Annapurna

Overview

Annapurna circuit trek with Ghorepani is one of the most well-known viewpoints of the Annapurna region which provides you a sweeping view of the Annapurna Mountains. Poon hill is a viewpoint situated at the height of 3210m and offers us the amazing sunrise and sunset view. The trail to Annapurna circuit with Ghorepani passes through the beautiful Rhododendron forest, oaks, pines, local villages, several Buddhist and Hindu temples, and panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Niljiri, and Annapurna. The highest place you reach in this circuit trek is Thorang La pass with an altitude of 5416m reaching the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This legendary trek leads along the zigzag trails crossing the raging rivers, waterfalls, paddy fields, and green pasture with herds of yak grazing. Being highly protected by Annapurna Conservation Area, you get to witness some rare animals like snow leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep, birds, etc along with many flora. This trek has been attracting thousands of visitors since the Annapurna sanctuary was publicly opened in 1977. You can also extend some days in your trek and explore the beautiful Tilicho Lake. 

Temperature and weather-  

During the autumn season (September-November), the average daytime temperature is around 15⁰C while it can fall to 7-8⁰C at night. Spring season (March–May) has an average temperature of 20⁰C during the daytime but nights can be cooler. During the summer/monsoon (June- August) the average temperature in this region is 15-25⁰C making the days warmer. The winter season is certainly the coldest month and temperature in lower altitudes in the Annapurna circuit remains around 5-10⁰C. The average temperature in higher altitudes might get as low as -20⁰C. 

Considering all the facts like the bearable temperature, warmth, and the trails, the best season to trek the Annapurna circuit with Ghorepani is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons have very clear days, and an atmosphere offering us the best view of the Himalayas, and green vegetation. You also get to see colorful Rhododendrons and crystal blue sky in these seasons. The trails are in their best condition since there is no rainfall or snowfall during these seasons. 

Food and accommodation– this trek is a complete teahouse trek. No camping is necessary unless you want to experience it. Enough teahouses are available throughout the way to the Ghorepani and Thorang La pass. The teahouses are very basic with a single room but twin sharing beds. The toilets and bathroom have to be shared. They have facilities of electricity, telephones, or internet in teahouses. You might have to pay extra for those facilities. 

Traditional food Dal, Bhat, and vegetables are available in every teahouse. Besides this, in the Annapurna circuit, you will also get Garlic soup which is said to be very healthy for altitude sickness, spaghetti, fried potatoes, soft drinks, and Annapurna’s famous apple pie. It is a dessert made of the apple due to apple orchards growing in many villages 

 Transportation– the gateway of this trek is Besishahar, to which a bus is available from Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours to reach Besishahar. From there, you need to change a bus to Jagat and hike to Dharapani, Chame, and further. 

Electronics and communication 

There is a very good facility for electricity, and phone coverage along with the internet. There is no problem with charging your phones or other electronics. You can also talk to your family and friends. Even though not very speed, the internet certainly helps you to be connected and updated. Both the Ghorepani area and Thorang La have all kinds of facilities. 

Permits and fees- 

Annapurna Conservation Area 

NON-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (30$), excluding VAT. 

SAARC countries- 1500 NRS (15$), excluding VAT  

TIMS-2000 NRS (10$)

You can get these permits in advance from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

 Guides and porters- 

Being a very popular destination you meet many people on the way who can help you with the journey. You don’t really need a guide unless you start traveling offbeat and chose alternative ways. However, if you have any medical conditions and feel like you need someone to talk to, you can always hire a guide. Guides usually charge 12-15 $ per day. Porters are more than happy to serve you by carrying all your belongings. They may charge you 10-12 $ per day. If you don’t have many belongings you will not need a porter or you can share your porter with someone.  

Difficulties and safety 

Annapurna circuit with Ghorepani is a slightly challenging trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on your physical and mental fitness. You can always build your muscle strength, make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging. The trek to the Annapurna circuit with Ghorepani is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 15 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, maybe snowy in off-seasons. The maximum height in this trek is Thorang La pass, 5416m with other high passes on the way. Crossing Thorang La pass is the most difficult part of this trek. However, the Ghorepani portion of the trek is not so difficult. There is a high risk of mountain sickness while crossing the Thorang La pass. You need proper acclimatization and itinerary for this trek. 

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance– trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

Visas/passports– if you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.