred location.

Similar to the other trekking, this trekking also demands two permits. One is the TIMS(Trekking Information and Management System) card and another one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.

You can get these permits easily from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Not only for the Annapurna Circuit, but a TIMS card is also required for many treks in Nepal. However, an ACAP permit is required only for the Annapurna Region Trek.

You can get these trekking permits easily from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Further, if you are joining the guided trek in Nepal, then your guide will look after all these arrangements. The only thing you have to do is to provide him with your personal details which also includes your passport photocopy and passport photos.

If you are planning to trek by yourself, then you have to see all these arrangements by yourself. To get the TIMS card and ACAP permit you have to visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. This office is located in Pradarshani Marg Street and is opened everyday From 10 AM to 4 PM.

If you are in Pokhara, then you can purchase these permits from Nepal Tourism Board Service Center. The office is close to the Lakeside of Phewa. Besides these all, you can also purchase the ACAP permit in Besisahar which is also the starting point of this journey.

However, you have to come here with the TIMS card, you cannot get this here. Another thing you have to keep in mind during the entire journey is that each permit, either TIMS or ACAP, all is applicable for only one entry.

If you want to reenter the place, you have to carry the new one. If you are planning on extending the trek to Upper Mustang, then you have to carry another Restricted Area Permit as well. Further, to enter this region, you have to trek along with the official guide.

Safe Drinking water is not a matter of concern during this excursion. You can have safe drinking water from taps throughout the region. However, as per your preference and need, you can use the purification tablets or mineral waters on the way. Buying mineral water will be quite costly in the higher region.

So it is better to carry reusable water bottles and water purifying pills. If you refill the bottles in the lodges or teahouses, there is no need to add the pills. But whenever you fill them from the streams, don’t forget to add the pills.

Another thing to take care of is that, whenever you are in the high altitude region, drink hot water. The lodges and teahouses there allow you to refill your water with the hot water but charge some extra.

For people of today’s generation, the internet and wifi facility comes in the list of their basic needs. Though there are some people who want a temporary escape from the service, there are many people who love to stay connected with it because of family terms.

Most of the people joining this trek have the question “Is there internet service available or not?” So, here is the answer to this question. With the development of tourism in Nepal this region is receiving lots of visitors.

To cater to the needs of the visitors, most of the people of this region have installed wifi and internet service on their teahouses and lodges. You can expect free wifi service in most of the lodges and teahouses of this route.

However, in high altitude places like Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and High Camp there is almost no or weak internet service. Luckily if you find the service, you have to pay some extra. Besides the wifi service, you can also use the sim card for the internet facility.

Simcard of Ncell and NTC offers you internet service at this location. From Manang to Thorong La Pass there is no network coverage. You can buy the internet package to buy the internet via NTC. As NTC offers the best service in this trek route, use this network for better service.

To get the Nepali sim card you need to provide your passport-sized photo and one passport copy. The internet service of NTC, as well as wifi, is not that fast in the trek region.

The wifi and NTC internet here, only allows you to send some message and pictures. So, please don’t expect anything other than this.

This region has developed itself well enough to provide the electricity service to the customers free of the charge. However, the charge is free only in the lower altitudes. During your stay in the higher altitudes to charge your phone, camera, or other electronic gadgets, you may have to pay some extra to the teahouse or lodge owner.

You can freely enjoy the shower during the trek to the Annapurna Circuit. But when it comes to taking the hot shower, it may cost some extra on the higher altitudes. You have to be thankful if you find the hot shower free of cost here.

Not only this route but in most of the trekking in Nepal, like Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, and many other hot showers cost some extra. Furthermore, in some regions, it is totally not available.

While heading for this trek from Kathmandu, it is highly recommended to exchange the money there and carry that exchanged money for your expenses on the trek. However, if you leave the valley with less money, then you can withdraw from some parts of the trail.

Apart from Kathmandu and Pokhara, name of the places which provide ATMs service in the route is Besisahar, Chame, Jomsom, and Nayapul. You can withdraw the required amount of money from your account by using the ATMs service in Besisahar.

But if you want to take out the money directly from your account, it is not possible in Chame. The ATM service at Chame is available only for the locals. By paying some percentage of money from your visa card to the dealers, you can withdraw money at Chame.

In the case of Jomsom, there are several ATMs available here. Among these ATMS, some work for locals and some for tourists. Furthermore, there are also some that accept both visas and local cards.

