2 Sep 2024 Himalaya Trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners might be a moderately challenging trek in Nepal. The trek takes you to the off-beaten remote paths of Nepal, where you will explore the barren landscapes of the Annapurna region. Beginners who do not have prior experience hiking in such conditions have to be extra careful and look for help and assistance at every step of the trek.
This blog will discuss the Annapurna Circuit Trek for beginners and share some tips for overcoming problems. These tips will help you make the trek less challenging and more fun. So, let’s get into it.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Introduction
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the best treks in the world because of its stunning natural views, diverse landscapes, and cultural experience. It is as popular as other treks in Nepal, like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trek takes you through green forests, charming villages, and landscapes, including deserts.
You’ll also see beautiful mountain views of Annapurna, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Ganesh Himal. The 14-day Annapurna circuit trek starts in Besisahar, a village near Kathmandu, Nepal. You’ll pass through charming villages like Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani during the trek. One of the biggest attractions of the trek is reaching Thorong La Pass, the highest peak at 5416m.
During your trek, taking a break at the Poon Hill viewpoint and visiting Muktinath Temple is essential for getting used to the high altitudes. Spending a day in Manang is also necessary for acclimatization. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the local lifestyle, culture, ancient monasteries, Ghumbas, and meditation caves. Hence, Annapurna Circuit Trek is for you if you want to indulge in one of the best adventurous treks on the off-the-beaten-path in Nepal.
Challenges of Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners
Many higher-altitude trekking destinations have risks and challenges that the trekkers must overcome, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek is no different. These challenges create more difficulty for the trekkers, and they mainly influence the beginners even more since they don’t have prior experience. Some risks and challenges beginners can face during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Altitude Sickness
One significant challenge beginners face in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the high altitude. During a high-altitude trek like the ACT, you will trek above 5000m. At such high altitudes, the chance of altitude sickness becomes more probable. Altitude sickness arises when the body fails to cope with the lower oxygen levels at a high altitude.
The significant symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, and aching of bones. These are the mild symptoms of altitude sickness, whereas there are also severe symptoms when the victim suffers from HACE and HAPE. At the time, they need to lower their altitude and also need immediate medical attention.
Long Distance and Duration
Another challenge that the trekkers face during their trek to the Annapurna Circuit is the long distance and duration. The ACT is one of the most challenging treks, with an average duration of 12 to 15 days. Furthermore, trekkers must trek for 7 to 8 hours daily from teahouse to teahouse. If you are an experienced trekker, trekking for so long each day and for such a prolonged duration will create some difficulty and affect the beginners even more.
Off the Beaten Tracks
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the remote Nepali trekking destinations. From the first day of the trek to the last, the trekkers will explore the remote wilderness of the Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes hikers through various landscapes, from dry, barren lands to lush green forests, rocky peaks, snowy mountains, and glacial moraines near Tilicho Lake. However, these diverse terrains can challenge trekkers with steep ascents and descents. Being physically fit enough to navigate these challenging terrains is essential.
Remote Wilderness
Another significant challenge new beginners will encounter during the Annapurna Circuit trek is the area’s remoteness. Although the Annapurna region is entirely developed in the lower areas, you will reach the remote location when you climb the elevation. At these locations, the services and infrastructure are not luxurious. For example, most nights, your accommodation will be a simple teahouse instead of a big hotel. You will not be able to get many services like health posts, hospitals, and communications, and you will have to depend on limited resources.
Dynamic Weather
Trekking at a high altitude like the ACT is always risky due to unstable weather. Trekkers can feel constant weather changes at these high elevations, from sunny days to blistering winds, heavy rainfalls, and thick snowstorms and blizzards. These weathers are more stable during the Spring and Autumn seasons, whereas they become more dynamic in the monsoon and winter seasons. Hence, trekking to choose in the ideal trekking conditions must be beneficial, especially if you are new to trekking.
Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners
Choose the Ideal Season for Trek
The main tip any beginner trekker can get is to choose the ideal trekking season. There are two ideal trekking seasons in Nepal: spring and autumn. In these two seasons, the trekkers will experience ideal trekking conditions like clear weather, mild temperatures, and stunning views of the mountains and skies. As you choose the ideal trekking season, you may also want to avoid the off-season, like winter and monsoon.
Physical Fitness
The Annapurna Circuit Trek, like other treks in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, is physically demanding. The trek typically takes 10 to 14 days, with daily treks lasting about six to seven hours. To prepare for this challenge, it’s essential to be physically fit by doing cardiovascular exercises, which can improve core strength. The main goal of trekking at a high altitude is to enjoy the trek and not be tired constantly, so make sure you are physically fit.
Obtain Essential Permits
Another important tip that all trekkers new to the Annapurna Circuit can receive is obtaining all the necessary permits. Remember that exploration of the ACT without obtaining a permit is not eligible. For the ACT trekking, you need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. Since the trekking circuit passes through the conservation area, it is a must, and the TIMS card is to moderate the total number of trekkers visiting the region.
