Where is the Annapurna Circuit located?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is located in the central region of Nepal. This trek will take you to the highest elevation of 5,416 meters at the Thorong La Pass. The average duration for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 17 to 25 days though it can be extended or shortened by adding side treks or taking flight/vehicle.
Which is the best season to go on Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best season to go on this trek is from October to November and mid-March to mid-April. This is the peak time of the year to go on this trek, and you will find many other trekkers along with you on the journey.
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Any healthy individual can do this trek, and you do not need to have prior trekking experience. However, you have to be mentally prepared to go on this trek. The most difficult part of this trek is when you will cross Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.
How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Circuit trekking?
On average, you have to walk around 6-8 hours per day. Sometimes your walking hour will be 4-6 hours a day also.
Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?
Yes, you can get a Visa easily after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days will cost USD 25. Similarly, for 30 days you will need to pay USD 40, and for multiple Entry of 90 days, you have to pay USD 100.
What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?
The highest altitude reached on this trek is 5,416m/17,769ft. This is the elevation of Thorong La Pass.
What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?
You can bring your charger and charge your batteries en route. There is a hot water facility but, you may have to pay an extra $1-$2. However, you can find hot water facility for free at a lower altitude.
Are there ATMs on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
No, there are no ATMs on the trail. You have to draw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu before commencing the trek. You have to carry Nepali currency with yourself during the trek.
What about internet access?
You will find internet access in most of the places. There might be sometime when you will not find internet access due to a technical problem. You have to keep in mind that the internet here is not as fast as your home country.
Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
No, not really. In fact, it completely depends on you if you want to go solo on this trek or through an agency. You can hire a guide and a porter by yourself or not even hire them at all. However, if you are trekking during the offseason, it will be tough and little dangerous as well.
Before you go on the solo trek to the Annapurna Circuit don’t forget to ask yourself this questions;
- Is it your first time in Nepal?
- How confident are you of being able to find your way around?
- How much time you have?
Remember going through the agency will always keep you safe and makes all arrangements beforehand.
How much do guides and porters cost?
For the Annapurna region, you will have to pay around USD 20- USD 30 per day for a guide and USD 15-USD 25 per day for a porter.
What are the gears needed during Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Following is the list of gears you will need during the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- Base Layer
- Trekking Shirts/Short/Trousers
- Fleece Jacket
- Insulated Jacket
- Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
- Hat for Sun Protection
- Headband or Beanie
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
- Inner/Outer Gloves
- Hiking Boots
- Trainers (Trekking shoes/sandals)
- Hiking/Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Backpack
- Daypack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking Poles
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
- Trekking Towel
- Pee Bottle or Funnel (optional)
- Small Locks
- Waterproof Ziplock Bags
- Camera/Video Camera/Extra Batteries/ Extra Chargers
- Notebook/Journal and Pen (optional)
- Playing Cards/Book/Kindle (optional)
- Water Purification Tablets
- Isotonic Powder
- Diamox
- General Medications
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen/Lip balm/Wipes/Hand Sanitiser/Toiletries
- Blister Plasters
- Oximeter
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies) & Airline ticket
- Durable wallet for travel documents, money & passport
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Binocular