Chapter 11: Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

Image Credit: https://www.wildernessexcursion.com/annapurna-circuit-trek

High-altitude trekking around the Annapurna massif takes a lot of physical and mental strength. This trekking trip goes over 5000 meters altitude which obviously is a challenging trip to accomplish.

Difficulty level increases as the elevation lead you up. At the higher altitudes and rough landscapes of mountains, trekking the Annapurna circuit becomes tough or moderate because of the following reasons:

• Longest trekking routes in the region
• Beginner trekker or an experienced one
• Physical and mental preparation
• Available trail routes
• Altitude and terrain
• Seasons and time
• Weather condition
• Services and facilities on the trail of the Annapurna trek circuit
• Solo trekker or in a group
• Trekking through an agency or on your own

Since several aspects contribute to making a trek simple or difficult, here is a breakdown along with some tips for safety or preparation:

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Time and Distance

• Usually takes 18 days to complete this trek
• Walk for 6 to 8 hours every day
• Walk 15 to 20 kilometers every day to cover the distance
• Hiking at a higher elevation (Thorong La Pass) might be challenging
• Hiking distance is 160 – 230 kilometers long depending on the route where you start and end

Probable Impacts on Physical Condition

• Fatigue, backache, body soreness, muscle pain, and leg cramps

Safety Measures

• Take breaks and relax regularly
• Be active and have some hiking expertise
• Eat a lot of proteins and calories-related fruits to make you feel more energized
• Undertake some trekking-related workouts and practice rising to greater altitudes
• Create hiking regimens that include both uphill and downhill hikes

Altitude Sickness

When talking about the difficulty in trekking the Annapurna circuit is altitude sickness. Walking plain areas in lower elevation is incomparably different once you walk over 4,000m. Anyone might have low-level oxygen and temperature pressure in the upper region which probably results in altitude sickness.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and poor sleep
• Effects similar to a hangover
• Difficulty in catching a breath
• A High rate of heartbeat
• Difficulty in stopping cough
• Foam in saliva
• Saliva might contain blood
• Your lips, nails, and tongue might slowly turn blue
• Unclear vision
• Confusion in simple things
• Difficult to walk heel-in-toe on a straight path
• Diarrhea, headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia

Safety Measures for Altitude Sickness

• Strengthening your body with appropriate training before this trek
• Maintain a high level of hydration during the trek
• Avoid alcohol while trekking the Annapurna circuit
• Go slow during your trek
• Have low altitude gains
• Maintain cleanliness
• In case you observe the symptoms, make a descent to lower altitudes
• Should not ignore health problems because the symptoms can sometimes be severe
• Eat liquid substances while walking in high altitude
• Get some altitude sickness medications as prescribed by a physician

Weather and Temperature

Weather condition is significant for trekking the Annapurna circuit region varies a lot. One should be aware of weather patterns and climatic shifts. Some of the influencing factors to weather are:

• Altitude
• Season
• Environment

Autumn and Spring Season:

Autumn and spring are the Annapurna circuit trek’s best seasons. In this season, you can have a panoramic view of breathtaking mountain landscapes though you may face:

• Huge traffic makes it difficult as it obstructs enjoying trekking comfortably
• The tea shops, hotels, and even the trail will be overcrowded 
• Imagine going on a trek for peace, and you never get it
• Hotels are filled with travelers
• Food and accommodation are slightly expensive

If you don’t go without an agency, you might be in mess. The rooms must be pre-booked and the services will be served late due to more guests in the hotel.

Summer Season:

This is one of the challenging times hiking the Annapurna circuit. During this time:

• Hottest and the high rainfall effect
• The lower altitude regions are of high temperature and humidity
• Due to regular rainfall, the trails are slippery and have more chances for a landslide
• Trekking in the scorching sun isn’t fun at all
• The risk of landslides and uncertain rainfall may interrupt your itinerary for a day or two
• Dark clouds appear often in the summer in the upper region

However, besides the uncertainties and risks, food and accommodation become a little cheaper at that time of year. Greenery and peace are everywhere. Not too many people do the trek in the Summer season. So, you and your squad enjoying the whole route.

Winter Season

The winter season in this region starts at the beginning of December and lasts till the month of February. Although it’s the best time to watch mountains being snowcapped and shining like a diamond, you can have:

• Trials might be covered with the falling snow which can give hard time
• Freezing weather can knock you down
• Snow in the upper altitudes might make trekking difficult
• Sunshine is quite low this season
• Temperature can get as low as -20 degrees
• Heavy snowfall and temperatures below 0° are conceivable
• Trekking may also result in avalanches and other natural calamities
• Temperature goes down to – 17 degrees Celsius at night
• Temperature is usual and moderate during the day
• Get off-season discounts in different hotels and homestays

Trail Condition

Trekking Annapurna circuit trail goes through uphill and downhill, and through jungles and barren lands. Crossing the Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world. Because of heavy snow piles and cold, the trail here is blocked in the Winter season.