Obtain Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is exceptionally essential for anyone trying to experience high-altitude trekking. Its primary purpose is to protect the trekkers from incurring unnecessary additional expenses. Travel insurance covers the costs of medical emergencies, helicopter rescues, loss of luggage, damage to property, etc. However, you can’t redeem all the expenses, such as expenses incurred by negligence, drug abuse, recklessness, and acts of terrorism.
Respect Local Culture
It would help if you were wary of their local culture and tradition when trekking in a new place like the Annapurna region. Remember that the Annapurna region’s people are amiable and welcoming, so you can quickly learn about their rituals, life, culture, and tradition. However, asking permission if you want to click photos or participate in their traditions is also polite.
Major Attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La Pass
The Thorong La or Thorung La Pass trek is one of the highest trekking trails in the world. It is located on the border of Nepal’s Manang and Mustang districts and is popular with tourists. Although it’s known as the Annapurna Circuit trek, it’s also commonly called the Thorong La Pass trek. During this trek, you will reach the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m from the sea level.
One of the main attractions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the stunning views from the top of the Thorong La Pass ridge. You will see breathtaking views of mountains like Manaslu 8153, Mt Annapurna II 7940, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Throng la Peak, Dhaulagiri 8,167 meters, Nilgiri, Annapurna south, Fishtails, and many more peaks.
Pokhara
Pokhara is another major attraction of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Most of the significant Annapurna trek starts from Pokhara. When the trekkers reach Pohara, they can instantly enjoy one central sightseeing spot: Fewa Lake. Many trekkers can boat in the Fewa Lake and shop around the local towns. The nightlife of Pokhara is also one of the most beautiful, so you can visit local restaurants, pubs, and discos to entertain yourselves. You can also spend some time in Pokhara when you return here at the end of the trek and visit the local places.
Jomsom
Jomsom is also another fantastic place to visit during the ACT. It is the gateway to the lower Mustang trek, which is popular in the Annapurna region. The Jomsom Trek along the Kali Gandaki river valley to Muktinath is a three-day trek. You can reach Jomsom from Pokhara by walking through culturally rich villages like Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Tatopani, Ghasa, and Kande or taking the road. Recently constructed roads connect Jomsom to Pokhara and vice versa.
Muktinath
Just a few miles away from Jomsom is Muktinath Temple, a religious site for Hindus and Buddhists. During your trek to Muktinath, you will see majestic views of the mountains, peaks, and valleys. Muktinath is a sacred site for trekkers from neighboring countries and a splendid place to explore and take stunning photos. Exploring Muktinath not only helps raise awareness of local tourism but also gives trekkers a lifetime memory.
Packing List for Annapurna circuit trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is pretty complicated, so making it as easy as possible is essential. You have to carry all the necessary clothing, gear, equipment, etc., to be prepared for the challenging conditions of the high altitude. Here are some of the items you may need to pack for your expedition.
- House clothes
- Thermal socksSpares
- Duffel bag
- Ski trousers and over pants
- Inner gloves
- Hiking socks
- Trainers
- Fleece jacket
- Winter sleeping bag
- Waterproof winter jacket
- Hydration bladder and water bottles
- Neck gaiters or balaclavas
- Base layers
- Windbreaker
- Sports underwear
- Trekking shirts
- Sunhat or sports cap
- Trekking boots
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Backpack
- Rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Warm hat
Conclusion
Hence, if you are a beginner at trekking, consider the Annapurna Circut Trekking to ensure you are well prepared. It is one of the most complicated treks for beginners since they have to trek at high altitudes and long distances, and the trek has a long duration and remoteness. Beginners who have no prior experience will feel more challenged than veterans. So, it is wise for them to ensure they are trekking in ideal conditions.
They should trek in the correct season and hire guides or porters to lessen their challenge and make it more tiring. The trekkers also ensure they have at least one day for acclimatization in their trekking itinerary. So we hope that if you are a beginner, you follow this advice and decide to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
FAQs
What is the highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The highest elevation of the ACT is the Thorong La Pass, which is 5416m. During this trek, you will reach the majestic pass above the altitude of 5000m, from which you can see beautiful mountain views like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.
How much training do you need for Annapurna Circuit?
For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the trekkers must travel at least 15 km daily, about 6 to 7 hours daily. Hence, it would be best to do intense training before trekking. Make sure you exercise, swim, jog, or hike with backpacks.
Which is more challenging, Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp?
The ACT is more complex in the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp Trek because you will trek in the complete wilderness. In both treks, you will be trekking over the 5000m ranges, but the trek of the EBC becomes more accessible, and ACT is a bit less accessible than the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Which mountains are visible during the Annapurna Circuit trek?
Some of the mountains that you can see during the Annapurna Circuit Trek are Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. During these treks, you can see the pristine mountains and majestic sunrise and sunset views.
Which is the initial place to start the Annapurna Circuit?
The initial place to start the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Besisahar. The trek begins from Kathmandu with a jeep ride to Besisahar, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. From Besisahar, the trek stars, and the first point to reach is Dharapani. Besisahar is one of the beautiful remote small villages in the Annapurna Region.
