How Difficult Is The Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The legendary Annapurna Circuit trek takes you to the heart of Annapurna sanctuary, with difficulty levels fluctuating from moderate to challenging. These difficulty levels are shaped by the duration of the trek, itinerary, highlights, and other factors you choose from.
Being one of the mainstream trekking trails in Nepal, this grand excursion will give you exposure to six different climatic zones, starting from sub-tropical forests at lower elevations to arctic zones at remorseless frigid Thorung La Pass.
With each day passing, the trek only gets progressively better, taking you to more culturally loaded villages and settlement areas. Climbing the steep Thorung La pass is one of the most challenging parts of your entire trek. It will raise you to the highest point of the entire trek at an enormous height of 5416 m. The ascent is no doubt demanding, but once you make it to the top, everything will feel worth the effort you put in.
After knowing the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you may be curious about the difficulty factors and measures to tackle those challenges. This blog will try to help you by answering your curiosities and providing some additional information on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. So, stay with us until the end so you do not miss out on any info.
Trekking Grades of Nepal
In order to properly understand how the Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, you need insights into Nepal’s trekking grades. Nepal’s treks are divided into five levels by considering various factors like difficulty level, route, distance, facilities, amenities, etc.
Easy Treks (Grade 1):
Usually, easy treks are of short duration with low altitude levels. These trekking are suitable for the people who want to embark on the trekking journey with no any prior experience. Grade 1 trek does not demand any training and skills. However, it is essential to have an open mind, adaptability, and a positive mindset. These treks take you high to a viewpoint ranging in altitude about 3000 m. Ghorepani Poon hill trek and Helambu trek are some of the examples of easy treks.
Moderate Treks (Grade 2):
Moderate treks include a few steep sections with uphill and downhill. A reasonable physical fitness and mental resilience can help you to accomplish this trek. However, you need to have the mindset of walking for a few hours, ranging from 5 to 6 hours. You will be able to get accommodation from tea houses to some good hotels alongside the soft trails. Annapurna Base Camp trek, Langtang Valley trek, etc, are some examples of moderate treks.
Moderate to Challenging Treks (Grade 3):
Moderate to Challenging treks need you to transverse varied, rugged terrains and steep ascents and descents with huge altitude gain and loss. Despite prior trekking experience not being needed, those experiences always come in handy in these treks. Moreover, these treks need proper acclimatization days for you to stay away from altitude-related challenges.10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, etc, are some examples of moderate to challenging treks.
Challenging Treks (Grade 4):
The treks that take you off the beaten path with several nights spending above 5000 are challenging treks. These treks usually cover the remote areas that require you to cover several high-altitude passes. You need to have some prior trekking experience and an above-average level of physical fitness to complete these treks. Some sections require you to use gears and equipment. It is necessary for you to increase your physical fitness and stamina with training. Everest Three Pass Trek, Upper Dolpo Trekking, Kanchanjunga Trekking, etc, are some examples of challenging treks.
Technical Treks (Grade 5):
Usually, peak climbing activities are categorized as technical treks. These treks demand technical skills and previous experience to complete the trek. Similarly, you cannot find tea houses along the trails as you rise to high altitude, so you will have to opt for camping. Therefore, you would have excellent physical fitness and a high tolerance level along with adaptability for this real adventure. For eg. Island Peak Climbing, Dhampus Peak Climbing etc
Why Annpaurna is Moderate to Challenging Trek?
So, let’s break down some of the main difficulty factors that have elevated the trek to be moderately challenging.
Altitude Challenges
Altitude stands as a huge challenge for trekkers and adventurers alike undertaking the Annapurna Circuit trek. As you ascend to higher elevations at varying altitudes, the air thinning with decreasing oxygen levels plays a significant role in trekking. The trek quickly progresses from Chame(2,710m / 8,890ft), Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to a significant height of (5,416 m/17,756 ft) at the top of Thorung La Pass.
Moreover, people suffer from the symptoms of altitude sickness above 3000 m from sea level. In this trek, the majority of the hike will be above 3000m, so it is normal for trekkers to face altitude-related challenges.
Weather Conditions
The weather in the high Himalayas cannot be predicted. A bright day may easily change into a foggy, misty one with a blink of an eye. Usually, the peak seasons of spring and autumn are characterized by warm weather with stable temperatures. However, the variability in weather is always present despite being the peak seasons.
The likelihood of such variability is even more during the off seasons of winter and summer. During winter, the strong wind accompanied by the snow causes low visibility in the region. Likewise, the heavy downpour continuously makes the trail slippery, with landscapes prone to landslides.
Trail Conditions and Difficulty
The diverse landscapes on the dramatic topography encountered during the Annapurna Circuit trek contribute a lot to its difficulty factor. Every terrain you encounter on the trail has its own set of difficulties that call for flexibility and physical effort.
You will have to navigate through a wide spectrum of landscapes, including rugged and uneven paths, steep ascents and descents, and stony staircases. These trails demand physical strength along with mental resilience. Likewise, passing through the verdant meadows, lush forests, and pasturelands demands agility and mental skepticism.
