Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking in the high Himalayan regions of Nepal is not an easy task. Accordingly, the Annapurna circuit trek is a moderate difficulty level trek. It is a longer and more arduous trek than the other treks in the Annapurna region. The trek crosses through remote valleys, terrain and high pass i.e. Thorong La Pass – 5,416m/17,764ft. Thorong La Pass is one of the longest and hardest passes in the world. Adequate acclimatization at Manang is essential before attempting Thorong La Pass. This trek’s route is highly diverse, with muddy, slippery trails and steep hills.

You must be in the excellent physical condition and be able to walk for at least 5 to 7 hours per day. This does not mean that novice travelers cannot do this trek. But at least 2-3 months of proper prior training is required to enhance your physical endurance before the tour. Exercises like cycling, swimming, acrobatics, walking, jogging, and cardiovascular workouts will help you to prepare for this adventure journey.

Insurance is not compulsory to sign up for this journey with us. However, having full coverage of an insurance policy is always beneficial in your unpredictable losses.  It is a high-altitude trip that goes above 5,000 meters. There are chances of altitude sickness and natural calamities while on a remote mountain trip. So, if you are fully insured that will cover your helicopter rescue and cure expenses in case of any emergencies.

The access of roads is not good enough in this region. If you are in trouble during trekking, helicopter evacuation is only the best option to get to the hospital in Kathmandu within an hour.

Yes, we also accept last-minute bookings. However, a few months earlier booking is highly preferable. Mostly, for groups above 4 people, we recommend you book this trek at least a month before so that we can reserve your essential hotel bookings and flights on time. During the busy season from March to May and September to November, mountain region flights and hotel rooms might be overbooked.

In our given package, we provide luxurious 3-star category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara city. Such as Hotel Thamel Park or Kathmandu Eco Hotel in Kathmandu and Hotel Splendid View or Hotel Lake Star in Pokhara city. However, if you prefer the higher-standard hotels, we will reserve it accordingly and it will charge extra according to the hotel standards.

You will spend your night at the common local teahouse or lodges during your Annapurna circuit trek, which is the classic form of trekking accommodation in the Annapurna circuit trail. Most are set and operated by local villagers and provide you basic yet optimal facilities like comfortable rooms, westernized washrooms, hot showers, and WIFI. While at dinner, you can also meet other interesting people from different nationalities, with their interesting stories.

While both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available for meals that are hygienic and healthy. You can order your favorites as per the menu of the teahouse/lodge. On the lower elevations, you can taste a wider variety of dishes like Nepali, Indian, Continental, Tibetan, etc. While Tea, coffee, eggs, bakery items, snacks, bars, etc can easily be found on your trek.

Actually, if you have previous trekking experience, it would be helpful for this trek. However, a first-time trekker can also complete this trek if you have proper training at least 2-3 months before.

The Annapurna circuit trek is a challenging trek in the world. The trek goes through remote topography and Thorong La Pass which is 5,416 meters. Thorong La pass is one of the world’s longest passes and it requires some proper preparation beforehand.

If you are not a seasoned hiker, do some cardiovascular training, join the gym, swimming and cycling. You can also do 5-6 hours hike at least once a week. All these prior preparation can help you to build up your physical stamina for the mountain hike.

Hiring a professional licensed guide will add more trekking experience. Some of the ways that having a guide will benefit you are:

1. Lead or suggest the best trails to take.
2. Manage all your permits.
3. Recommend the best spots to rest, eat at, and stay overnight.
4. Monitor your health regularly.
5. Provide first aid treatment in case of emergencies.
6. Assist you to communicate with the locals.
7. Get the latest updates on the weather conditions of the trails.
8. Provide you information on the surroundings such as the names of the mountains/peaks, their height, plus Local names.
9. Give information on the culture, flora and fauna of the region and some interesting stories.

Besides, having a guide is also having a friend as a guardian who is always there to look after you. You don’t have to focus on making lots of decisions while on the trek and make the most of your trip. Moreover, you are employing someone and also contributing to a local economy.

Yes, you should have local currency for the trek. Local teahouses preferred to accept payment in local currency. Trekkers should pay in local cash for extra amenities like hot showers, drinks, battery charging, and use of the internet while trekking.

