Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 days

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best season to explore the Annapurna can be any time of the year, but the ideal time is marked by Spring and Autumn. During this particular timeframe, the weather is stable, with clear mountain views and landscapes. The chances of precipitation are merely low within this period, due to which the terrains remain dry and smooth to commence. The temperature is mild, where one can trail along without being drained out and sweaty, and it entails a chill hike.

On the other hand, the winter and monsoon are basically known to be off seasonal period, due to the heavy cloud bursts, that makes the route completely slippery, muddy, and hard to pass through higher trails. The weather and climate conditions are so unpredictable that they change every other hour. Here is a quick overview of what to expect in the peak seasons during the trek.

Spring

Spring, from March through the end of May, is considered one of the peak seasons for hiking in Nepal. The whole lush green valley gets stunningly covered with red rhododendrons, white oaks, and orchids, and the landscapes are adorable. The temperature ranges between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius in the lower lands and does not fall below -5 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes, making night stays cosy and day hikes comfortable. As the winter fades away completely, the air becomes fresher, bringing clean terrain to walk on.

Autumn

Autumn begins in mid-September and lasts till November in Nepal, which is another good time to hike the Annapurna Circuit. This particular time, soon after the conclusion of the monsoon, with a lower chance of rain and snowfall, offers panoramic mountain views and a safe route to cross Thorong La. The humidity stays at 17-20 degrees Celsius and falls to 0 or even -5 at high altitudes. The major festivals of the Himalayas, Dashain and Tihar, fall at this time, which intrigues locals and tourists all across the globe. The vista of the crystal-clear Himalayan peaks and hills in front of you throughout, and the cultural vibes, bring serenity to the hike.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderately tricky and challenging walk that takes place at high altitudes. The trail consists of a wide variety, from dense subtropical forests to rugged and rocky pathways, that demand a proper fitness level and some experience as well. The trek covers around 220 kilometres, with a daily hiking pace of 5-6 hours, so you must be prepared accordingly by engaging in some kind of physical activity. As you go higher, the surroundings become more isolated and confined, with very few tea houses left and fewer encounters with locals, which some might find too overwhelming. 

The highest point marked is Thorong La Pass, which stands at 5,416 meters. With increasing altitude and a drop in oxygen, the risk of altitude sickness is always there, but as the itinerary includes great acclimatisation days, it entails a low risk of AMS. However, apart from some challenges, the route does not include any technical sections or require experience or climbing skills. If you have basic fitness or do proper preparations, and keep up the good spirit and positive attitude, this trip is attainable by everyone, from beginners to all age groups.

How to be prepared for the trek?

Here are the major preparations that the hikers must consider for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Mental Preparation

We all know how vital a role being mentally prepared plays when it comes to making any adventure a complete success. Especially when we are planning to do the mountain area trail, where the possibility of harsh weather and climate conditions is always there. Always create a positive mindset to build your power, as at certain points, we might feel like giving up just because of the challenging route, accommodations, and terrain that are expected on the Annapurna Circuit, so follow the 3 P's of Perseverance, Persistence, and Consistency to make the trip go by smoothly despite challenges.

Physical Fitness

This 12-day trek demands a hike of 5-7 hours per day, covering at least 10-12 km of distance each day, so a basic level of fitness is a must. For a newbie, it might be challenging to walk over the high passes and the long duration of the hike through several ascents and descents, so it is highly suggested to engage in some kind of physical strengthening activities such as running on a treadmill, or nearby, swimming, cycling, or even just doing several up-and-down walks by staircase, completing the 10,000 steps that way, it helps to build calf stamina.

Altitude acclimatisation

This adventure takes you to higher altitudes each day, most importantly, with the highest point being the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters of altitude. Remember to be patient and walk along with a guide without rushing through things, and take a gradual ascent. While settling in at the tea houses, try to monitor the pulse rate through an oximeter and check what can be done if it goes below the normal level than usual. Consistency is the key to making this trip run more smoothly.

Accommodation 

As the Annapurna Circuit is well-maintained with highly facilitated amenities, throughout this trek, you will get the best lodging possible. In the lower sections, there are luxury amenities available, such as attached electric sockets and washrooms within the room. You might even get single rooms with king-sized beds till we reach Upper Pisang, the mid-section of this trek.

Meanwhile, moving to the upper section after crossing Manang, that is Thorung Phedi, the lodging facilities get limited, like the shared washroom in a sitting style. Bedrooms will be managed if you are doing the journey solo with no partner, so for that, you do not have to panic! Also, take note that for a cosy mattress, beds, pillows, and warm blankets will be provided.

If you are still wondering about the high-altitude cold, then we can provide you with a sleeping bag that will be carried by a porter. If you want a single room, then try to make bookings early, as it will be a hassle to find accommodations. 

Every tea house does include required amenities, like wifi, charging sockets, laundry services, and hot showers, with an extra charge.

Foods

The lodges consist of a varied choice of food and drinking options that won't be compromised. As this trailhead is being linked with many other popular Annapurna region treks, you'll get many options for drinking, quick snacks, and the main standard meals. All the food is prepared by the locals themselves, ensuring it is hygienic and catering to the taste palettes of everyone.

Throughout the trek, you’ll get three proper 3 times meals per day with a wide range of menu options consisting of Asian and Western cuisines that cater to the tastes of all the people trekking to the region. Although every lodge serves a variety of cuisines, we also highly recommend you try their local Sherpa foods like Yak Cheese, Tibetan butter tea, Sherpa stew, Riki Kur (potato pancakes), and many more.

