Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days

Essential Info

Weather and Best Period for the Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days

The Annapurna circuit trekking trail has every right to be called the classic trek as it dazzles its visitors with extremely diverse terrain and weather patterns.

Within 14 days of the journey, you will experience from the subtropical environment among the rhododendron, palm, and bamboo trees to alpine weather in the yak pasture, on moraine mounds under glaciers, and in a dry semi-desert reminiscent of Tibetan landscapes.

However, the Annapurna region is very much impacted by the monsoon rains, therefore, it is essential that we choose the right time for this trekking.

We suggest you take on the Annapurna circuit trek 14 days journey in the autumn and spring seasons. Autumn often starts from the mid-September days and continues to reign till November. Spring on the other hand stretches from March till the May days.

The internet may say anything but both seasons present a similar optimal condition for trekking. In both these seasons, you can expect brilliant sunny days with heat hovering between 22 to 27 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in the night.

True, nature will be very enchanting and actively transitioning into a beauty resembling a paradise. But, once you reach Pisang, you may have to endure slightly frosty mornings and chilly nights.

The Manang and Mustang regions (Jomsom and Kagbeni) will be sunny and dry, though afternoons can bring dusty winds. You may expect to see some snow en route to Thorong La Pass and then Muktinath.

As aforementioned, the monsoon beginning in June and then sometimes extending to early September (Global warming of course) creates challenging trekking conditions, with high humidity and heat between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, along with slippery trails and landslides.

Winter, from December continuing till February, often envelops the Thorong La Pass, Manang, and Mustang in snow. Therefore the winter route will be more suitable for experienced trekkers.

How hard and demanding is Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days?

The Annapurna circuit trek 14 days journey is really the quintessential trekking experience of Nepal that represents the intermediate hiking adventure experience in the mountains.

With determination, motivation, and proper preparation, anyone can take on the challenge of this journey. No doubt, it is beautiful but it is also exhausting demanding you to be vigilant at certain sections of the trail.

To give you an idea, the Annapurna circuit trek spans a distance of 250 km which needs 14 days of travel program. Along the way, you will find your comfort in the high mountain villages but the highest overnight village will be the Thorong Phedi where you will surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and stark highlands.

Your maximum elevation will be the breathtaking height of 5416 m when you reach the top of the Thorong La Pass. The journey to the Pass is not arduous but certainly demanding and long as you traverse the pass to reach Muktinath.

In addition, the diverse terrain from lush forests to the stark, moon-like landscapes of Manang and Mustang with the alpine weather in the Pass add to the challenge.

You should also be geared up for the average daily walking of 5 to 6 hours which will test your endurance. The altitude sickness will be another threat that can elevate the exertion in the trek.

In summary, this trek requires good stamina, and while past walking expereince is advantageous, it is not essential. No mountaineering skills are necessary, as this is primarily a trekking route.

Is Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days suitable for beginners?

The Annapurna circuit trek 14 days journey is certainly preferable for the experienced trekkers who are well-prepared for the journey. The trek has many concerns from the diverse terrain, to changeable weather, to sharp and dramatic inclinations and descents of up to 1000 to 1600 m along with long walking hours.

Additionally, there is a huge almost 5500 m Pass that comes in between you and the Muktinath. However, this doesn’t mean that this is not doable for someone who is just starting out their first mountain adventure.

Right fitness, preparation, training, and health will certainly equip the new hikers with the skills that are required to undertake this trek. Besides, the Annapurna region is very developed now and the trekkers will have comfortable and pleasurable nights after their long tedious journey.

The trail around the Annapurna is also well signposted and we have also put in every endeavor to make this trip reachable to any hiker and traveler. Our porter will lighten your burden while our guide will show you the shortest and most beautiful route.

In fact, this is more manageable than another classic trek of Nepal: the Everest Base Camp Trek.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/ Altitude Sickness) and Acclimatization

The Annapurna Circuit trek is generally considered a reachable hiking journey characterized by wide paths and dirt roads making the trail manageable for most trekkers.

Certainly, the route is not technical, nor hard and strenuous but that doesn’t mean you can underestimate its challenge. The significant high elevation along with the thin atmosphere can be very tiring for your body.

