Ultimate Guide To Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit is one of the best high altitude treks in the world. Our complete travel guide includes everything you need to know before hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, either independently or with a guide, tips on accommodation, when to go, what to pack, what to expect, directions, itinerary, or how much it costs to travel in the Himalayas.
The Himalayas. Who would not want to visit at least once in a lifetime mountains that almost touch the sky? For long centuries were remote villages and mountain passes inaccessible to regular travelers without any mountaineering skills.
Fortunately, these days have passed, and many destinations have opened up to avid hikers and enthusiast outdoor lovers.
This is why some countries renowned for perfect hiking trails and incredible scenery became popular travel destinations. One of those destinations is Nepal, home to 8 out of 14 eight thousand meters high peaks.
For quite a long time, we were drawn to visit Nepal and trek one of the well-known multi-day trails, but could not decide which one would suit us the best.
Until one evening, when we read about Annapurna Circuit. From that moment, everything happened too quickly, and within less than three months, we were standing at Kathmandu's airport, looking forward to this adventure.
These three months were pretty challenging as we frantically tried to gather all Annapurna Circuit information available as we were not sure what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, how physically prepared we have to be; we even did not know where to start and finish the trek.
This is the reason why, after we successfully finished this 2-week adventure, we sat behind the desk and put together this travel guide, where we wanted to share with our readers everything a traveler needs to know before hiking Annapurna Circuit.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you decided to hike Annapurna Circuit, you are about to experience an extraordinary tramping journey.
Many things on the trail are optional, so you can design your own itinerary, decide where to stay, or how many acclimatization days you will need. Then, some things are compulsory to follow for everyone, such as obtaining trekking permits.
Last but not least, there are things you can read about as much you like, but you cannot do anything about them, such as the weather or how your body will react to the altitude.
The better prepared you arrive in the mountains, the better your experience will be.
And we have the answer to every question you might have before the Annapurna Circuit, no matter if you plan on hiking independently or with a guide and porter.
Annapurna Circuit is a special hike because the landscape is incredibly diverse, culturally enriching, and the real highlight is crossing the saddle at 5416 meters above sea level, which for the majority of us might be the highest point we'll ever get on foot in our life.
So without any further ado, here's our detailed travel guide that includes tips and gained practical knowledge that will take you around the Annapurna Range and hopefully will help you plan this inspiring trek.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK FACTS
Annapurna Circuit Trek is undoubtedly one of the most popular multi-day treks in the Himalayas. Before you start planning your trip, here are a few facts every traveler should know.
The Annapurna Circuit's full length is 260 kilometers, but every itinerary is different depending on where you start and finish.
For example, we walked 185 kilometers, even with a detour to Tilicho Lake.
It is necessary to know that hikers and cars share some parts of the trek, so you need to find the right balance and set your expectations right.
The hike can take you anything between 10 and 21 days, depending on your pace and travel plans.
The trail starts below 800 meters, and you'll make your way to the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, Thorong La Pass, which is 5416 meters above sea level.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT DIFFICULTY
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and what is the required level of fitness? Well, this is always a tricky question as the answer is highly individual. There are many things you must factor in.
Your health, how active you are in your everyday life, the number of days on the trail, the altitude, weather, and your backpack's weight.
We would rate Annapurna Circuit as moderately difficult. However, the hardest part of trekking the Annapurna Circuit is the altitude.
We definitely recommend you to do some exercise - start at least one month before the hike. Walk more than you are used to, and it is also helpful to train hiking with a backpack in terrain.
You need to realize that you'll be hiking for about two weeks, and the distance you have to cover every day varies between 10 and 20 kilometers, which will take you anything between 3 and 8 hours.
We do not want to put you off; this is just the fact. The stronger you'll be, the more you'll enjoy splendid views. Unless you hire a porter, it is really different to hike with a light daypack and with a backpack that weighs between 7 and 12 kilos. Then there's the altitude.
It is for sure more demanding to trek above 3000 meters than in lowlands, so that's something you must take into account as well.
Last but not least, the weather conditions are unpredictable in the mountains, and the sunny weather can help you tremendously, but heavy rain or snow do just the opposite.
