Annapurna Circuit Trek In March

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world-renowned and mainstream Himalayan trekking adventures in Nepal. Opened for foreign trekkers in 1977, this classical Himlayana exploration circumnavigates the tenth-highest peak in the world, Mt. Annapurna [8,091 meters/ 26,5545 feet]. The rich biodiversity of Himalayan flora and fauna, enthralling scenic trekking trails, clear mountain vistas, religious landmarks, and cultural-traditional prospects make the Annapurna circuit one of the most beloved Himalayan adventures.

Although, the best time for this Himalayan exploration is considered to be during the peak seasons like spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), the month of March opens up a perfect window frame for an exhilarating experience. The breathtaking landscapes just after the winter season, mild temperatures, cultural prospects, and the exploration of the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas during its peak season make the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March an exciting and memorable journey.

Itinerary Outline: 17 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

You can expect the following itinerary in your Annapurna Circuit Trek in March; although this is a standard outline itinerary, other trekking packages may vary depending on the route, side detours, and other services and amenities.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Outline

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival [1,345 meters/ 4,412 feet] and hotel transfer

Day 02: Sightseeing day at Kathmandu, exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Day 03: Drive to Chamje [1,410 meters/ 4,625 feet] from Kathmandu

Day 04: Trekking from Chamje to Dharapani [1,960 meters/ 6,430 feet]

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame [2,710 meters/ 8,891 feet]

Day 06: Chame to Pisang [3,300 meters/ 10,826 feet] trek

Day 07: Trekking from Pisang to Manang [3,800 meters/ 12,467 feet]

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Manang

Day 09: Manang to Yak Kharka [4,050 meters/ 13,287 feet] trek

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,600 meters/ 15,091 feet]

Day 11: Trekking from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath [3,800 meters/ 12,467 feet] via Thorong La Pass [5,416 meters/ 17,769 feet]

Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom [2,670 meters/ 8,759 feet]

Day 13: Jomsom to Tatopani [1,160 meters/ 3,805 feet] drive

Day 14: Trekking from Tatopani to Ghorepani [2,855 meters/ 9,366 feet]

Day 15: Early morning hike to Poonhill [3,210 meters/ 10,531 feet], trek down to Nayapul [1,070 meters/ 3,510 feet], and drive to Pokhara [822 meters/ 2,696 feet]

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu [1,345 meters/ 4,412 feet] from Pokhara

Day 17: Departure day, airport drop-off

Read this next:

• A Complete Guide to Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
• How is the October Weather During the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and How to Obtain Them?

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty Level

Annapurna Circuit Trek is certainly one of the most beloved and popular trekking adventures in the Himalayas. If you are planning to do this trek and wondering about its difficulty level, don’t worry, the Annapurna Circuit Guided Trek is just at a ‘moderate’ level. You will not need any technical skills or prior trekking experience to participate in this iconic Himalayan exploration.

Furthermore, doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March adds more favorable factors to your adventure. However, this exhilarating trekking experience is still a high-altitude adventure and nothing like a hike in the backyard. So, you definitely shouldn’t slack off during the preparation part; here are some of the major difficulty factors in this adventure that you have to stay on the lookout for:

Altitude Sickness: High altitude adventure and altitude sickness pretty much go hand in hand, so during your exciting Himalayan adventure, you will have to be wary about the symptoms of altitude sickness. Normally, it is difficult for the human body to properly adjust to the rising altitude without proper acclimatization above the altitude of 2,500 meters. Pushing for the high altitude points of this adventure, Thorong La Pass [5,416 meters/ 17,769 feet], being the highest, can be difficult for an unprepared trekker.

Distance: The total trekking distance of the Annapurna circuit is between 160 km to 230 km, which depends on the side exploration and route. It means that you will cover an approximate trekking distance of 6- 7 hours during each day of your adventure; it can be slightly challenging as you gain altitude, where even millennial tasks can be exhausting.

Remoteness: Despite the trek Nepal Annapurna Circuit being a mainstream and popular trekking destination in the world, it is still a Himalayan exploration. Due to the lack of proper transport modes, the Himalayan regions haven’t seen much technological and infrastructural development. So, don’t expect anything on par with an exotic vacation destination during your trekking period.

Weather: The climatic conditions of the Himalayan region aren’t always predictable; it doesn’t take much for a clear sky to be filled with rain clouds. Moreover, if you are planning your visit during the off-season, like winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August), the weather factors can be even more challenging.

For instance, you will have to deal with freezing cold and snow-covered trails during the winter, and the heavy downpour of monsoon invites natural calamities like landslides and floods. So, finding the ideal time frame for the adventure is the key factor that determines the enjoyability scale.

Why Do Annapurna Circuit Trek in March?

Ideal Climatic Conditions

As March declares the beginning of the spring season, you can expect stable weather conditions during your Himalayan exploration. The temperature doesn’t peak high; the evenings and mornings are still greeted with cool breezes, and you will be able to enjoy a comfortable trekking experience.

Due to lower precipitation, there is a very low probability of rainfall, and the day temperature is on the warmer side, averaging between 15°C to 22°C. Thus, you will feel comfortable even during the exploration of the alpine sections in your adventure.

Wildlife Exploration

With the cold of the winter bidding farewell to the Himalayan region, the wildlife of the conservation area becomes active after their hibernation. Spring is typically known for its blooming trekking trails decorated with rhododendrons and other wildflowers. Due to the birds and wildlife of the region being active after hibernation in this peak season of nature, you will have more opportunities to witness them during your trek.