And, once you are at Chame, you will be walking at the highland of more than 2500 m elevation. Generally, this is the point from where most trekkers start to feel the altitude and its side effects.

And, once you cross the threshold of 3500 m at Pisang, your pace will be reduced and you will be overly exerted when scaling the inclination. Thus to speed up the comfortable acclimatization, we have set aside the exploration day at Manang followed by a shorter acclimating hiking journey till you reach Thorong Phedi.

This will allow your bodies to be completely prepared for the nearly 5500 m mark of the Throrong La Pass. Still, it is normal for some of our trekkers to experience moderate symptoms of AMS.

Some may have headaches, some may have swollen extremities, some may have a loss of appetite and some may have problems sleeping. However, these are temporary and will disappear once you are used to the Annapurna air.

However, if they remain, you should immediately tell our guide who will assess your condition and may recommend you to descend or rest at the same altitude for a day or two.

We encourage you to stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you believe it may help, you can consider taking Diamox, but ensure you have no contraindications to the medication.

Preparation and Training for the Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days

Although the Annapurna circuit trek is suitable for hikers of all skill levels with good fitness levels, you should never ignore the importance of preparation and training before the trek. A significant preparation will help you better acclimatize that will to some degree help in preventing AMS.

Preparing for the Annapurna circuit trekking journey requires careful training and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This involves focusing on cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and endurance.

Activities such as jogging, walking, and cycling improve cardiovascular endurance, while exercises such as squats, lunges, and planks build the necessary strength in the legs, core, and upper body.

In addition to engaging in the sport, it is also crucial to have experience in long high-altitude hikes to avoid getting into trouble at the 5416-meter height of the Thorong La Pass.

Therefore, it is also necessary for you to acclimate your body to lower oxygen levels through long hikes and spending time in high-altitude areas.

You can do so by joining the hiking clubs that will take you on such journeys and will prepare you for the real-life challenges of the high mountain trekking.

Likewise, mental preparation through visualization, meditation, and positive self-talk is also important. You can also consult those who have already trekked to the Annapurna trails or even you can talk to our team before you reserve the trip so you will receive the tailored advice.

Alternate Path to the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The often-followed common route to the Annapurna circuit trek always remains busy and crowded. But if you are eager to step away from the hustle and bustle for a few days and want a quiet and peaceful journey, there is also another approach to the Annapurna circuit.

If you take this route, you will travel through some of the most far away raw authentic settlements that will keep you secluded for fewer days. However, you may have to expect the nights in the tents under the clear starry night.

The travel time will be a duration of a fortnight when you will navigate the settlements of Ghalegaon, Bhujung, Ridge Camp, Joli Kharka, Thulo Tal, Phulu, Kori, Tasa Kharka, Sikles, Ghawchok to go around the massif of Annapurna till you make return to Pokhara.

Additionally, there are also numerous other options to enrich your Annapurna circuit trek experience. Integration of Ghorepani and Poon Hill routes will be the best one if you like the elegant fusion of comfort and nature.

You can also choose to step in the sanctuary of the Annapurna commonly known as the Annapurna Base Camp to get dominated by the monstrous presence of the huge Himalayas.

For a far more adventurous thrill, you can also consider merging the World Highest Lake Trek to Tilicho in your Annapurna circuit trek journey from which you will have to change your route from Manang to Khangsar.

You can also undertake the Mardi Himal trek or lengthen your Mustang journey from Jomsom to Upper Mustang.

Annapurna Circuit Trek vs EBC (Everest Base Camp) Trek

No doubt, Everest is the one that comes strongly to the mind of every trekker when hearing the name of Nepal. But Annapurna with its expansive circuit and diverse landscape has also its own distinct allure as well and it will be much lighter on your wallet too.

Both are identified as the classic trek of Nepal that do not need the tent stay as there are small lodges along the entire route ready to host and feed the hikers.

However, there are certain peculiarities too which differentiate the two adventures. Considering the time, the Annapurna Circuit trek can be completed in approximately 14 days or even less, thanks to the various routes available and the well-constructed trails.