In our opinion, it is important to be at least averagely fit, but mental preparation is equally crucial, so do not underestimate it.
For example, we did quite many treks in New Zealand, so the previous experience surely plays a role as we could imagine days on the road and sleeping in basic guesthouses.
BEST TIME TO HIKE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
Annapurna Circuit can be hiked theoretically at any time of the year, but every season has its specific, and you should carefully weigh all pros and cons. Four distinctive seasons define trail conditions, difficulty, and scenery.
The best season to hike the Annapurna Circuit is autumn that starts in September and ends in late November. These months guarantee you three things: warm weather with clear skies, shorter days, and a large number of hikers.
It is for sure the favorite time for hiking in the Himalayas, and although the weather can change within the second, this is your best bet for nice weather, wonderful views, and passable Thorong La Pass.
Of course, as we've already mentioned, the downside is the popularity of the Annapurna Circuit - do not expect to have trails just for yourself.
Spring that lasts from March to the end of May is the second most popular season with long days and nature in bloom, views are usually unobscured, it does not rain that often, but it can get hazy in lowlands.
We trekked the Annapurna Circuit from the end of March till mid-April, and it was a bit hazy for the first two to three days, especially in the afternoon. However, considering we were still at a lower elevation and in the valley, it did not bother us.
Once we've reached 3000 meters, the haze vanished, and the views were superb. It did not rain the whole trek, but we had snow a couple of nights just before we were about to cross the Thorong La. Luckily, the saddle was passable.
The least popular season is wintertime, between December and February. Conditions in the winter are unpredictable, and we would recommend this time of the year only to experienced hikers, trekkers on a loose schedule, or those of you who want to get a unique experience, but with a guide.
Temperatures are low; it can snow a lot, which can cause that trails won't be passable.
On the other hand, the winter wonderland scenery must be beautiful, make sure you are well-equipped. One of the downsides could be difficulties finding open lodges as this is a low season for locals.
Probably the only not-recommended time to visit this area is the wet season from June to September. It rains a lot though usually not all day, but you might be annoyed by leeches, and there is a danger of landslides and rockfalls.
Monsoon season seemed to us the least appealing, but on the other hand, if you have time, adventurous soul, do not mind to change a plan from time to time, you can enjoy abandoned trails.
We've written a more detailed post: Best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit - feel free to check it out to make an informed decision.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRAILHEAD
Nowadays, it is possible to find many Annapurna Circuit travel guides online, but nothing could differ more than the answer on Annapurna Circuit trailhead. Due to ongoing road construction on both sides of the Annapurna Range, the official trailhead has been recently changing.
Traditionally, the circuit's trailhead in Besisahar, but nowadays, many travelers take a jeep to Bhulbhule, Chame, or even Manang and start the hike from there!
We started the Annapurna Circuit in Besisahar and can only recommend you to do the same.
You will barely meet anyone during the day, and the feel when you start in a lush green forest with temperatures hitting 30°C and slowly make your way through the rice fields up to the snow-covered pass with freezing temperatures and 7000+ meters high peaks around you is indescribable.
If you are short on time, it is possible to skip the first few days and take a jeep, but do not put your health in danger by neglecting proper acclimatization.
Although we will talk about hiking directions later, it is good to know that a significantly lower number of travelers decide to start the Annapurna Circuit on the opposite side of the valley, in Pokhara.
From Pokhara, the most common way to reach the trailhead is to take a bus to Nayapul, a traditional destination where the trek ends (but can begin as well).
TRAIL'S ENDPOINT
One of the things you would like to know is where the Annapurna Circuit ends. Well, it is also very optional. Assuming that you started in Besisahar and made it to Thorong La Pass, there are several alternatives.
When we crossed the pass, we spent the night in Ranipauwa, home to Muktinath Temple, and the next day we found out that the road is under construction; we could not find any alternative route only for hikers, the path was dusty, so when we arrived in Kagbeni, we took the jeep to Jomsom and decided to finish the hike there.
Commonly, travelers take the bus from Ranipauwa, Kagbeni, but of course, you can decide to get as far as Nayapul, which is arguably the official end of the Annapurna Circuit.
