Annapurna Circuit is one of the most stunningly beautiful, life-changing experiences you can have on your adventure trek in Nepal, and I’m pretty sure that, you’ll be absolutely enthrall by the area from the very first day.
Winding through some of the world’s tallest mountains and diverse climatic zones (from 1000m to 5416m peaks), intensive days spent on your feet, and enjoying the beautiful hospitality of the Nepalese people and their beautiful mountain villages: Annapurna Circuit trail are some of the most inspiring and challenging you’ll ever encounter, and finish the trek back to Pokhara will feel so rewarding.
In fact, from preparing for altitude sickness to organizing your permits and accommodation, there’s a huge amount of knowledge and planning you need to factor into your pre-trip preparation before you even take your first few steps. And Saligram from Mountain World Treks will give all the information that you need before the trek, feel free to contact me, my 25 year’s experience will give you some motivation to do it.
Nepal country of 4 seasons, and always better to avoid monsoon and winter for a better experience on Trek. The good periods for hiking the Annapurna Circuit are mid-September – early December, and late Feb – May.
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DAY 1 – KATHMANDU to DHARAPANI. Driving (9-10 hours)
DAY 2 – DHARAPANI TO CHAME 2710m/7090ft Trekking (5-6 hours)
DAY 3 – CHAME TO PISANG 3250m/10660ft Trekking (4-5 hours)
DAY 4 – PISANG TO MANANG 3540m/11600ft Trekking (4 hours)
DAY 5 – MANANG: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY 3540m/11600ft Rest Day
DAY 6: MANANG TO YAK KHARKA (4040m/13,020ft): 4-5 hours
DAY 7 – YAK KHARKA TO THORONG PHEDI 4450m/14600ft Trekking (3-4 hours)
DAY 8 – THORONG PHEDI TO MUKTINATH VIA THORUNG LA PASS 3800m/12460ft via Thorung Pass 5416m/17800ft Trekking (6 – 10 hours)
DAY 9 – MUKTINATH TO JOMSOM 2700m/8760ft Trekking (4-5 hours)
DAY 10 – FLY TO POKHARA 850M.
One of the most debated topics when it comes to hiking in Nepal is this: do it with an organized group, or heave on a rucksack full of your stuff and go it alone?
PROS
CONS
PROS
CONS
While you don’t need to be marathon fit to complete the Annapurna circuit, it’s definitely worth putting in some hard yards at the gym, in the mountains, or around the block before you leave.
For the most part, the days are manageable; 5-6hrs and 10-15kms, with plenty of rest, long lunch breaks, and a few rest days in between.
BUT THERE IS ONE DAY on your trek will involve about 10 hours at a high altitude starting at 4 am and finished trek without any drink breaks as there are no tea shops which is from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath over thrang la 5416m.
Our advice is to build your general cardio (the fun stuff!) for at least a month prior to leaving as well as a few consecutive days of long-distance walking.
Get your feet used to be in boots day after day. If you want to you can do any kind of training to keep you fit and increase your stamina. You’ll be grateful you made the effort before your adventures begin.
You know that feeling you get when you spot a hottie across the dancefloor for the first time?
Well, this happens Every Single Day on the Annapurna circuit trek
With every step, the scenery in front of you changes and the mountains reveal something new; rolling clouds, the breathtaking terrain, the towering mountains, or the smiling locals. This whole trip is literally the definition of awe-inspiring.
Are you Marathoner? Are you Ironman? Are you a runner? Are you a cyclist? Whatever, but it won’t help you with altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, including locals or Everest summiteers. so make sure you take all the necessary precautions after 3000m.
That includes taking Diamox (if you wish, but consult with your doctor), staying hydrated, fuelling up, and getting enough rest. If you feel symptoms, let your guide know and take action. Your guide knows what to do.
We recommend reading up on altitude sickness before you leave.
Local Hero’s will help to carry all your stuff on their shoulders and neck up and down in the mountains. They’re called Porters, and they do this for money, so they can look after your family, same time you can concentrate on accomplishing your goal without the extra baggage. Help them out here by bringing only what you really need (10kgs or so), forget all make-up kits, hairdryer, or heavy jeans you won’t need it.
Check the packing list for your trip.
Be prepared with a medical kit for the unexpected moments, little emergencies, or bloody great big blisters, and you’ll never miss a step!
Band-aids/blister plasters (bad blisters will literally do as much damage to your trek as AMS, so be sure to have plenty of these on hand!)
Water purification tablets
Immodium
Diamox for ams
Antibacterial cream for scratches or cuts
Anti-histamine tablets – because the last thing you want is an allergic reaction or severe hay fever on the trail!
Motion sickness / anti-nausea tablets
Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain relief
Anti-inflammatory gel – if you’re like Mark and have a super bad back or other injuries, pack some decent anti-inflammatory cream to combat any potential flare-ups
And so on
Whether it’s a sprained ankle, severe altitude sickness, or a natural disaster, lost items, flight delay or any other unexpected can happen and it’s always better to be prepared and buy travel insurance before the trip. We highly recommend buying your home country base insurance.
Annapurna Circuit is upheld as a significant cultural and sacred trail by the Nepalese, so it’s important that you as a visitor also a) behave accordingly, b) show respect for various sites along the way (dressing appropriately, not littering, etc), and c) take the time to chat with the locals and trying to understanding their way of life and beliefs up here.
After all, one of the best parts of travel is the total immersion in another culture, right?
Trek with a company that aligns with your values | Seek out sustainably-minded companies that care for their employees and the environment, for eg. Mountain World Treks and Expeditions.
Respect your porters and Guides| Ensure that the porters and guides you use aren’t being exploited financially or physically
Don’t use plastic | Plastic pollution is a huge problem here. Don’t buy bottled water instead buy boiled water or drink tap water after using purify tabs. Avoid plastics, what you bring intake it out with you.
Stick to the trails and leave no trace | Don’t wander off the trails, pick up your rubbish, minimize your overall impact on the areas
Respect the local culture | Nepal’s mountains are more than just hiking paths; they’re sites of rich cultural, religious, and historical significance. Treat them, the people who call them home, and their local culture with respect.
For more information contact us we will organise your trip as you want within your budget
www.salitrekking.com
info@mountainworldtreks.com
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