Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara - 8 days

What are the best seasons for trekking to the Annapurna Circuit?

The ideal seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek stand out to be the Spring and Autumn, no matter what the starting point is, or if it is a solo trek without any combination with other spots. During this span of the year, the weather generally remains stable, with clear views of mountains and landscapes, with zero level of precipitation, avoiding the harsh and slippery terrains, which usually happen during the winter and monsoon times.

However, if you are an experienced hiker, then this trek can be done at any time of the year, as it is an all-around season trek, which can be commenced safely with the assistance of a licensed trekking guide and a safe ascent itinerary, with proper preparations.

Spring (March to May)

Spring stands out as one of the best times for the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara, as during this timeframe, the lush green valley enchantingly thrives in the red and pink shade of rhododendrons, with the unhindered views of the Himalayan peaks, without any gloominess. The amount of rainfall generally remains zero at lower elevations; meanwhile, a mild amount of snowfall is expected at the higher elevations at the beginning of March, as winter just comes to an end.

Compared to other seasons, this span of the year brings longer sunny days, which means you get to explore more in depth, and do not have to worry about hurrying the day trip before darkness. The humidity doesn't exceed the temperature above 16 degrees Celsius, offering a chill hike, in cool weather, draining yourself out, making it the ideal time to visit the Himalayas.

Autumn (Mid-September to November)

Autumn is marked as the most crowded season, and an ideal time to explore the territory, as the main festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall within this timeframe. As the monsoon (high rainfall) season bids goodbye, the weather and climatic conditions get clearer, with fresh air, showing the highly towering mountains in a crystal clear sky, and the risk of high precipitation also becomes zero. On the other hand, it is one of the busiest seasons, hence, you get to mingle with other fellow hikers, creating new memories, and learning new cultures and languages, of the locals, and hikers across the globe as well.

Considering several major factors, including captivating, clear views of great mountains, valleys, and landscapes due to stable weather, with great opportunity to witness the festive celebration of the Himalayas, and dry routes for safe ascent, the seasons of Spring and Autumn are marked as the ideal seasons.

How challenging is the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

The trek to the Annapurna Circuit is a moderately challenging journey, which demands at least 6 to 7 hours, with an approximately 9 to 14 kilometers distance coverage per day. Starting this Himalayan adventure from Pokhara at 830 meters, and reaching the highest elevation of 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass in 17769 feet, with a daily elevation gain of 500-600 meters per day, which is strenuous, and obviously not an easy task for beginners, hence a basic level of fitness is required. 

Besides, this trek passes through varied terrains, including lush woodlands, without marked trails, rugged trailheads, and the alpine trekking route, with frequent ascents and descents, which is definitely not for first-timers; however, with some prior preparations beforehand, this Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara can be smoothly achieved.

Apart from the physical strength aspect, one must have a strong mindset to pass through remote sections, as there are no signs of tea houses in between, which might be mentally exhausting to some who have zero Himalayan experiences and never been on a high elevation journey before. Hence, it is highly suggested to engage in research, do some short hikes, and create a positive mindset to tackle the weather and unexpected situations in the highlands. 

One of the most challenging sections of this trip stands out to be the final push (ascent) toward the world's highest pass - Thorong La Pass, which requires 9 - 10 hours of uphill and downhill walks, via varied kinds of terrains, which surely demands strong physical stamina. Nonetheless, being physically and mentally prepared beforehand, with proper packing of gear and equipment, considering all the seasons, this trek can be smoothly completed without any doubt.

Is there any risk of altitude sickness during this trip?

The starting point of this journey is Pokhara at 830 meters, and the trekking trail begins from Chame at 2700 meters, and ascends more than 3000 meters of elevation per day; thus, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is always present. However, you do not have to panic regarding the safe ascent, as our 8 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara itinerary is well-tailored, with a gradual ascent of 400-500 meters per day, without going beyond 600 meters, and the possibility of AMS is minimal.

Before reaching the highest elevation of Thorong La, above 5000 meters, your body gets used to and adapts to the rising high altitude above sea level, which avoids the possibility of severe AMS. On the other hand, our licensed trekking guide is highly expert, being medically equipped, and if any unfortunate situations occur, they will become your first-hand medical assistance.

Besides, make sure to hydrate yourself properly, with a minimum of 4-5 liters of water per day, or substitute with either soup and nutritious foods, avoid smoking or any caffeine after crossing over 3000 meters, and make sure to check the pulse rate through an oximeter. If you feel any symptoms, such as severe headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, or sleep, or control, or the skin turning pale, or vomiting, then inform the guide immediately.

