Annapurna Circuit Trek - 7 days

Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit

The ideal seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek stand out to be Spring, starting from mid-March to the very end of May, and Autumn (September to November). During this timeframe, the weather and climatic conditions remain stable with a mere chance of rainfall as well. The temperature remains mild, moderately humid, without being completely heated, sunny, for all day long, allowing a hike in chill climatic conditions, without draining anyone out. These two seasons are also considered the peak season here in Nepal, for any kind of Himalayan adventure, due to the perfect blend of weather, dry navigation route, where one can walk along with ease, covering such a long duration.

Why Choose the Spring Season (March to May)?

Firstly, referring to the Spring season, the whole forested trailhead thrives in the blooming colourful red rhododendrons, pines, and white orchids, fusing exceptionally with the dramatic landscapes, captivating hikers and keeping them engaged, despite the long trekking distance. The day, at the same time, also lasts for longer sunlight hours, where you can explore more out of the trailhead without worrying about darkness, which suits those who are beginners, as they do not have to speed up the hiking pace and walk along at their own pace, on sunny days. Besides, as this span of the year comes after the end of the wintertime, the temperature doesn't exceed 22 degrees Celsius, or fall below -5 degrees near the pass, making it cosy at night, and comfortable to hike during the day as well.

Why Choose the Autumn Season (September to November)?

The season of Autumn is considered the peak time, and also, a crowded span of the year, where the trail witnesses almost double the number of hikers than in other season, where the major festivals Dashain and Tihar falls in between, lasting for 10-15 days, attracting hikers domestically (nepalese), due to public holidays, hence, one can also, learn the cultures, traditions and intercultures of the diverse ethnic groups, at this time. Another reason for being in peak season is that, as this time of the year comes after the conclusion of the monsoon season, there is a low chance or almost zero chance of precipitation (rainfall) and snowfall, contributing to the route being drier and making the navigation smoother at the same time. The weather and climate situations also remain stable, offering a crystal-clear panorama of the snowcapped mountains and surroundings.

If you are considering off seasons, then make sure to elongate the trek for more days, follow a gradual pace, and a moderate pace hike that suits your experience and fitness level, with the assistance of our expert teams.

Difficulty Level

The Annapurna Circuit Trek falls under a moderately challenging adventure, which is only suggested to hikers with prior experience and strong physical fitness, as this trail demands at least a 5-6 hour pace of hiking daily.

The daily distance trekking coverage is not what makes this trip challenging; however, the navigation along the varied terrains, via forested trail, rugged rocky sections, alpine slippery sections, and several ascents and descents, might be a bit too much for beginners to undertake, with such a changing altitude each day.

Other than that, as this trek takes you to the highest altitude of 5416 meters at Thorang La Pass, gaining almost 4000 meters in altitude starting from Kathmandu (1360 m), the rapid altitude gain might pose a high risk of altitude sickness. Make sure to follow the safety preventive guidelines from the very beginning.

Nonetheless, despite all these challenges, our 7-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is expertly crafted with only 300-400 meters of elevation gain each day, letting your body adapt to the rising high altitude, avoiding the risk of AMS from the very start. Besides, 1 acclimatisation day is included at Manang (3519 meters), with a side trip to Ice Lake, so that your body can proceed to cross the high pass with ease, without any possibility of AMS, as well.

Before starting this adventure, ensure that, you are fully prepared physically, through cardiovascular exercises, and also, mentally fit and optimistic, by engaging in research on what to expect along the trail, and follow the preventive measures such as hydrating well enough, avoiding mouth dryness, drinking atleast 3-4 liters of water, avoiding alcohol beverages, smoking and fueling the body with nutritious meals, for such a long coverage of distance and walking trail.

Apart from that, take a good note that the weather is uncertain in the Himalayas, even at times which are known as the peak seasons, so comprehensively pack the gear and essentials of all four seasons, for emergencies like down jackets, crampons, waterproof jackets, and covers for the bags, to commence on this journey more hassle-free. Besides, our experienced trekking-licensed guide assists you throughout the journey, who is experienced, medically trained, and equipped as well, so navigating along with him makes the trip easier to commence, making it beginner-friendly as well, with our finely crafted itinerary as well.