Also, migratory birds from all over the world flock to this beautiful region, so you can also take your time with birdwatching. Himalayan musk deer, red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan musk, orange-bellied squirrel, blue sheep etc, are some of the treasured wildlife in the region.

Less Crowded Trekking Route

Although the March month marks the official start of the spring season in Nepal. The temperature of the Himalayan region is somewhat chilly at the higher altitudes as the little remnants of the winter linger during the early part of the month. So, people who prefer more warmer conditions, even at alpine altitudes, save their adventure for the latter part of the spring season.

This opens up a perfect window frame for trekking enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of cool and chilly evenings and early mornings to explore the magnificence of the Himalayan region amidst the less crowded routes. So, during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in March, you will able to enjoy a peaceful exploration enjoying the perks of the peak season.

Incredible Vistas

Due to the low precipitation during this month, the days during your trekking adventure are mostly clear. That means you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the wide Himalayan vistas without any obstruction. On a clear sunny day, the sparkling peaks blending well with the clear blue and the stunning landscape in the foreground will make you feel like you have entered an enchanted land.

The lush green landscapes, stunning visual of the diverse colored wildflowers, crusading river, streams, and waterfalls, and the whole Himalayan region brimming with life, the natural beauty and views of this month is simply unbeatable.

Cultural Prospects

Besides the breathtaking natural scenery and the remarkable Himalayan exploration, Annapurna Circuit Trek in March also offers you the opportunity to witness and experience the cultural prospects of the country. Nepal celebrates pretty interesting festivals during this beginning season of spring.

Holi, known as a festival of color, is celebrated during this month; if you wanna experience the vibrance of this fascinating festival, March is the season to be in Nepal. Similarly, Chaite Dashain (small Dashain) and Ghode Jatra are some of the other amazing immersive festivals celebrated in the country during the month of March.

Food and Accommodation

Even among the peak seasons, spring is considered to be the busiest season, which sees a lot of trekkers from all around the world. So, you can expect the accommodation facilities to be top-notch and operating at full throttle. Teahouses in the region typically offer shared room accommodation facilities with basic furnishing; some have attached bathrooms, while others have shared facilities.

As for the common areas, there are dining halls in the teahouses with heaters, so trekkers can enjoy the warm comfort of the teahouse while socializing with other trekkers.

Food

Annapurna circuit is the second most popular trekking destination in Nepal after Everest Base Camp Trek. So, during your exploration, you can expect a wide range of delicacies. Besides the tasty native dishes and Tibetan and Indian culture-influenced delicacies, you will also be able to enjoy a wide variety of popular continental dishes.

Here are the food menus that you can expect in the trekking trail during your Annapurna Circuit Trek in March.

For Breakfast: Tea, coffee, fresh juice, bread, toast, jam, butter, honey, muesli, paratha, Tibetan bread, chapati, oats, cornflakes, pancakes, eggs etc

For Dinner and Lunch: Dal bhat tarkari, dhindo gundruk, Thakali khana set, porridge, pizza, momo, chow mein, pasta, macron, spaghetti, steak, shyaphale, thukpa, tingmo, rilduk etc.

**Note: There are also vegetarian and vegan food options available at the teahouses in this trekking route**

Training For Annapurna Circuit Trek in March

The normal recommended preparation period for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March is about 4-6 weeks. As the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit is at a ‘moderate’ level, you will need to you will need to make an adequate amount of preparation for a comfortable experience during your trek.

If you work out routinely, you may not need to put in too many hours during your preparation part. However, in case if you are not that physically active, then you need to properly assess your physical abilities and design an effective training program for your Himalayan adventure.

You will primarily need to focus on the endurance, strength, and cardiovascular exercises for your Annapurna Circuit Trek in March. Here are some exercises that you can include in your preparation for the Annapurna circuit trekking.

For Strength and Endurance: Push up, plank, pull up, weightlift, lunge, calf raise, bicep curl, overhead press, hammer curl, dip, leg press, step up, etc.

For Cardiovascular: Jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, rowing, jumping rope, high knees, jumping jack, aerobics etc.

Cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek in March

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in March costs is somewhere between US$ 900 to US$ 4,000 depending on the side exploration, itinerary plans, services, and amenities.

We here at Nepal Guide Treks offer the best value experience package at just US$ 999.

You can check out our Annapurna Circuit Trek package for further details; for booking or queries, contact us at our Contact Page.

Some Travel Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek in March

• Make sure to pack right for the occasion, with different layers for the subtropical region to the alpine altitude
• Remember it is not a marathon; make sure to enjoy a slow-paced adventure relishing the Himalayan ambiance
• Although it is okay to take breaks and short breathers, be mindful of the itinerary plans
• Carry bottles and thermos, and make sure to drink the recommended limit of 3-4 liters of water during each day of your trekking adventure
• Pay attention to your body language, make sure to pay proper heed to any symptoms of altitude sickness
• Select a package with enough acclimatization day so you can enjoy the adventure without exerting yourself
• Pack all the necessary gear, sleeping bag, trekking poles, waterproof gaiter, ankle support, etc, to make the experience comfortable
• Strictly follow the guidelines of guides and porters, and don’t stand at the edge while giving way to moles and yaks
• Bring enough change for snacks and souvenirs during your trekking trails
• And lastly, just relax and enjoy this epic Himalayan exploration