Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter

Experience tranquility and test your perseverance by doing the adventurous Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter! Yes, today’s blog is about providing you the information about the prospects of doing the Annapurna Round Trek during the months of winter season. Nepal experiences winter season during the months of December, January, and February. These months are considered as the off season trekking time. Due to geographical terrain and high – altitude places, winter season comes up with its challenges and arduousness. Therefore, people prefer to trek in Nepal during spring and autumn season.

Let’s find out the ways to do winter trekking in Annapurna Circuit Trek route. By the end of the blog, you will be able to make decision of doing the off season trek in Nepal.

Nepal’s Oldest Trekking Route: Annapurna Circuit Trek

Since 1976, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has been attracting trekkers from across the globe. It is one of the oldest trekking routes of Nepal. Therefore, trekking in this trail has its perks! People love to walk through the gorges, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, diverse forests, high – altitude passes, terraced farmlands, and multi – ethnic villages. All the elements of diverse trekking experiences are in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Therefore, you can always get the value of every penny that you spend for the trek.

Besisahar to Ghorepani Poon Hill: Classical Annapurna Round Trek

Do you know that the Annapurna Classical Circuit Trek Route is from Besisahar to Ghorepani Poon Hill? The trail is indeed the most illustrious, scenic, and diverse detour trekking route where you can experience wonders of Mother Nature and grandeur of culture. However, the total trekking distance has curtailed significantly due to the construction of the roads. It is boon to locals for accessibility but it has greatly affected the length of the trekking route. Therefore, today’s blog is about finding out the prospect of doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter. As the trail length decreases, you may find the way to do the trek throughout the year.

When should I trek to Thorong La Pass for better experiences?

Normally, the ideal months for the Annapurna Circuit Trek or to cross the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) are March, April, May, September, October, and November. These are the months of spring and autumn season here in Nepal. Temperature is mild, weather is stable, and skies are clear during this time of the year. Therefore, lots of people choose these months for the trek.

Trail is always filled with the trekkers from across the globe and it is bustling place to know culture of locals to internationals. However, everyone may not get holidays during these months. Therefore, it is the duty of the responsible blogger to provide information about the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter. This blogger though insists you to avoid monsoon season for the trek due to safety concerns.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter: Perks and Challenges

Doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter has perks and challenges. Perks are that trekkers can feel tranquility, trail is less crowded, and you get chance to relish the wilderness adventure. In doing so, you may have to face lots of challenges along the way. Winter season is the time of the year when snowfall occurs. Heavy snowfall may be detrimental for the successful trekking especially while crossing the Thorong La Pass. You may have to allocate at least 2 to 3 days as reserve days to make sure that you are not behind the international flight schedule.

How are daytime and nighttime temperatures during winter in Annapurna Round Trek?

Daytime temperature in the lower places below Manang Village experiences around 14 to 18 degree Celsius whereas the nighttime temperature may drop up to 1 to 3 degree Celsius. The biggest concern about temperature is beyond the Manang Village. Normal daytime temperature in day time in the higher elevation places ranges from 8 to 10 degree Celsius whereas the nighttime temperature may drop below 0 degree Celsius. Moreover, in places like Thorong Phedi, the temperature may drop even below around minus 5 to 8 degree Celsius.

What are the things to remember while crossing Thorong La Pass in winter season?

Safety is the biggest concern while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter season. Therefore, you should always prioritize the safety over trek success. Hire an experienced trekking guide and heed his/her instructions. If it snows heavily, then don’t try to cross the pass. Moreover, heavy snowfall may result in the snowstorm which can be fatal and deadly. Do not try to go beyond the trail as you may encounter various crevasses which can be deadly. Use appropriate gear like crampons and be watchful in every step.

Is there issue of visibility or clear skies during winter season in Annapurna Round Trek route?

Surprisingly, there is no issue of visibility or clear skies even during the winter season. Therefore, you can get the mesmerizing scenery of mountains and landscapes while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter. Moreover, the drizzling snowfall in the hills can give you chance to witness whitish scenery even in the smaller ridges. These are undoubtedly the best places to capture best pictures. No wonder, those people who are looking for the best landscape photography trail choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter.

Do I get enough options for lodging and meals in Annapurna Circuit Trek route during winter?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route is one of the commercial trekking routes of Nepal. Therefore, there is no issue of getting lodging and meals facilities in the trail. Even during the winter season, you can get lodges to enjoy hot meal and warm room to spend overnight. Consider pre – booking the rooms as the options are few in these months. Interestingly, you can choose the kind of the establishment or room that you want due to less trekker crowd.

Follow various safety instructions and meticulously plan your trip with the travel planner from reliable trekking company. If you do so, then you can easily complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter.