Annapurna Circuit travel tips
Nepal's Annapurna Circuit offers trekkers the ultimate insight into the Himalaya, from its snow-capped peaks to its hardy inhabitants
Annapurna Circuit advice
- Make sure your porters and guides are well paid and well treated. Tip them at the end of the trek.
Stay in the village teahouses – they are basic but provide beds (though not bedding), toilets and showers; hot water can be sporadic. They are a vital source of income for the local people.
Consider taking trekking poles. There are some steep sections on the trail (notably the stepped descent from Ulleri); poles can take some of the strain.
When passing a laden yak or mule train on the trail, always stand mountain side of the animals, so you don’t get pushed off the edge.
Take a head torch – your teahouse may not have reliable electricity. Pack spare batteries.When to hike the Annapurna Circuit
October and November are the best (and busiest) months for trekking the Annapurna Circuit: the weather is clear and dry, and temperatures are moderate. December to February is colder, and snow may close the Thorung La Pass (5,416m).
March to May is warmer but can be hazy, so mountain views are not so good; however, this is when the rhododendrons bloom. June to September is when the monsoon hits, making trekking wet and possibly dangerous as bridges are swept away.
Annapurna Circuit health and safety
Altitude sickness is a danger in the Annapurnas. Mild symptoms include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Moderate effects might be vomiting, persistent headache and constant breathlessness.
If symptoms worsen you start to become incoherent, uncoordinated and confused, you must descend immediately. Acute mountain sickness can be fatal.
To help avoid altitude sickness, climb steadily. Drink plenty of boiled/purified water. Eat a lot to keep your energy levels up.
Some climbers take Diamox, a drug actually licensed to treat glaucoma that also combats the effects of altitude sickness. Seek advice from your doctor.
Make sure you do some training before you travel – you’ll enjoy the Annapurna Circuit much more if you are fit and prepared to walk all day for as many as 24 days.