For us, was the biggest issue the road construction. ACAP may create new paths solely for hikers that will bypass the road, but we did not find this section very appealing at the time of our visit, considering that we already saw the very highlight of the circuit.
In general, it is only up to you where you decide to end. If you have enough time and energy, it is definitely a challenge to finish the Annapurna Circuit in the whole length.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ITINERARY
One of the most important things when creating the perfect Annapurna Circuit itinerary is to realize that everything does not have to go according to the plan - the weather can turn out bad, the same as your body can react to the altitude by having headaches or worse.
That's why we cannot stress enough how important it is to add to your itinerary two or three extra days, just in case.
If you do not use them, no worries. There are so many things to do in Pokhara and places to visit in Kathmandu that you won't get bored.
Our wanderings took 15 days, including the Tilicho Lake detour - you can read our detailed itinerary in a separate post, but here's a brief overview.
Day 0: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 1: Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Besisahar to Bhulbhule: 8 km; 2.5 hours
Day 2: Bhulbhule to Jagat: 18 km; 5 hours
Day 3: Jagat to Bagarchap: 18 km, 5.5 hours
Day 4: Bagarchap to Chame: 12 km; 3.5 hours
Day 5: Chame to Upper Pisang: 15 km; 6 hours
Day 6: Upper Pisang to Braga (Manang): 18 km; 6 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Manang: Praken Gompa, Gangapurna Lake
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Manang: Ice Lake
Day 9: Manang to Khangsar: 8 km; 2 hours
Day 10: Khangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp: 9 km; 5 hours
Day 11: Tilicho Lake Day Trip: 11 km; 6 hours
Day 12: Tilicho Lake Base Camp to Yak Kharka: 16 km; 5 hours
Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorong Pedi: 7 km; 2 hours
Day 14: Thorong La Pass alias Thorong Pedi to Ranipauwa: 14 km; 7 hours
Day 15: Ranipauwa to Kagbeni: 10 km; 3 hours
DIRECTIONS: CLOCKWISE OR ANTI-CLOCKWISE
We've already touched the topic of which direction to hike the Annapurna Circuit but here you go. The traditional Annapurna Circuit hiking direction is the anti-clockwise one.
It means that normally travelers start in Besisahar (or further along the way), hike the trail across Thorong La Pass to Ranipauwa, and either continue hiking or take a bus to Pokhara.
This time, we would tell you it is worth it to go with the flow as, according to us, this direction is really better, and there's a reason why the majority of travelers follow it.
The reason why the Annapurna Circuit is better in the anti-clockwise direction is simple. It ascends gradually from sub-tropical areas to high altitude mountain villages. The trail is very photogenic as observing the change of flora is incredible, but it is also safer.
When you start in Besisahar, you will every day climb higher, which is perfect for acclimatization.
After a few days of trekking, you arrive at Manang, a small town at foothills of the Himalayas that sits at 3519 meters above sea level. Now it is a perfect time to make a few day-trips to acclimatize from Manang, and then, your last stop before crossing Thorong La Pass will be Thorong Pedi at 4540 meters.
Although it might sound that this place is too high for sleeping, you actually worked hard the past 10 or more days to get here.
On the other hand, Ranipauwa, on the other side of the range, is situated 'only' 3800 meters above sea level, which makes us wonder whether it is enough or not.
Finally, especially if you hike in the season, it is much better to walk in the same direction as most of the hikers rather than walking past them all the time.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
It took us 15 days to hike the Annapurna Circuit, and we would say that 2 weeks are the average amount of time travelers spend on the trail. Although roads connect many villages in the mountains nowadays, we do not find hiking the circuit in a shorter amount of time appealing.
Firstly, it is about the adventure and experience. How many times will you be lucky enough to admire 6000 to 8000 meters high peaks in person?
How many times you'll be allowed to trek around still a considerably remote part of the world? Yes, it is nice to say I've made the Annapurna Loop, but we really do not think there's any reason to rush.
It is possible to take a jeep to Manang, acclimatize shortly, and get via Thorong La Pass in five or six days, but except that it can be hazardous, we do not see any point for doing so.
