Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Trekking through Annapurna circuit will be the most beautiful experience ever. The stunning views of Annapurna circuit are really impressive.

Annapurna circuit trek varies from around 10 days to 20 days. It depends upon group type, agents, acclimatisation days or your choice. One agent may offer different number of days of trekking in popular season.

The trek length could be between 160 – 230 kilo metres depending upon where you start or end your trek.

Starting elevation is as low as around 800 metres to maximum elevation of 5,416 metres. Difficulty level is moderate to challenging so you have to be prepared well.

Permits

You will need 2 types of trekking permit – TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card and ANCAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit). If you book trekking with a trekking agency, they will arrange the permits for you.

TIMS Card

TIMS Card is issued by jointly by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Contact

In Kathmandu

Nepal Tourism Board

Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu 44617, Nepal

Opens from 10AM – 5PM (Sun-Fri), 10AM – 2PM (Sat)

977-1-4256909

In Pokhara

Nepal Tourism Board

Lakeside Road, Pokhara 33700

Opens from 10AM – 5PM (Sun-Fri), 10AM – 2PM (Sat)

977-61-465292

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Contact

977-1-4440920

977-1-4440921

Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

More TIMS Card details from official NTB site can be found here.

More Trekking Permit details from official NTB site can be found here.

You can apply for Trekking Permits here.

*** It is recommended to have travel insurance.

Laws & Rules

You have to abide by Nepal Government’s Laws during your visit to Nepal. You can check the trekking rules and permit details here.

Accommodation

Accommodation is normally organised by your trekking agents but if you are climbing solo or without booking a travel agent, there are many good places to stay. You have to fly to Kathmandu first, and then catch public or private transport to your trekking start point and trek to Annapurna Circuit. Trekking takes about 10-20 days. There are plenty of good hotels in Kathmandu to suit any need or budget. There are also many tea houses to stay during your trekking trip.

Costs

Trekking agents charge as low as USD 1000 to USD 4000 which normally includes trekking permits and tea house stays. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are normally included in the package but check with your trekking agent beforehand.

Normally the package starts from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu.

Climate

Annapurna circuit is a long trek. You will be trekking at different elevations and temperatures and it could be warm or freezing on the same day. It is recommended to wear few layers of comfortable clothing.

October – November

This is the most popular trekking season. Skies are normally clear. Temperature drops below 0 degrees at night. A Day time temperature in average is 10-12.

December – March

This is the coldest period on the Annapurna circuit areas. Skies are partially cloudy. Avalanches are possible. Temperature drops below 0 degrees at night and a day temperature is around 7-8. Few of the routes above 5000 metres could be blocked with snow and may be closed for several days.

April – May

This is also a popular trekking season in Annapurna Circuit. Skies are clear. This season is warmer.

June – September

This is the least popular season due to monsoon. Heavy rain falls, landslides and leeches make your days unfavourable. Skies are mostly cloudy.

What to wear

You will be trekking at different elevations and temperatures could be warm or freezing on the same day. It is recommended to wear few layers of comfortable clothing.

What to Carry

Trekking gears, first aid kit, medicines as recommended by your doctor, some dry food, maps, permits, sleeping bags, trekking shoes & slip-ons, solar charger, trekking backpack, cash

Transport

You can catch public or private road transport to your start point from Kathmandu and from your end point to Kathmandu. You can also fly to Pokhara and catch road transport to start point and catch road transport from your end to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu.

Distance and Travel Time

Annapurna circuit trek varies from around 10 days to 20 days. The trek length could be between 160 – 230 kilo metres depending upon where you start or end your trek.

2 most popular start points

Kathmandu to Besisahar start point is 172 Kms which is about 5 hour drive.

Kathmandu to Jagat is 205 Kms which is about 7 hour drive.

Distance from one of the most popular end point Birethanti to Kathmandu is 300 Kms and it takes about 10 hours to reach Kathmandu. Normally trekking agents organise overnight stay in Pokhara. Pokhara to Kathmandu is 202 Kms and in about 6 hours driving distance.

What to expect

Close Mountain views of throughout Annapurna massif including (Annapurna 1-4), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Manaslu, Tilicho peak and Pisang peak.

Exploration of Tilicho base camp at an elevation of (4,200 m/ 13,780 ft) and investigate Tilicho Lake (World’s high elevated lake) at an elevation of (4919 m/ 16,138 ft) equivalent to sea level.

Complicated and breathtaking stroll experience via Thorong La pass, (World’s highest pass) at an elevation of (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft) with unbelievable 360° landscapes.