Moreover, during the start of spring, the trails will be covered with snow, and some sections in the high passes require you to use gears and equipment. Hence, the ever-changing topography that you will have to tackle throughout your journey can be physically and mentally tiring.
Logistical Considerations
Logistical preparation can be quite difficult in the Annapurna Circuit trek. During peak seasons of spring and autumn, it can be hard to arrange accommodations and flights, which can disrupt your plans. Similarly, you have to get your paperwork ready to acquire the permits. Trekkers who are traveling to Nepal from abroad can find managing gear and equipment challenging. Hence, keen attention to detail and planning in terms of logistics advances the difficulty level of the popular Annapurna Circuit trek.
Personal Experience
Difficulty factors in themselves are a vague term that depends from person to person. One person with great physical fitness might not find the trek difficult, while the other with less physical strength might find the trek taxing. If you are an experienced trekker with prior experience of high altitude trekking, then this trek might turn out to be a piece of cake for you. However, if you are a novice trekker, then this trek may be more difficult for you in every aspect.
Trek Duration
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you on one of the exciting Himalayan voyages that encircle the majestic Annapurna massifs. To explore the foothills of these mountains along with immersing in the side highlights of the region takes a good amount of time about 12 to 25 days. Moreover, you will need to cover approximately about 160 to 230 km of distance in this whole journey.
This will require you to hike for 6 to 7 hours per day to cover 10 km. Those who have reasonable physical fitness and mental stability might find this trek easy, but novice trekkers with no prior hiking experience can find it physically draining and taxing. Hence, it is very important to be physically trained with exercises and attain mental composure before embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
How to Reduce Annapurna Trek Difficulty?
Now you are well aware of how difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek, you can use some tips and strategies to mitigate the daunting overall difficulty factors of the trek. Let’s have an insight into how you can make this adventure more accessible and memorable
Train and Improve Fitness
Long hours of walking daily throughout the trek on the rugged terrain can be pretty taxing. On top of that, you will be carrying a backpack and elevating to a higher altitude, which can be extremely tiresome. To overcome all these difficulties, you should have the right amount of physical and mental preparation to make your trek comfortable to some extent.
We recommend you start your preparation 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trek so that your body can adapt to the physically draining activities. Later, during the actual trek, your body will be able to handle the exhaustion of trekking in this way. Initially, you should assess your physical abilities so you can know where you actually stand in terms of fitness. Then, you should design your training in such a way that it will increase your physical strength and boost your stamina.
Exercises like Push up, Plank, Pull up, Deadlift, Weightlift, Bicep curls, and Lunge will enhance your physical fitness, while cardiovascular exercises like cycling, Jogging, Dancing, Burpee, and swimming will increase your overall stamina by improving your oxygen delivery to muscles.
Additionally, you can try going on long-duration hikes by carrying significant weight to get a general idea of trekking.
Acclimatize Properly
Annapurna Circuit trek can be completed within 12 to 22 days. It depends on the itinerary and highlights you choose. If you take a short day’s pace without proper days allocated for acclimatization, then your body cannot get used to high altitude, resulting in altitude sickness. So, while planning for the trek, you need to choose the itinerary that gives you enough days for acclimatization.
Likewise, while acclimatizing, you do not have to stay in the tea houses, but you can go on side hikes to explore the area and enjoy your days in the high Himalayan. Moreover, you can avoid the consumption of hard drinks since it will hinder your acclimatization process. Make sure you let your body properly rest and give your body time to adapt to the rising altitude.
Pace Yourself
You are neither running in a marathon nor part of any game, so why run out of your breath by increasing your pace? You shouldn’t focus on other people’s speed and be comfortable with your own pace. While trekking, you should match your breathing with your stride.
So, the key point for trekking is being able to breathe well. Make sure you take small steps as you proceed to higher altitude. This will avoid the chances of having sore muscles at the end of the day and make you much more relaxed. If your muscles are relaxed, it will be easy for your body to utilize even the low oxygen level, which will help you acclimate efficiently.
Pack Right
Regardless of what time of the year you choose, it is important to pack the right items to make your trek comfortable and cozy. It is recommended to lack right, but you can’t miss out on essentials. Additionally, you should not overweight your luggage. The weight of the luggage exceeding Porter’s capacity shall be carried by you. Usually, one porter will carry the luggage of two trekkers with a maximum capacity of 15-20 kg.
In case you feel you are overlooking or missing out on something in your packing list, here is the reference for you to check on.