Ten days to two weeks is, in our opinion, what this part of the world deserves.
Surely, it would have been perfect staying even longer, but we are aware most of you can take only two or three weeks of vacation time. Side trips can considerably extend your time on the road too.
If you decided to walk the whole Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar to Nayapul, allocate 16 to 21 days, depending on your fitness level.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
The Annapurna Trek is also known as Apple Pie trek for a reason. As you walk from village to village, tea houses and lodges are scattered relatively close to each other along the road, and they grant unexpected comfort for hikers in the Himalayas.
Thanks to this convenient lodging network, you can focus only on trekking and do not have to carry food, supplies or be worried about where you will spend a night. It is customary to eat (dinner and breakfast) in the lodge where you sleep.
Prices on Annapurna Circuit are negotiable (although ACAP standardized lodging and food prices to ensure minimum standards), but we believe there is not enough space for bargaining in high season.
We hiked in shoulder season and were usually offered to pay only for meals, and the room was included in the price.
The rooms are basic but considerably clean. The bed has a mattress and pillows (do not forget to bring a sleeping bag), and at the higher altitude, there were also blankets (we always use mummy liner under it because of hygiene).
Shared washrooms are standard; only a few times, we had a room with an attached bathroom. The rule of thumb is to bring your own toilet paper; it is often a rare commodity in the mountains.
A restaurant in the lodge is a multipurpose place, which serves not only for eating but also as a place to hang around, share stories, and keep yourself warm.
We were actually pleasantly surprised by the high standard of accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit. The higher you get, the lower the standard is, but it was still very acceptable when considering the remoteness.
Electricity is available, the same as a hot shower and Wi-Fi. Well, the hot shower depends on the sun as most of the lodges use a solar panel. When the water was not hot, we always asked for a hot water bucket, and it was never a problem.
The only place we had to pay extra for the shower was in Yak Kharka (4035 m), and there was a water outage in Thorong Pedi due to freezing temperatures.
As we wanted to disconnect from the outside world, we rarely used Wi-Fi to check the weather forecast. Again, having decent Wi-Fi above 3500 meters was hit or miss; sometimes, the connection was almost non-existent, so do not plan to reply to your work emails in the mountains.
One of the crucial things to know before hiking the Annapurna Circuit is that at the moment, it is not possible to book a room along the route in advance if you are an independent traveler.
Guesthouses work on first-come-first-served bases. That's being said, we never had a problem finding a room available, but it can be different in the main trekking season.
Guesthouse owners usually prefer large hiking groups with guides as it means more money and less hassle for them, but still, you should be able to find a place to stay, although not in your preferred place.
In the worst-case scenario, it is sometimes even possible to sleep on the floor in the common room.
FOOD
We loved food in Nepal, and although it was a bit repetitive after some time, we cannot complain about meals on the Annapurna Circuit. We've already mentioned that it is customary to eat breakfast and dinner in the lodge where you plan to stay the night.
The price differs - the higher you get, the more the price increase, but the national trekking management company standardizes rates the same as menus, so no worry, the prices are really reasonable, the regular meal usually does not cost more than $5.
Breakfast usually consists of tea or coffee, oatmeal with fruits, local bread with spreads, pancakes, and yogurt.
For dinner, the same as for lunch, you can choose from the menu, which offers a mix of Nepalese, Chinese, and Western cuisine.
Undoubtedly, the most popular meal on the Annapurna Circuit is Dal Bhat, which is steamed rice, cooked lentil soup, herbs, and several other ingredients such as coriander, onion, ginger, spices, and served with seasonal vegetables. The plate is richer in the lowlands and becomes more simple the higher you get, for obvious reasons.
Dal Bhat will really give you energy, so you can eat it on the trek twice a day as locals who often say they are able to walk the mountains the whole life because of Dhal Bhat power.
We ate this dish every day on the hike and never got tired of it - the refill of your plate is in the price. You can have lunch in any village along the trail, but the menu is very similar to the dinner menu.
We never ordered Western food such as pizza or spaghetti, but guess it will taste ok given the circumstances.
