The Annapurna Circuit Trail is one of the world's most famous trekking routes. The Annapurna Circuit trail takes you across the entire Annapurna massifs in the Annapurna region, including crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and walking along the edge of the world's deepest gorge (Kaligandaki Gorge). 

The Annapurna Circuit is a breathtakingly gorgeous and interesting journey taking you into deep gorges, desolate high mountain passes, Buddhist temples, charming farming towns, and all of the Annapurna Massif's major peaks. Furthermore, this Annapurna circuit walk path passes through a series of Nepalese communities, allowing you to see some of the unique and diverse cultures of ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Magars, Tamang, Thakali, and others. 

However, the trekking paths of this world-famous journey are no more trekking paths but are more like motor roads. Due to infrastructure development, the classic Annapurna Circuit trail is being shadowed and the lifestyles of the region are changing which were the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

Some still follow these motorable turned roads during their walk while some might not want to spend their time on dusty and paved paths. So, we have designed a package called “Annapurna Circuit Tour” for those who want to skip trekking on motorable roads. Our Annapurna Circuit Alternative Journey is also ideal for those who have limited time but wants to experience the Annapurna Circuit Trail. 

 

Trip Highlights

• Trek and drive along with one of the world's deepest gorges, the Kali Gandaki.
• A challenging and exciting journey to the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest passes in the world
• Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
• Take in the sights and sounds of Nepal's diverse terrain and culture

Challenges during Annapurna Circuit Tour

There are many difficulties and challenges when doing a high-altitude or Himalayan journey. This Annapurna Circuit Tour is a moderate-level journey in terms of difficulty level. And travelers might face a few challenges during this journey. 

There are chances of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while doing this Kathmandu Pokhara Annapurna Circuit Tour as you will be moving to a higher altitude at a faster pace than the trekking journeys. So, as soon as you notice the symptoms of altitude sickness, you are bound to inform your guide as our mountain guides are well trained regarding this subject. 

Other difficulties could be the bad weather, less availability of lodgings and food, etc. So, before embarking on the trip, these subjects should be studied well. 

 

Best Time to do Annapurna Circuit Tour 

Annapurna Circuit is a high-altitude journey where trekkers traverse through subtropical, temperate, and mountain regions. And high-altitude journey necessitates more thought and preparation than low-altitude trekking. Though Annapurna Circuit is open all around the year, there are certain periods of the year when the weather circumstances are great. This is due to the fact that mountain weather is unpredictable and dangerous. 

As a result, the autumn and spring seasons are widely considered the shoulder season for the Annapurna Circuit Alternative Trek. These two seasons are also the busiest on the trail as the weather is often clear and dry. 

The fall months of October and November have dry weather, clear mountain views, and a low possibility of snow at high elevations making it ideal for an easily successful journey. The only disadvantage is that the trail is at its most congested. Some of the trekkers might be bothered by this, while others like the camaraderie and excitement of peak season.

Spring, from mid-March to May also has clear weather, blue sunny skies, a stable trail, and the best of the Himalayan views. The mornings are bright and sunny, the flowers are in full bloom, and temperatures slowly rise bringing back the crowd. 

The lower routes of the Annapurna Circuit can become a slick mess in the summer when monsoon rains wash across much of the trails making it impossible for driving. Also, the monsoon is responsible for hot and humid weather, as well as low visibility due to clouds and mist. In addition, leeches are a major concern at lower elevations during walks, along with landslides and rockslides. 

December, January, and February are the three main winter months. December is the busiest of three months and the rest two are significantly quieter as the temperature drops into many minuses. But, the sky is mostly clear providing spectacular views and it can be ideal for hardcore trekkers. However, thick snow might make crossing the Thorong La difficult to impossible. 

Permits to do Annapurna Circuit Tour

Two permits, TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) are mandatory to tour and trek the Annapurna Circuit Route. 

TIMS is a database that improves the safety of all trekkers in Nepal. Your name and travel arrangements will be recorded into the system once you pay the cost. Local governments can utilize the data to better plan for sustainability in certain locations, but if you get lost in the mountains, this information will be useful in a rescue attempt.

Unlike TIMS, ACAP was created specifically for the Annapurna Area. The fees you pay for the permit support the area’s conservation. 

These two permits are checked at several checkpoints throughout the trail. Himalayan Trekkers include these permits in the cost and obtain them on your behalf.