• Morning menu: There are different options available, like Tibetan local food (Roti, curry, and boiled eggs), English breakfast, Veg and non-veg soups with tea and coffee, etc., which are provided before the hike.
• During lunch and dinner time: The foods are made according to your preference from the menu, like Dal Bhat, Ramen, Nepali noodles, Fried rice, non-veg and veg curry, dry meats, Thenduk, momo, Burgers, Spaghetti, Sherpa foods, Pizza, etc.

Note: Make sure to inform the trekking guide to inform the tea houses if you are allergic to some sort of food items such as being lactose intolerance, or if you want a gluten free foods then, it is highly suggest to inform before hand.

Also, please take a note that, even though there are varied of options available in the menu try to avoid caffeine, cold beverages, and alcoholic beverages that could lead to altitude sickness. Try to fuel your body with 3-4 litres of water per day and drink hot ginger water to warm up the body. 

Drinking Water 

Drinking water is easily available at every teahouse, and along the trail, you can simply use the water from the tap, river streams, or buy the bottled water that is available at each stopping point. However, it is highly suggested to use a water purification tablet, which will be provided by us, to purify the water, just to make sure that it's safe enough to drink

Every lodge offers boiled water during breakfast and dinner time, or else you can buy bottled mineral water for $2-$3 extra en route. 

Communication

For internet connectivity, every tea house has access to WIFI connectivity, but it is only available in the dining area in the upper sections. Throughout, the wifi services are available to connect back home. While meandering along the Annapurna Circuit, buy the NTC SIM Card, paying NRS 100 in the city area to get access to phone calls. 

Permits to trek the Annapurna Circuit

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, two permits are required: the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card). 

After your booking is made with us, the necessary permits for the Annapurna Circuit will be managed by us after you arrive in Nepal.

Annapurna Conservation Permit costs around NRS 3000/- per person, which is approximately USD 26, and will only be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is usually required and plays a vital role in protecting the wildlife and preserving this landmark in pristine condition, as the contribution of permit fees goes directly to the protection activity.

Whereas, the Trekkers Information Management System Card costs around USD 20, which means NRS 2200 per person, and must be applied for through the registered trekking company. TIMS Card helps in tracking the in and out of the hikers and monitoring their well-being in the Annapurna region.

Make sure to carry these required permits throughout the journey, as they get checked at many stopping points.

Note: The TIMS Card permit is no longer required in 2026, and you only have to get the ACAP Permit till next notice.

Travel Insurance

As it is a high-altitude adventure, reaching over 5000 meters, getting travel insurance is mandatory. On top of that, every day, the high altitude is increased by 300-400 meters, so altitude sickness risk is always there, affecting both pro and novice hikers. No, we are not saying that the Annapurna Circuit is a dangerous trek, but we just want you to be safe and enjoy the hike with a free mind, without worrying about future possibilities.

While getting your travel insurance, make sure to include policies such as trip cancellation, theft, luggage, medical injury, and, not to forget! The helicopter evacuation is over 3000 meters. It helps us to arrange the immediate aircraft in an orderly manner at peak seasons, even at higher altitudes, in one go. 

Solo or Group Trek

We've fixed departures where other fellow hikers are all set to hike together. What we do is we simply offer many fixed departure dates, where you can just join us anytime.

Even if our journey dates don't match your holiday duration, you can customise this Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary according to your dates. We'll find another free-minded traveller like you, or else you can just walk along with our trekking guide, who ensures your safety and also takes you on the trail along the highlighted corner of the Annapurna region.

If you are planning to do this Annapurna circuit solo, no worries, as we offer private trips as well, which are even more fascinating, where you can meander around at your own pace with the guide and even craft your packages anytime. Hiking alone lets you immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings throughout the journey; maybe it's your time to connect with nature and leave the crowd and busy life behind.

Booking Procedure

Looking forward to signing up with us? Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition is a registered, licensed, government-approved trekking and tour operator here in Nepal with almost 15 years of service. Hence, you can confidently book with us, with a safe booking procedure.

We only deduct 20% of the total cost of the trip, and after you arrive here in Nepal, you can pay the remaining amount in person. For the booking confirmation for this Annapurna Circuit Trek package, we just require your passport photo, 1 passport-sized photo, and a copy of your travel insurance (If you have one). The payments can be made through the website, where the payment methods are displayed as cash, card, and bank transfer. 

For booking confirmation or any inquiries about the trip, please reach us by emailing [email protected], or you can even WhatsApp, Viber, or call at +977 9851016814 through phone or WhatsApp. 

Tips 

• At every stopping point, make sure to check the pulse rate with an oximeter, and if you feel any sort of altitude sickness symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, nausea, skin turning pale, dizziness, or insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite), inform the guide immediately and take time to acclimatise and descend immediately if the symptoms get worse.
• Do the money exchange while you are in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as the trail has 0 signs of ATMs or credit card facilities, so estimate the personal expenses and carry the cash as per requirements.
• Even though our Annapurna Circuit Trek package covers all your necessities for the trip, you might require cash for hot showers, laundry facilities, buying souvenirs, bottled water, and extra beverages. It will be enough if you carry $ 10-15 per day in expenses, excluding the extra cost of buying gifts and gear.
• At the higher trails, after crossing Upper Pisang and entering the completely isolated area, there is less possibility of finding electrical sockets attached to the room. So, carry power banks (2) to plug in for charging in an emergency. Also, remember that the charging facilities are available at the dining area, but it will be too frustrating to just wait for charging in a queue.
• Buy quick snacks in markets in the city area, as on some routes, there are 0 signs of tea houses, so it will be quite handy to have a quick munch. Carrying granola bars, protein bars, and even dry garlic to warm up the body and energise the stamina would be effective.
• Do not overload the backpack even if you have porters along with you; just carry essentials, such as warm gear, crampons, trekking sticks, sun cream 30+ SPF, and a waist bag to fit in basic medicines and gadgets