We brought with us energy bars to replenish energy during the hike and really appreciated we had them, especially when climbing Thorong La Pass.
You can also buy fresh pastries, chocolate bars, or apples every morning in a shop that is usually part of the restaurant.
DRINKING WATER
Water in Nepal is not in general potable, so you have several options to solve this problem.
You can buy 1 liter for as little as 25 NPR, but at an altitude around 3000 meters, the same bottle costs approximately 160 NPR. It is recommended to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration and also to acclimatize better, but you should also think about your plastic consumption.
In countries like Nepal, plastic bottles' cumulation is a big problem, especially in the mountains, so you should consider other options than buying non-reusable plastic bottles over again.
The classic reusable water bottle is not a perfect solution here because you cannot refill it from every stream like it is possible for example in New Zealand's mountains.
Being said that, bring it because there are a few ACAP safe drinking water stations along the way, where you can refill your bottle, and the price is about two-thirds lower than a plastic bottle.
The only problem was that not all drinking stations were opened, so we could not totally rely on them.
The most environmentally friendly way how to treat water is either to bring purification tablets, but a more modern alternative is either to buy SteriPen or a water bottle with integrated filter.
This way, you can immediately treat your water, and you will lower the plastic consumption to the minimum. It is the truth that this gear is a bit more expensive, but it will pay off after some time.
VISA FOR NEPAL
All foreigners, except for Indian nationality, must have a visa to be able to enter Nepal. You can get a visa on arrival at one of the airport's automatic registration machines and pay for it at the counter.
Just make sure you check the up-to-date information regarding entry for your nationality.
The visa price depends on the length of your stay; a single-entry tourist visa costs $25 for 15 days, $40 for 30 days, and $100 for 90 days.
Officers require payment in USD, and it is better to have the exact amount or smaller bills with you.
As almost everywhere around the world, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK PERMITS
To trek Annapurna Circuit, you must obtain two permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System). You can get both Annapurna Circuit permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and it cost 5000 NPR total.
If you travel independently, visit the office of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. We took the cab there directly from the airport and arranged the permits immediately after our arrival (address is Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu 44617).
Branches are open every day, and unless there is a queue, you should get your permits within 30 minutes. Prepare two passport photos for each application.
Keep ACAP and TIMS forms with you while trekking because there are checkpoints along the way, and you'll have to show them to officers. It is possible to arrange permits via a travel agency for an extra fee, but it is unnecessary when considering how easy it is to get them on own.
If you travel with a group, your travel guide or agency should arrange permits on your behalf, but it is always better to ask to be 100% sure.
Travel Insurance
If you plan your trip to the Himalayas in Nepal, there are several things to consider.
First of all, the trails are challenging, weather can change rapidly, and you'll be hiking at a high altitude - and unfortunately, mishaps happen. Plus, the highest point on Annapurna Circuit is 5416 meters above sea level.
When it comes to travel insurance, we never travel without it. It is not just us who think that travel insurance is important. The Nepalese government requires having insurance.
For your safety, it should cover sports activities and climb above 5000 meters.
Having a travel insurance number is even compulsory when filling out the form in order to get Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits - TIMS and ACAP.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
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ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT BUDGET
How much should you budget for the Annapurna Circuit? We've put together a detailed budget guide, but here we would like to share with you how much will the whole trek approximately cost you.
Of course, everything depends on how many days you'll spend on the trail together with the required level of comfort.
We hiked the Annapurna Circuit for 2-weeks and then spent another almost two weeks in Pokhara and Kathmandu, and overall our trip cost was $21 per person per day.
That included transportation, accommodation, food and drinks, and even trekking permits. As you can see, Annapurna Circuit is a budget-friendly adventure.
MONEY ON ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
Cash is the king in the mountains, which means you should withdraw in the city enough money to last for the trek's whole duration. ATMs withdrawal limit varies from 10 000 to 30 000 NPR, and the bank charges a processing fee of 200 - 500 NPR every time.
There's an ATM in Besisahar, Chame, Manang, and then Jomsom, but it is not unheard of that the bank machine ran out of money or was not functional, so we would not rely on that.
