| 9 mins read
Himalayas - a place where adventurers, spiritual explorers, and those seeking to find themselves all come together and find the answer to the questions of life, universe, and everything (and it's not 42…or is it?) The himalayas are not just a mountain range but also the starting point of many life-changing stories.
The routes to the heart of this mountain range are many, varying in length, difficulty, ease of access, and many more factors, and one of the most popular and (relatively) easily conquered is the Annapurna Circuit Trail, carving a path through the heart of the Himalayas. Breathtaking scenery, diverse cultures, and a true test of physical and mental fortitude await anyone braving the path, and like any epic journey, meticulous preparation is key to a successful and unforgettable experience. So we are here with the ultimate guide to all the things required to ensure your journey to the majestic mountains is safe, secure, and hassle-free.
Permits and Regulations
Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Obtain these essential permits in Kathmandu. They can be acquired upon arrival, but it's advisable to plan ahead to avoid delays.
Local Guides or Sherpas
Any trip to the mountains necessitates the presence of a local guide or Sherpa, as they are called in Nepal. They handle logistics, ensure high-altitude safety, and offer valuable cultural insights. Most importantly, they give valuable advice on which route to take to the summit of Annapurna Trek based on your interest, duration, and fitness level. Many of the local tour guides are committed to sustainability and fair treatment the environment, being passionate mountaineers themselves.
Accommodation and Food
Annapurna Circuit Trail is one of the most comfortable trails in terms of access to accommodation and food, with an abundance of tea houses (simple guest houses with comfortable beds and basic amenities) lining the trail. Most common stays available in these tea houses are dorm-style rooms with shared accommodations, but contacting your local guide will give you a chance of getting private accommodations if that is your preference.
As for the food, typical Nepali and Indian dishes are available in every tea house, and stalls around the smaller villages have snacks like fruits, “Maggi” noodles, momos and garma-garam adrak chai (piping hot ginger milk tea). Most popular dishes are regional comfort foods like Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), a hearty and filling staple which will be your constant companion. Pancakes, momos (steamed dumplings with savory fillings), and other dishes will round out your meals. Your local guide or Sherpa will be instrumental in acquiring the tea houses with the best amenities and views during the trek.
Although food is readily available in the tea houses, it is a good idea to stack up on energy bars for snacking on the go. Remember, you'll be spending a significant amount of time and energy trekking, so focus on nutritious, high-carb foods to keep you energised.
Packing Essentials
Packing for a trek is different from packing for other vacation spots, as you will need to achieve a fine balance of having everything that is essential at hand, but also have the backpack be within reasonable weight limits as you will be carrying this most of the trek. Choosing a comfortable backpack with proper hip support to distribute weight evenly and packing only the essentials is the way to go. Local guides say that a good rule of thumb is to aim for a pack that holds no more than 25% of your body weight.
Keeping in mind this rule, here are some things you will need to consider:
Embrace All Weather: Be prepared for anything, regardless of the season. Pack layers, including a rain jacket and waterproof pants, for unexpected downpours. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for sunshine, wind, and even snow. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, as the sun's rays can be harsh at high altitudes. Sunglasses deserve a special mention here, as they protect your eyes from the - sometimes violently - reflected light that bounces off of the pristine white snow.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial. Break them in thoroughly before hitting the trail to avoid blisters. Consider adding gaiters to your footwear choices, especially if you'll be trekking during the spring season when there's a chance of encountering snow.
Clothing: Pack layers to adapt to the changing temperatures. Thermals, a good sleeping bag rated for cold weather (especially for higher altitudes), a couple of warm jackets, quick-drying hiking pants, and a pair of hiking shorts are essential. A rain cover for your backpack is also recommended. Remember, even at lower altitudes, nights in the mountains can get chilly.