Meals and Drinking Facilities

Throughout the Annapurna Circuit Trek route from Pokhara, you will get a wide variety of food options, from western to American, to local foods, in every teahouse and lodge where you will be staying. The meals are cooked based on your order, freshly, which are hygienic, and made according to your requirements. Just make sure to state whether you are a vegan or veg, or allergic to some kind of food items, beforehand, and it will be made considering your health and taste on the first hand. Our package basically covers standard meals, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with a tea or coffee, which will be provided as per your order from the menu.

Meanwhile, the safe drinking water, right from the tap, is available in every tea house, which are boiled beforehand, for serving to keep your body warm and germ-free as well. The tea or coffee will be served on a kettle basis as well, where you have to pay between USD 5 to USD 7 per kettle, whereas a cup of tea/coffee per day is included in our package. If you want to buy a bottle of water, then it can cost approximately USD 1 per bottle maximum; nonetheless, throughout the trip, every kind of meal, beverage, and drinking water will be provided, no doubt.

Accommodations

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara package covers all the tea houses and lodges required for the trip, in a total of 7 nights' accommodations on the trekking route. The rooms will be basically on a twin-sharing basis, which can be shared between 2 hikers, in your group; however, if you are a solo trekker, or a female solo hiker, in the group, then a single room will be provided. All the rooms are well equipped with a comfortable bedding configuration, with pillows, bed sheets, cozy blankets, and so on, whereas the private washrooms are available in some stopping points; do not expect private ones at higher elevations. After crossing a higher elevation from Manang, the washrooms are on a sharing basis as well, in an eastern style.

All the rooms have the facilities of laundry services, hot showers, wifi, and all the required services, whereas extra charges will be charged by the tea house, between USD 4-6, depending on the lodges.

Packing Lists

While opting for the trek from Pokhara to the Annapurna Circuit, you must consider the essential gear and clothing according to all the seasonal bases, and a high-elevation Himalayan adventure at the same time. Even though you do not have to cover the over the board and make the packings too heavy, here are some of the essentials that must be carried for this 8-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, for the smooth journey and tackle the drastic changes in the weather and climatic conditions at the same time.

• Headwear: Scarf or Bandana to cover the head, trekking cap, or sun-brimmed hat, and UV-protected sunglasses
• Upper body wear: Moisture-wicking T-shirt (dry fit ones), long sleeves T-shirt, Thermal wear with fur inside for higher elevation, Down jacket or puffer jacket, windproof jackets
• Lower body wear: Light-weight hiking pants, or shorts
• Equipment: Trekking poles (2 - adjustable ones), Crampons (required only during winter), gloves, a map, reusable water bottle
• Footwear: Hiking Boots or comfortable shoes with a strong grip, and a flip-flop to wear in the tea house
• Travel documents: Permits, Passport (with a photocopy as well), passport-sized photo, travel insurance (if you got one), Nepali cash for personal spending, etc.
• First Aid Kit: Basic precautionary medicines like Sinex, diarrhea, and your regular medicines, oximeter - to check your pulse rate, water purification tablet - to purify the water

Tips for a Successful Journey from Pokhara to Thorong La Pass

1. Estimate your personal expenses daily, considering hot showers, snacks or souvenir purchases, laundry services, and bring the cash accordingly. Try bringing Nepali rupees, as the debit or credit card services aren't available at some sections; however, if you have dollars, indian currency, or euros, then it is acceptable at many tea houses. At the same time, atm services are only available in Pokhara.
2. The wifi services are available in every tea house, which costs you almost USD 2-3, depending on the tea houses; however, to communicate with your loved ones back home, we highly suggest you buy a SIM card of NTC or NCELL, and buy some data to use it along the trekking trail.
3. After crossing Manang over 3000 meters, the electric sockets cannot be found attached to the room, so you must head to the dining area to plug in the gadgets for charging. Hence, consider bringing 1 power bank with you to quickly charge and avoid the queue for a while.
4. To save your extra personal spending, pack in the snacks, like a Snickers or granola bars, dry fruits, or any kind of healthy items, that keep you persistent and tummy happy at the same time, and a reusable water bottle.
5. Monitor your pulse rate via oximeter, and if you feel any sort of discomfort or difficulties, or early symptoms of AMS, like severe headaches, vomiting, dizziness, or loss of control, then inform the guide immediately.

How to make bookings secured with us?

If you are willing to make our 8 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara package with us, then it is highly suggested to make 20% of the total trip cost beforehand, just to grab the package deal, or you can say booking, so that we can manage the best logistics available for you.

The rest of the amount 80% can be made after you arrive here in Nepal - Kathmandu (the capital city), in person, whereas, for the last-minute booking, 100% payment must be made, which can be made through the online form or website, or if you have any confusion, then, you can directly mail us, at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com or just whats app or directly call us at +977 9851016814 anytime, we always look forward to assist you.