Annapurna Circuit Trek

Essential Information

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation

• Basic and comfortable teahouses include beds, quilts, and pillows.
• Bathrooms: (attached in lower regions and outside in higher regions).
• Communication (internet and phone networks): mostly stable in the lower regions.
• Extra charge for services like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and showers.

Meals

• Healthy and hygienic full-board meals during the trek.
• Only breakfast in the cities.
• Meal choices from the menu (Nepalese cuisine to continental dishes).

Drinking water

• Easy availability of tap water and mineral water costing USD 1-2 per bottle.
• Boiled water is available at teahouses at extra costs.
• Use water purification tablets or kits for safe drinking water.
• Carrying a water bottle is suggested.

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Permits

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Transportation

Annapurna Circuit Trek’s transportation is as follows:

• Kathmandu to Besishahar by local bus. (Extra cost applies for private vehicles.)
• Besishahar to Bagarchhap by Jeep.
• Muktinath to Pokhara by local bus. (Extra cost applies for private vehicles.)
• Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
• Flight and private vehicle options from Pokhara to Kathmandu are available at an extra cost.

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Best Season

To experience the best views, Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit trek as the weather is favorable and temperatures are stable in these months. The unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and only limited services are experienced during the monsoon and winter seasons. Plan wisely to trek in winter and monsoon seasons.

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Altitude Sickness and Preventions

Annapurna Circuit trek has a maximum elevation gain of 5,416 m. It is common to get altitude sickness above 2500 m and hence there is a chance of getting altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit trek. Acclimatization rest is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. We advise taking an acclimatization rest as scheduled in the itinerary during the trek.

Altitude Sickness Symptoms

Headache, vomiting, vertigo, restlessness, loss of appetite & sleep, and unconsciousness and hallucination (extreme cases)

Altitude Sickness Preventions

• Proper acclimatization rest
• Adapt to the surroundings
• Climb slow and step-by-step
• Drink water and stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet food
• Don’t consume alcohol and salty foods
• Keep track of body movement & signals
• Take a proper sleep and rest
• Take only prescribed medicine
• Inform and consult a guide
• Avoid heavy exercises

 

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Trek Difficulty and Fitness Level

Annapurna Circuit is a difficult-graded trek. It is beneficial to have a previous trekking experience. It is difficult for trekkers and we suggest beginner trekkers attempt with full planning and preparations only. This trek is physically demanding and requires trekkers to walk long hours daily on rough trails. Trekkers can also find difficulty in the limited availability of services and comfort during the trek.

Fitness level is an important factor in trekking and demands trekkers to be in top-notch health conditions. Trekkers must be both physically and mentally fit for the Annapurna Circuit trek. We advise trekkers to participate in physical exercises (cardiovascular, high-intensity, etc.), and mental exercises (meditation, yoga, etc.) before starting the trek.

 

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Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is very important for trekking as it secures travelers from extra expenses that occur due to unforeseen events. We highly recommend having travel insurance from a trusted company. Things to consider while getting travel insurance are as follows:

• Be sure it includes emergency evacuation, cancellations, accidents, health emergencies, and loss/theft/damage of goods.
• Be sure it covers an altitude above 5000 m.

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Packing List

The Annapurna Circuit trek requires a standard packing list that trekkers can bring personally or hire in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Make sure to pack according to the traveling seasons for a comfortable trekking experience. (Note: We provide a comprehensive packing list for ease.)

Attires: T-shirts, Fabric base layers, Fabric short and long sleeve clothes, Waterproof and windproof jacket, Fleece, Hiking shorts, Trekking pants, Trousers, Insulating down jacket, Gloves, Hats, Caps, Beanie, Fabric/quick-drying undergarments, Warm socks, Scarf/Bandana, Gaiters, Balaclava, Raincoat

Footwear: Strong hiking boots, Rubber sandals, casual shoes

Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Insurance, Permits, Passport size photos, Visa Photocopy

Food: Dry Fruits, Light snacks, Energy bars, and energy drink mix

Personal Hygiene: Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Body/Face wipes, Tissue, Quick-drying towel, Body Lotion, Sachet Shampoo, Biodegradable Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Razor, Nail clipper

Personal Items: Cash, Credit cards, Camera, Phone, Watch, Power bank, and Prescribed Medicines

Accessories: UV sunglasses, Pocket Knife, Solar Chargers, Extra Batteries, Head Lamps, Sewing kit, Torch, Umbrella, Reusable bags, Reusable thermal water bottle

Essential Kits: Backpack, Warm Sleeping bags (-15 degrees), Water purifying solution, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag

Gear: Ropes, Crampons, Ice Ax, Ice-claw, Harness, Microspikes (optional)

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