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Lakeside (north and south) is the best location in Pokhara to select a cozy accommodation. There are several hotels, homestays and hostels, ranging from luxury to budgeted rooms. Not only the location presents amazing mountain views but also buzzes with daily routine, cultural programs, and numerous international backpackers.
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What sets the Annapurna Circuit trek apart is its treacherous terrain and a topography which is a favorite of adventure lovers. The views of Annapurna massif as well as other eight-thousanders including Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Mt. Manasalu (8163 m), are unforgettable. Memories of Manang, a beautiful hamlet, the Muktinath temple which is a holy site for followers of Hinduism and Buddhism and crossing the Thorung La Pass at an altitude of 5416m will remain with you forever.
The Annapurna circuit trek is a difficult hike and requires you to prepare diligently with the target of attaining your peak fitness by the time you land in Kathmandu. The terrain is taxing to your muscles and the thin air at high altitudes increases the risk of altitude sickness. Hence adequate acclimatisation is a must. The treks require two permit cards, which are TIMS, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Both these cards could be issued at either the Tourism Board Office at Kathmandu or Tourist Information center at Pokhara, open 10 am to 5 pm every day.
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The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers a distance of roughly 160 kilometers to 230 kilometers. The entire trek duration is approximately 15 to 20 days, though super-fit and seasoned trekkers have been known to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek within 14 days.
The duration of the trek also depends on your itinerary. If your itinerary includes embarking on some lesser-known yet spectacular side treks while returning to the base location, then it may get extended.
Annapurna I- 8091 meters tall and the 10th highest peak globally, is one of the stalwarts in the Annapurna Massif. While climbing the Annapurna is very dangerous with a 32% fatality rate, the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek also contains treacherous trails witnessing unpredictable climate. Apart from its snow-covered peaks, the entire Annapurna region is prone to high-velocity wind and snowfall throughout the year and increases the trek's technical difficulties.
Besides, the Annapurna region is a very sensitive avalanche-prone area. The snowstorms and avalanches not only make the trek more complicated, but these are also known to claim the lives of climbers who are on their way to scale the Annapurna.
If you are trekking to the Annapurna Circuit, be mindful of the budget. The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost varies around 20 to 21 USD per day per person, excluding airfare, food, accommodation, and additional gear costs. Ultimately, the average Annapurna Circuit Trek cost varies between 970 USD to 1200 USD per person.
The Everest region is in Eastern Nepal, whereas the Annapurna region is situated in central and north-central Nepal. Thus, it is impossible to see Everest from Annapurna Base Camp or any part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
You can definitely do the Annapurna Circuit Trek solo. Since it is prevalent and one of the classic Nepalese Himalayan treks, you will find many solo travelers on the same trail, and there is a possibility of you buddying up to form small groups.
But there are certain things that you should be wary of. Hiking solo is definitely cheaper than booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek package with renowned travel companies and tour operators. While hiking solo gives you a lot of freedom to go where you want and not stick to a predefined itinerary, it also comes with potential downsides. The cons weigh more than the pros. You have to arrange and organize your tea-house accommodations, or it could happen that you don't find an excellent place to stay. You have to carry all your luggage and permits or recruit local porters and guides from Kathmandu and Pokhara to travel alongside.
A trained professional helps you tread across the treacherous parts of the trail and even identify AMS symptoms. They can also help regulate the speed of the hike. Traveling solo brings safety concerns. Female solo hikers should always look for female porters and travel guides to avoid harassment. Compared to group expeditions, there is a notoriously high rate of solo travelers disappearing en-route.
The starting elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 760 meters at Besisahar. The Annapurna Circuit Trek's highest point is the Thorung La Pass, situated at the height of 5416 meters.
In the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you cover a trail across the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach the MBC, closely followed by the ABC- situated at 4130 meters. On the other hand, in the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you generally follow an anticlockwise trail spread across central and north-central Nepal to go round the Annapurna Massif and reach the Thorung La Pass- the highest point of the trek, situated at 5416 meters.
There is also a considerable difference between the two treks in terms of distance. While the ABC Trek is 67 km long, the Annapurna Circuit Trek extends from 160 to 230 km. The usual duration of the ABC Trek is 9 to 10 days, whereas it is 15 to 20 days for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
If you are unsure about the choices before you- ABC Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to consider a few parameters before embarking on the most suitable one.
Fitness and experience: Since the ABC Trek has a lesser length (67 km) and elevation (4130 m) compared to the Annapurna Circuit Trek that is 160 to 230 km long, with the highest point being 5416 m, the latter demands a more significant physical strain than the former. Experience of prior high-altitude mountain expeditions also counts. So if you can bank on your fitness and experience, you can venture on the more difficult one.