For your own safety and peace of mind, travel insurance is essential during your tour in Nepal. Further, if you are planning for this Circuit Trekking, travel insurance is required to get the trekking permit.

Though you needn’t have to show the travel insurance on the way, you have to fill up your travel insurance details to get your trekking permits. In the form, you have to fill up the phone number and name of the Insurance company.

Before heading trekking in Nepal, you have to check your insurance policy and make sure, whether your insurance covers the higher elevation or not. Basically, for Nepal Trek, your travel insurance should cover the elevation up to 6000m.

In higher elevation coverage insurance policy they provide the higher elevation helicopter evacuation and rescue in case of emergency situation. Apart from this, they also take responsibility for your lost or stolen luggage and other medical necessities.

While crossing several passes the this journey takes you to an elevation higher than 5000m. There is a high risk of occurrence of Acute Mountain Sickness and other natural disasters during the trek.

In case you encounter any of these hazardous risks, insurance companies are the ones to help you to get out of this situation.

Hotels:

While trekking on trail on this journey, you will encounter several hotels and resorts. If you have a sufficient budget to spend and don’t want to compromise on available luxury, then you can make your stay at these hotels.

Obviously, the hotels here are not as affluent as that of the city hotels, they are far more luxurious than the teahouses. Here you needn’t have to share your rooms with any other travelers. You will get all the electricity, the internet as well as hot shower service in such hotels.

From the hotel decoration to the service available, you will definitely love your stay here. Guesthouses Along the way to Annapurna Circuit, there is a number of guesthouses that are remarkably affordable and budget-friendly.

They offer the best service they can. Despite all these, you might find the service basic. But with such a budget deal, there is nothing to worry about. They provide you with hot showers, clean beds, blankets, wifi service, and so on.

However, in some guesthouses, you may not find a hot shower and wifi service. Even if you find it, they may take an extra charge. But normally in many guest houses, they are all free.

Teahouses:

Teahouse accommodation is familiar among most of the trekkers in Nepal. Similar to the other trekking routes in Nepal, this trekking route consists of lots of teahouses throughout the trail. Teahouses here provide basic facilities.

Along with some other services they provide a clean bed with a pillow, blanket, and mattress. Being the high-altitude trek, the teahouses here also offer a hot shower service to the trekkers. Within the low budget, you can enjoy your full in these familiar accommodations.

After the day-long trek, it does not really matter what extra service you will get, you just need a sound sleep. During the peak seasons, you may have to share your accommodation with other fellow trekkers.

Sharing the room or teahouse with other trekkers allows you to share your travel experience with them. Further, it is absolutely an awesome experience to listen to someone else stories too.

Even with the basic, service, you can enjoy your full during your stay here. Besides, the heartwarming hospitality of the teahouse owner is something you will find more reminiscing about throughout the journey.

Not only the accommodation service, this trekking has ameliorated its foods and meal service too. Along with the Nepali Dal and Bhat, the region serves the trekkers with several other continental dishes. You can expect bread, porridge, momos, noodles, pizza, and poached eggs on your trek for your breakfast and lunch.

However, when it comes to taking the dinner, Nepalese dal and Bhat is a perfect choice. To maintain your energy for the further trek, Dal Bhat helps you the best. Further, it is budget-friendly and also you can add as much amount till you get full.

The Nepali Dhal Bhat set consists of rice, vegetables, lentil soup, and some kind of pickles. Every Nepalese people eat this food 2 times per day. If you are thinking of eating meat during the trek, then it is recommended not to take the meat dishes. Normally, the meat dishes may cause diarrhea and stomach pain so it is better to avoid them for better health.

However, while trekking to the higher altitudes like Manang or Muktinath, you can eat mead dishes like Yak burger and many others. As these reasons house several Yaks, the Yak meat here is fresh. Compared to the lower altitude, the price of food at higher altitude is quite costly.

It is possible to trek the this region throughout the year. However, for a better trekking experience, it is better to trek this region during the Autumn and Spring season.

For snowfall lovers with some preparations and planning, trekking in winter is also possible. But trekking in the monsoon is not recommended. It is better to avoid the monsoon trek in this region.

For more season information read the points below.

Autumn:

Autumn is the main trekking season in Nepal and similar is the case for Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Making the route more crowded in this season, the flow of trekkers increases drastically.

Temperature and weather remain most stable during this season. The day is warm and brighter. There are no clouds obstructing your views. You can enjoy the astonishing views of mountains including Annapurna massif and Dhauligiri. The surrounding environment looks astonishingly beautiful.

