It’s not always easy preparing for a trek, with so many different things to buy or keep track of before you even leave (let alone the things that become important while actually trekking). For people about to embark on a trek around the Annapurna Circuit, whether contemplating a shorter version of the trek or the more physically demanding full circuit, there are a few things to prepare before you go. Take a look at our guide for some things to remember before setting out around the Annapurna Circuit.

Clothing

Remember that temperatures can vary drastically at different elevations on the Annapurna Circuit, so your personal itinerary can play a large part in determining the clothes you pack. Temperatures vary from oppressive heat in the lowlands to freezing cold (and sometimes even snowstorms) higher up. For colder treks, a warm inner jacket, windproof outer jacket, thermals, gloves, hiking trousers, a neck-warmer, and something to prevent heat loss through the head are recommended. A trekking pole or two might also be a consideration if you’re planning on travelling longer distances. A good waterproof/windproof top layer is always essential, although you shouldn’t experience much rain outside of the monsoon season.

Everyday Supplies

A wide variety of hiking supplies can be purchased along the Annapurna Circuit, although many prices rise along with your elevation! If you want the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to the local economy, you can stock up while trekking on supplies such as toilet paper, soap, and even some hiking supplies like headlamps and fleece jackets. Local products such as fruit, coconut biscuits and Bon Bon biscuits are made in Nepal, and taste great as well! Maps are easy to get and are priced reasonably in various places such as Kathmandu or Pokhara. Though they aren’t quite accurate enough for critical navigation, they’re useful for pointing out the various mountains, and can make wonderful mementos of your trek.

Timing

Many people visit the Annapurna Circuit during the months of October and November. It’s not possible to trek the Annapurna Circuit later than November due to deep snow on the passes. Spring is also a good choice, and definitely warmer, but with an added risk of some views being obscured by fog as compared to the clearer vistas in October. You’ll be taking gorgeous shots of the local scenery no matter when you travel.

Water, Water Everywhere

It’s advised that people don’t drink the water from the taps on the trek, as foreigners are sometimes unable to handle the local bacteria. Options for trekkers instead are to use the ‘safe water’ drinking stations along the trek, use their own water purifiers or ensure that any drinking water has been thoroughly boiled in the tea houses first. It’s generally not a good idea to buy bottled water on the trek, as there aren’t any rubbish disposal systems along the Annapurna Circuit. It will also keep the cost of the trek down, as (if you’ll pardon the pun) the prices can be a little steep.

Author Bio: Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company that specialises in the Annapurna Circuit and trekking holidays in various destinations including North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Annapurna Circuit