Views: Both the ABC and the Annapurna Circuit Trek offer fantastic views. While from the ABC, you will be able to witness the Macchapucchre or the Fish Tail Peak, the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, etc., the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you around the Annapurna Massif. It enables you to have exciting views of the Annapurna I- IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, Paungda Danda, Macchapucchre, etc.
Budget: Though your food and lodging experiences during the ABC Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek are comparable, the latter has a more extensive itinerary. Hence the final budget of the Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes more.
Difficulty level: Both the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the ABC Trek are moderately complex. The drastic gain and loss of elevation and the extensive trails increase the difficulty level, apart from the unpredictable weather conditions. You need to keep a tab on the difficulty level and sort your preferred trail accordingly.
According to expert trekkers who have been to Nepal quite a few times, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of those life-altering experiences. The trek takes you across a circuitous trail around the Annapurna Massif, one of the world's colossal and significant mountain systems. The entire Annapurna Trek keeps you captivated throughout.
The 16-20 days that you spend on the trail will create enriching experiences that you can cherish all your life. From soaking in the visual splendor of mother nature to walking across varying climatic zones and terrains, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a flurry of upsides. You can even step into the quaint villages and enjoy the amicable Nepalese people's hospitality during your stay at the tea-houses.
But what drives these people from around the world to come back to this challenging trek? The thrill of embarking on a dangerous expedition could be one of the plausible reasons. Many amongst us get an adrenaline boost from doing things that involve some risk. For others, the spectacular scenery of the Annapurna Massif is enough!
The Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the Massif and lets you enjoy the world's mightiest peaks from close quarters. This coveted trail stretches across central Nepal. The Annapurna Massif encloses Annapurna I to IV, Gangapurna, Macchapucchre, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Paungda Danda, and Pisang Peak, amongst others. Apart from featuring the tenth highest peak globally- Annapurna I (8091 meters), the Massif is home to several other peaks ranging from 6000 to 8000 meters.
The highest point of this Annapurna Trek is the Thorung La Pass (5416 meters), located at the Tibetan plateau's edge. The distance varies depending on the route taken and whether you are embarking on the optional side treks. But generally, the trek length is 160 to 230 kilometers. Most of the trekkers hike anticlockwise as it offers a gradual altitude gain and enables them to cross the risky Thorung La Pass in a much safer and easier way. This extensive Circuit Trek concludes at the Kali Gandaki Gorge, considered the deepest gorge globally.
One of the most incredible upsides of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is that it can be done solo or in a group. While going solo has its unique advantages like solitude, not adhering to a fixed itinerary, and is relatively cheap. However, there are potential dangers. These include hazardous areas, risk of acute mountain sickness, the hassle of carrying all your luggage and gears alone, booking accommodation and organizing permits, and personalizing your itinerary.
In contrast, going as part of a group will relieve you of the burden of carrying luggage, organizing permits and booking accommodation in tea-houses all by yourself. The tour operator or the travel company will do all these on your behalf and will also engage responsible guides and porters who will keep you updated about the local stories and information while assisting you throughout the trail. But you have to adhere to a specific itinerary, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost becomes quite steep when you are a part of the group expedition.
Some of the unique offerings that the Annapurna Circuit Trek has for every hiker are discussed below.
According to expert hikers and seasoned campaigners who have frequented the Annapurna Circuit trails, the trek's difficulty level ranges from moderate to somewhat challenging. The evergreen three rules of mountaineering apply here as well - it is further, taller, and more demanding than it looks! The difficulty level can be attributed to the following points.
You need to replenish your senses with the breathtaking spectacles and natural beauties around, or else it is easy to lose motivation.
As it is customary for most Nepalese Himalayan Treks, the Annapurna Circuit Trek should also be undertaken during the pre-Monsoon/Spring-Summer and the post-monsoon/Autumn seasons. The pre-Monsoon season stretches from the end of February to early June, whereas late-September to the beginning of December constitutes the post-Monsoon season. The Annapurna Circuit Trek best time befalls these seasons.
Nearly perfect weather conditions characterize these two very distinct trekking seasons. The skies are mostly clear, but you never know when it turns cloudy, especially if you embark on the expedition during the pre-Monsoon season. Apart from that, the weather conditions are hot and balmy in the lower regions, whereas the high-altitudes are cool and rejuvenating with light snow. The level of snow increases in the post-monsoon trekking period.
For some daredevil souls, the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary spans the frigid months of December and January. Though the conditions are extreme, and there is a chance of encountering severe blizzards that drape the Thorung La Pass with massive quantities of snow, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But you should refrain from venturing close to the Monsoons as the heavy Monsoonal-Summer downpour creates a slippery trail and gives rise to dangerous conditions across the trail.