The Everest Base Camp trek can also be accomplished within 14 days; however, it will be more costly with the flight involved to Lukla. An alternative route can be followed by walking in the footsteps of Edmund Hilary with a hike beginning from Jiri to Lukla but its time consuming and demanding.

Additionally, there is the option of trekking to Gokyo and crossing the Cho La Pass, which is commonly called the Everest Circuit trek which requires a minimum time limit of 17 days. Therefore, to reach Everest Base Camp without flying and return via the same route, a timeframe of 20 to 25 days is essential.

When we consider the difficulty level, anyone can take on the challenge of both routes but the Annapurna circuit is more gentler in comparison. After Thorong La Pass is crossed, the days will be almost downhill.

In the case of Everest, the hikers will encounter new ascents both to and from the base camp. Additionally, trekkers spend less time in high altitudes in the Annapurna circuit trek while in Everest, they will have to spend almost a week above 4000 m.

And, when we look at the landscape, Annapurna is more greener and diverse. Hikers will experience a range of environments from forested areas to the Tibetan highlands. Khumbu on the other hand is more barren, hard, rugged, and more difficult to appreciate.

So you can’t really say which is superior to which one, both treks are the classic beauties that will take you to two different Himalayan realms of Nepal.

Sleeping and Eating

As a professional tour operator specializing in the Annapurna Circuit trek, we offer you comprehensive services to ensure a safe and memorable hiking experience. We will organize your logistics such as transportation, accommodation, eating, and necessary permits and paperwork.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, a double-person sharing room in a quality three-star hotel will be offered for your night stay. While on the trekking segment, the mountain shelters or lodges will be your overnight locations where basic amenities will be provided to you.

You will have single beds, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. At the same time, there are now lodges available that offer comfort and amenities, such as private rooms, hot showers, and meals.

In Pokhara and Kathmandu, breakfast will be included, while lunch and dinner will be yours to explore. During the trekking phase, three times meals will be provided at these shelters, where you can try local dishes such as dal bhat, Tibetan momo, etc. You can also try out Yak meats and burgers when in Kagbeni.

Transportation

We know traveling can be stressful so getting to and from the airport should be the most relaxing and reliable way to relieve some of that stress.

Therefore, we have organized for you efficient fleet, pickup, and drop-off services from and to TIA. Our friendly drivers and comfortable vehicles will be at TIA and at your hotel promptly waiting for you to greet you with a smile and take you to your destination.

Regarding the other travel part, you will feel the excitement when you ride the bus along the serpentine mountain roads from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar.

From Besi Sahar, you will then hop in the local shared jeep for your transfer to Jagat. On your return from Jomsom, you will take the bus back to Pokhara and then continue your adventure to Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an indispensable part of our Annapurna Circuit trek. Without it, we won’t be able to organize the necessary permits so please ensure that you send us a copy of your policy when you book your trip.

Travel insurance is also necessary for your own protection which will shield you from potential risks and challenges that may arise during your international journey.

Trekking in any part of the world means you are exposed to various uncertainties such as illness, accidents, lost luggage, or unexpected changes in travel plans.

Please be aware that medical expenses in Nepal can be very pricey and if it needs rescue and transportation, then it will quickly turn into a heavy load to your wallet.

Additionally, issues like flight cancellations or urgent returns to your home country can also lead to a heavy financial burden. Therefore, when you purchase travel insurance for our Annapurna Circuit Trek, make sure to check that your travel insurance covers all geographic areas of your destination.

Make sure your insurance fully covers medical and emergency expenses along with high-risk activities such as hiking to an altitude of more than 5500 m. It should also be valid for the exact duration of your trip.

Important Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

After you decide to be a part of our Annapurna Circuit trek, we will need to submit a request to the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu for two compulsory permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permits.

The TIMS will enable the authorities to trace your location if any emergency rescue has to be carried out in the vent of disaster or incident. The ACAP will allow you to hike through the preserved territory of the Annapurna.

A payment of 2000 NPR will be required for the TIMS and a payment of 3000 NPR for the ACAP. We will be responsible for handling and managing the permit procedures for you.