Even at night time, the sky remains cloud-free. Gazing at the stars in the sky, you can have an experience for a lifetime. With occasional rainfall, the day’s temperature in this region is mild. However, the temperature during the night can drop to zero.

No worries! warm gears protect you from the cold. Autumn in Nepal falls between the months of September and November. Both nights and days temperature remains moderate between mid-September and mid-November.

Prebook the accommodation, if you have a plan to trek during this peak season.

Spring:

Filled with wonders and beauty, Spring is another best time for this journey. Creating the spellbinding ambiance most of the plants rejuvenate themselves in this season. The eye-catching waterfalls and the variance of vibrant Nepal’s national flower rhododendrons and other wildflowers mesmerize you from all around.

Widely known as the season of colors, this trek to in this season is truly a revitalizing one specially in April. Skies are clear and the weather is stable here during this season. Further, in this season, there is no or little chance of snow or rainfall. So, you can enjoy trekking journey fully in this time.

Along with the incredible views of gleaming mountains, emerald hills, and beautiful valleys, you can witness the views of various wild species too. Those who don’t prefer cold can visit this region during the mid of Spring and that is late March to late May. Spring lasts from March to May in Nepal.

Winter:

Due to the excessive cold and snowfall, the trail towards the higher altitudes remains snow-covered. Further, the snowfall may bring severe snow streams with the high winds. Therefore, a winter trek is not recommended in the Annapurna region.

During this season even the locals in the higher altitudes descend to the lower altitudes. However, to the daring trekkers, a trek to the this region in winter is a great adventure. Covered with piles of snow, the Himalayas at this time looks more fabulous.

Moreover, being the off-season trek, you can enjoy the peaceful trek without the crowd. If you are planning the Annapurna Circuit trek in winter, then make sure to prepare yourself for the worst weather and various risks on the way. Also, don’t forget to bring the proper trekking equipment and gear.

Summer:

The months from June to August come in the summer season. With few trekkers around, there is something very special about this season. And that is the green and colorful environment after the rainfall. You can witness diverse flora and fauna too.

Further, you needn’t have to worry about accommodation. Being the off-season trek, you can find empty rooms in teahouses and hotels. The cost of accommodation might even get cheaper at this time.

Even after having all these advantages, it is still not recommended to join the summer trek in this route. This is all because of the excessive rainfall. The rainfall makes your way more slippery and sometimes brings various natural calamities including landslides and many others.

Furthermore, the presence of various leeches may cause some irritation.

Though some part of this trek like Manang and Jomsom comes under the rain shadow area, there are still many areas where rainfall comes with several risks. Hence, to avoid all such risks it is better not to do this trekking in the summer season.

To be frank, this trekking journey is not an easy trek. With several challenging factors, this journey is quite demanding.

Among many, the high altitude of this trek is the major factor for making this trek more difficult. During this trek, you will be starting your trek from the lower elevation around 800m up to the highest elevation of Thorong la Pass. Thorong la Pass is located over the 5000meters.

Therefore reaching up to this higher elevation from that lower region, you will be facing the high elevation gain which may result in altitude sickness. There are no ways to avoid altitude sickness. Even if you are a professional trekker or marathon winner, there is no surprise if you get caught by altitude sickness.

However, proper acclimatization rest and adequate drink of the fluids like water, juice, and soups help you a lot for acute mountain sickness. Also, avoid smoking and drinking throughout the trek. If you notice any signs of acute mountain sickness like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, diarrhea, then immediately inform your guide.

They will guide you and tell you what you should do. After taking some rest if you find yourself comfortable, then they suggest you further trekking. Otherwise, you have to descend down to the lower altitude. Till you get fine, you have to stay there.

Even after doing this if you feel uncomfortable, return back to the city. Due to its high altitude, the weather here remains quite unpredictable. So, trekking towards Thorong La Pass, the trail is steep and there also there are high risks of avalanches as well.

Besides the high altitude, the trek difficulty also depends on your trekking season, number of trekking days, budget, and experience. Experienced trekkers may find this trek relatively easy.

However, for first-time trekkers, it can be very demanding. But don’t worry, with some physical exercise training, you can conquer this trek like any other trekkers. Furthermore, hire a guide or porter for a comfortable trekking experience.