We withdrew all the money in Kathmandu (make sure you let your bank know in advance that you plan on traveling to avoid troubles - our bank blocked our card because of scam suspicion), plus we also brought our emergency cash, USD.
If it is somewhere possible to pay by credit card, it is not favorable to customers because there's usually a high surcharge.
SAFETY IN NEPAL
In general, Nepal is a safe country. We didn't have any issues when hiking in the mountains and never felt threatened. As always, be cautious, do not leave your documents and money unattended.
We could say that people living along Annapurna Circuit are very friendly, welcoming, and know tourists bring money to the region only when they feel safe.
High altitude sickness, rapid weather changes or even wild dogs present a higher risk than random encounters with people.
We also felt pretty safe in big cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, but always use your common sense.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
The real danger on Annapurna Circuit, or generally in the Nepalese mountains, is underestimating the altitude mountain sickness (AMS). Persons exposed to a low amount of oxygen at high altitudes are prone to experience symptoms of AMS.
It is impossible to predict how your body will react in higher elevation; the only way to protect yourself is to be patient and acclimatize properly.
Altitude sickness affects people in higher elevation, and everyone's body can react differently. A human body starts to feel high altitude effects already in 2400 meters. But the crucial altitude, where it is recommended to stay for a few days until the body gets used to it, is around 3500 meters above sea level.
Fortunately, on the Annapurna Circuit, there's a town Manang exactly at this elevation. There are many things to do in Manang to choose from, including acclimatization day-trips.
After a few days of acclimatization, do not climb 300-600 meters or more a day, and always sleep at a lower altitude than was your highest point of the day. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol during your hike.
We met some couples along the way who had health problems and had to head back. In most cases, they arrived directly from the lowlands to Manang by jeep and did not acclimatize gradually.
Symptoms can be the following: loss of appetite, headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, nose bleeding, or shortness of breath - ok, we experienced almost all of them, but the symptoms were mild and after rest or one night, everything went back to normal.
If the problems persist, take medication against the sickness; if you are not getting better, go immediately lower even though it should be in the middle of the night.
Wake up staff in the lodge and ask them for help; do not wait until morning.
Symptoms can evolve to HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) or HACE (high altitude cerebral edema), and consequences can be fatal.
Before hiking the Annapurna Circuit, you should at least briefly consider the possibility of not finishing the hike because of the altitude sickness - it pays off to have a backup plan.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT PACKING LIST
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging multi-day hike, and one of the most important things is to pack right. First of all, the weather can change within a span of a few minutes, but on the other hand, you must realize that you'll carry every item you decide to pack on your back for another two to three weeks.
That means you must have equipment for every occasion, but on the other hand, you'll have to compromise to ensure you do not carry more than 13 kilograms. You'll feel every extra kilogram with increasing altitude and fatigue.
Remember that you must have water bottles with you, which will add a kilogram or two to your backpack's total weight.
You don't have to carry food with you as you'll get a proper meal in your lodge at the end of the day. We had only a few muesli bar snacks with us.
Probably the most demanding when it comes to packing is the diverse climate zones.
We started in Besisahar (740m) in a jungle-like climate, where temperatures hit 30+ degrees of Celsius. After more than 14 days of challenging trekking, we finally crossed the snow-covered Thorong La Pass (5416m), the highest point of our adventure.
Combine it with cold winds and strong sun, and packing becomes a puzzle that is hard to solve.
We've written a detailed Annapurna Packing list, but below are seven essential items that are super-important and should not be missing in any packing list.
Rucksack | When traveling without a porter, it is essential to choose the right large backpack with waist straps and good back support.
Nowadays, you can choose a backpack for men or women, because the physique is different, and the comfort will be better.
When it comes to hiking Annapurna Circuit, bear in mind that you should not carry more than 13 kilograms, optimal weight is anything between 8 to 12 kilograms to enjoy the hike without back and knee pain.
Hiking Boots | We said that before and will repeat it. Buy quality and waterproof hiking boots and make sure they fit, and you feel comfortable before your trip to Nepal.
Break them in before you head for the mountains!
