Useful InformationGood to know before you travel
Maximum Altitude
During our 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek, we trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, ranging in altitude between 790 meters and 8091 meters at the peak of Annapurna I. However, the maximum altitude we attain during the trek is 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass. The pass has gained popularity as the highest trekking Pass in Nepal.
Trek Difficulty
The 12 Days Annapurna Circuit trek is of moderate difficulty. It can be more challenging for you if it's your first time trekking in high altitudes as we reach above 5000 meters above sea level, where it is difficult to breathe due to lower oxygen levels. However, a month of preparation by doing cardio or hiking around your place daily can make the trek far more manageable and enjoyable.
Transportation
Our 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary includes both air and road transport. To begin the trek, we need to reach Dharapani, for which we take a luxury bus to Besi Sahar and a local jeep to Dharapani. The roads are black-topped most of the way, but you might have to drive on a graveled off-road the last few hours.
On your return, you'll be flown to Pokhara from Jomsom if the weather conditions are favorable. Otherwise, you'll be driven to Pokhara on a luxury Volvo bus. For your Pokhara to Kathmandu journey, we will arrange a comfortable tourist bus.
Accommodation
Similar to most trekking routes in Nepal, accommodation on the trail will be on a mountain lodge or tea house. These are small hotel-like facilities run by the locals and provide simple meals and a room with 2 to 5 beds, depending on the size of the room. Therefore, you might have to share a room with fellow trekkers during peak seasons. The rooms are warm, and you will have a comfortable mattress, bed sheets, pillow, and blankets.
You should also be comfortable using an Asian squat-style toilet. The washrooms are also available on sharing basis. The bathroom will have water, but we suggest you carry your own toiletries.
Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, however, will be in 3-star hotels with a complimentary breakfast.
Meals
You are open to having anything you like for your lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as it is not included in our package. You'll find lots of options around your stay in Thamel, Kathmandu, and Lakeside, Pokhara.
The menu in tea houses during the trek, however, will have limited options. You'll have the traditional Nepali meal, Daal Bhat, consisting of white rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, salad, and pickles. It is rich in carbohydrates and protein that will energize you for the hike. Breakfast mainly includes Tibetan bread with curry, boiled eggs, tea, or coffee. You can also try other local dishes like noodles, momo, etc.
Make sure you hydrate yourself well by drinking hot water and ginger lemon tea to help combat altitude sickness.
Drinking Water
Plastic-bottled water is not recommended due to increasing plastic waste on the trail. So, carry a thermos flask and fill it with hot water at the tea house you stay. During the day, you can fill your bottle with natural freshwater streams and purify it with water purification tablets. You can also get a bottle with in-built filtration for safety.
Guides and Potters
Our 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek package comes with a guide and potters. 1 potter is provided for 2 trekkers, and each potter carries a total of 20-24 kgs from both trekkers. If you're an expert hiker and are confident enough to carry your own backpack, you can save the potter's salary by carrying the baggage yourself.
However, we strongly recommend you trek with a qualified trekking guide as the situation can go wild in no time in the Himalayas. Hiring a guide not only helps in navigating the route and communicating with the locals but also helps you in case of emergencies.
Permits required
To go on our 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek, you require two permits. These are:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
We issue these permits for you before you begin the trek. The cost for both permits is also included in our package cost.