After your arrival in Nepal, there are different factors that affect your round Annapurna region trek. As per your trekking season, luxury demand, and the number of trekking days the cost of your trek depends. Joining the trek during the off-season, the trek costs get low. If you are not aware of the off-trekking season in the Annapurna region, then they are winter and summer.

For the luxury seekers, the overall cost of the trek becomes quite high than for the normal trekkers. If you are trekking for long days, your trek cost automatically gets higher as per your food, transport, and accommodation cost.

Further, the cost varies from company to company. But, there is not much price difference among these companies. For your analysis, a short breakdown of the prices of permits, accommodation, food, transport, and a porter or guide hire is listed below.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost:

A trek to the Annapurna Circuit demands two types of trekking permission. One is a TIMS card and another is Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit(ACAP). You have to pay around NPR 2000 for a TIMS card and around NPR 3000 for an ACAP permit.

Within around USD50 you can get both of these permits for a single person. If you are thinking of extending your trek to the Upper Mustang, then you need another Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. You need some extra amount to buy that permit. Moreover, you have to take a local guide along with you, to enter that region.

Transportation cost for Annapurna Round Trek:

Normally you will start your trek to the Annapurna Circuit after a long drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Jagat, or Chame. Depending upon which type of transportation service you pick up and up to where the cost varies. If you want to reach these locations by local bus, then it costs quite lower than private transport like a car or taxi. Similar is the case while returning to Pokhara.

From Pokhara, if you opt to choose the Pokhara Kathmandu flight, then be ready to pay more than for any roadway transport. If you are someone, who wants to complete this trek clockwise, then you have the costly option to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu by Flight.

Further from Pokhara, you have another option to join the Pokhara to Jomsom by Flight which costs around USD110 for one way. You can also take roadway transport to reach Pokhara and Jomsom. Also, it costs far less than the flight.A clockwise trek does not allow your body the proper acclimatization of rest.

Therefore, there is a huge risk of getting Acute Mountain Sickness in this clockwise trekking. Just keep in mind that this clockwise Annapurna Circuit is not recommended, so try the anticlockwise trek. Food and Accommodation Cost You will be paying an average of around USD40 for basic accommodation and food. Don’t expect drinks and beverages within this price range.

And also remember, along with the gain of altitude, the price of food, accommodation and drinks increase. If you want a luxurious journey, then expect to pay higher than the above-mentioned amount.

Cost of hiring a guide and porter:

It’s all up to you whether to hire a guide and porter or not? However, when joining the trek of this difficulty, it is recommended to hire them. With the porter and guide by your side, you needn’t have to take the stress of finding a way and carrying the luggage. The per-day cost of hiring the local guide and porter comes around USD 30 and USD 20 respectively.

For joining this Annapurna Round Trek, you needn’t have to be a professional trekker or a marathon runner. But, if you take some training before trekking, it will provide you the ability to adjust to high altitudes. For the exciting trek journey, it is better to work on leg exercise.

Some time spent in the gym might also help you a lot in the preparation for this trek. Further, aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, and sprinting helps you gain endurance and improves the oxygen circulation in your body.

These all help you a lot while trekking at the higher altitudes. The fitter you are, the more fabulous you feel. Besides, as the trail to the Annapurna Circuit is full of lodges and teahouses you don’t have to carry sleeping bags and all. So, you can enjoy this trek without any stress. However, for a memorable and wonderful trek, bring a licensed guide or porter on your trek.

Most of the people visiting Nepal normally go for the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest High Passes Trek, or Annapurna Base Camp trek. Many of them are not aware of this fascinating journey. So whenever they visit Nepal for trekking, they just choose the previously mentioned treks.

If you want something special and different, then book this trek to Annapurna Circuit. Providing you with a heavenly experience, this trek takes you away from the crowded trails of Everest Base Camp. Away from the day to day monotonous life and crowds, the Annapurna Circuit Trekking gives you a lifetime experience. apple garden in Annapurna circuit.

Within this multiple days trip you will get to explore Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Base Camp, Poonhill, and many others. Instead of booking all these treks separately, why not book this single package.

Well, the whole trek is all about the diverse terrain, climate, culture, and mountains. Throughout the trail, you will have the luck to witness several mountains and peaks. So, witnessing the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will obviously come on the list several times.

You just ask us and we the team of Mission Himalaya Treks are eagerly waiting to serve each of our beloved visitors as per their wish and demand. With us, you can join any private as well as group treks. However, joining these private treks may cost some extra than the other group treks. Please contact us for more information.