Short Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek is presumably one of the very famous and admired or spoken about treks in the world, offers breath holding mountain views, opens a windows of opportunity to experience the typical Nepali village, local people and their way of living traditional life in Himalayan of Nepal. The Annapurna circuit trek route goes passing through eye-catching and pleasant terrain, charming villages of Magar and Gurung, dense green rhododendrons, and alpine and bamboo forests to the trip last and final destination Thorung La pass (5416 m).

The Annapurna circuit trek covers an area of 230 km. It takes us to the highest point at Thorung La pass touching the Tibetan Plateau for the amazing views of Annapurna (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and Manaslu (8153 m) Himalayas. This is just a 4-5 days hike into the highest Annapurna region, starting from chame and ending in jomsom.

Best time to visit 

All seasons are equally suitable for Annapurna circuit trekking, but the spring season of March to May when days are longer with much sunlight hours from early 6am to till ate 6pm which helps to cover much more distance each day to designated overnight stops. Annapurna circuit trekking offers you to explore incredible wildflowers in season, especially rhododendron plants (known as Azalea), the view of colorful hills, fresh and pleasant environment.

People and Culture

Nepal is a multi cultural country where people with different culture and traditions lived mutually. So in this region mostly magar and gurung people live, famous for Gurkha regiment. Additionally you can also observe chhetris in the lower elevations and mongoloid Himalayan people in Himalayan. If you want to experience more cultural diversity heritages in Himalayan then Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. recommends you to Lantang, Manaslu, and Everest region. But no doubt that Annapurna circuit trek is the best scenery as numerous people trek there every year.

Permits required for Annapurna circuit trek

Simply, every Himalaya in Nepal is a protected area, with the popular name of the Himalayas and Annapurna circuit trek also comes under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). All the trekkers trekking to Annapurna need two different permits.

1.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits.

2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permits.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required by all travelers who are traveling to the Annapurna region. The cost of the permit is as follows:

1. For foreigners (non-SAARC countries): NPR 3,000 per head
2. For SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per head
3. For Nepali: NPR 100 per head

You can obtain the ACAP permit from:

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara
• Checkpoint at entry points of the Annapurna region

Altitude Sickness During the Annapurna circuit trek

Normally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness.

• Stop and rest where you are
• Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours
• Make sure you are drinking enough water
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise
• Eating foods and drinking fluids that contain carbs such as bread, pasta, fruits, milk, rice, and so on.

Preventing Altitude Sickness (AMS):

1. Rest Well: Ensure that you rest well before starting your trek.
2. Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking plenty of water during the journey.
3. Balanced Nutrition: Maintain the balance of salt and sugar through proper eating habits and not skipping meals.
4. Keep Warm: Layer up to remain warm without profuse sweating.
5. Controlled Breathing: Breathe deeply and steadily from your diaphragm to maximize lung capacity. Maintain a comfortable walking speed that will allow for controlled breathing. Nasal breathing avoids drying your throat—wearing a muff or scarf in high altitudes might be of use.
6. Pace Yourself: It’s not a competition. Pace yourself with a maintainable and Server consistent pace instead of exhausting yourself too early and taking many rest stops. Stop and admire the stunning views.

Travel Insurance for a Safe Annapurna circuit trek

Any trek in Nepal, including the Annapurna circuit trekking, demands travel insurance. When buying travel insurance, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and other unexpected emergency. Additionally, you may also obtain the coverage of other activities like hiking, mountaineering, and adventure sports. It can offer you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unforeseen accident.

Guide and Porters for the safety on Annapurna circuit trek

All the trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal. Importantly, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company that can provide you with a safe and technically competent guide and porter. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first aid kids.

Healthy Meals and Accommodations at Annapurna circuit trek

Nepali Dal Bhat is a chief dish with organic and healthy fresh green vegetable curry. Tea shops and lodges provide meals, which are often a mix of Nepalese and western cursine. There are also vegetarian choices. You will enjoy the Variety of delicious foods during the trek. The accommodation is modest, generally with twin beds in a shared room. There may be common rooms at some tea houses where you may rest and socialize with other trekkers.