Preparing for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

This trek is one of the best managed in the Himalayas. This is the reason people consider the Annapurna circuit as a moderately difficult trek despite the high elevation. If you are doing the trek on the season your packing should be basic and light. Be reasonably fit. You do have the freedom to add a few days to the itinerary to further break down the difficulty. Make sure to do small hikes to prepare your body to walk for longer periods. Breaking your trekking boots is also helpful for easing your strain. Our guides and support team will assist you throughout your preparation for trekking in the Annapurna region.

Useful tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Packing personal travel essentials.

• Travel insurance.

• Make enough mental and physical preparation.

• Adapt healthy diets.

• Rest enough and sleep well.

• Focus on hydration and nutrition.

• Preparation for high altitude sickness.

• Hire an experienced guide and strong porter.

Essential Packing for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The seasons will dictate the gear and equipment that you need for this trek. Please note that our luggage limitation is 9 kg, so we advise you to pack only the basics. Please remember that these tools will be useful to you during the expedition, and the lack of some essentials might make this adventure less comfortable. So here’s a list of common items that you may want to consider bringing with you for the trek.

• Travel Wears: Warm hat, Scarf, Balaclava, Gloves, Hiking socks, Slippers, Light thermal warmer, Long/ Short Sleeves, Waterproof/Windproof jackets, Hiking pants/ Shorts, Down Jacket/ Fleece Jacket, Sun Glasses, and, other essentials.

• Equipment: Duffle Bag (80-100 liters), Day backpack, Trekking poles, water Bottle, Head torch light, Small keylock, Zip bags, Power bank, Portable charger/ Universal adapter.

• Personal care: Suns cream, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Body moisture, Foot powder, Toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, wet wipes, dental floss, and personal medications.

• Medicine and First Aid: Pain killer, Insect repellent, Water purification tablets/ water filter, Electrolytes, Bandages, Anti-diarrhea,l Hand sanitizer, and, Diamox.

Note: medicine will be provided by our representative if needed it would be better if you have one with you if may help other injured people during trekking

Meals and Accomodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a unique experience. During the trekking days meals and accomodations are served according to locally available healthy and organic tastes. 

• Meals: Tea Houses and lodges serve a variety of Nepali and Tibetian food, including dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, momo (dumplings), soups, and Tibetan bread. Meals are nutritious, catering to trekkers’ energy needs. 

• Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodge are the most commonly used accommodations for trekkers along Nepal's popular trekking trails. Typically, Teahouses and Lodges provide basic amenities, such as warm private rooms with attached bathrooms or shared ones.

Best Season to Trek Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna  Circuit Trek is open all seasons for the trekker. Different seasons have different scenes for the landscape where in winter you may face extreme cold in high altitudes. The best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek is:

Spring season (March, April, and, May):

During the spring season, the Annapurna Circuit Trek witnesses vibrant flora and fauna, clear weather conditions, and green lush and alpine valleys.The spring season is an ideal season to trek, individuals can enjoy warm sunshine, moderate temperatures, and less rainfall. Spring serves the best experience of the Annapurna circuit’s beauty.

• Maximum Temperature: From 15° Celsius/ 59° Fahrenheit.

• Minimum Temperature: Up to -5°Celsius/ 23°Fahrenheit.

Autumn season (September, October, and, November):

Autumn is the best and most stable weather with minimum rainfall and a very low chance of landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards which minimize the future risk and ensure a sound trekking experience. In autumn skies are clear and blue serving the panoramic views of the Himalayas and breathtaking sunset views.

• Maximum Temperature: From 10° Celsius/ 50° Fahrenheit

• Minimum Temperature: Up to -9°Celsius/ 14°Fahrenheit

Weather in Annapurna Circuit Trek

• The weather on the Annapurna Circuit Trek varies with altitude and season:
• Low Altitudes (1,000m to 2,500m): Expect mild temperatures during the day (15°C to 20°C), and cooler mornings and evenings (5°C to 10°C). Nights can be chilly, but comfortable for trekking.
• Mid Altitudes (2,500m to 4,000m): Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C during the day and can drop below 0°C at night. Higher elevations may experience snow during the colder months.
• High Altitudes (4,000m and above): Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at Thorong La Pass (5,416m), where it can be below -10°C. Weather can be unpredictable, with snow or wind, especially in the winter months.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies

Altitude sickness is amedical condition that occurs rapidly while moving to a high altitude without resting the body. The higher you go the thinner the air gets, so you get less oxygen with each breath. Usually, altitude sickness occurs when your body cannot adapt to the low amount of oxygen when you're getting to a higher altitude.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache. 
• Dizziness.
• Nausea vomiting.
• Lack of Proper Sleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Chest tightness and difficulty in respiratory.

Altitude sickness is preventable and cured when you have to ascend slowly maintain your respiration balance and take proper rest days for your body to adapt to the environment and acclimate the body or you may take medicine to avoid altitude sickness.

Remedies for Altitude Sickness:

• Stay hydrated.
• Slow and steady ascend.
• Take enough rest to acclimate your body.
• Get back to a lower altitude gradually.
•  Take medicine (Diamox).

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need the following permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for entry into the Annapurna region, costing around NPR 2,000 for foreigners.
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card: Required for all trekkers in Nepal, costing around NPR 1,000 for individual trekkers or NPR 500 for groups.
• These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu. You’ll need to carry them throughout the trek for inspection by authorities.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is essential and should cover:

• Emergency Evacuation: Covers helicopter or other transport in case of injury, illness, or altitude sickness.
• Medical Coverage: Includes treatment for accidents, injuries, and medical conditions during the trek.
• Trip Cancellation: Protection in case you need to cancel or delay your trek due to unforeseen events.
• Loss of Gear: Coverage for lost or stolen equipment, luggage, and personal items.
• Make sure to choose a policy that specifically covers trekking in high-altitude areas and remote locations. You can purchase travel insurance in Nepal 

Guide and Porter

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, hiring a guide ensures safety, navigation, and cultural insights, while a porter carries your gear, easing your load. Both enhance your trekking experience, especially in remote and challenging areas.