Dare yourself to trek the impressive Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit is a trek located at the central Himalaya of Nepal in Annapurna ranges. The distance of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is finished. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encloses the Annapurna Massif. The trail reaches its highest end at Thorung La pass (5416m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Basically all trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer.
Beside to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Tilicko Lake and Nar Phu Valley Trek is also popular in the region. However, this is less traversed and is off the beaten path trek in the region. Nar Phu Circuit is Wilderness Excursion’s recently proposed trek that can end at Jomsom traverse Mesokanto La Pass (5200m). The mountain panorama, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range.
Annapurna Circuit has always been labeled as the best long-distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its old full form, a wide variety of climate zones from sub tropical to at 600 m altitude to the arctic at 5416 m altitude Thorong La pass and cultural diversity from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang. Continuing construction of a road has reduced the trail and changed the villages. The Beisahar-Manag road has been constructed which goes through the trekking trail most of the time. With construction of the road, mountain bikers are attracted, with Mustang in particular becoming one of the world's most popular mountain biking destinations.
Annapurna circuit how many days? Check our itinerary;
Actual Annapurna Circuit trek Itinerary used to be 21 days before road the access to Manang. But now; this once world most famous trekking trial is minimized so now we can be complete in 10 to 12 days. However Wilderness Excursion suggests you to begin your trek in lower that makes you fitter and acclimatized with high altitude. We have crafted 12 nights 13 days itinerary starting at Jagat and ending at Nayapul thus our itinerary includes also Ghorepani Poon Hill. Some factor such as your age, fitness and past trekking habit conjointly vary your trekking tour. Write us for your customized tour.
Accessing Annapurna Circuit
Almost 100 percent of trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit anticlockwise; actual starting point is Besishahar; now there is road access up to Manang (3400m), Local buses departs Kathmandu every day. And local micro buses leave every one hours daily till 2:30 pm to Besisahar. You can take a local jeep to Syange or Jagat or even to Dharapni depending on until the transportation is used so it depends on your time and plan. Wilderness Excursion DO NOT suggests to drive higher and start the trek regarding high altitude sickens so it is always wise to begin the trek at lower foothill that ensures you are well acclimatized. Prior departure of your trek; we will get the road information. After reaching at Jomsom, you opt whether take a flight /drive to Pokhara or continue the trek to Tatopani and then end the trekking at Nayapul via Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
How is meal in Annapurna Circuit?
Almost all the lodges offer wide variety of food in Annapurna Circuit; from Apple pie to Pizza, rice and noodles items, breads and eggs items so you can enjoy common international food. To name few fried rice, spring rolls, pizza, macaroni, pasta, potatoes, soups etc.
Nepali set Daal Bhat – comes with boiled rice, lentil or bean soup and vegetable with achar (spicy pickle) is so popular among trekkers. There is popular Nepali saying among trekkers “Daal Bhat power 24 hours” meaning it lasts long and filling. Nevertheless this trek is for high altitude trekking adventure to experience the natural and culture beauty of Himalaya in Nepal; your food in the mountain trail may not be like in cities and that what foodies look for but good enough for adventure passionate.
How are accommodations in Annapurna Circuit trekking route?
Annapurna circuit is lodge to lodge trek thus there are proper accommodations along the way; almost every lodges have private rooms each rooms having twin or triple beds in it. You do not need to bring mattress and pillow. Carrying a sleeping bag is highly suggested though lodges provide quilts and blankets, their quilts may not be sufficient in peak seasons as the route is packed out with trekkers so to have your own sleeping bag is important. We provide accommodations on twin and double shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 275. We will supply ensute rooms where available. As you go high accommodation are more basic, no running shower as water supply pipes get frozen and hot bucket shower is available on request.
Please be prepared for all kind of bathrooms, Other times you'll have to venture out in the cold to use a smelly squat toilet. Even so, all lodges have running water. However, it may not always be hot water. Typically, a solar shower will give you a luke warm 'power shower' if it's been a sunny day, otherwise the thing to ask is if the water pipes run through the fire in the dining room or kitchen, as once the fire is going you'll be steaming with the best of them!
Safety guidelines and Acclimatization
Adaptation to the high altitude is very important as the air is thin while trekking high Thorong La Pass. Our Annapurna Circuit trekking itinerary is designed with high priority of getting acclimatized to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Rapid ascend to in high altitude contribute a serious medical condition enough to kill sometimes. Our priority if always given for a safe trek, it is necessary to allow adequate time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is thus necessary to minimize the risk of AMS. Our itinerary is designed to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others. Also please bear in mind that trekking itself is an adventure activity, rock and landslides, bad weather and natural calamities may happen. You may encounter a wild animal, beasts that you attack you. Follow the safety instructions of your guide and do not walk alone. Nevertheless, in fair weather, the climb is no more risky than walking in any other mountain area anywhere in the world. Assuming you have taken the proper precautions to avoid AMS, the ascent offers a breath-taking glimpse of what life is like for the mountaineers who risk life and limb to haul themselves up the highest mountains on earth, but without the danger of dangling at the end of a rope. Walk gently and enjoy the trek is what we always say!
How much does Annapurna circuit cost?
It is hard to say how much does it cost exactly. It really depends on your way of traveling or how much you spend, mode of transportation used (private vehicle or local shared bus). Also the trek length differs the expenses. Other factor is mode of package you buy, like full board inclusive package or customized package just with your requirements eg arrangement of guide / porter, permits etc. Meals on own pay as you go on.
Yet here we present you a breakdown of prices for accommodation, meals, transfer, hiring a guide or a porter, trek permits and the main difference between going it alone or going through a trekking agency.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permit Costs
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance permit NPR 3000 (USD 30) per head
TIMS Card NPR 1000 per head
Guide and porters hire with our agency
Guide hire USD 25 to 30 per day including his/her expenses (meals, accommodation and wages).
Porter hire USD 20 / day per porter; carries max. 25kg for you.
Accommodation cost USD 5 to 7 per night on twin shared basis.
Hot shower are extra or paying extra upon your order.
Meals
USD 3 to 7 per meals according to your meal choice.
Table drinks around USD 1 to 2 / cup of tea and coffee
Cold drinks around USD 5 for 500ML of coke /fanta/sprite.
Approximate cost for transfers:
Kathmandu – Besisahar by local bus USD 7 / head
Jeeps to Syange / Jagat / Chyamje/ Dharapani USD 10/15/20/25 per head.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight USD 123 per head
Guide flight USD 50
Yet; we offer a hassle free best budget package cost of USD 879 for the year 2023 and 2024 for our 13 days Annapurna Circuit Trek that covers guide and porter fee with all your meals, lodges and local transfers. Please write us for your best customized trip.
Variation;
You have option to end the trek at Jomsom that shortens the trip, some people add Tilicho Lake side trip or even Nar Phu Valley with Kang La Pass in it then it is two weeks trek again. Our original itinerary still continues to Ghorepani Poon Hill after crossing Thorong La Pass and end at Nayapul. Thus you can make Annapurna Circuit trek from 10 – 16 days long as per your needs or still making it longer by adding Annapurna Base Camp as well that can be some 21 days. This trek also can be combined with Mardi Himal Trekking and end at Pokhara.