Down Jacket | It will help you keep warm during the cold evenings in teahouses; we also wore it when we summited Thorong La Pass.
Sleeping Bag | There is no heating in the rooms, and nights can be freezing. Well, we don't want to scare you, but they will be cold. I remember one night when I was wearing a down jacket, warm hat, and leggings inside my sleeping bag and could not warm up.
Accommodation might provide you with extra blankets, but they are not often enough.
Generally, we wouldn't travel to Nepal without our own sleeping bag.
Trekking Poles | Nepal was the first country where we used hiking poles for the entire trek, and we had a great experience. Hiking poles will help your knees when hiking downhill or uphill and are great for establishing walking pace and rhythm.
Sunglasses | You need to keep your eyes protected at all times because the sun at the high altitude is too strong.
Travel Camera | Camera and lenses were probably the heaviest things we packed with us to Nepal, but they were well worth it.
SOME DAYS ARE SHORT
Even though Annapurna Circuit is quite demanding, not all days are long. Some days are shorter, especially the closer you get to Thorong La Pass because, at that point, it is not safe to climb higher in only one day.
That means you need to bring a book or game to kill some time in the evening.
We actually really enjoyed those few slow days on the trek, and for that occasion, we had a book we bought in Kathmandu - Into Thin Air, and we also brought Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya by Lonely Planet as we like reading about new treks, the history of the country or local customs.
Also make sure to read Annapurna by Maurice Herzog about the first ascend of this 8000-meters high peak.
You can also bring your Kindle to have the whole library with you, and it is also quite common to download tv-shows or movies on the phone or tablet.
HIGHEST POINT OF ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
The highest point on the ACT is Thorong La Pass, 5416 meters above sea level. For most of the hikers, this is the highest point they've reached so far in their lives.
It is also one of those highest points in the world accessible on foot and visitors do not need any special equipment.
The most elevated lodge where it is possible to spend a night is Thorong High Camp Hotel at 4850 meters.
Still, the night here can be cold and uncomfortable because of the altitude, so instead of pushing your limits, it is better to stay in Thorong Pedi the night before crossing the Thorong La. The place lies 4540 meters above sea level, and we slept lightly and woke up several times during the night.
You can conquer 5000 meters before crossing Thorong La on a notable side trip to the world's highest lake of its size - Tilicho Lake (4919 m). The viewing point of the lake is at 5010 meters.
IS TILICHO LAKE SIDE TRIP WORTH IT?
Once you get into planning your Annapurna Circuit itinerary, you will face a tough decision if it is worth it to undertake the detour to Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake of its size in the elevation of 4919 meters above sea level.
Is Tilicho Lake worth it? Short answer, YES! Ok, do you want to hear a long one?
If you have three extra days to spare and you feel physically fit, this trek will not only help you with acclimatization, but you'll also beat the crowds and enjoy the ultimate beauty.
Still undecided? We'll make it easier for you. This is a must-do!
Check the weather forecast before you go, and walk from Manang (Manang is the best place for acclimatization) to Tilicho Base Camp, where you’ll spend the night, and next day continue to the lake.
We decided on this side trip last-minute, but could not be happier as except for the absolutely stunning lake, we could also admire the stunning landscape for a bit longer.
TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY VS GUIDED TOUR
Annapurna Circuit is so popular because it can be hiked independently, but it's never been easier to hire a porter or a guide.
If you prefer to travel independently but do not feel that fit to carry all your stuff, it is also possible to hire a porter that often serves as a guide (but do not expect any speeches, he will guide you from one point to another).
According to us, the trails are well-marked, and there's no reason to hire a guide, so consider this option only if you need help with your backpack. You can arrange the porter on the spot, even in Besisahar, as it is cheaper than in advance.
The final decision is really only up to you, your travel style, fitness level, budget, and previous experience.
We walked the Annapurna Circuit completely independently and did not find it hard, but it is true that we were already quite experienced at that time and knew what to expect from multi-day treks when carrying the load on our back.
Another alternative is to book a multi-day hike and be part of a group. You can search for tours in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or book it in advance online.