Though it is essential to pack for every eventuality, you should also try to minimize your luggage. Even if you are part of a group expedition, carrying massive luggage quantities means your porter will be subjected to more strain. Thus, you should ditch the unnecessary stuff and carry only the bare essentials.
You should carry both light and comfortable clothing for the daytime hikes and warm and heavy clothes for the frigid nights and when you cross the altitude of 3000 meters. Moreover, rains are pretty common so you should carry waterproof clothes and footwear. You should take a few pairs of hiking pants, shorts, a pair of waterproof pants, a couple of light shirts, thermal tops and bottoms, a fleece or wool jacket, one goose-down jacket, and a few pairs of socks and underwear.
A beanie and a buff should be carried consistently, apart from thick gloves or mittens. Carry sunglasses to escape the glare of the daytime sun and hiking poles to tread comfortably on the trail. Good-quality and robust waterproof hiking boots of superior make are one of the essential things that you require for your trek. Apart from this, you should take a spare pair of shoes for your time at the tea-house.
A well-stocked medical kit will keep you prepared against unexpected events and medical emergencies during your trek. Carrying band-aids and blister plasters will prevent blisters from causing irritation while you trek. Apart from these, Immodium to avert diarrhea, antihistamine tablets for protection against allergies, antibacterial creams for cuts and scratches, anti-nausea tablets for motion sickness, anti-inflammatory gel for injuries or other flare-ups, ibuprofen for pain relief are mandatory.
Water safety is also a massive issue in Nepal, and once you hike up to great heights, fresh drinking water becomes quite rare. So apart from a medical kit, you should carry provisions like water purification tablets that will enable you to drink fresh, palatable water.
Taking utmost care of your health and hygiene is imperative for a successful Annapurna Trek. Carrying toiletries and essential hygiene products like toothpaste and toothbrush, towel, shampoo, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizers, lip balm, face and body moisturizers, sunscreen, nail clippers are a must. Women ought to carry sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups. Besides, always keep wet wipes and extra rolls of toilet paper handy since maintaining hygiene in the Nepalese Himalayas should be your initiative.
The TIMS card and ACAP permit are the two most essential permits that you need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. As of 2019, the combined cost of both is roughly 50 USD. If you are traveling with a tour operator or a travel agency as part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek package, they will take care of these permits. In contrast, you have to organize the same from the Nepal Tourism Office based out of Kathmandu if you wish to trek solo.
Apart from these essential permits, you should keep other travel documents handy. These include your visa, passport, a few copies of your passport-sized photographs, voucher, travel insurance, air tickets, map and guide book, a considerable amount of Nepalese currency, etc.
Sometimes, the beds you get at the tea-houses are hard as rocks and not warm enough. In addition to that, the tea-houses may lack insulation at times due to their rudimentary construction. So, expecting a fireplace to warm yourselves in your room could be a misjudgement. Carry a sleeping bag with a hood and an insulated mat to keep yourself warm and sleep comfortably.
Charging your electronic devices is a costly affair as you trek higher up the Annapurna Circuit trails. Therefore, carry extra batteries, charger, power bank, headlamps, plug adaptors, and memory cards apart from your mobile phones and cameras.
Apart from trekking poles and suitable water bottles, you can also carry binoculars, earplugs, and eye masks for your convenience.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek spans for 15/16 and could even extend up to 18-20 days. Then again, some veteran trekkers might complete the entire trek within 14 days. Anyway, the itinerary below is the usual one that spans 18 days. Let's take a look.
You need to be physically and mentally fit to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek successfully. While most of us focus on physical fitness, we tend to neglect the psychological side. Some days it could be tough to hike further. There might be an unprecedented danger that springs on the way. Or you could get affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Keeping a steely resolve and looking for the prize that lies ahead could do the trick for you.
You need to be physically fit, but that does not mean that the Annapurna Trek demands a marathon fitness level for you to be a part of it. Though most trekking itinerary comprises 5-6 hours of trekking with plenty of rest and lunch break, you might need to rise early and set forth for 8-9 hours of trekking on certain days. On other days, you might have to cover 20 kilometers across Nepalese flatlands.
Thus, you should build your general endurance and do cardiovascular exercises for a couple of months before beginning the trek. Include cardiovascular workouts like swimming, running, cycling, and consecutive days of long walks, preferably through undulating terrain, into your weekly training schedule. You can also try carrying a backpack and increase its weight while you embark on these long hikes.
Another critical thing to keep in mind is that you have to get used to your feet being inside boots for days. This could yield spectacular results.
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