Gear: Nearly all of the local guides can provide you with good quality rented gear like trekking poles, but if you feel the need to buy your own, Kathmandu has a wealth of trekking gear shops if you do not bring everything from home. The other essential gear is a water purification tablet or a reliable water filtration system to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek, as dehydration is a common cause of altitude sickness.
Health and Hygiene: Pack essential toiletries like sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and personal medications. Blister plasters are a lifesaver to prevent small scrapes from becoming major problems on the trail. Consider adding a headlamp with extra batteries for navigating at night or in low-light conditions.
P.S.: Just because we asked you to pack light, do not forget your cameras! This is one of the most beautiful regions in the world, and you will have to brave the winds and weather to reach the summit - bring a camera (with some extra batteries) to capture the beauty and adventure!
Choosing the Perfect Time
Spring (March to May): Clear skies and vibrant wildflowers paint the landscape, making for stunning photo opportunities. However, spring can also be unpredictable with occasional snowfall at higher elevations.
Autumn (September to November): Comfortable temperatures and majestic snow-capped peaks dominate the views. This is generally considered the ideal trekking season. Be aware that it's also the busiest time on the circuit, so expect to share the trail with more fellow adventurers.
Altitude Awareness
Altitude sickness is a real concern. Respect the gradual ascent rule the local guides put into effect while planning your ascent, as they are the most experienced in making sure no one succumbs to it. The usual rules proposed by the Sherpas are:
Don't sleep more than 500 meters higher than the night before from the 3000-meter mark onwards - This allows your body sufficient time to acclimatize to the thinning air.
Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and mention that to your local guide if you experience any of it.
Descending to a lower altitude is the only surefire way to treat altitude sickness.
Fitness Level
While you don't need to be a super athlete, a good foundation of cardio is recommended. Train for long-distance walking in the weeks leading up to the trek. Building stamina will help you cope with the daily hikes and the challenges of altitude.
Different Routes
There are actually a few different routes you can take for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The most popular route is the classic Annapurna Circuit, which takes you clockwise around the Annapurna mountain group. This route is about 160-230 kilometres long and takes around 12-22 days to complete, depending on the pace suggested by your local guides keeping in mind your fitness level.
Here are some other variations of the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek: This route includes a side trip to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in Nepal. It adds about 3-4 days to the trek.
Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek: This route takes you off the main trail and into the remote Nar Phu Valley. This valley was closed to foreigners until 2009, offering a chance to see a more traditional way of life. This adds about 5-7 days to the trek.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek: This shorter trek only goes as far as Muktinath. This is a good option for those short on time or not acclimatised to high altitudes. This trek takes about 7-10 days to complete.
Be A Sustainable and Responsible Traveller
As the Annapurna Trail is becoming more and more popular, the need for being a responsible traveller and not leaving the gorgeous mountain range worse than we found it is getting higher. Follow these simple and easy to follow rules to ensure your vacation is a happy one for the locals too!
Immerse yourself in the local culture and treat it with respect. Learn a few basic Nepali phrases to greet locals and express gratitude. Dress modestly in villages and monasteries, especially when visiting religious sites.
Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
Pack biodegradable toiletries whenever possible.
Dispose of waste properly in designated bins.
Choose teahouses and trekking companies committed to sustainable practices.
Support the local economy by hiring local guides, and buying souvenirs and handmade crafts from local vendors.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Money: Nepalese rupees are the preferred currency during the trek. While some teahouses may accept credit cards, cash is still king. It's advisable to stock up on rupees in Kathmandu before you start the hike. ATMs will not be available until you reach Jomsom at the end of the circuit.
Downtime: While the trek involves a lot of walking, you will have some downtime in the evenings at teahouses. You can use this time to relax and engage with the locals with your Sherpa as a translator and a bridge between you and the residents. Socialise with fellow trekkers to expand your worldview and make new friends! This downtime is essential not only in forming meaningful friendships, but will also give your body some time to acclimatise to the altitude.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. With careful planning, proper preparation, and a sense of adventure, you can conquer this challenging but rewarding journey.