So, you’ve decided to take on the challenge of the Annapurna circuit trekking trail? Congratulations! This is an amazing feat that few people have the opportunity (or courage) to do. But before you set out on your adventure, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
Annapurna Circuit can be challenging as it is a long trek. The trek takes around two weeks. It also reaches a high altitude, with the Thorung La pass topping out at 5,416m. This means that you must be prepared physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to do just that.
What Does This Trek Involve?
The first step in preparing for the Annapurna Circuit is understanding what you’re getting yourself into. The trekking trail goes around the entire Annapurna massif, starting from Besi Sahar and finishing at Muktinath.
You’ll be walking for around six to seven hours each day. And the trail takes you through a variety of different landscapes and lush green forests to barren high-altitude deserts. You’ll also pass by several small villages, where you can rest and get to know the friendly locals.
The highest point on the trek is the Thorung La pass, which, as we mentioned before, reaches an altitude of over five thousand meters. This trek section is notoriously challenging, and even experienced trekkers can find it tough going.
You need to be prepared for all eventualities when you’re on the trail. The weather can change very quickly in the mountains. Hence you could find yourself walking in sub-zero temperatures or in the middle of a snowstorm. So, It’s important to have the right gear with you so that you can stay warm and dry. It’s also a good idea to carry some emergency supplies in case something happens on the trail.
What Sort of Distances Will you Trek Each Day?
The Annapurna Circuit is a long trek; you’ll be walking for around six to seven hours daily. This may not sound like much, but when you factor in the altitude and the rugged terrain, it’s actually quite a demanding hike.
You have to be prepared for this before you set out. And also make sure that you’re physically fit enough to handle the daily distances. If you’re not used to walking long distances, then it’s a good idea to start training before the trek.
Picking the Right Itinerary
The first step in preparing for your trek is to pick the right itinerary. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a lot of different factors to consider when choosing an Annapurna Circuit trekking itinerary. The standard itinerary takes around two weeks, but if you’re short on time, there is a ten-day option. If you want to take your time and really soak up the experience, there is also a three-week itinerary.
You need to decide how many days you want to spend on the trail and what time of year you want to go.
The weather in the Himalayas can be very unpredictable, so it’s important to pick a time when the risk of avalanches and other hazards is low.
You also need to decide how many days you want to spend acclimatizing to the altitude. We recommend at least three days, but if you have the time, we suggest taking a week to really get used to the thin air.
And finally, you need to decide what kind of accommodation you want to use. There are three main options: camping, staying in tea houses or using a guide and porter service.
Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.
Familiarize yourself with the trail:
The Annapurna Circuit is a long and challenging trek, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the trail before you set out.
There are a number of different resources that you can use to do this, including maps, guidebooks, and online forums.
It’s also a good idea to talk to someone who has done the trek before, and get their insights and advice.
The more you know about the trail, the better prepared you’ll be when you start walking.
Do training hikes
If you’re not used to walking long distances, then it’s a good idea to start training a few months before your trip. You can do this by going on regular hikes, and gradually increasing the distance that you walk each week.
As hilly region is a big part of the Annapurna circuit, it is important to get used to walking on it. If you live near mountains or hills, then make sure to do some training hikes in these areas. And finally, it’s important to carry a backpack while training, so that we can get used to hiking with a bit of weight on the back.
Choose the right gear:
One of the most important things to consider when preparing for your trek is what sort of gear you’re going to need.
This includes everything from your clothes and footwear to your camping equipment and cooking supplies.
It’s important to choose the right gear for the conditions that you’ll be walking in, as well as for your own personal needs and preferences.
For example, if you’re planning on camping, you’ll need to ensure that you have a good tent and sleeping bag.
If you’re going to be staying in tea houses, you won’t need a tent, but a sleeping bag and a warm jacket.
And if you’re using a guide and porter service, you won’t need to worry about carrying any camping gear, but you will still need to bring all your clothes and other personal items.
Packing for your trek:
Once you’ve gathered all of your gear, it’s time to start packing for your trek.
Packing carefully and efficiently is important, as you’ll be carrying everything on your back for the duration of the hike.
Start by making a list of all the things that you need to bring, and then start packing them into your backpack.
It’s a good idea to pack the heaviest items first, and then fill in the gaps with lighter items.
Make sure that you leave some space in your backpack for things like food and water, as you’ll need to be able to access these easily during the hike.
Getting insured:
Another crucial step in preparing for your trek is to get insurance. This is essential in case you have an accident or get sick while on the trail.
There are a number of different companies that offer trekking insurance, so it’s important to compare your options and choose the one that’s right for you.
It is very important to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered by the policy.
And finally, don’t forget to bring your insurance card with you on the trek. So that you can use it if you need to.
Conclusion
There are several things that you need to do in order to prepare for your trek on the Annapurna Circuit. This includes familiarizing yourself with the trail, doing training hikes, choosing the right gear, and packing efficiently. It’s also important to get insurance so that you’re covered in case of an accident or illness while on the hike. Preparing well ahead of time ensures that your trek is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be on a successful and enjoyable trek.
