Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners

Are you a novice first time trekker but still wish to trek in Nepal’s oldest trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Don’t worry! Today’s blog is all about the things that a beginner should know before embarking on this epic trekking adventure. This blogger always believes that no one should be barred from the activity they wish to do citing various reasons. Nothing is impossible. Every impossible thing starts with the first step. Therefore, this blog about the Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners can be helpful for those with big heart to start their trek from the heartland of Nepal’s Annapurna region.

The trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the major commercial trails. Therefore, trekking in this route can provide lots of satisfaction and the sense of achievement. The trail passing through gorges, valleys, and towering mountains including high – altitude mountain pass can be the perfect platform for beginner traveler. If you start your trekking journeys from the Annapurna Circuit Trek, then you can surely trek in other epic routes of Nepal or beyond. Today’s blog will surely help you prepare for this trekking adventure physically and mentally.

At first, let’s go and find out why the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is an ideal trail for beginners.

What makes Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners Ideal?

People may get confused about the quote that the Annapurna Circuit Trek for beginners is an ideal choice. The highest altitude on this trekking journey is 5416 m which is the height of Thorong La Pass. Trekkers have to stay overnight at the maximum altitude of 4450 m from sea level. Staying in this altitude can be easy after the proper acclimatization activities. Therefore, the altitude can’t be a problem for trekkers. Following the proper itinerary and heeding the instructions of trekking guide can surely help beginner trekker to successfully complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Here are three things that make the Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners ideal route.

Short Distance between Overnight Camps

In an average, the total trekking distance every day during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 10 to 12 kilometers. Trekkers can cover this trekking distance by walking for about 6 to 7 hours. Generally, the trek starts after breakfast at around 7:30 am to 8 am. After walking for about 3 to 4 hours, they stop for lunch and again walk for about 3 to 4 hours to the overnight stop place. There is no rush to complete the trek as the distance between overnight camps is short.

Well Trodden Trekking Trail with less steep uphill downhill sections

The distance is comparatively lesser between overnight camps. Even if they have to cover 10 to 12 kilometers, trekkers don’t feel extremely exhausted as the trail doesn’t have steep uphill and downhill sections. Majority of the trekking sections in this route is Nepalese gentle flat. The section of trekking from Pisang to Ngawal and the section of crossing the Thorong La Pass is slightly challenging otherwise rest of the sections are easy to walk. However, trekkers must not undermine the threat of the altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization makes trekkers to adjust with the demands of the high – altitude places. Well trodden trekking trail also minimizes the difficulty level of the trekking making it ideal for beginner trekkers too.

Presence of wide choices of Accommodation and Meals

The presence of wide choices of accommodation and meals in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route makes it easy for trekkers. Quality and warm room to sleep after a tiring walking day can be so comforting. Similarly, hearty meals of your choice can give you motivation to walk further. Sometimes, the standard of lodging and availability of meals can be hindrance to beginners. An experienced trekker can adjust the hunger and the choice of meals or lodging but beginner can feel restless if they don’t get what they want. Therefore, the wide choices of accommodation and meals in the trekking trail make the Annapurna Circuit Trek for Beginners ideal.

Things to do by Beginners before Annapurna Circuit Trek

Do not underestimate any trekking routes of Nepal. Yes, you should be meticulous while planning and executing the trekking journey in Nepal. The short trekking route also requires best logistic management and preparations. Beginners should always be prepared to face any kinds of situations. Pre – preparation must be done precisely and diligently. The more prepared you are the easier the trek becomes. Therefore, this blogger has highlighted the following things which a beginner trekker must know before the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Physical Preparation

The first thing you should prepare is the physical preparation. Even if the trail is well trodden without many steep uphill – downhill sections, the trek requires you to be in proper physical fitness level. Build up the stamina to walk about 6 to 7 hours in an average every day for weeks. Prepare the body at least 1 month prior to the trek by doing exercises like running, walking, cycling, and swimming for 2 hours a day regularly. If possible, do the short hikes around your place. Hiking can help you prepare best for the trek. You need to walk in the high – altitude places. Therefore, build up the cardio – vascular ability as well by refraining from greasy foods and alcohol. Maintain the healthy dietary habits before the trek.

Consultation with Travel Planners

Gather as much information as possible before the trail. Talk with the travel planners and experts. Ask questions related to food, lodging, permits, trail conditions, villages, difficulty level, miscellaneous stuffs, and packing essentials. If you are in proper consultation with the travel planners while purchasing the travel package, then you can surely prepare in a better way. Proper preparation for the trip needs authentic information which the travel planners can deliver to you.

Buying Trekking Package from Leading Travel Company

Solo trekking or independent trekking is not recommended for beginner trekker. Make sure that you buy the trekking package from the leading travel company in Nepal. Buying the trekking package means that you get proper consultation with the travel planners, best logistic management is ensured, and you can have a trekking guide with you to safely navigate you throughout the journey. Buy the travel insurance that covers emergency rescues, medical expenses, accidents, and miscellaneous. If you are in dilemma about choosing the right travel company for the trek, then look no further than the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. The company is operated by the trekking veterans and in operation for more than 15 years in the field of Nepal Trekking and tourism.

Hire a Porter and a Guide

Ask the agency to arrange a porter and a guide for you. A beginner trekker must hire a porter to carry the baggage. Don’t drag yourself into carrying your stuffs while walking in the high – altitude terrain. If you carry fewer loads, then you can surely complete the trek comfortably. Self backpacking and drifting way of trekking is for experienced trekkers.

Make Flexible Trek Itinerary with Reserve Days

Allocate at least 2 days as reserve days in the trekking itinerary. In addition, customize the trekking itinerary in a flexible way. The flexible trekking itinerary helps you to pace your trekking according to your situation without straining body. Moreover, the reserve days help you to not worry about the departure flight which is one of the major concerns while trekking in Nepal. Rush itinerary is not recommended.

Packing Essentials

Pack the things that you truly require without over packing or under packing. Consult with the travel planners about the necessary essentials for the trek. Generally, you must carry warm clothes enough for the duration of the trek, rain coats, torch lights, trekking poles, day back pack, sturdy hiking shoes; warm layered socks, hat, sun glasses, creams, gloves, etc. Similarly, you can pack the sleeping bag too for extra precaution which can be arranged by the trekking company.

Choosing Best Time or Season for Trek

Choose right time to do the trek. Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are best times for the Annapurna Circuit Trek for beginners. Trekking in the worst weather conditions of monsoon and winter season is unbearable for beginner. Even an experienced trekking guide and experienced trekker struggle to do trek in peak monsoon and winter season. Therefore, the best recommendation is to choose months of spring and autumn season for hassle free trekking for beginners.

Suitable Trekking Routes in Nepal for Beginner Trekkers

Besides the Annapurna Circuit Trek, there are some trekking routes which are suitable for beginner trekkers. If you are starting the trekking journeys, then choose the route wisely. The blogger has a list of the trekking routes which you can try as a beginner. Mind it that all these trekking routes offer mountain vista, cultural insights, diverse landscapes, and diverse vegetation.

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Everest View Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Langtang Valley Trek
• Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
• Mohare Danda Trek

Travel shouldn’t be bounded by some small hiccups. Step out of house and explore the world. Embark confidently on the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and knit the illustrious Himalayan walking holiday.