Road Condition

To get to the trail and in the mid of the trail you will be riding a vehicle – so let’s look at the road conditions.

From Kathmandu to Beisahar the road is relatively good, and the road becomes quite smooth till Mugling followed by Trishuli River. Sometimes, you might experience landslides in the monsoon season that causes you to stall if it blocks the road.  After Mugling the road is good all the way to Beisahar.

When you cross the Thorong La Pass, to Muktinath, you can now catch a local bus to Jomson or Kagbeni. It’s a choice whether to ride the bus or hike. Better go by road in the wet season – whether on foot or by vehicle whereas in the dry season it’s an easy walk.

It is now possible to drive all the way from Muktinath to Pokhara, but you might miss your adventurous Annapurna trekking circuit in Nepal.

Training and Experience

In this adventurous trek, as one needs to go through higher elevations, training along with experience will be a great support. For this, one needs to:

• Finish appropriate training before beginning this delightful stroll
• Physically and mentally ready for hiking for at least 6 hours to complete
• Keep up with your companions to make your journey more enjoyable
• You must be at least an average hiker to deal with the difficulties
• Take a hiking class or a professional training program

Type of Trekkers

An experienced trekker already has built endurance capability and faced strenuous trekking activities. So, he/she might be accustomed to most of the situations involved in it. But for a newbie, it’s the most difficult trek Annapurna circuit because of its’ journey distance.

Lodging, Food, and Beverages

Teahouses are popular in the trekking area. As the trek goes to higher regions, the price for lodges is expensive but limited choice. At lower elevations, the cost comes with what you preferred. And, the same goes for the food – expensive in the upper region.

For accommodation, trekkers get rooms with share restrooms and other limited facilities. It’s not easy to find rooms in the high season as guesthouses/lodges are crowded.

Budgeting

One needs to consider the following before leaving for trekking and prepare budget accordingly:

• Required trekking stuff
• Additional items
• Transportation
• Accommodation & food
• Guides and porters
• Unpredicted events or probable accidents/injuries
• Extended period

Upon giving wise judgment and thought, one is able to plan enough budget. If you purchase the required things at the proper place on the Annapurna round trek, you will cut down unnecessary expenses.

Guide and Porter

Without a porter or guide, it adds difficulty to the trek. And, it becomes impossible to carry all the possessions while hiking to Annapurna.

In the time of difficult or emergency situations, Annapurna circuit guides become invaluable. He/she navigates the trail properly and finds the best place for rest and food. Along with this, he/she becomes your lifeline if anything goes wrong.

Routes

There are several ups and downs during the Annapurna trekking. Trails condition, location, weather, accessibility, and alone or in the group, make you enjoy or face harshness.

As many trails come under the frame of the circuit, you must select the most appropriate one for you. During the rainy season, the trails might get muddy; and in winter it’s snow around.

Trekking Gears

Well-packed clothes make your trekking not only easy but also lets you experience scenery or adventure in your comfort.  From sleeping/resting to wearing stuff needs to be arranged wisely for the trek.

Thus, one needs to trek carefully to overcome the Annapurna circuit trek difficulties. Trek consciously and actively to avoid any pitfalls.

FAQs

Conclusion

Annapurna circuit trek Nepal is the longest, and one of the most searched trekking destinations. Fascinating trekkers with its natural beauty, and diverse terrains, it’s home to the highest trail pass – Thorong La Pass, and the highest aboded temple, Muktinath Temple.

With the detailed features and complete requirements, this guide unfolds trekking trails to trekkers’ needs. This gives a glimpse of what you need to accomplish from beginning to end of the journey. All essential equipment & gear, accommodation, food, transportation, and all features that one needed during the trek are illustrated.

If you are looking for information regarding routes of the Annapurna Circuit trek read the Routes and Maps of the Annapurna Circuit Trek chapter.  The best Annapurna Circuit Trek Time chapter explains in detail the best time to trek in the Annapurna Circuit region.

If you are wondering how to choose the best trek operator, find detailed information from this How to Choose the best Annapurna Circuit Trek Operator chapter. The cost chapter Cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek explains all types of costs and fees of Annapurna Circuit trek.

If you need information regarding visa and permit of Annapurna Circuit trek read Visa and Permit for Annapurna Circuit Trek chapter. The Annapurna circuit packing list chapter explains the main items to Packing for Annapurna Circuit trekking.  Learn in detail about the food and lodging during trekking Annapurna Circuit in the Accommodation and Food during Annapurna Circuit Trek chapter. If you want information about Annapurna Circuit trek ground transportation read the chapter Annapurna Circuit Ground Transportation.

In other chapters of this Annapurna Circuit Trek guide, we have explained in detail of Internet Facility in the Annapurna Circuit region and how and where to find the AnnapurnaTrek Guides and Porters. Moreover, you can explore our Nepal tours and treks package page to find several amazing Annapurna circuit trekking deals.