Headwear and Clothes
- Sun hat, brim hat for sun protection
- Bandana or headscarf for the cold and dusty region
- Knit hat Beanie or woolen hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Long polypropylene sleeve T-shirt
- Half t-shirt
- Light thermal topwear
- Fleece windproof jacket
- Heavy down jacket
- Waterproof, breathable hood jacket
- Insulated, synthetic fur jacket
- Several pairs of undergarments
- Gloves (light, wool and waterproof)
- Waterproof hiking pants
- Fleece pant
- Half shorts
- Light thermal trousers
- Heavy woolen or fleece pants
Footwear
- Socks (several pairs thin to thick)
- Hiking boots (ankle support)
- Trainers or running shoes for campsite and short hikes
- Waterproof gaiters
- Slippers or crocks for resting destinations
Personal Hygiene
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Nail clippers and a small mirror
- Sun protection cream
- Lip balm and body lotion
- Shampoo and hair products
- Quick dry towel, handkerchief
- Tissues, wet wipes
- Deodorants
- Hygiene products
- Prescribed medications
- Small first aid kit
- Bug and insect repellents
Equipment
- Sunglasses or goggles for eye protection
- Headlamp with extra pair of batteries
- Duffle bag
- Sleeping bag
- Reusable water bottles and thermos flask
- Garbage bag
- Binoculars
- Hiking poles
- Universal charging cords
- Power bank, solar charger
- Entertainment set
- Book, journals, and pen
- Card and board games
Choose the Right Season
Choosing the right time or season also reduces the difficulty of the trek to a great extent. Usually, most people prefer to explore the Annapurna region during spring (March to May) and autumn ( September to November). The climate and weather-related challenges are reduced during these seasons because of stability in climate.
During the spring season, the temperature hovers around 16 to 23 degrees Celsius during daytime and drops to -8 degrees Celsius during nighttime. The nature spreads, blooming in the foothills of the Himalayas. The lush greenery, abundant along with rhododendrons and wildflowers doting the region, enhances the trekking atmosphere.
Likewise, the autumn season also brings mild temperatures with dry landscapes in the Annapurna region. The temperature ranges about 14 to 19 degrees Celsius, with chilly morning and night. The temperature can significantly drop to minus degrees at higher elevations. The magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains, contrasting with the red hues, make the season more alluring. Furthermore, festival delights like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath add more enthusiasm to both locals and trekkers.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
It is very essential to keep yourself hydrated during the long days of trekking. Since you will be walking all day, you will significantly lose body water level in the form of sweat, etc. So, it is very important to keep your body hydrated by taking at least 3 to 4 liters of water and other fluids daily. This will help you avoid altitude sickness by allowing your body to adapt to the acclimatization process.
Usually, the water in the high Himalayas is pure, but bottled water is always available if you do not like to drink it. You can use water purification tablets or filters during your journey. Like water, having nutritious food is equally important to tackle the exhaustion of trekking. Your body needs energy to keep on moving, but you may not have an appetite after gaining a significant altitude. During those times, rather than skipping meals, you have to force-feed yourself so that your body can slowly accept the food. If you skip meals, then you cannot replenish the energy for long days of trekking, which will result in getting sick and, in the worst case, you won’t be able to complete the trek.
Get Adequate Rest
After a long day of tiring hiking, it is important to give your body proper rest. Your body needs to recover and recharge; therefore, you should aim for quality and sound sleep. To give you comfort, our Annapurna Circuit package consists of accommodations in twin-sharing rooms in tea houses. These rooms will have two or three adjacent beds with quipped mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Even in the wilderness of the Annapurna region, make sure you stick to your regular sleep schedule so that your body can be ready to tackle the adventure of the next day.
It can be natural that you do not feel sleepy in an unusual place. However, such a tiring day can make you fall asleep within a few minutes. If you become insomnia for days, then it can be the symptom of altitude sickness. You should communicate these symptoms to your guide and opt for proper treatment.
Choose the Right Package
The package you choose plays a vital role in reducing the overall difficulty level of your Annapurna Circuit trek. Instead of trying to go for a cheaper package with no acclimatization days, go for the economic pacakge, which has acclimatization days.
If you choose the package that doesn’t have acclimatization days, then you are choosing the pacakge with less probability of completion. Even if you complete the trek, you won’t be able to enjoy it, and instead, you are putting yourself at risk of altitude sickness and other health issues. So, make sure that you choose a package that gives you comfort along with safety and security. Our Annapurna Circuit trek might be one for you as this package has everything that you want, from acclimatization days to quality services and amenities.
Seek Local Advice
Trekking is not merely about traversing into the wilderness of landscapes, but it is also about discovering the culture, tradition, and beauty of the people inhabiting the region. Taking the advice of the locals can turn out to be really helpful while trekking. They know better about the terrain, including their potential risks, stretches, structure, and even alternative routes. It will help you to navigate more safely.
Likewise, the weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Their valuable knowledge and information on the weather can help trekkers plan their whole day of trekking. At the same time, in case of an emergency or any accident, they will be the first ones to come forward to help.
Gain Insights On:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and How to Obtain Them?
- Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp Trek
- A Complete Guide to Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
Conclusion
Prioritizing safety measures along with being well-prepared can make your trek more memorable and rewarding. It is better to join a group trekking with resources of guides and porters rather than solo trekking with limited resources. Moreover, carrying comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory when it comes to traveling to the foothills of the Himalayas.
You cannot underestimate descents while retracing your path back. Even though the Annapurna Circuit trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek that demands physical endurance and mental resilience, this trek offers you unparalleled beauty to create memories in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.