Top 10 FAQs about the Annapurna Circuit Trek

27th August 2019

With immaculate natural beauty and diversities, Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered as one of the best mountain trek in Nepal. Every year thousands of trekkers opt Annapurna trail and about 95% of trekkers succeed to complete the trek. So what’s so tempting about this 230km long Annapurna Peaks? It’s clear – The ever changing landscapes, cordial people, ancient religious sites, high passes and of course majestic Himalayan peaks. Importantly, Is Annapurna Circuit Trek right for you? How much does ACT costs? What is the best season for ACT? How difficult is Annapurna Circuit... These are the question that you have probably been asking yourself.

Here top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Annapurna Circuit Trek

How long is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The length of Annapurna Circuit Trek depend on the starting and ending point of the trek. It can be anywhere between 160 km – 230km. To complete the trek, you need as few as 12 days and as many as 25 days, if you opt for a side trips. The short version of Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 12 – 15 days and the full route takes 18 – 25 days.

Some Examples of Annapurna Circuit Trek Route:

Besisahar to Nayapul (full route) – 18 – 25 days Besisahar to Tatopani (then bas and jeep to Pokhara) – 15 days Besisahar to Jomsom – 12 – 14 days (flight to Pokhara) Jagat to Tatopani – Approx. 14 days Chame to Jomsom – Approx. – 12 days

When is the best time to go for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible all year round; however autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May) are the best time of the year to trek ACT. The weather during these seasons tends to remain stable and you will get opportunity to enjoy clear views of Himalayan peaks. Always remember that even though it is not summer, it will much warmer and humid in lower elevation and you can receiver occasional rainfall. The weather will be much cooler above 3,500m.

How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated as the moderate mountain trek in Nepal. Although you don’t need any technical skills, you need to have some hiking experience. The trek will make its way through varied terrain and the elevation changes abruptly. You will encounter a jeep roads that gets muddy after a rainfall, rock steps, steep uphill and downhill full of loose rocks, high passes and desert-like landscapes. The higher you rise the challenging the trek will be due to thin atmosphere. The key to overcome challenge is to walk slow, stay hydrated and acclimatization.

How long do we need to walk every day during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

On average, we have to walk about 6 – 7 hours a day. At some point of the trek, we may even have to walk 8 – 9 hours a day.

What is lodge like on Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done fully on teahouse mode; which means there are teahouse in almost every villages. The rooms are basic and offer shared bathrooms. They offer blanket instead of heater but it is wise to bring your own sleeping bag as it gets very chilly at high elevation. Some teahouses offer hot gas showers for additional fee while some provides tepid water on a bucket.

How much does Annapurna Circuit Trek cost?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek costs anywhere between USD 1,000 to USD 2,000. It depends on the inclusion of services, accommodation, food and transportation used to during the trek.

Do I need permits to trek Annapurna Circuit?

Yes, you need to buy Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS), which cost USD 20 each for individual trekkers. You can buy both permits at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu. For permits, you need to bring passport sized and valid passport with visa.

So I hire a guide/porter?

It is possible to complete the trek without guide and porter. But if you are novice, hiring a guide will enhance your experience and discoveries. Porter will ease the burden by carrying your heavy stuffs. Cost of Guide Per Day: USD 15 – 20 per day Cost of Porter Per Day: USD 8 – 12 per day

Is there Wi-Fi on the trek?

Most of the guesthouse will offer you the Wi-fi either for fee or on a paid basis. The speed of Wi-Fi on mountains is slow, don’t rely on it. Being offline from virtual world for a while is unbelievably relaxing. Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport? Yes, you can get the visa of Nepal from Immigration department after you arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Tourist Visa with multiple entries for 15 days: USD 25, for 30 days: USD 40 and for 90 days: USD 100