Training and Preparations 

• Physical Preparedness: Engage in cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, running, via treadmill or streets, cycling, swimming, or doing up and down via ascents and descents through a staircase for 3 weeks to 1 month. Whereas, slowly, shift into stretching practices, muscle workouts, either in the gym or at home, and watching YouTube videos as well. The physical preparation is also suggested for experienced hikers; for first-timers, make it slow and intelligent. Tell your fitness trainer that you are covering 5-6 hours of hiking daily at high altitude and engage in physical preparedness accordingly.
• Mental Preparedness: Set a yogic practice for a calm and composed mindset and breathing/stretching practices, so that if any kind of uncertain situations occur, you are mentally strong and can tackle the challenges with a determined mindset. Besides, engage in research about high altitude, weather conditions, acclimatisation days, amenities availability, and keep the expectations accordingly. 
• Altitude Awareness: Please take note that this trek takes you to an elevation above 3000 meters and attains the highest altitude at 5416 meters. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, breathing challenges, and unconsciousness, and monitor your pulse rate and health at each stopping point. If you feel any symptoms, inform the guide immediately, take rest, and inform us, so we can plan what's next.
• Medical Conditions: Before the trip starts, visit the doctor and know if your body has been acting up recently, and ensure that you don't have any serious heart conditions. Lungs or any medical conditions: If yes, then follow the doctor's guidelines of the doctor.
• Packing Considerations: Even though it is a rapid trek lasting for a week, you never know how the weather and climatic conditions fluctuate instantly, with the blink of an eye, without any warning, so making sure that you have every kind of gear and essentials is a must. For instance, if you are travelling at the peak time (Spring and Autumn), carry the essentials such as crampons, sleeping bags, down jackets, rain cover jackets and a backpack rain cover.

Accommodations during 7 days Annapurna Circuit Trek

This 7-day Annapurna Circuit Trek covers all the lodging facilities required for the trip, where we prioritise your safety, comfort, and privacy from the very first hand and select the tea house lodging to accommodate you accordingly. Along the trekking route, the lodges are on a twin-sharing bedroom basis, with warm bedding, having pillow, blankets, mattresses, and bed sheets, with shared washrooms, and attached bathrooms aren't available at the upper section (higher elevation). The rooms are on a twin basis, sharing with your group. If you are hiking along with your group, we arrange a twin-based bedding configuration; for the private hikers or female trekkers, we arrange a single-based bedding configuration. 

On the other hand, amenities such as wifi facilities, laundry, and electric charging services are available in every tea house, with an extra cost charged by the tea house itself. If you are hiking along as a couple or want luxury private accommodations, make sure to inform us so that the arrangements can be made accordingly. Even though the lodges are run by the locals themselves and are simple, it is hygenic and well-maintained. 

As our package does not cover the accommodations at Pokhara and Kathmandu, we do offer a complimentary staycation for 2 nights at Kathmandu, before and after the trip, on a BB Basis, whereas, if you want a luxury 4-5 rated hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu, then, check our "ADD-ONS" section, to elevate, or add the facilities on this trek with additional cost.

Foods and Beverages

As the trailhead, marked as one of the popular and most visited trekking routes, throughout the journey, you will find a wide variety of foods from vegan to vegetarian to non-vegetarian options, catering to the taste and preference of everyone.

Our package covers standard meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 6 Dinners, with a cup of tea or coffee, throughout the adventure, and a cup of tea or coffee. However, extra meals, extra beverages, and additional costs are charged. The food will be provided as per your choice, and cooked hygienically, soon after you order the meals, and then served to you at the heated, comfortable dining area. While ordering the meals, make sure to state your types, and also inform beforehand if you are allergic to any kind of food items.

While for the breakfast options, it consists of porridge, oatmeal, muesli, granola with yoghurt or milk, and standard international breakfast options, such as toasted bread, any kind of eggs (boiled, omelette, poached, fried ones) with any spreadings like jam, butter, peanut butter, Nutella, etc. Other options includes, tibetan bread with any side curry, etc, mashed potatoes, pancakes, etc., with many other options.

Meanwhile, for lunch and dinner options, international cuisines such as pizza, sandwiches, spring rolls, noodles, chowmein, thukpa (noodle soup), ramen, momo (fried, steamed, boiled ones), and any kind of soups from vegetarian to non-vegetarian options. Whereas, for the Nepalese, or local options, you will find wind variations such as ultimate Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, any sort of veg or non-veg curry, pickle, etc), Paratha with a side curry, Thukpa, one full bowl of noodles with soup, fried rice, biryani and many others, that keeps you full and engaging for such a long adventure.

On the other hand, for beverages, hot drinks such as garlic and ginger soup, any soups (tomato, non-veg, veg), coffee, tea, or masala chai, hot lemon water, etc, whereas, for the cold drinks such as Coke, Fanta, energy drinks, etc., are available throughout the trip. For drinking water, hot or cold is available along with the tea houses. You can buy bottled drinking water at the trekking route, which costs approximately  $1 to $3 per bottle. For a cheaper option, you can use a water purification tablet to purify the water and drink it safely.

