Introduction: The Annapurna circuit trek is one of the famous various routes in Nepal Himalaya. Attracting thousands of trekkers every season. But is Annapurna circuit trek suitable for the beginners? The answer is depending on factors of your fitness level, preparation for the trek, which season are you planning and weather condition. Here’s we will help you your first time how to prepare your choice trek successful to Annapurna circuit as a beginner.
Difficulty level of Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna circuit trek is one of the most famous among the hikers, to complete success this trek you have to know details before you start. Here are some factors for Annapurna circuit trek suitable for the beginners.
Distance and the time duration Of Annapurna circuit Trek
- The Annapurna circuit trek cover 165 km to 235 km depending which route and place you start.
- This Annapurna circuit trek duration is 10 to 16 days or more everyday walking 5-8 hours to complete. But it is depending on your fitness and your walking speed too.
- Normally our itinerary is 2 weeks trek covering main highlight places, starting from Kathmandu to ending at Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Altitude & acclimatization
- The highest point of the Annapurna circuit trek is Throng – La 5416 meters from the sea level, which is more risk of altitude sickness without any information for beginners.
- Proper acclimatization is highly recommended for the beginners to reduce altitude sickness.
- At least one and if you have time, better to make acclimatization above 3500-meter altitude to avoid health risk.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Terrain & trails conditions
- The Annapurna circuit treks trail is up and down, rocky cliff, low altitude to high elevation Throng-la 5416 meters and valley to valley.
- Not require technical climbing experience, but survival and simple stamina are needed for this trek to make success.
- The Annapurna trails are well – marked but difficult to steep ascend and descents, so your walking stamina work here.
- Subtropical to alpine geography, to stony at high elevation. In the dry season trails might be dusty and muddy at monsoon season and make a walk complicated.
Can beginners do the Annapurna circuit trek?
Yes, the beginners also can do the Annapurna circuit trek but have to consider flowing factors:
- Fitness level: your good fitness level is most recommended. Simple everyday few hours walking exercise in stairs or uphill and downhill would be extra key to success this trek.
- Simple hiking and trekking experience: it is not mandatory to have trekking experience but if you have simple experience is beneficial.
- Season: to complete make success this trek for beginners must choose best season. Normally spring and autumn are the best season for the trekking in Nepal.
- Guide/ Porter vs. solo trek: Hiring a guide or Porters are highly recommended for beginners to make success and enjoy the journey in Nepal Himalaya at first time trekkers.
How to prepare as a beginner for Annapurna circuit trek make success?
Simple physical training
- Before starting your trekking at least start simple training to walk step uphill and downhill.
- Simple hiking experience is best for this trek.
- Running / swimming / cycling is another plus point to keep your fitness level.
- Practice to hike up and down caring 10-15 kg backpack.
- If you practice yoga, its help at high altitude for easy breath.
Packing list checking
Trekking is best way to connect with nature, challenge yourself and explore new landscapes. But packing smartly is the key to enjoyable journey without unnecessariness burdens. Here is the some packing quick list to guide you for your adventure what you pack and what not. Enjoy it.
- Proper trekking boots
- Clothing according to weather.
- Warm enough sleeping bag.
- Sunglasses and sun creams.
- Trekking poles and hydration system.
- Head light and hat for the head.
- Warm jacket and T-shirt.
- Windproof and waterproof layers.
- Gloves, thermals socks.
- Light and comfortable trousers.
- Fleece and down jacket.
- Water purification tablets.
- First aid kit.
- Slipper/ sport shoes for the room.
- Electronic device for charging your things.
- Pack what you need for your daily needed.
Acclimatization and prevention altitude sickness
- Drink plenty water, not alcohol in the high elevation.
- Walk slowly step by step in high altitude.
- Take at least one day or if you have time 2 day recommend making a rest day above 3500 altitudes, it helps you to adjust altitude.
- Walk in high altitude and sleep in low altitude.
- Eat energetic, hygienic and fresh food how is possible.
- Avoid to smoke and alcohol drinking in high altitude.
Choose a best Itinerary
The effective itinerary will help to make your journey success. Choose a best proper planning to make an itinerary, according to altitude and acclimatization for the beginner. Here we are making an itinerary for the beginners:
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Main Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake: The Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake is one of the most spectacular Himalayan adventures journeys. Here are the major highlights of Annapurna circuit trek.
1. Annapurna Circuit Trails and Ice Lake 4700m
2. Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) Worl’s highest lake
3. Throng – La Pass (5,416 m)
4. Close Views of Himalayan Giants
5. Traditional Cultural Experience
6. Muktinath Temple, a huge religious harmony
7. Dramatic Landscape Changes
8. Adventure & Challenge of Annapurna trails