You can easily get local currencies from money exchange shops in Kathmandu. After your check-in at the hotel in Kathmandu, our guide will take you to the money exchange shop. The exchange rate is $1= 130 rupees in local currency. Make sure to get enough local currency before the trek in Kathmandu. If you have a shortage of Nepalese rupees, you can also exchange local currency after the trek in Pokhara.

Nepal is an ideal destination for mountain trekking and climbing. Since the 1980s early, Nepal is a booming nation for adventure tourism. Every trekking season, thousands of trekkers come across the globe to visit Nepal and purchase their essential trekking gear in Kathmandu before the trek.

Therefore, you can buy medium to high-quality trekking and climbing equipment in Kathmandu. The prices of trekking gear are varying according to their quality.

Besides, we will provide you the high-quality sleeping bags and rain-protection duffel bags for your trek. (No charge, to be returned).

Nowadays, the internet is an integral part of mountain trekking for every trekker. When people are on high-altitude trips, they want to stay connected with their families and beloved ones.

Accordingly, the Annapurna circuit trek also offers good access of the internet and wifi facilities on the trail. Every lodge has installed internet to attract their guests with extra services.  But the internets are not available at Yak Khara, Thorong Phedi, and High Camp which are above Manang. Due to the difficult topography and technical problem internet service are not available at these places. However, you can enjoy wifi the rest of the places at an extra cost. The cost of using the internet is varying according to the altitude which is from $1-4 for each night.

Every customer frequently asked this question before the trek. Generally, most of the clients said, we have already paid their salary, so, why should I tip them?

Well, though tipping is not mandatory, let us clarify why you should tip them. In Nepal, there are only 6 months of tourist season in a year, and porters and guides are employed for only 6 months. And the rest of the months they are unemployed. This means trekking workers need to make money to support their families only during the trekking season.  Most importantly, the average wage in Nepal is much lower than the average income in other developed countries. Therefore, your tips can support them to stand till the next season.

However, it is also culture in Nepal tourism and the best way to show your appreciation for their dedication in high altitude trek.

Usually, tip them $10-12 per day for the guide and $8-9 per day for the porter. Please be ensured to tip them at the end of your trip in Muktinath (after Thorong La Pass) in advance. The above-given tipping rates are for only your general idea. You can give them more than the specified if you are satisfied with their service.

Our Annapurna circuit trek program takes you to various elevations during the entire trip. The highest or maximum elevation of this trek is 5,416 meters (17,770 ft.) at Thorong La Top and the lowest or minimum elevation of this trek is 822 meters (2,697 ft.) at Pokhara.

While embarking on high mountain trips, altitude sickness is a prime concern for every hiker. Don’t worry, If you follow a few important guidelines while trekking, you can conquer the Annapurna circuit trek without any altitude sickness problems.

We have pointed out a few pieces of advice to avoid altitude problems during the Annapurna circuit trek.

• Train your body properly 2-3 months prior to the trip departure date.
• Drink plenty of water that keeps you hydrated.
• Eat garlic and ginger soups which help to produce oxygen inside your body.
• Hike easily and ascend slowly.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking during the trek.
• Eat and sleep enough.
• Take proper rest and follow enough acclimatization itineraries.

Mainly, Nepal has two best seasons for trekking which are spring and autumn. In these months (March to May and September to November) weather will be stable, warm and clear. The average temperature will be between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime on this trek. In the meantime, the temperature can be lower between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius at night and morning time. There won’t be freezing temperatures at night in these seasons. In case, if the weather is cloudy and rainy on that day, the temperature might get below 5 degrees Celsius.

Nowadays, the Annapurna circuit trek route is a commercial and popular trek route in Nepal. Therefore, trekkers can easily purchase distilled mineral bottles of water from the teahouses along the trail. The cost of mineral bottled water in the mountain region is a bit more expensive than in the lower regions. A bottle of water may cost between 1-3 dollars according to the elevation.

However, Glorious Himalaya Company always suggests our customer to carry their own water bottle where they can refill boiled or filtered water at teahouses. Because by using your own bottled water, it helps to reduce the wastage of plastics in the mountain region. Even more, the price of refilled water may cost 0.2 to 0.3 cents per bottle. You can also use water purification tablets while refilling water in your bottle.