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek

To get access to the restricted trailhead, there are two permits are required to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Firstly, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card), which must be obtained through a registered local trekking agency, after fulfilling the requirements of hiking along with at least 2 hikers, and the assistance of an experienced licensed guide. After your booking is confirmed with us, we at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition arrange all the required permits, covered by our package, with no additional cost.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): It costs approximately NRS 3000 (USD 28) per head, which can be obtained from either Kathmandu or Pokhara
• Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS): It costs approx. USD 20 (NRS 2200) per person

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

Travel Insurance for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Yes, no matter how experienced you are, how well-crafted the itinerary is, and how safe the trailhead is to commence, travel insurance is one of the most crucial aspects for any high-altitude adventure that must cover all the essentials.

Please, take a note that, we are not stating that, this trip, is not safe to commence, however, undertaking the himalayan trip, above 3000 meters, where the air is unusual and thin, the possible risk of altiude sickness is always there, especially, when you are attaining the highest altitude at 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass, hence, purchasing travel insurance is a must for a peace of mind and also, avoid the frustrating medical bills, and quick medical response, if any unexpected medical conditions occur.

While obtaining the insurance, make sure that the policy covers all the essentials, such as trip delay/cancellation, theft, baggage loss, minor medical coverage, medical bills for hospitals, and most importantly, the helicopter evacuation above 3000-5500 meters, so that in case of major issues, such as altitude sickness, you will be evacuated immediately via helicopter. After booking your trek, do not miss out on sending your insurance documents (if you have any).

Guides and Porters

As per the government of Nepal, hiring an experienced licensed trekking guide for the Annapurna Circuit is crucial, no matter how long or short the itinerary is, as the Manang region itself falls under the restricted trail in Nepal. Hiking along with at least 2 hikers in a group, which doesn't include the guide and porter, and navigating along with the guide through a locally based travel and trekking agency is a must.

Keeping the regulations aside, hiking with the assistance of a guide enhances the journey, where you will gain insight into the cultures, mountains, and landscapes through the lens of a guide. Besides, the trekking guide also lets you navigate through the safest and well-marked terrains, ensuring that you avoid the dangerous routes and challenging sections. 1 Guide can lead up to 6-8 hikers, whereas 1 porter can carry up to 22 kgs of backpack, which can be shared between 2 hikers; the trekking guide is compulsory to hire, porter remains optional, as per your choice.

Our package includes 1 experienced trekking guide, who is medically equipped and trained, so you do not have to hire distinctly, excluding the tipping part. Whereas, for the porter, an additional cost of USD 120 is required for seven days straight.

Safe Booking Procedure

If you want to book our trip with us, the payment method is simple and easy to proceed with, which can be booked online if you are outside Nepal, and can be paid in cash if you've arrived here already. We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, being affiliated with TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), can safely book the trip with us, and soon after the adventure is booked, you will be notified via WhatsApp or direct mail, confirming the adventure and payment details as well. 

For the booking, we only require 20% of the trip total cost, which can be paid through bank transfer, Western Union, or directly online from our website, or in person if you are already here in Nepal, whereas the remaining amount can be paid after arriving here in Nepal. For any other queries, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp at +977 9851016814, make a direct call, or email us at [email protected] at any time, 24/7.

Safety Tips and Trekking Advice

• Make sure to check your pulse rate at every stopping point via an oximeter, and make sure that your overall health is doing fine at such a high altitude
• If you feel any symptoms, even mild ones, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, skin turning pale, dizziness, unconsciousness, etc., then make sure to inform the guide immediately for a quick medical assistance response
• Please avoid rapid ascent, and undertake a gradual ascent of only 400-500 meters that has been set in the itinerary, and do not overwhelm yourself; ascend steadily, following your pace
• Avoid dehydration, and try to undertake 4-5 litres of water per day, avoiding the overconsumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages, and instead, consume garlic ginger hot soup, or any kind of soup that keeps you warm
• Use a water purification tablet to purify the water instead of buying a drinking water bottle, costing almost USD 2 per bottle, which helps in saving the budget
• Estimate your personal expenses daily for laundry services, beverages, Wi-Fi, charging, tipping, porterage, and carry cash accordingly, as these are not included in the cost. Carrying almost USD 10 per day for personal spending is fine, excluding buying gear and souvenir coverage
• Even though you are hiking at the peak seasonal time, make sure to carry gear and essentials, considering all four seasonal variations, as the weather changes drastically at higher altitudes.