Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most rewarding and famous routes you can do in Nepal. Here you will find natural beauty, diverse landscapes and cultural encounters. It is actually one of the most immersive ways to experience the country and a trekking paradise according to lots of people that had the opportunity to walk this trail.
As you walk, you will find Tibetan temples, subtropical lowlands and snowy mountain highs. For shelter and food you can enter one of the teahouses you will find along the way. For sure you will need to rest because the elevation gain along the circuit is really big. You start at 760m above sea level and reach 5,416m which definitely affects your body, depending on your expertise level.
How difficult is the trek?
The Annapurna Trail presents a physical challenge for trekkers but as long as you are well prepared you will be able to reach the top. There are some things you have to take into account if you are planning to go on this adventure:
- Altitude sickness: The trek reaches high altitudes so acclimatization is important. Go slow so that your body can adjust to the change, go to higher altitudes during the day and descend a little to sleep well, keep hydrated and listen to your body, if you are feeling unwell, speak to someone and seek help if necessary.
- Weather conditions: In winter or early spring the snow and cold temperatures can add difficulty to the trek. Keep this in mind to choose the correct time for your visit and dress accordingly. The best time to trek is autumn (September through November) and spring (March through May) with autumn having the best temperatures and less rain.
- Diverse terrain: As you ascend, you will encounter a spectrum of landscapes. You will walk through lush forests, terraced fields and rugged mountain passes. The terrain has a lot of challenges like uneven paths, steep ascents and descents, so you should be prepared for this.
- Physical endurance: This trek involves walking for a long period of time, around 5 to 7 hours, on a terrain that varies. This means you should have a good fitness level. You can train before walking the trail with cardio and strengths exercises. We recommend that you use your footwear and bag in your practice trails to get used to them.
Annapurna Circuit Trek map
The Annapurna trail goes all around the Annapurna Mountain Range. The trek can take between 12 and 22 days as you trail approximately 160-260 km. We share with you this map created by Boundless Adventure where you can see the main and secondary routes with the highlights of the trail.
The trek is a loop, so you won’t be seeing the same views twice and you will definitely be amazed by the beautiful scenery every step of the way. You typically start in the sub-tropical municipality of Besisahar and finish up in Pokhara.
Do I need a guide?
Hiring a guide is not mandatory to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, it is highly recommended for all trekkers, solo or in a group. This is especially important to inexperienced trekkers that aren’t familiar with the terrain. Given the challenges that this adventure entails, having a guide can help you in a better acclimatization, carrying less weight and in avoiding the most difficult terrain.
A new regulation from the government of Nepal was made effective in April 2023. It mandates that all trekkers must now be accompanied by a licensed guide. Nonetheless, Annapurna did not adhere to it.
The decision is up to you. If you have previous trekking experience and are familiar with the terrain, you can try going solo. But if you don’t have experience and you wish to not worry about choosing the best route and have help if you need it, then we strongly recommend you hire a guide.