You can choose from classic Annapurna Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit with a detour to Tilicho Lake.
That's also absolutely fine as each option has its pros and cons. Hiking with a group means you do not know in advance who you'll be hiking with, you cannot adjust your pace and itinerary, and the price is also significantly higher.
On the other hand, everything from accommodation to permits, food, and porters is arranged, and you can focus only on hiking, taking pictures, making new friends, and in high altitudes, putting one foot in front of the other (actually that’s same for independent hikers).
HOW TO EXTEND THE CLASSIC ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
If you fell in love with the Himalayas, there's always a way how to stay in the mountains a bit longer, thanks to several trails that can be added to the classic Annapurna Circuit.
Except for the detour to Tilicho Lake, you can, for example, hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a popular two to three-day hike from Pokhara, but it is often added to the Annapurna Circuit itinerary.
Another alternative that will take you another week or so is to extend the Annapurna Circuit by Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
When we descended from Thorong La Pass, we could not but notice the immediate change of scenery - we could see the Mustang Kingdom, which is accessible from Kagbeni.
The only downside is the rule to have a guide and the hefty fee to enter the area. Even the iconic Manaslu Trek can extend the Annapurna Circuit!
There are many more add-ons; we just hope one day we'll return to Nepal to explore other regions as this Asian country quickly became one of our favorites travel destinations of all times.
HOW TO GET FROM KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR
Your first destination in the new country will likely be the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, it is possible to get to every destination within the country, even to Annapurna Circuit trailheads.
If you decided to start in Besisahar, go to Kathmandu's Gongabu Bus Park, where you can catch a public bus.
The ride is pretty time-consuming, be prepared to spend on the road anything between six and eight hours, even though the distance is only about 200 kilometers.
The bus ticket costs 500 - 900 NPR. Bus schedule changes, but we recommend you to show up at the bus station early in the morning, around 7 AM.
It is also possible to reserve a private transport that collects backpackers from the Thamel area, but we figured it would be only a bit more expensive, less authentic, and the ride because of the terrible state of the roads similarly uncomfortable.
If you decided to go against the flow and want to start the loop in Nayapul, you need to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara first.
Fortunately, Nepal's biggest and second-biggest cities are well-connected, so jump on any frequent bus going in this direction.
The road is no better than the one to Besisahar, so prepare you'll spend on the bus at least eight hours. You can book your bus ticket in advance.
WHERE TO STAY IN POKHARA
Pokhara serves as a base for keen trekkers from all over the world who want to start or end their incredible adventure around Annapurnas.
For us, Pokhara quickly became a special place after we returned after 14 days of trekking the famous Annapurna Circuit.
We found a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere in the city, fantastic attractions, amazing food, and excellent hotel choices.
If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can still find a bed for as low as 5 USD, but we would recommend you splurge a bit and pay a little extra.
You won't complete one of the most beautiful (and for us challenging) treks around the Himalayas every day.
Budget | Hotel Middle Path & Spa - Bright air-conditioned rooms, great choices for breakfast, and amazing views from the roof terrace. One of the best values for money in Pokhara.
Mid-range | Hotel Haven O' Ganga - The rooms in this hotel are spacious and clean, the staff is professional and friendly and a great breakfast is included.
Luxury | Himalayan Front Hotel - If you want to treat yourself after a long and exhausting Annapurna Trek, this place is perfect for you. You can watch the sunrise with views of snow-capped Annapurnas from the room, beds are extremely comfortable and the staff helpful.
IS ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT WORTH IT
Definitely. In this travel guide, we've focused on putting all the valid information a traveler should know before setting off.
But the truth is that everything you need to know before hiking the Annapurna Circuit can be summed up in one single sentence.
Annapurna Circuit is still worth it, despite all the changes, and you should not wait to start planning your adventure.
For us, it was an incredible adventure, and we have only fond memories of Annapurna Circuit to this day, and we believe it’s a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
We'd like to think we answered all of your questions (and hopefully not raised more), but if you still have questions, let us know in the comments below!
Also, Annapurna Circuit changes every year a bit, so if you have some latest information and updates, please share it in the comment section as well!
